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Everything has to start small. You build a business and it never falls into your lap. I won’t doubt that Bill Gates has had his share of dark moments when things weren’t going quite the right way (and no, he didn’t start off with a billion pound loan from the bank!) It takes effort, BUT the key is, if you start on the right foot and do all the preliminary tasks (and don’t skip any) then it can work. No, re-record – it WILL work.
Dreams are good. No, in fact, dreams are very relevant. You need them and if you can find pictures of it, then plaster them all over a room in the house that other members of the family don’t mind you plastering. You need visuals and you need to stay on key. Not only will these pictures give you something to aim for, but they will keep you in track and consistent in achieving your goal.
There are too many writers and publications out there who dish out the ‘reality.’ Which usually spells out as ‘look love, you might not be the next Kirstie Allsopp (if there is any chance of her stepping down from the throne) but if selling a few upcycled bits of this and that at the local fete every other Sunday then fine.’ I believe you should be able to aim above Kirstie’s head. I have ever fancied the idea of coming second place to anyone.
Of course, the first thing that I will agree with is that you shouldn’t give up your day job. Very easy for me to say? No. I remember how that feels being told that there is no way you can afford to give up the desk job. I had to say that to myself for many years before I actually was able to do it, and you know? That’s the best thing I ever did. Sit tight until I could afford it.
Right, now that’s got the miserable stuff out of the way, let’s crack on with the cheaper, fun stuff!
With an upcycling, recycling or craft business (something were your end product will be something you made with your hands.) I will assume that you are starting a business in something you already enjoy? If you think about starting up a business with making wooden trains and you actually don’t like wooden trains then stop there. Do something you enjoy and most importantly, you will enjoy doing if you have to do it seven days a week, chances are, in the first few months, you will be doing it that much. It will be your life, your passion and your offspring. So it has to be something you truly love.
Gather together all the things you need. Now this should cost much – second hand tools and machines will do. Thanks to the web, these are no all over the place and not just in the free ads in the local chip shop. Make sure you are buying tools which are good, well cared for. Of course, there are some things you will need to buy new and this is where your ‘already prepared’ budget homework will come into play.
Remember your family and those around you. It is easy to get carried away with a new business venture and forget everyone around you, including the ones you live with! Do you use power tools? Do you need to be outdoors? In a shed or a garage (like Bill Gates?) Remember the environment and to avoid any nasty visits from the Council, make sure you have cleared it with people around you first. Also, while we are on the subject of Councils, have a chat with them about any insurances or rates you might need to pay if you are running your business from home. You might need to pay business rates (but chances are you won’t) but it is best to check first.
Avoid debt. Don’t take out a loan unless you really have to – don’t get any loan secured to your home and if you are in any doubt, talk to your bank. They are a lot friendlier than they used to be and most banks and building societies with give you free advice so make an appointment and go for a chat.
Do you need Public Liability? If you are going to trade to the public face to face at a fair for example, then you will need to make sure you’re covered. There are plenty of websites around which will compare others for you in terms of price. Get what will cover you and nothing else. It is not hugely costly, but will cost you in other ways if a customer decides to take something out against you. Don’t wash over insurance, please – just in case you need it.
Take advice, proper advice. CAB, Council, Banks – they are all here to help, and us of course! It can be done, but properly. Don’t cut corners. Many people has started out small and grown a business with time. And that’s the key. It takes TIME. Time is the most important element of any successful business.
Give yourself time and you will get back everything you have ever dreamed about in a business, tenfold.
As someone once said,
Millions of businesses have started modestly, with used equipment, borrowed spaces, and family labour. There is no better and more satisfying thing than to start this way, because then your successes have been earned by the sweat of your brow.