Need Help Starting a Business... Where Do I Begin!?

I would also recommend Etsy. Also...Ecrater.com is a free web hosting site, and very easy to use. I've had some success in selling there. I just always end up at eBay for some reason. Given you already have the talent, drive and determination. The rest is finding the how/what and where's? Which you're doing now. Good luck!

I was also going to suggest Etsy as a place to start.....

I sell on Ebay every so often. It is easy and fun and the fees are small. There is also Etsy. That website is more for people who make their own stuff. I have never sold on that one so I don't know what is involved. There is even Craigslist that you could advertise on. But I would be more careful on that website because you never know who might contact you but if you take extra precautions it could work. Good luck!

Hi K.,
Most bigger towns and metropolitan areas have a local "business incubator."

It's typically staffed by experienced business professionals who give advice to people to help get get business started and to be successful. This is a free services, usually funded by funds to support a town's growth.

Good luck!
t

Get a hold of me because that's what we do. Great opportunities and personal training to get you started and we NEVER put you out there on your own. We are available to you ALWAYS. We are THE best compensation company in the country. Would love to talk to you more. My name is S. and my number is 8665421808. Great time to get started!!!
Good Luck

Your number one thing would be a business name, and then check into your state laws regarding taxing information. You will be expected to pay tax if you sell to any stores or from a website and report your income. You will need a tax ID number.

Also, congratulations, it sounds like you have found a way to make money doing what you like to do... you must have been watching Oprah the other day, lol

You first need a business model/plan. TALK to an attorney and tax accountant to make sure you are doing everything correctly. It is worth that investment upfront vs afterwards when the IRS comes after you.

You'll need a tax id number. Good name for your business.

Do your research first and find out how much it is going to cost you for startup. Sometimes peope are shocked when they find out about all the fees. You have inventory to manage as well.

We run our business from home and we micro manage this thing on a daily basis. However it is completely different from what you are doing. One mistake here can cost thousands of dollars.

Be careful, do you research and Good Luck with your new venture!

Come to a National Association of W.O.M.E.N. (women, owners, moms, entrepreneurs, & networkers) women's networking meeting. There is childcare provided. If you go to the website http://nationalassociationofwomen.com/ you can find the meeting dates. I attend the chapter that meets in Powell (though I think they called it 'Dublin' for some odd reason ;) Mention that you're my guest (Renee V.) and your first time is free to attend. I've been involved since the first meeting, before I really became active with my business, and it's been such a help for me, as a SAHM!
Hope to meet you soon! And message me if you have more questions :)

Hi K.!

It sounds like you already have an idea here - small shops, website, word of mouth are all great and can easily work together. And as the private owner of 2 businesses myself, I will tell you that it does NOT have to be expensive to get started...Just take it one step at a time.

When you consider a name for your business, check first to make sure it isn't already copyrighted by someone else.

Website is a definite because you can display your work (even what is already sold, murals you've done, etc). You want to put your web address on your business cards, flyers, etc. I highly suggest Wordpress for a DIY website. You can do a ton with it, looks great and it is easy.

Social Media - start a FaceBook and a MySpace- invite your friends, have them invite theirs ect. Place photos out there, talk a bit about it, etc.

Business cards are great, especially if they are creatively done. Of course you will put your web address, email address and phone number on them and give them to absolutely everyone you know and those you don't...leave with the tip at the restaurant, leave them at the counter in stores that allow it- some coffee shops and even some convenience stores allow this.

Also, any community board you can find (I know my grocery store and local pool have this) is a great place for a Flyer. Flyers are easy and you can make them yourself and print them on regular paper - with your talents, that should be a breeze for you.

Remember that when it comes to selling ANYTHING...appearances do matter - put plenty of time into your name, logo, slogan, etc and have great looking cards, flyers, and website.

Boutiques/Specialty shops often are willing to sell unique items for commission - if something sells, they get a cut...this is actually a great deal because it doesn't cost you up front. Just make sure you take plenty of awesome samples they can see/touch and be prepared to sell them on the idea when you walk in the door.

Before you get started on anything, it is a good idea to decide what your short term goals are and make a step by step list of exactly what needs to be done to accomplish them. As for long term goals, at least attempt to define them but don't try to jump that far into it just yet.

Good Luck to you!!!!

Hi there,
There is one very big question to ask yourself first- how much money do you want to put into getting your business going?
There are really two different options (one expensive, one not so much):
1. You can get a website- I suggest having one professionally done. BUT, then, you will need to get your website out into the internet world via SEO (Search Engine Optimization). That takes time and someone knowing how to do it. A website without SEO is worthless.
Of course, this is the expensive route.
2. You can do your own advertising via fliers, word of mouth, facebook, etc... This is a much cheaper method, but takes time on your part- weekly, monthly, etc...

Some other things to think of:
1. Name for your business. A name that describes what you do is always a great choice.
2. Business cards- www.vistaprint.com is a great place for those.
3. Logo/fliers- you can create your own or have one done for you (or ask friends for help).
4. Check into your state's laws regarding sales tax, license, etc...

You can check into the "Dummies" Books- I believe they have one for small business, getting your own business started, etc... I can't remember the exact title, but it was very helpful to me in the start.

Finally, if you do choose to do your own "advertising", remember that putting out fliers once , posting about it once, etc... is not going to work. Advertising is a non-stop job. Or you can think about it this way...
We all know Coke. But they still advertise. We all know about McDonald's, but they still advertise.
Advertising is the key to any successful business- large or small. :)

Best wishes.
R.

Lots of great ideas here! Starting your own business can be a great experience as well as very expensive and time consuming. It sounds like one of your main reason for wanting to do this is the extra money it'll provide your family. Have you looked into the many direct sales opportunities out there? Direct sales is a great option for SAHM since you work with a company who handles product development, marketing materials, inventory control, training and has an established reputation. The key to being successful in direct sales is find a product you are passionate about and a company you feel comfortable with. I am a team leader with Discovery Toys and, since I was a teacher for many years, working with families about the importance of play is a great passion for me so DT is a good fit for me. There are many other companies to choose from as well and most you can get started for very little financial investment up front. Discovery Toys right now, for example, is $89 to join. If I can answer questions about direct sales or Discovery Toys, please visit my website at www.toyladyjanet.com or send me a message. Follow your gut and good luck!

Just start with Etsy and see if your stuff will sell. You can always do more of the formal business stuff once you are underway. You could also try selling at local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Have you looked into Etsy? (www.etsy.com) its people like you that make things and sell them. I know a ton of people who shop there cause you can get customized anything! Its a really great sites, and more sellers are SAHM's like yourself! Give it a shot! Good Luck!

I love shopping on Etsy. I believe it's similar to Ebay in that you pay them a small percentage of each sale. Good luck!

I have a friend who just posted some of her creations on www.etsy.com.
It seems really affordable to post and sell there.
Good luck.