Have you ever thought about starting your own business?

[T16GEM]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if any of you have thought about starting your own business? It's something that I have always wanted to do but I don't think I actually have the courage to do it.

If you could work for yourself doing anything (sensible) what would it be?

I would love to run my own craft shop and spend all day selling cross stitch and completing kits of my own to display in my shop!

 

[AlanUK]

I have the occassional dream about running a Guitar Shop but that's really just so that I could sit in it all day playing lots of different guitars

I don't think I would be very successful as I'd start crying if someone actually came in and tried to buy one of them

On a serious not my Dad ran a newsagents for 25 years (my brother runs it now) and until he decided to go into partnership with his best friend it was an immensly time consuming task. Your whole life depends on the success or failure of the business and it becomes very difficult to take time away from it.

If anyone is thinking about starting their own business then it's worth doing some research and talking to your local Business Link. They should be able to provide you with opportuntity profiles and information factsheets relating to the industry you are looking at as well as offering a whole range of business information and advice. The National website is http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

Alan.

 

[natalielongstaff]

i sort of run my own buisness im a childminder. i thunk i would find it really hard to go back to working for someone else now
the inland revenue were extremely helpful when i started up,gave me some very good advice

 

[allie5]

We have our own business and its very hard work. This Labour government, the so called party for "small business" have made things very, very tough with ridiculous tax laws that mainly affect business with turnover under £300k.

It is not something I would consider doing lightly, a lot of research is required, as well a sympathetic bank manager and a very good accountant!

On the plus side, there are rewards to be had, all the money you earn is yours (and the tax man's) but it isnt an easy option by any means.

Our business isnt very exciting Im afraid (IT/Engineering) if I could do anything, I would love to run a travel company specialising in holidays to Florida!!

 

[SEVANS2208]

I'd like to do the same things as you but it takes me so long to do my cross stiches I don't think I'd ever make any money!

I'm a bit of a planner and it's always appealed to me to run my own business planning people's weddings and parties etc.

Currently do a nice secure 9-5 type office job and with 2 kids to feed it's too much of a gamble to set up on my own.

 

[KayleeUK]

I would like to run a cattery

 

[Twinks]

I run my own business I am a skin care therapist and have my own salon and website which is a virtual skin care centre. It is very hard work. It's tough working on your own and I agree that the government does not make it easy for us. They don't see when we are still doing book keeping at 11pm at night - or am I on the DIS boards? lol

Anyway, hard work but wouldn't change it for the world

Twinks

 

[florry]

What about a franchise business ? that way you get all the help and support from the company but with the benefit of running your own business.

 

[Miffy2003]

My dad ran (still does) his own business for years. If you set yourself up with a client base you can say goodbye to any time of your own anymore! You have to be contactable day and night for any emergency (real or perceived) and this includes holidays. I would not want this for myself or my family but I'm sure if you could get the work / life balance right it could be okay.

I like to close the door on a Friday night and know my weekend's my own

 

[brambletiger]

Hi,
I have my own Dog Grooming business and boy is it tough. On thursday we leave for our first holiday in years and the abuse we've recieved from the clients is unbelievable. We did everything possible to make arrangements for all dogs that would be due in to come either now or when we get back, but thats not good enough I'm normally a very calm person but for the last week i swear i'm suprised a few yorkies didnt end up flying out of the door! On a more positive note its nice being in charge and not having to answer to anyone. Would I do it again? Sure why not but I think i might have to join in with KayleeUK and run a cattery, as they say 'cats rule and dogs drool!'

Love
Sarah

 

[Merylj]

I`ve run my own business for 13 years, an antique shop. It`s not and never has been a good business but I have a great time.
My advice would be start very small and keep a very close eye on all your expenses.
Sadly with any business you only get any money out of it after the tax man, bank and accountant have had more than their fair share.

Merylj

 

[Muppet]

We have 2. One IT business which does very well. And one reletativley new entertainment business which is in its second year and is doing quite well.. They are hard work, real hard work. We can only go away at christmas as we are on call.

Both Nics parents had own businesses as did my parents too.

 

[Mike Jones]

... I do ... but it's not the one I'd like to run! I'd love to be a mountain guide in the UK or a skydiving instructor in Florida or Spain.

 

[Queenie]

Me and my DH would love to set up our own record label. We've got the experience but could never afford it.