[Maranara]

I am on the verge of launching a small at-home business with the hopes of getting a break from my job which has been driving me crazy for well over a year. It is a local-type business which it wouldn't matter if others were doing provided it wasn't in my area, but I'm paranoid about telling a lot of people about it for fear of the idea being stolen or for being put down for it. I would like your opinion on whether I should spill the beans and perhaps a little encouragement to do so. If I decide to tell, I will do it in another thread. My goal is to officially begin advertising and launch my business on Monday.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. I feel as though I have a lot riding on making this work.

[seeker1950]

Sounds brave and exciting, Maranara! I recently retired from teaching and have been attempting to supplement my income with my art, rather than substitute teaching or getting a part time job at Walmart. With my art, which is unique, and which I thought up completely on my own copying no one, I have had lots of people come by my booth at shows taking close-up pictures (without asking) and questioning me about what products I use, step-by-step, etc. This has been going on for almost 20 years now, and I've yet to see anyone copy me successfully. So I stopped worrying about it. Let them click away with their cameras, write down a list of my materials. It's a free country, after all.
I would say, though, if you have a completely new and unique product, you might want to do some sort of legal copyright thing. (I know not exactly what that would be.)

[Maranara]

It's not so much a product as a service and it is not completely unique but the people who are doing it are few and far between and usually very exclusive with their markets while I intend to work with and stay at a local level.

[shezbut]

I am anxious to hear all about your business plan, Maranara!! I am happy that you have come up with an idea to get out of that job that you've been so miserable doing for the past year or so.

That said, I don't know how safe it is to discuss these types of things before your business is started & moving. Maybe your news should be shared with one or two real friends that you know that you can trust, instead of letting everyone know. That's my tip. I can't wait to find out though!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[0w6c379]

I don't recommend telling anyone now. You've kept it in this long, you can wait another week. Once you're up and running, then you'll want everyone to know. This is your idea, all yours, and no one else's. Don't let anyone ruin this for you, just go with it. Best wishes.

[healingme4me]

I agree, about holding off, on spilling beans, until it's launched and then you are at a point of comfort. Just a few more days, to go!! How exciting for you!!

[Citrine]

No you dont have to say what at all and I really get why you are thinking like that, and its not personal, it is prudent to keep a little quiet until you feel you have taken the first few steps. I will no matter what it is, wish you the very best and look forward to hearing more when you feel more sure of where youre at. Good luck!

[MuseumGhost]

This is really exciting and inspiring. Wishing you all the best!!!

[Maranara]

I"m doing the last few things I need to do. I've put off launching it twice now and I can't afford to do it again. My official launch date is tomorrow. Thanks everyone and I'll spill the beans soon!

[vans1974]

Good luck and hope it goes well!!

[Travelinglady]

Best wishes! I also agree that you shouldn't tell us. Not that we members might steal your idea, but this site also gets read by folks who are just perusing the Internet, too.

[Fresia]

Wishing you much success with your new endeavor. Good luck!

[roads]

I was self-employed most of my working life. If you haven't got a mentor in this, you might check for a local group of SCORE--Service Corp of Retired Executives. It's free, & you get advice & support from someone who's been there.

Be sure to get whatever licenses may be required. A business plan is a good skeleton to work from. If this is your first self-employment, there are quarterly tax forms and a Schedule C at the end of the year.

Whatever the service is that you're providing, it seems to be something you enjoy doing. But keep in mind this is a business now and not a hobby. There's tons of paperwork, and it's tempting to put the boring stuff off. Don't!

Good luck. It's more work that you'd think, the first year, to get it up and keep it going ... but when it works, it's worth the sacrifice.

Roadie

[Maranara]

Originally Posted by Roadie

I was self-employed most of my working life. If you haven't got a mentor in this, you might check for a local group of SCORE--Service Corp of Retired Executives. It's free, & you get advice & support from someone who's been there.

Be sure to get whatever licenses may be required. A business plan is a good skeleton to work from. If this is your first self-employment, there are quarterly tax forms and a Schedule C at the end of the year.

Whatever the service is that you're providing, it seems to be something you enjoy doing. But keep in mind this is a business now and not a hobby. There's tons of paperwork, and it's tempting to put the boring stuff off. Don't!

Good luck. It's more work that you'd think, the first year, to get it up and keep it going ... but when it works, it's worth the sacrifice.

Roadie

I've done all my homework on licenses and there doesn't appear to be any in this area. I can put my business on a roster at City Hall, but it's completely voluntary. Taxes is what I'm worried about the most. I'm in the process of filing for a Federal Tax ID and such. I think, when it comes to taxes, as long as I collect and turn in sales tax and file income with all of my credits/expenses, I should be good. I've tried to be anyway.

I will check out SCORE. I could use someone who could just give me some support. I am trying to make today my official start-up day and I've got the anxiety and fear built to the hilt. If I can just get past the first little bit here, I'll probably be okay.

Thanks everyone for your support.