Taking the Plunge

Tonight, for the first time, I started seriously talking to one of my best girlfriends about starting up my business.  In the course of our discussion, it became clearer to me that we would actually do well to go into business together!  We have all sorts of ideas for what we want our “shop” to be, and we are full of excitement and the initial rush of wanting to start a new, huge, daunting, wonderful project.  We have decided to mull it over for a week or two to let our ideas become clearer (and to see if this is something we really want to pursue), and we're going to get back together and talk more about it soon.

I'm anxious to know how my fellow pod members who own businesses actually made their dreams become reality.  When did you first have the spark in your mind of wanting to go into business for yourself?  How much time passed between your spark idea and when you made the first actual move toward opening your business?  What steps did you take when you were first starting up?  Finding a bank, accountant, attorney, rental space, etc..?

Re: Taking the Plunge

Hi Beth!

I began my business back in 2004 and it literally was an idea that came to me rather suddenly.  When I did have the thought, I sat down with my sister and a good friend to pass everything by them and see what they thought.

The very next week, I launched a website, registered my business and began bidding on projects on Elance.com.  It was a quick process and I was very driven to get it up and to have it become a success rather quickly.

I can't say exactly what it was that was behind that driving force except that I was really, really passionate about the idea and I just wanted to be doing it full-time.  Earning an income from what I absolutely loved to do.

I was 21 when I started my business and I think that having strong people around me with business savviness was key for me.

Good luck!

Erin Blaskie
Business Services, ETC
http://www.bsetc.ca
info@bsetc.ca" target="_blank">info@bsetc.ca

Giving Business Owners Freedom by Managing the BS, etc.

Re: Taking the Plunge

Erin, thanks so much for your post!  Every time someone shares their business story with me, I am so inspired.  Your web site is so clean, and you are even diligent with your blog posts (I have trouble keeping up with mine, haha)!  Thanks!

Re: Taking the Plunge

I've been talking and thinking about starting a nonprofit organization for about 6 months now, and the legal/business aspect is just so daunting that I haven't gone anywhere with it. It started when I began a gift basket program for moms who have recently added a child to the family, and it spawned an idea for creating a comprehensive support network for moms.  It's something that's desperately needed, at least in my region, and having experienced postpartum depression myself, I know the benefits of having support.

How do you get everything together to actually register the business and get started?

Re: Taking the Plunge

Hi Merykk!  I know I am late to reply, but just joined yesterday.  I hope I can still help you.  A number of years ago, I was looking at re-incorporating a company I then owned, and strongly considered non-profit status.  Ultimately, I chose against going that direction for a number of reasons.  There is a book that I found especially helpful in making a more informed decision, written by an attorney.  It is “Starting & Building a Nonprofit: a Practical Guide” by Peri H. Pakroo, J. D.  published by NOLO.  Good luck with your decision!

Re: Taking the Plunge

Thanks for the book suggestion! I'll see if my library has it. We've incorporated the business now, and we are a state non-profit, working on the 501(c)(3) application.