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Andres

posts: 4

Dec 24, 2007 2:22 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hello Everyone,

My name is Andy Escanuela and like many others I happened to stumble onto this website and I cannot get to a point where I stop reading. I am a huge fan of the Big Idea and I love hearing everyone else`s successes or how they plan to start their own business. I have had several ideas that I would like to start researching even more but cannot seem to determine which is the best way to go. I like the following concepts:

1) Indoor soccer Facility

2) Sports themed Barber Shop

3) Caribbean restaurant/bar

4) Automotive Customization (more of a hobby)

I have not done enough research to determine which of these businesses is most profitable so was hoping anyone that has done this or is looking to do this to provide a bit of insight. I am currently a Configuration manager that has worked in the Human Resources Information Systems arena for about 11 years. I want to get out of the corporate life and run with a dream I have had for the longest time. The main thing that is stopping me is fear of moving out of my comfort zone/stability. I know you will never be successful unless you try. But I cannot seem to move to that next step where I actually "walk the walk". I have simply been "talking" I think it is time for me to have the courage and take a "RISK". But before I do, I am hoping to learn from those of you who "have been there/done that". If you could provide some insight I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Andy

Rich

posts: 1738

Dec 24, 2007 2:36 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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andy,

if you had to pick one of the four as THE ONE you`re most passionate about and get the biggest kick out of, which would it be?

i`d take your answer and pour all of your energy into that one.

so what`s the answer?

-------------------------

Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

CraigL

posts: 9051

Dec 25, 2007 2:21 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Zackly...! You can research what`s most profitable, but remember you`re going to be living and breathing this business for the next long while. If you`re, "enh...okay, I can take it or leave it, but I`m makin` money," then you`ll get burnt out pretty quickly.

So far, just guessing, it looks as if you`re more "in to" the auto customization thing?

Andres

posts: 4

Dec 25, 2007 8:26 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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You are right Craig. The "customization " is my thing. I like modifying cars/suvs to go faster look, sound better. I just do not know how successful this type of company would be. There is one place that I know of close to the area which seems to be doing good. They were very smart about their location by putting next to a freeway where all of the car dealerships are. It seems buyers go here after they purchase their cars to buy bigger wheels/tires, put a new sound system, tinting the windows, adding a 4 x 4 package, you name it. You always see these kinds of shops on TV. Pimp my ride, unique autosports, GAS - Galpin Auto sports, West Coast Customs, etc. This would be my dream. I just do not know how profitable it would be. If I ask myself what holds me back, the main question I always ask myself is where do I get the financing to start soemthing up like this? Any ideas on where to go for help on financing, grants, or pointers on writing business plans.

Thanks for commenting...

Rich

posts: 1738

Dec 25, 2007 10:10 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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andy,

i highly recommend that you do some field research. not the TV type, but more the visit-several-cities type.

find a few shining examples of businesses you`d like to emulate, or better said, "copy." as long as the ones you learn about and learn from are not in a competitive geography, i think you`ve got a great chance to tap those entrepreneurs for advice and mentorship as you go through the research, planning and hopefully operation of your business.

you can also do research online. have you googled for customized auto forums? i typed that phrase in and found a great listing for a forum called "motoraddicts.com". they have clubs, groups, etc. somewhere in there are enthusiasts just like you who may have experience you can learn from.

-------------------------

Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Andres

posts: 4

Dec 26, 2007 8:09 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks for the tips Rich. I will definitely have to do that. I think that will be the only way is by talking with folks that have done this outside of my geographic area.

Thanks again.

CraigL

posts: 9051

Dec 26, 2007 10:14 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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And keep in mind that nobody can read the future. We can make trend assessments, look at probable pathways, and so on, but nobody really can predict what will or won`t be successful.

A large part of starting a business---being an entrepreneur---is to have the utmost confidence in one`s idea and product, tempered by rational awareness of how that product might fit into reality. Then it`s taking the plunge.

One of the ongoing fascinations for me is another type of impossible-to-analyze set of information. On the one side you have people who build up startup capital, preparing to build a new business. On the other side, you have people who just get as much as they can and leap into the business.

Some people report that having the cushion of capital helps them get over the initial 1-2 year hump of getting going. Others report that having no money at all "forces" them to come up with ideas and actions that get them through that first couple of years.

So which is better? Total unknown. Does having a cushion of startup money make you too comfortable, thereby "allowing" you to eat up that capital? Or does having to scramble for everything help you to see and try impossible things.

DoorMat

posts: 289

Dec 28, 2007 10:42 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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There is a business that does this type of thing about 1000 yards from where I am right now. I will find out the name in a few minutes and give it to you. Perhaps you can do some research on them and maybe that will help you?

DoorMat

posts: 289

Dec 28, 2007 10:45 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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It is Eternal Motor Sports, their website is eternalmotorsports.com, not sure if this is the type of place you had in mind or not.....

Andres

posts: 4

Jan 02, 2008 9:06 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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This is definitely something similar to what I would like to do.

Thanks a lot!

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