Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi. I am new to StartupNation and I have been enjoying the content so far.

I am looking for some ideas. I have been in retail management for about six years. Though people may not realize this, retail management, I believe, is a great training ground for entrepreneurs. In running a $36 million big box store, I dealt with many of the aspects of running a company on a daily basis. I think I can bring new and different ideas to a business of my own. However, there are important aspects of running a business I haven`t dealt with in my career (legal documentation being the primary concern).

I am a hands-on, experience-based learner, so what I would like to do is start a very low-cost company that may or may not make money. I want to do it on a very low budget, on a cash basis, doing all of the work myself. I won`t be concerned with the income or failure of the company, so long as I learn from it. I have several great ideas that would take substantial startup, but I don`t want to dive into that without getting my feet wet.

So my question is this: What type of business would you recommend starting for about $1,000 to $2,000? I live in a small-ish Midwest college town. Any help would be great.

Hello TyroPrate!  Welcome to the board!  The pool of talent and knowledge is invaluable.  I learn so much every day! 

On to your question...What do you like to do?  What are your hobbies and interests?  What would you not mind living and breathing?  What are your passions?  You`ve got to love it to live it!

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

Thanks for the reply. I am interested in a lot of things: movies, books, gambling, music, nature, photography, and a lot more.

With this business, I would really be looking for the experience of starting a business, though.

Hello TyroPrate!

Based on my experience in the technology world and the fact you are in a college town this is my suggestion.

I think you should do a combination Internet business that is rooted around an e-commerce site but with hooks into your local vibe, i.e. the college population.

Web hosting is cheap, being hands on you would develop the site your self, hosting with a Linux based Open Source solutions company will give you max bang for the buck. But identify a niche that is visible in your local college population and then drive that to the world via your site.

I hope this helps.




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Steven Lewis
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“Do or do not... there is no try.” - Yoda

Hi TyroPrate,

 

One man started a business to business purchasing company in his home a few years ago.  He consolidates purchase orders from a number of different companies and generates huge savings by buying in bulk.  His company now generates revenues around a half million dollars a year.  (No this is not the company that was investigated by SEC).

 

A college student collected a bunch of rocks in a river bed and brought them back to his dorm room.  He then painted faces on them and printed up a “Care and Feeding” manual ( 10 cents) on his computer.  Total investment was less than $200.00.  He then sold the pet rocks for a nominal fee.  Within a few years of initial sales of his “Pet Rocks” he cleared $5 million dollars.  He retired at thirty. 

 

Sometimes the simple ideas are the best 

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

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Web and Graphic Design

Hi again Tyroprate,

 

Take a look at the below website.  Two bellman designed a new type of door stop based on their experience in the hotel industry.  If they can do it, so can we.

http://www.vegasdoorstops.com

 

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

Teach TexasHoldem!

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Get Out of Debt

Try JamesBrausch.com. Look for the business in a box offer. This is an affordable way to start a new business and everything you need is included. Its great for a beginner such as yourself, or even anyone looking to start something new. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Keep us posted as to how its going!

A good book you ought to read is called The Bootstrapped Buisness.

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