Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello, I am new on this site so here is my story. 

I have been laid off for the past 8 months and have always been a good salesperson having sold Avon, Scentsy, Blair, Stanley, Tupperware, and have also been a reseller of T-shirts, jewelry, purses, and toys in the past at a local fleamarket and sell to neighbors, friends, and relatives.   I was a Medical Transcriber/Editor for the past 21 years which will also play a big part in my deciding what I would like to do next.  I have a great way with words in printed form but am not a great people speaker by any means although I am excellent over the telephone.  I would love to become a virtual assistant but have no idea how to begin.  I am great on the computer as far as social networking sites and am great with words and at getting my point across.  I have done a bit of research but am still lost.   My second choice would be to have an online reselling store which would require very little capital on my part as I have tons of items in my garage.  But again, am lost on how to start up. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Smart woman in San Antonio, Texas

My best advice is to start by creating some business cards and handing them out every where!  Try to target small businesses in the area, especially businesses that have more hands on products, such as a florist, mechanic, bakery, plumber, etc.  Usually, these individuals are very good at their profession, but choose not to spend time on the administrative side.  You could try to help them with preparing memo's, invoices, presentations, emails, etc.  Stop by and introduce yourself.  Perhaps, you want to offer a free service to them.  This way they can see your skill and level of professionalism.  Small business owners are also very good sources of word of mouth advertising and often know other small business owners.

This reminds me of an entrepreneurship course I took.  It's now called Action Trumps Everything (it had a different name before), and it talks about how you should focus on what you have (skills, friends, assets) when deciding what sort of business to start.  It seems like you've already started down that road, so I bet that you'd love their stuff.  They're printing a book, but they have the PDF available for free if you want to dive in right now:

http://bit.ly/dEfwWH

Let me know if you have more questions- I really liked the course, and find that I learn a bunch when I try to explain it to others!

The previous posts have given great advice on ideas to start up.Furthermore,I would recommend creating an account with an online auctioner site such as ebay, etc. Your goal is to be profitable and have a platform that could effectively handle marketing, and client form of payment. Creating an website from stratch could be costly and maintaining it can be stressful if not handled properly. What ever your decision come to make sure you have a sales proposition that makes you different from every other business or person.

Hello

About 10 years ago I had a business I could not continue with, see my story in my signature url.

Now for over 7 years I have worked online from home and I started with no money.

There are some great free affiliate programs that have earned me a living just by promoting them.  You will find some at my article marketing site.

Hope this helps.

Michael

Smart Lady, I have a great idea that i would like to discuss with you. probably exchage a couple of mails over..But i think you would find it interesting and engaging as a sales person with little cash. Am also new on the site but have been fortunate to get some very useful ideas. My contact is tinsnilloc@yahoo.com.    (Am collins by the way). Write to me so i would know that you are willing to listen to the proposal i have to make..This might just be what you have been looking for!

Smart Lady,

 With your experience, would think that becoming a manufacturers representative may be a good business for you to start.

 Google reps wanted and you will find several great websites where manufacturers are looking for commissioned only represantives to sell their products in their local areas. There are a lot of companies looking for clothing reps, jewelry reps, gift store reps, etc.etc.etc.

 This is a great way to start out with very little expense. Most reps start out working from home and as they grow they may start stocking the products from a small warehouse. Really depends on the mfg. company as to how goods will be distributed to their customers, so try to work with the ones who offer what best fits your needs.

Good luck....wish you well!!!

Dear Dudette, Just have a back seat and chill out. Entrepreneurship is not your cup of tea. There are millions of ways to make money and you're telling me you're clueless? It's better not to sink any dough into any venture.

Once you know what you want to do, you should join a company that offers that and learn the trade and understand the business thoroughly before you even think about starting a business. The business world is cruel and only the strongest survives.

You will be swallowed alive if you're clueless.