I`m curious to know what draws you to the StartupNation community we`re working so hard to build. Your answers will help us understand more about what you are seeking and how we can provide even more value to you.

Thanks!!!

Rich

I’m new to your site (just joined yesterday) and have already logged at least 8 hours!  I`m like a kid in a candy store darting from item to item.  I’m awestruck by the caliber of the members that SUN has attracted.  I’ve read many posts and am very pleased to see the tone is encouraging and intelligent.  I have yet to read anything condescending no matter how simple the question may be.

I just finished listening to the on demand seminar “Create Your Life Plan” and about cried at my results.  It confirmed what I already knew; that my current job situation has me completely unmotivated and depressed.  It is affecting all aspects of my life in a negative way.  I’m ready for a new path!

Thank you StartupNation!  Well done!  I intend to be part of your FAMILY for a long time!    

welcome to this community. individually and together, it`s amazing what can be accomplished.

possibility begins with awareness, and the fact that you`ve completed your Life Plan and you became aware of some things that need to be addressed is ALL GOOD. it`s from the low points in life that we rise up.

looking forward to interacting with you here.

rich (and team)

The #1 reason I am in this community is because SuN is inspirational, encouraging, interactive and informative.  Depending on the line of business, sometimes the competition can be fierce; and others in the same line of business may share some information but to some degree guard their knowledge so they can maintain a competitive edge.   That is not the case here in SuN because the depth and breath of discussion reveals both common scenarios faced by all of us; and unique situations where under typical conditions most small business owners wouldn`t have access to the people with the knowlege or experience to answer their questions. Plus SuN does an excellent job of providing informative podcasts, articles, peer to peer learning, and delivers it in an enjoyable format.  It is also a catalyst for generating ideas, improving processes, building collaborations, and much more. 

I`m with Vince and Jillybeans... I voted for "other." Obviously, having instant access to the expertise of this board is important; but, networking and looking for partnerships is another reason for belonging.
And, now, as I`m making progress on my business goals, I`m also meeting a lot of friends here and I just like the daily talks with like-minded entreprenuers. It`s like a cyber-watercooler.

The Swaynester 

I actaully voted before reading the posts, but very much agree with what others have already said.  There are so many reasons, I had to vote "other".  But since the question asks what the #1 reason is, I guess I would say that the first 2 - getting and giving advice - would probably tie for #1 if it was possible to vote for 2.  Although, the inspiration and encouragement are definitely up there on my list, too.

This truly is an amazing community - thank you for starting it up!

ross,

i`ve really loved some of your posts - so start taking credit (at least from me!).

thanks, everyone! clearly there are multiple motivations for people to participate. and i guess that`s a good thing, no?

keep us on track! let us know what we should do more of, less of, differently, etc.

Aw heck everybody,

Everyone is bringing up such great points! Starting with Vince. and so many "others" It`s so true. I should also be other but I voted with the other lemmings. Why did I allow myself to be pigeon-holed! Why? It`s something I`m always on guard against! Lured by his kind  and easy-going manner, Rich has easily disarmed one of my most powerful defenses!! Aaaarrgh!

  Now I must take this moment to point out that I had a swinging-door chad-- far less absolute than the lesser valued dangling chad. My orginal entry should be discounted and allow me yet another opportunity to cast my vote. I am other!  Other, I am!

Well?

(Should I have included "Bed and Breakfast"?)

folks, if you click "other," please post what you would have selected as your top choice. it would be great to see what people would pursue!

i voted for import/export. businesses in this niche take advantage of huge shifts in opportunity and untapped opportunities at that! also, i like that, at its core, it`s a business that would connect me to people overseas (exotic ring to it), and possibly involve travel to those locations (very exotic ring to it).

rich

I`m all about technology. I`m drawn to the challenges, to the solutions. The risks are huge but so is the payoff.

Rich,

The recent increase in listing and selling fees for eBay Stores has discouraged many sellers due to a significant increase in operating costs with a considerable reduction in profitability. eBay also eliminated the search results cross-promotion of store listings, thus reducing visibility of eBay Store items.  eBay`s marketing focus has shifted to their new "eBay Express," launched this year.

Many eBay sellers are now considering other alternatives (including up-and-coming sites with no listing or selling fees), although most will wait until after the holiday sales season before making any significant moves to other online-auction sites.

The above changes may be why the "eBay Store business" has not received any votes.

Linda

I chose other. 

I felt that "Service" should have been in there somewhere. I provide a service for people, by photographing them.  I feel its the best business to start because once you establish the tools needed, it`s pure profit for your time. I have very little overhead... and its pretty simple and straightforward!

Yvette

I agree with Scott, I have seen lots of businesses struggle through growing pains but when the kinks are worked out the process starts to flow I don`t believe I`ve seen happier individuals. Manufacturing is the backbone of every economy including the US.

Rich,

My vote was for online retail.

Linda

Hi Rich,

How does one go about starting an import/export biz.  Can you send me some information?  I`m really interested in this biz idea.

Thanks, Trace

yes, we`re importing Arabian horses as a side business. they ney and whinnie!!!

i will hunt down an expert in import/export and get some perspective here on the site to help everyone. we also imported the "More Balls Than Most" juggling kit from the UK - you may have read about that in the Costco article that ran in August.

but still, i don`t consider myself a guru on the matter and will find someone who can guru us to no end.

i consider it a topic of great import.

I chose coffee house (actually it would be a coffee house – bookstore). Not because it’s what I do – at the moment I’m a consultancy and service provider. Not because it’s something I’m likely to do next.

But because it’s Friday afternoon and I’m in a “what-if” mood. What if there were no obstacles or economic realities to starting a business. What if I could have a place where a steady stream of interesting people came in, had some coffee, perused some great books, and regaled the owner with interesting conversation?

And the importer-exporter types helped me plan my next exotic adventures. And the restauranteurs kept me up to speed on great food and wine – and brought samples. And once a week everybody played board games and ate great dips with funny names imported from New England ….

Well you get the picture.

C`mon everyone, what happened to building an information business?  Although consultancy is part of the information business, you need to consider that information has very little overhead and very high profit margins (thanks to the internet).

With information, you can simply sell an e-book or audio course, which may take you some time in the beginning, but people can download it over and over again with you keep the money (minus hosting to keep your site up).

Something to consider everyone!

Well Rich, 

I voted for online store, but after reading all the posts, I was reminded of my one true passion and should have chosen OTHER.  My all time passion is severe weather and the ideal business would be a Stormchasing Tour business.  My husband and I, both with meteorology backgrounds, have thrown around this idea for years, but we have never pursued it.

Tornado/Severe weather tours in the spring and fall, Desert dustdevil tours during the summer?   What do you guys think? 

CG

i reckon joining affiliate is one of the easiest way to earn income..especially for those with minimum capital..

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

 The Internet Marketing Center`s top rated Affiliate Program .. 100% free to join . go to... http://www.marketingtips.com/sr/t.x/894520

I believe having a "Primary" home business for residual income for life but a member of some "affiliate" programs for quick income as well as residual income is best.

If you don`t have a Primary business you may not have residual income and in the longterm could hurt one financially.  Check this info. out about Mastering your Primary http://rschlieper.masteringyourprimary.com

Ron

For anyone interested in learning how to develop a bed and breakfast when you already have oodles of money (a very common scenario)  here`s a new reality show  to check out:

A new project coming to Oxygen - cameras follow Tori Spelling and her husband Dean McDermott as they purchase and renovate a bed and breakfast in Southern California, and await the birth of their first child. 

I voted for Multi Level Marketing.

I have found that when you have established a big downline; many are expert marketers and make you ongoing income. It`s even better if you have 2 levels or more. If your downline make most of your income you have low advertising costs so profit level is high.

I was a big ebay junkie but its crazy fees and what I consider a SERIOUS conflict of interest with its paypal program.

I have lost over $4,000 due to chargebacks issue. I am a honest guy when it come to delivering the goods. I sold mostly computers that I built and I lost that money on 4 high end Alienware wanna pc.

As soon as they paid.. I would ship it via the good ole Post Office very nicely professionally shipped too. The thing is my post office is open 24 hours and I did it on a same day u pay the same day you ship. Because that how I define customer service for my business.

These clowns I mean fraud not only did a chargeback with paypal but they act like they didnt get the item and they did as I did have proof but ebay wouldnt let me get the fees. I really dont want to get into it as my lawyer is handling that.

But I got collection agencys involved. U got to be very smart to include that clause in the terms of agreements.

Now I accept only postal money order or cashier checks. But I also change the parameters of whom can bid or who cant bid.

eBay has imo gotten too greedy for its own good. I am sure Meg is a good CEO but she is out of touch and stuck with a 20th Century mentality.

Rich - thats because Ebay has got the majority of that market locked up.  Its like starting a new search engine company from scratch and competing against Google.  Sure it could be done...but how long will it take to catch up to the technology and be able to turn a profit?

P.S.  Good show Tuesday here in Santa Clarita!! - Jimmy

What a great opportunity to exploit and fix the problem with a newer business model that is in it for the right reasons!! - jimmy

I choose other because I`m an original thinker: How about an honest opinion website. Do I look fat in this dress? Am I a loser. Heck yea ... Please laugh I work graveyard and this was so entertaining for me. 

How about a Funded Sponsoring Franchise business?  This program has been very lucrative for me and was free to sign up.  A Franchise, you know, like McDonalds or Taco Bell or a Gas Station or Car Dealership but without paying the $1000`s it takes to start one.

30,000+ Franchises To Be Given Away For Free In The Next 2 Months.  Full Details at  http://RSchlieper.PayItForward4Profits.com

RS

No "catch" yourNAMEinDotCom, no "catch"!  One can remain a FREE Member and NEVER pay a fee, however, if one wants to start earning some extra monies one can upgrade (but NOT necessary) at a minimal cost and if a member already has a home based or other business with a website that URL can be plugged into our system to be included for new referrals who might be looking for a primary business. 

If you really want to check it out, and again it`s FREE with no obligation, simply click the link PIF4P and sign up - it`s FREE - to get access to our Success Guide and why not, it`s FREE.  Nothing to lose but so much to gain...

RS

I may have voted Ebay a year ago. While online retail is the direction I`m headed I`m (however fortunate or unfortunate) now charged with the task of moving a large customer base over to our new site http://ProLineSportsNutrition.com  Any suggestions that I haven`t already thought up would be appreciated.

The fact that Ebay Stores now takes 15-20% of gross sales (after it`s all said and done) could be a reason for zero vote count!

I selected online retail. For a few reasons. 1. Minimal overhead expenses        2. More Creativity 3. Higher Profit Margins

Hey, you should try a new TV & Internet business with very little over head.  And you don`t have to do any advertising.  The company spends over $50,000,000 a year for your business.  Very low start - up cost.  its under $700 for the equipment.  All you do is turn on the equipment when you get home, or if you are at home, and wait for the customer to call you and place the order of the product they want from TV infomercial.  (soon, dozens of products)  Take their order, then up-load it to the company and make your commission.  Very simple and worth checking out. 

 Call Nelson at 347-404-7489  Or go to: www.itvVentures.com/nelson  and click business opportunity.

It would be Network Marketing for me. One that contains a number of other areas you mentioned such as "online retail" (I don`t want to store any thing in my basement or garage) and technology (especially now the digital age is taking off big time). These combined with good products, a good company with good management and cash rich and finally a grade A support system.

I noticed that there was a big gap in MLM and online retailing. However, I think the wave of the future is going to be with the internet. Unless you have a great drop shipping agreement with a trustworthy organization you run the risk of carrying inventory that might not move. I was leaning towards the online retail but have shifted to running my own internet business.

Good luck.

I voted "other".  I have a plan in development for an online community resource directory for spanish speakers and also a membership club/alternative workspace for mobile professionals who want to work.play.relax

AcmeData: I have a store on cafepress.com (http://www.cafepress.com/thegiftboutique)

I can`t say anything negative about cafepress because I haven`t really marketed my store but it is fairly easy to use and fun too.  As far as money, I haven`t made any but I haven`t spent any either.  I am planning to use their site and products to market promotional items for some of my clients.

Anyway, there`s my 2 cents!

I`d like to add:

"Online Membership/Subscription" business!

Hello!! Been a while since I`ve been here, but I need to be making this a regular stop. :) And, plan to.

I voted online retail, but what I think for me is most desirable is online service. Meaning, providing a service online, not selling internet service.   Close to online retail, has the same pros, at least as far as overhead goes, but, to a degree, even less overhead as there isn`t any product to buy and resell.  Regardless of whether you`re drop-shipping or stocking the items, the item has to be paid for.  Although I guess you could include e-books, etc. in online retail,then there`s very little to no cost involved.

Personally, one form of online service that I`m referring to is online "local" advertising.  This is something I`ve spent the past 8 months developing, and just went live with at the first of the year, targeting a specific business type, and promoting their businesses online, to local people. 

So far, it`s not grown by leaps and bounds, but I do think the concept is sound.  I`m in the process now of getting my LLC set up, getting my independent contractors agreements done, etc.  When this is finished, hopefully in about a week, I`ll be ready to finish up the plan to start approaching, or advertising for, resellers in other areas of the country.

What do I love about online? The low overhead, VERY low startup costs compared to brick and mortar, and, if done right, can be very successful in a short time.

Ok....I`ll bite the bullet.  I selected an eBay store.  We`ve had one for a little over three years and I`d do it again in a heartbeat.

We manufacture high quality tile murals with original and stock art.  These murals are typically installed in kitchens and bathrooms in new homes and remodels.  Some are also purchased to frame and hang on the wall like other artwork. 

The main reason I`d do it again is because of the traffic.  We run about 40 fixed price listings at a time to help drive traffic to our store that currently has almost 1500 items in it.  We spend about $275 a month for these listings.  I don`t care if these items sell or not.  They are only put there to drive traffic.  Some do sell, but the majority of the sales on eBay are from the store.   We look at these items are an advertising expense.  

We spend about $200 a month for the store and inventory listings.  We look at this as overhead.   

Someone earlier mentioned fees in the 15-20% range.  I haven`t calculated the percentages for every price point, but our average item is about $185 and that works out to 7% of the sales price.  

A lot of people want to lump PayPal fees in there as well, but that`s not realistic.  PayPal is equivalent to a credit card processor and their fees are very reasonable when compared to one of them.  Almost everyone will pay with a credit card or PayPal.

Fortunately, we do not have to maintain an inventory of murals, but produce them on demand. 

We are developing a  multi-channel approach to extend our reach, but we`ve create a fairly good sized client base from eBay that we are able to market to.  We`re not looking to dominate the market, but simply to provide the highest quality service and put out a top quality product.

The only other thing I could say to my fellow travelers is to pursue your passion and to take action.  You don`t have to get it perfect, you just need to get it started, and then just keep going and modify it as you go.

  I had a very similar experience with Ebay/Paypal.  I was scammed by someone out of Nigeria.  The scam artist was very clever, they purchased a $1300.00 New Laptop for $850.00  with a $200 bonus HP printer that I included for $50.00.  The person indicated that they didn`t care how much it cost, they just wanted it shipped Express, which in addition cost me $179.00.  1 day later when they had not received shipping confirmation they stopped payment..I immediately sent them tracking number so they reversed the payment...2 days went buy and they stopped payment again.  What happened is this...when the payment was stopped the first time, that was the real deal, the true owner of the credit card stopped payment and then the scam artist sent me an email that appeared to be paypal showing that the funds were reversed.  This was a paypal verified and the transaction was supposed to be secure.  Ebay nor Paypal would help me...nor would they let me close my account, one week later, my whole account was drained of $12,000 and now Paypal is sending me collection notices from where they attempted collection from all registered credit cards and bank accounts.  At first they were successful in collection $1400.00 from one bank account.  Put it this way, I went from being financially sound to being in debt because of them.  We are 3 months behind on our mortgage and until last week I was 2 months behind on two auto loans.

Isn`t it  funny how if you want to sell on Ebay,they force you to register with PayPal?  I have reported this to the Feds and they are being investigated!  When I seen your Post I had to reply.  I found a website called paypalsucks.com that shows lots of people in our same situation.

I hope that you have success in retrieving your money!

I had been selling on Ebay for 3 1/2 years, with a 100% feedback score and an income of atleast 500 - 2000 a week and I was stupid to allow that much money to grow in my Paypal account.

Dave,

I like your thought of just getting your business passion started even if its not perfect and just do it.  Makes it seem within reach.  Thanks for the push.  Lumberjill

Hi Lumberjill,

First off, I love Alaska.  I lived in Kodiak for two years in the early 80`s.  Going back up there for a vacation is on my list.

Over the past 20 years, I`ve started five companies from conception to reality.  Two have been profitable and three just so so.  It`s easy for me to get overwhelmed by all I want to do.  I just ask myself...what is one thing I can do right this minute to move me forward....and then I do it.  And then I do another thing and another thing.  And after a year, look back and see what you`ve accomplished.  It`s amazing.

What is ironic is that with all of the companies that I`ve started, the third year was the breakout year..... all five times!  It seems like I`ve read somewhere about that.  Anyway, when I realized that fact, I just know in my heart that if I continue to do the things I need to do....one step at a time..... I can walk up the mountain. 

Sure, if I had bags of money, I could have made the journey faster, but I didn`t have, and I`m not in a sprint.  This is a lifetime journey for me, and it`s not about the money to me.  I do what I enjoy, work with wonderful people, and touch people`s lives around the world with beautiful art.

Oh, one other thing, don`t worry about what you don`t know.  You can learn anything if you want to bad enough and you can certainly find someone that knows what you need to know.

Good luck and enjoy the journey,

Dave

Dave,

The tourism department has a terrible slogan to entice people to AK, its B4 U DIE in an Alaskan License Plate... but really I hope it doesn`t keep others from seeing it... It is a real privilege to have 360 degree views of mountains and I am so glad you loved it as much as I do.  5 companies!!  Wow!  I am working the Suzanne business to hopefully help fund my dreams..and yes I do have a few, though I am focused on one in particular and your insight really is what is pushing me to go ahead and just do it... I am so excited...and definitely be sure to make it back to our great state.   Lumberjill

is their any honest start-up businesses that are desirable and not requireing a ton of start-up money? also do you know of any trust worthy work from home business opportunities that is not a scam?

I have recently been introduced to this program and it does all it promises to do.  You buy the silver coins, which are sent to you and then, at your own speed, you refer 3 people who are also interested in saving.  It is truely working for me and is not a scam.

If you see the value of a savings plan based on American Eagle one ounce Silver Bullion coins and if you are looking for a way to fund your retirement, I urge you to go to   and type in my referral number...until the web site is redesigned, I`d rather not have you sign in.  I`ll let you know when it`s up and ready to be viewed!

This is NOT a MLM scheme, it is a syndication.  A Syndication is- An Association of People Formed to Engage in an Enterprise to Promote or Transact a Specific Interest of Business;  or To Join Together to Purchase Goods or Services or Tangible or Intangible Assets.  Our Syndication Referral Income is based upon the members purchasing Silver Eagles (and not upon recruiting anyone).  We are paid the referral income based upon referral sales. 

Because of the post which came after this one, I just wanted to STRESS that this Silver Assets program is NOT multi level marketing...MLM!!

I would have included franchises.I know its a brick business but the odds of success are so much higher than a mom and pop it should be in its own category.

Todd Arslanian

Northern California Area Developer for Red Rock Chili Company

www.redrockchili.com

Hey rich, I choose import/export, for as the number of trader, the online retailer is the largest number, but they are all based on  import/export trade.

Rich,

 I did not see any information on import, export. Did you have any information that you could pass on?

Thanks,

Donna

Ecrater looks interesting. I will have to try them.Thanks for the link.

Donna

A suggestion and one possible "what I would do if..."

Choice: Non-MLM direct sales. (I hate sharing all that `profit` with useless slugs that don`t contribute one iota to MY making the hard-won sale of their over-priced/under-value offerings.)

What: Given nothing but a largish available space and a few bucks in a major market area, I`d start an up-scale Mini-Mall - or, what some might call a fancy-Dan flea-mall. Let the vendors take all the risks. Target market... females, middle age, fairly affluent, that live in "nice" homes in the area. Make sure the vendors have merch that caters specifically to this demographic. (Teach `em how to do business if I have to...)

Oh yeah, I`d build it as close to a Wally-World as possible too! Gotta give those nice ladies something to get over the loss of status and class lowering that a nearby WM brings to an otherwise up-scale neighborhood.

Advertise the heck out of it, in all the places that my target has exposure... and do it incessantly! Make it THE place to "be seen" by all their pals. It`s a status thing... and all about "image."

Nick/OldNikko
GM, The Entrepreneur Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/entrepreneur

If you selected, "Other"... please let us know what your answer would be...

I chose `other` which stands for:

• all of the above
• no need to report to anyone
• won`t feel guilty if I have to attend any my son`s school events
• take vacation whenever I want
• work overtime only if I want to
• if I am sick, I`ll stay in bed!
• don`t need to deal with <stupid> office politics

I am getting carried away here, aren`t I?

Meitzi`s right (again)  They are all great things but I put down "Family" as the very best reason. Working from home allows me more time with them. Sure sometimes it can be too much but if your going to have a problem that`s the one you want.

I will also add that it is especially nice to just walk away from what you are doing if you are having a particulary bad day. Sometimes it`s nice to just get outside, breath a little air, soak up a little sun, and remind yourself how lucky you are to be doing such a thing at that very moment.

hold it. did your stomach win out or your heart?

Can I add "not getting dressed at all"? 

Another thing about working at home is that I can choose to work any hours I want....day or night.  Some of my most productive hours are 2-5am.

At the ripe old age of 32 have just realized that I have a big problem with having a boss.  Kind of like a child.  Your not the boss of me!  Maybee kids are wiser than we think.

Talk about what you know best and be your self and I can`t wait to see the show!  I know you will do just fine!  I love Neil`s show.Congratulations Rich!

Best wishes,

Gail

candlelady2

Possible title:
Oh Brother, What Starts Thou?

A variety talk show with applicable information and references ought to work.

I have been producing a TV show for the last 4 years on Public Access TV called Inside the Industry. I conduct informative interviews with people who work in and around the entertainment industry. The mission is to let the guest talk about their start, the obstacles and their successes. It`s a nice kind of reality show, but mainly it motivates the viewer to continue their quest.

On Public Access TV, I may not air commericials. Soon, I will lease air time and start running commercials. This will be my main business. Other talk/variety shows will follow. I have done this with no start-up capital.

This show is a spin-off of another show I produced, Careers. The show profiles people in various jobs or careers. It is meant to give an insight to high school students trying to figure out what to do with their lives. Inside the Industry is similar, but focuses on the entertainment industry.