I'm just starting... Can someone help me figure out what I need to do?

Question

Hello, I have just decided today that I would like to open a skating rink in our town or the next town. It is the perfect place. There are no other businesses like it and I'm certain it would be a good investment as well as a positive place for children to gather. I intend to research and start the process rather quickly. But, I'm hoping I can get some good solid advice from other business owners out there before I begin. I will appreciate any help I can get. Thank you in advance!!!

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Here's what I'd do, in this order.

1) go over to garage.com and read some of the stuff there. Also, invest in The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki (the guy from garage.com and Apple's marketing guy for the first 20 years). You aren't starting one of these high-tech firms they're going to be talking about on that site, but they'll keep you lean and focused
2) figure out the demographics you're going to need to support the rink: 10% of the city won't be at your rink every night, but how many will, and why? What's your value proposition that will ensure you're not just a trendy side story to the city, but a really fun place for the kids to come and hang out
3) get going on the core of the business long before you start writing business plans and getting formal. That'll come. That's classic business start up, but it's not what works. It's the difference between working in your business and on your business. Be sure you can do both, and know when to do what.

This is a little different advice than you're going to get from just about everyone, but I'm speaking from the trenches, knowing how to both kill and grow a business by experience.

Good luck

Answer 3

A ROLLER SKATING RINK? I don't know what type of advise you are looking for but I can help with marketing, accounting stuff like that cause that is what I do currently but one thing I do know well is roller skating rinks. I was a competitive roller skater for almost 10 years so I have been to over a 50 different rinks in my time and know all the different floor types. I used to go to the rink at 5 am skate till time for school was back after school practiced till public session changed my cloths and skated those as well. So if you need any other rink advise just let me know. How exciting!

Answer 4

*Get lots of insurance!
*Make sure you have cameras to record when somebody's skates are stolen.
*Have a good snack area.Lots of money to be made there.
*Reasonable prices for everything. You can make MORE money by selling stuff reasonably.
*Gift certificates.
*Keep everything CLEAN.

Good luck!
Kids really need places to go that are wholesome and that gives them exercise.

Answer 5

Hire yourself a good lawyer an an excellent accountant, first and foremost!