I am opening up a floral business and need some thoughts on what I should be considering when starting a business in general and a floral business in particular. All thoughts welcomed.
2006-09-07 02:56:41 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Can I generate enough cash flow to pay the bills?
How much capital do I have/need to get up and running?
Will I be able to expand my business?
What is the competition doing?
How can I promote/grow my business?
Am I willing to invest the time needed to do this right?
2006-09-07 03:01:52 · answer #1 · answered by The Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Starting A Flower And Gift Shop by Millicent Gray Lownes-Jackson
* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-09-07 10:45:58 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Collecting the money is the most important thing that is often overlooked in business. You can have a super product and a great staff, but if you find yourself in a cashflow crunch, it will be the end very quickly.
Try this website for more information on how to manage accounts receivables..
http://www.CreditManagementWorld.com
2006-09-07 14:47:46 · answer #3 · answered by nickdc1960 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you need to take one of those quick classes in your city, they are always free and in the weekends sometimes for people like you that needs information about how to start, what do you need, taxes, penalties and everything else, those are good workshops you may find them interesting. And in the future consider to take business classes in the community college near you. Remember you want a business for the future not for today.
2006-09-07 10:37:33 · answer #4 · answered by El Recio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should first of all consider the location, available capital, parking space, availability (easy access), clientele you need to target telephone and internet accessiblity. All this will make a difference in between what profit you make.
The most important once thou are licences and registration for tax (in some countries)
2006-09-07 10:01:31 · answer #5 · answered by ngina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋