Small Buisness Owners? How did you get to where you are? What did you need to get started? School/connections/

Answer 1

I would have said at the start of my business that the number one thing I needed to start the business was money. My Masters degree in business and my connections had little to do with it. It might be noted in a recent CEO study that the "connections" from Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) have had little effect on CEO positioning since the vast majority of successful CEO's are not from Ivy League schools, but from State Schools such as a Minnesota State or a Boise State. Additionally some of the religious specific schools such as Norte Dame or BYU are turning out more successful CEO’s than their Ivy League counter parts.

But, since I didn't have money to start my business, it took something else to be successful. It took a dream and a faith in what I wanted to do and be. Since then I've visited with hundreds of other successful small business owners and entrepreneurial sprits who say that their key to success was finding something they really enjoyed doing. I’d give the same advice. FIND SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING and you will be successful. That may or may not be starting your own business. It may be plumbing or carpentry, law or medicine, or becoming a CEO. That said, the single biggest factor in starting a business and staying in business and making it profitable is enjoying it. That's how you get somewhere!

That’s the best advice I can give. Good luck in your quest.

Answer 2

You'll need more money to invest for your own printing business - for equipment, training & materials. For a start, you may explore and tie up first w/ a printing business ask them to give you the lowest wholesale price they can give you. Then, mark up the price up to 25-50% . Oh ask them also how much they'd give you if they'll provide the t-shirt. So they'll give you a whole sale price for a t-shirt w/ print. then you mark up the price. Then you start a promotion and marketing campaign so you'll get inquiries and orders. Use leaflets Present your quotation w/ a minimum volume of 30, 50 whatever up to 100 or so. Ask your printer also for volume quotations also. When you're able to save, get a training so you can do it yourself.

Answer 3

Money, a good idea, and the right market. Know your demographic and know your area. Who is your product being aimed at? Good connections are helpful but a good product is the most important thing.

Answer 4

A good idea, hard work, unwillingness to give up, ignoring those who said this wouldn't work, staying focused.

Connections don't hurt, but weren't important in my current business.