What's it like owning your own business?
Are you happier owning it rather than working for someone else?
What responsibilities are there to owning your own business?

Boy is that a loaded question!
I like owning my own business. It does take over though. A lot of people think it is just a fun thing to do and think it would be neat to be your own boss. Well, it is and it isnt.
The main things I have learned (and this is just for a retail business) are:
1)Have a lot of money in the bank or someone to back you. Depending on the industry you are interested in you can find out exactally how much money.
2)Don't expect to make money until the 5th year or later.
3)If you are making money before the 5th year you should prob. be putting it back into your business instead.
4)You can't do everything yourself.
5) If it is an extremely fast growing industry make sure you have the money to grow your business. (I know, a lot of money issues here.)
6) If you are starting a business from a hobby be careful. It might ruin your interest in the hobby. Especially if you are the one selling the goods.
7)It's cheaper to clean the toilets yourself. (In other words don't hire people to do every little job. It gets expensive. ) I know this contradicts #4. Just hire people to do the really, really important stuff like your taxes.
8)Don't hire anybody (even friends) "under the table" keep everything on the up and up.
9)Be a patient person who does not stress easily.
10)Be a self motivator.

Once you get past some of these the fun points can be really fun. I love the industry I'm in. I just didn't go into it with my eyes wide open. Now 11 years later I know more but still have loads to learn.:goofy:

LIke Imsoosure said, It's not all it's cracked up to be!!

I LOVE being my own boss, making my own hours, not having anyone telling me what to do. :)

However, I don't get paid for when I don't work. Most of my money goes into paying the bills. Other employees use the shops stuff ( washer, dryer, vacuum) and they don't care how they use it! The vacuum was smoking (too close to floor) one day and the receptionist kept on using it??? How stupid are some people?? grrr... :rolleyes: I am the one who has to replace things!

Granted the things I bitch about are little in comparison to the atmosphere we provide at my shop! People come in to tan and hang out for 20 extra minutes!

For all the small complaints I have, I couldn't be any luckier!

I've had my own business for seven years now and I'm NOT complaining! Sure, there's a LOT of paperwork and administration, wich consumes a lot of your free time, but in the end, it's worth it!:)

Nothing better then being your own boss, (it's good to be the boss! :naughty: ) but it comes with a load of responsabilities... Still, i wouldn't have it any other way!

Originally posted by ImSoooSure
6) If you are starting a business from a hobby be careful. It might ruin your interest in the hobby.
That's why I decided I don't want to become a reissuer for out-of-print music (mostly 80's) on CD. It would ruin the fun. I'll just wait until the record companies themselves rerelease them.
Originally posted by ImSoooSure
Now 11 years later I know more but still have loads to learn.:goofy:
You started your business at age 20? You must've graduated with your business degree early and got started right away.

TopCat, did/are you going to fire the receptionist over the vacuum? Can you create any hairstyle?

Silveradocruiser, you own a farm?

Originally posted by Steve Savicki

TopCat, did/are you going to fire the receptionist over the vacuum? Can you create any hairstyle?



Not yet. I unplugged the vacuum and explained to her, in a nice way, IF you smell rubber burning, TURN OFF THE VACUUM!! :D No, Steve, I cannot create any hairstyle. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Steve Savicki
Silveradocruiser, you own a farm?

Yes, I do..and besides doing regular farm work for other farmers, I'm also in the construction business, with trucks, excavators, wheelloaders and so on.

TopCat, so like, what kind of hairstyles can you create?

Silveradocruiser, what do you grow/raise on your farm?
Since you do construction too, do you get alot of free time in life?

Originally posted by Steve Savicki
[B]TopCat, so like, what kind of hairstyles can you create?



Steve, I can do some up-do's, like for prom and weddings. I don't take many because they drive me crazy.

As for haircuts, I can do a good many. Although, I am not the best at cutting hair, I make do. ;) I was fortunate to have an excellent teacher in barber school. I like doing haircuts best of all. ;) Mens cuts are great...20min. and they are out the door! :D


What is it you do for a living?

Originally posted by Steve Savicki
Silveradocruiser, what do you grow/raise on your farm?
Since you do construction too, do you get alot of free time in life?

A:I grow seeds and sugarbeets.
B:No...:p

Originally posted by Steve Savicki

You started your business at age 20? You must've graduated with your business degree early and got started right away.



Haha, no not exactally. Well, I did get started right away but that's because I'm a college drop out!:p I went for 2 years. I was deciding if I would go to San Fran or L.A. for the second two years when the opportunity to start my business arose. It started out very, very small and just sort of exploded. I really didn't think I'd still be doing this. Happy I am though!:D

Originally posted by TopCat
What is it you do for a living?
I work for a vitamin company which you can visit by clicking here (http://vitamist.com).

Originally posted by ImSoooSure
I was deciding if I would go to San Fran or L.A. for the second two years when the opportunity to start my business arose.

So how does an opportunity arise when you are moving?
Did a friend call you up and say, "There's no apparel shop in this area so this is your opportunity to open up your business?"

Top, what's the name of your hair styling salon?
Cats Curlers perhaps? :D