Hi

[hamish_mc]

Hi all,

I've just joined as I am looking to start my own business and I have a million and one questions about where to begin! I'm currently working as a secondary school teacher on Merseyside.

Cheers,

Hamish

[Eagle]

Welcome aboard Hamish.

If you need any advice on identity/branding, I'm always around. :)

[creacom]

Hi Hamish

Welcome to the forums.

You have come to the right place for advice and help.

Dont hesitate to ask any of us for pointers.

Best of luck with your future venture.

Jacqui :D

[Coding Monkey]

Welcome aboard Hamish.

If you need any advice on identity/branding, I'm always around. :)

And anything website related, I and 51% of the other members can help. ;)

[RSL]

Hi there and welcome,

What are looking to start a business in? What do you enjoy doing outside of work? When do you think you might start this new business?

Lots of questions...I just think its so cool that one says they'll do something and even COOLER when they actually DO it.

Take care and enjoy using the forum.

:-)

[Cornish Steve]

Welcome, Hamish.

I'd like to repeat the question posed by RSL: What type of business are you looking to start?

[Jayne]

Hi Hamish,

Welcome to the forum :D

Jayne

[hamish_mc]

Hi,

Many thanks for the warm welcome!

I worked as a programmer before becoming a maths teacher, but I guess I've always been interested in working for myself.

I *think* I have a decent idea (offering SMS content), but I am unsure of where to start. I'd like to start it immediately, but I realise that these things take time and energy, so I am willing to invest both.

Cheers,

Hamish

[Coding Monkey]

What type of programming languages did you work?

[hamish_mc]

What type of programming languages did you work?

I was a C programmer.

Hamish

[Magsite]

Hi Hamish welcome tot he forum

Lisa

[Cornish Steve]

I *think* I have a decent idea (offering SMS content), but I am unsure of where to start. I'd like to start it immediately, but I realise that these things take time and energy, so I am willing to invest both.
Then the first step is to validate your idea. What problem will your company solve? Can you solve that problem profitably? Who will be your target audience? How much can you sell to them? How will they learn about you? Why should they buy from you? Who will be your major competitors? What is your unique value proposition? What is your vision? What is your strategy for reaching this vision? Will you need to partner with other companies? What will be your fixed and variable costs? What is your break-even point? How much time and effort and money will you need to invest?

Oops - this is in response to your introduction. :) I hope I'm not overwhelming you with information here. Good luck. In the end, there's nothing like doing your own thing, so go for it!

[Faith28]

Hello fellow teacher!

I'm a physics teacher setting up card games for school.

I think the most important part of setting up a business (as people will tell you) is to plan it. You have lots of resources available to do this. Have a look at your local enterprise agency who should help you e.g by allocating a business mentor or providing seminars or a network of people you can ask directly within your industry interest. Try them www.businesslink.gov.uk

You should just type in your postcode to find your local agency.

Also some agencies provide grants as soon as you set up on presentation of a business plan. My agency, for example, gives £1,000 to those who have a business plan and have a potential client ready (so I'm told).

I wish you a lot of success in your new venture. I have to add it really is fun to set up your own business. As long as you plan carefully and thoroughly.

Good luck! :)

[hamish_mc]

Many thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome -- and for the helpful input.

Cheers,

Hamish

[DavidHorn]

Oh my ... a C programmer. How's the therapy coming along?!

Welcome to the forums Hamish, and good luck with your new venture!

David

[Urban Space]

Welcome Hamish :D!

The SMS idea sounds good, I live on my phone :D! Fastest texter in the Midlands :lol:!

If you need a younger perspective, here I am! :)!

Welcome again,

Liam