Can I start a business?

[Amazin]

hey everyone, since I joined this forum I haven't been posting much.
I'm feeling bit depressed right now because I want to start my own business but I'm not sure what business and if I can.

Maybe I'm saying this is because I only have £30 in my bank account and only working part time in subway. I graduated with a business and management degree but I've done so bad in it I don't even know what I can do with it. Will the banks even let money to someone like me?

 

[1LifeLiveIt]

Hi Amazin! I only started my business because I lost my job - I took a leap of faith and it worked out because I made it work out. If you're serious about making it work, it will. As the saying goes, whether you believe you can or you believe you can't, you're right

What sort of business are you looking to start? Structure wise I mean... franchise? MLM? Something else..?

 

[Connections_Media]

It's slightly late so I will keep this brief.

Degrees are only useful if you want to get employed, I know plenty of people that thought they were the dogs genitalia when they were studying for their big business degree and now still work in Mc D's. Knowledge is what you need.

Don't let money put you off, that is the first obstacle you will ever face when starting a business it will test your creativity to the max. First though you need to look at what interests yourself and if it is possible to start on what budget you have got.

 

[mattjerry]

You can start you business right away..you need to make a plan first..

 

[nekoinu]

£30 is plenty enough to start a business... just buy something cheap in bulk and start selling it. I know someone who started off buying USB flash drives, he would bulk buy like 10 of them at half retail, put them on eBay, and rather quickly was making money. It wasn't more money that he knew what to do with and he wasn't sailing on multi-million dollar yachts but it does provide him with easy extra cash.

I'm sure you know about some low priced product, be it headphones, trash cans, or paperclips... just start buying and selling. You probably want to incorporate at some point which will cost some money but you can start today.

 

[MASSEY]

If your not in a heap of debt and have a good credit file, I could see some
one
lending you something, subway would have to confirm you have a part time position for as long as you want it.
You should be looking at obtaining cred on a personal level you don't want to be getting into business plans with the bank.

 

[patientlady]

You could completely fill a stall at the local car boot sale for nothing. Speak to your mum & family to fill it. I reckon by Sunday pm you will then have £130.00...

 

[devilmaycry]

I would say that you're starting out with a bit of a negative 'can't do' attitude. Be positive.

Sit down and do some brainstorming. Start raising some extra cash to maybe put towards a larger project. If you are able, start saving some of your wages from your job. And get some extra hours if you're only part-time. Even get another part-time job. Sell some stuff you don't need on eBay. Do a car boot sale (as already been mentioned). There are endless possibilities and oppurtunities. Be positive and find them.

And you will come across problem after problem, but it is how you react to and overcome these problems that will make you great. Don't accept the word 'no'!!!

 

[sellickbhoy]

Morning

1st off, you are feeling a bit sorry for yourself - you won't get any hugs here, you have to pick yourself up and get motivated.

If you have trouble getting motivated - it's because you have nothing to do. So, set yourself some daily goals and do them!

Nice light mornings are back, so get up early and go for a walk or run - burn some energy and get up early in the day. Once you are up and about - you'll find you have a lot more time to do everything you plan to do in a day.

Then - think about your business. What do you want to do? Most people find having a business in something they are interested in helps motivate them. It also means they have an insight into the needs/wants of the potential customers.

But just as many people find an opportunity and go for it as they can see an opportunity.

Starting from scratch - well, a little money helps!! but it can also mean you make as many expensive mistakes and waste it on things that aren't really needed.

but, if you have a local freecycle/gumtree - there are plenty people giving away perfectly good items - you could collect them, tidy them up and resell them (via ebay/gumtree) or at car boot sales.

You work for subway, so what about setting up a sandwich making business? delivering them to peoples work - you just need a kitchen (OK, there are health standards to be met - so means some work but you can learn ALL of this from your current job, in fact, you are getting paid to learn it right now!!)

there are plenty of cheap start ups that commonly feature on here - dog walking, car washing, window cleaning, garden maintenance, you could even be a personal shopper (running to tesco/sainsbury as much as harvey nics)

Friend of mine started up as a private hire taxi driver then rented a plate on a hackney and eventually got his own cab/licence for a hackney

You also don't have to do somethig original - just see something that works, where and why it works and repeat it in your own location (though don't just repeat something that is already working well in your area as you'd have to compete with them)

but most of all - get up and at em!!!

 

[Ben W Elec&Sell]

Hi just to give you an idea, I recently set up an Ebay business basically selling items for other people for a small fee. You would be amazed at how many people are willing to do this. This way you do not neet to buy anything upfront to sell.

I set it up for £60.

1. Set up new e-mail address just for Ebay business (free)
2. Set up new Ebay business account (free)
3. Set up Paypal account (free)
4. Bought new phone, Nokia 1661 £20 with £10 credit included (I only done this to keep it seperate from my other business)
5. 500 Business cards from 123 print (£40)
6. Create terms & conditions for clients
7. create invoice template
8. folder to keep all invoives and expenses for tax return at the end of the year.
9. Ive also advertised it a lot on facebook which is also free.

There might be an easier or better way of doing it but thats the way I done it and thought it might be useful for you.

Ben

 

[Amazin]

Thanks for the replys guys. Believe me, I can be very motivated if I want to. Ideally I was hoping save up some money by working but then my full time job become a part time job.

I grow up in a business background so I want to be rich like my mum. but I don't want help from my mum cos we don't get on. I'm not familiar with internet business and both of my paypal account are locked up. I don't know how to drive either.


Structure wise, I would like to start a franchise. Its less risk especially in my situation. Not sure which one but I think you need at least £100k if you want to start a fast food store like subway. Been working there for while so I know how they work. I'm also into health and fitness and have level 2 qualification but no jobs going on at the moment.

There is a franchise exhabition soon, anybody going?

 

[Connections_Media]

Thanks for the replys guys. Believe me, I can be very motivated if I want to. Ideally I was hoping save up some money by working but then my full time job become a part time job.

I grow up in a business background so I want to be rich like my mum. but I don't want help from my mum cos we don't get on. I'm not familiar with internet business and both of my paypal account are locked up. I don't know how to drive either.


Structure wise, I would like to start a franchise. Its less risk especially in my situation. Not sure which one but I think you need at least £100k if you want to start a fast food store like subway. Been working there for while so I know how they work. I'm also into health and fitness and have level 2 qualification but no jobs going on at the moment.

There is a franchise exhabition soon, anybody going?

A franchise has alot of risk with it as you are investing a lot of money, seen as you have got a fitness qualification have you thought about personal fitness...

Also I have never met my father in my life until I recently stumbled upon him on Linkedin (That's a whole other story) I am very sure your mum being your mum would invest into you to help your future, as when I made contact with my old man he was interested in helping myself it's the old saying you don;t ask you don't get.

What I would advise you to do is your own research and find what it is your interested in as like with myself I had many ideas before I found one that actually grasped my interest.

 

[Hillyer]

You won't get anywhere with £30 if you look into personal fitness. Unless you have all the first aid stuff qualified.

 

[KDMINX]

I've heard bad things about Subway franchises.

I also fail to see how you'd make less money setting up "Amazin's Sandwich Shop"

 

[cheapmaket001]

like me sir

 

[patientlady]

Thanks for the replys guys. Believe me, I can be very motivated if I want to. Ideally I was hoping save up some money by working but then my full time job become a part time job.

I grow up in a business background so I want to be rich like my mum. but I don't want help from my mum cos we don't get on. I'm not familiar with internet business and both of my paypal account are locked up. I don't know how to drive either.


Structure wise, I would like to start a franchise. Its less risk especially in my situation. Not sure which one but I think you need at least £100k if you want to start a fast food store like subway. Been working there for while so I know how they work. I'm also into health and fitness and have level 2 qualification but no jobs going on at the moment.

There is a franchise exhabition soon, anybody going?

Are you confused Amazin becuse I am! I thought you was trying to set up a business with £30 now you are considering a business start up from £100,000. A McDonalds franchise I think starts at 1m if thats any help

 

[EH7]

£30 is plenty enough to start a business... just buy something cheap in bulk and start selling it.

Maybe £30 is enough to start a web business, not a business like you describe, you can't just buy £30 worth of something and sell it for more then re-buy and so on. I'm affraid business isn't that easy, a business like that takes a start up cost.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

There's some really good advice to you on this thread and you need to take notice of it.

Nobody will lend you money if you don't have a sound business idea, so you need to seriously think about what you would like to be doing.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Why did you choose to study business - was it because you really wanted to, or because you couldn't think of anything else to do? You'd be silly to try and start a business you don't understand, or wouldn't use yourself so don't waste your time (or your £30) trying to set up a business just because you're desperate to make some cash, you'll hate it and you probably won't do it well.

Concentrate on improving your morale and feeling better about yourself - maybe look for a different job if you feel unfulfilled at the moment - and you'll probably find inspiration will come much easier.


Few of us make a success of our first business venture no matter how well researched we think we are - it's just the way it goes, so be prepared to stumble.

 

[Grencolur]

Amazin

If you are looking at a business moving a product whether it be food or otherwise it has to be something that is unique, especially if there are similar businesses close by. Ask yourself, why would consumers come to my business as apposed to the opposition? Many factors come into play including quality, price and marketing to name three. Like Patientlady's post, I also thought you were trying to start something up with 30lb. If that is an option you are considering, then as someone has suggested, you will only be looking at an online opportunity for that kind of money which I can assist you with. Welcome to send me an email at [email protected] if that's the case.

Cheers
Tony

 

[sticker printing]

Hi Amazin! All you need to do is to be informed about what you are going to do. Don't plunge in starting a business without proper plan and strategy. Use your human skills first then your acquired technical skills. Be sure what you want to do, the field you think you're at least good. An informed decision is always better than an uninformed decision. Even if you don't succeed in doing well in the business, you will have some very worthy experiences no matter good or bad. All you have to do is to make up your mind clear and than do everything with extreme courage and confidence and you are sure to get the rewards.

 

[Dot Design]

What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
What is your passion?

 

[hyqhot]

I'm a fresh to this forum.
Cheers,everybody!
Julie From China.

 

[Raw Rob]

See this thread http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=147520 - Turn £1 into £100 - lots of ideas for starting a business with only £1.

Rob

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

If your depressed working in Subway I would forget any idea about starting a business.
In business it can sometimes be very tough and sometimes you have to take on a lot of hassle....If your depressed in subway a challenge in business may force you off the nearest high bridge..

Question to you lot ?

Why do you all just assume that anybody can start a business ?

Why is it that when somebody you dont know anything about suddenly says "I want to start a business".You all try to find ways for them to start up...?

Not everybody is capable of running a business!!!!

 

[Tej]

Breath of fresh air.... what a sensible post.

seems most people are suckers for hard luck stories

 

[markspenser]

only 30 pound can not help u.
you need to have little balance with you for that.

 

[papverpoppies]

If your depressed working in Subway I would forget any idea about starting a business.
In business it can sometimes be very tough and sometimes you have to take on a lot of hassle....If your depressed in subway a challenge in business may force you off the nearest high bridge..

Question to you lot ?

Why do you all just assume that anybody can start a business ?

Why is it that when somebody you dont know anything about suddenly says "I want to start a business".You all try to find ways for them to start up...?

Not everybody is capable of running a business!!!!

Totally agree:-

But, sometimes when you tell it as it is - you get called..

A bully:-
Boring old f**r (well passed your sell by date)!
Saddo:-
Nasty:-
I could go on!

It would seem that some posters, do not like to read the truth, and think that we all have the time and energy to bolster their egos..(not directed at the poster of this thread)!

Then, when they do not get the answers they desire, they loose the plot, and throw little tantrums.

If you have got to post and ask 'what business can I/should I start, then I would say, keep the paid day job!

Whatever you decide OP, life will still be tough, working for yourself, opens up a whole new can of worms - and you have to be mentally sound as well as mature to be able to take on all this entails..

Think about your strengths and weakness - and then ask, if you really feel up to running your own business, at this time in your life - if ever?

We all change as we grow older, so just recognise those changes, and make the best choices for you as and when.

Good Luck - with what you decide.

Poppy

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I agree Poppy I am all the above ..

But its only running my own business that shaped me that way .

 

[papverpoppies]

I agree Poppy I am all the above ..

But its only running my own business that shaped me that way .

So am I - and I love it..... - I think I was born that way!

Poppy

 

[Tej]

Totally agree:-

But, sometimes when you tell it as it is - you get called..

A bully:-
Boring old f**r (well passed your sell by date)!
Saddo:-
Nasty:-
I could go on!

Get it right Poppy...
it was "boring old fart"

I get called ... "negative"..regularly .. buzz word

LOL

 

[saxondale]

Totally agree:-

But, sometimes when you tell it as it is - you get called..

A bully:-
Boring old f**r (well passed your sell by date)!
Saddo:-
Nasty:-
I could go on!

It would seem that some posters, do not like to read the truth, and think that we all have the time and energy to bolster their egos..(not directed at the poster of this thread)!

Then, when they do not get the answers they desire, they loose the plot, and throw little tantrums.

well excuse me .....................................

 

[papverpoppies]

Get it right Poppy...
it was "boring old fart"

I get called ... "negative"..regularly .. buzz word

LOL

So it was - heck, me and my memory - what memory?

Negative - surely you mean:-
unenthusiastic
unconstructive
unhelpful
pessimistic
downbeat
disapproving

There, Tej, has that made you feel any better?

Are they buzzy enough?

I think I was called a Saddo, who had been damaged!!:|
I much prefer your title - can we swop?

Poppy

 

[papverpoppies]

well excuse me .....................................

For what?

Did you ever have the plot in the first place?

Would you want it?

Poppy

 

[Tej]

So it was - heck, me and my memory - what memory?

Negative - surely you mean:-
unenthusiastic
unconstructive
unhelpful
pessimistic
downbeat
disapproving

There, Tej, has that made you feel any better?

Are they buzzy enough?

I think I was called a Saddo, who had been damaged!!:|
I much prefer your title - can we swop?

Poppy

and all that!!!

sounds good when its wriiten like that..

All together now

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Some people do remind of David Brent sometimes or even Del Boy when he was a yuppy

But there is one good example of our, hot headed ,can do,highly motivated,self starter,that lives a high life in the fast lane
That was Steve Cougans Garath Cheesman the computer salesman does anybody remember him ?

 

[Amazin]

I think the best option for me is start selling on ebay. Need to sort out my paypal first then need to decide what to sell. Let me know if you know any good thread to read or anyone who's good at e-selling.

If your depressed working in Subway I would forget any idea about starting a business.
In business it can sometimes be very tough and sometimes you have to take on a lot of hassle....If your depressed in subway a challenge in business may force you off the nearest high bridge..

Question to you lot ?

Why do you all just assume that anybody can start a business ?

Why is it that when somebody you dont know anything about suddenly says "I want to start a business".You all try to find ways for them to start up...?

Not everybody is capable of running a business!!!!

What do you think I am? I used to do door to door selling on a commission based only and was working around 65 hours a week. I even worked on new years eve in subway from 6pm to 6am. I have not complained once. wouldn't you feel depressed if you want to build a big business and yet at age of 24 you still in subway and have less than £200 in the bank? I will work hard as it takes and I care about my future.
I know what you saying is true but I don't want to listen to it right now. I guess there is only one way to find out if I can run a business. My mum is a successful business woman and I believe I can do better.

 

[mainplayer]

to answer the question, well, yes and no.
you should ask yourself why you want to start a business. to get rich? to prove yourself? or to follow what someone you know is doing?... being broke should not discourage you to start your business. most billionaires had been broke before they got rich. your university degree has no relationship with your business success. problems with you are you are not sure of what to do. do not start a business for the sake of starting one. you will end up losing everything including your self-confidence. selling things on ebay might be tempting but competition is stiff. do you have any sources of getting cheap supplies? you won't have an edge if you don't.

i would say starting a business and running it successfully is more difficult than landing a good job.

 

[apankai]

i'd like to start a business of galvanized wire,barbed wire,chain link mesh fencing,stainless steel wire mesh.

 

Amazin, you can start a business today if you have the right attitude! Change your mind set and you will change your life. You don't need a lot of money to start. As somebody already mentioned, you can start today with £30.
I started with £300 and bought into a network marketing business and I'm doing great!
Buy some self-help/motivational books to get you out of the negative mind set your are in at the moment.

There is no limit to business only you can limit yourself!

 

[okseller]

just believe yourself. i am now start business ,you can sell small things on ebay