Having a slight problem

[Preemo]

Hi all

I'm currently doing an apprenticeship with a printing company, my contract ends in March and it doesn't look like they're in a position to offer me a full time role once it's ended, which is a shame as some days I really can enjoy it here, and I've learnt a lot about the print industry.

I want to try and start a business on the side which I'd like to build up, but the problem is that due to being on an apprenticeship wage, I wouldn't be able to invest thousands into it.

I'm 17 and don't really have any major talents that stand out, that I could make a business out of. The only things I have it ambition, determination and a business-brain.

Obviously due to already being in the print industry, I've learnt a lot from it, however I can't do anything similar as I believe in my contract it says that, plus I wouldn't want to get told off for pinching a customer, which I wouldn't do intentionally anyway. So I think print is out of the window...

Does anyone have any ideas? I've asked a few times before but nothing has ever stood out to me

Thank all

 

[Mentoringmum]

Starting your own business is a great idea, but you need to come up with a starting point. Your own starting point. To succeed in Business it needs to be something you are passionate about, not just something you plucked out of thin air.

So here's a starting exercise for you. Brainstorm in a teacup. All you need is 3 pieces of paper. One one write 'Skills & Experiance', another write 'Interests & Hobbies'. And what ever you think of start writing. On your third write 'Ideas'. One of my top tips for developing business ideas is if you think of something take it out of your head, and write it down.

Feel free to contact me

Claire B aka Mentoring Mum


Source: Business Advisor and IOEE Business Mentor

 

[Preemo]

Thank you for the tips. I've done the list idea, however when it comes to coming up with business ideas I struggle... It's a tough one though. I'm not looking for the next big idea, just something that has the potential to earn some extra money

 

[The Wages Room]

Preemo, maybe you are not ready to start a business yet. You really do need an idea that you totally believe in and have the determination to make it work. Running a business has many aspects including lots and lots of administration. SO when you do get an idea make sure that it is something that you are passionate about and capable of fulfilling.

 

[Jessshailes]

I agree with David, it can be very hard work to build a business even when you are passionate about it, so without passion I don't know how entrepreneurs keep pushing through. The business ideas that have come to me wouldn't have happened if I hadn't done the first few jobs I had after school. Working in those small businesses taught me some valuable lessons about what I am good at and taught me the skills that I still use now. So if possible I would recommend looking for a job that offers a broad range of experiences, learning and contact building. Then you are more likely to come across and idea and discover a problem that needs solving in an area that you don't currently know anything about. Oh and hopefully be in a better financial position to do something about it! I'd also recommend a small business as you get a broader view of the inner workings of the company than being a cog in a larger machine.

Hope that helps.

 

[Clareville Communications]

My advice would be not to start a business just for the sake of it. Running your own business can be very hard work, so it needs to be something you are passionate about for it to work. Research any area's you are interested in on the internet, and maybe look into doing some business related courses to give you more of an idea of what is involved in running a business.
You also need to think about the size of the business you want to run, will it be something you can do from home or will you need to rent premises etc.
There is lots to think about before making any decisions, so take your time and make sure you make the right decision for you.

 

[Preemo]

I'm about a year into my business and admin apprenticeship for a print company, and have learnt a lot. I also really enjoy it now I've got to know the industry. The only problem is, I can't exactly start a print company on the side of my job...

 

[SetupaCompany]

I agree with the other posters that starting a business is something you really need to come up with yourself as it has to be something you are passionate about and have creativity for.

Perhaps one route for you would be to start dabbling with online business as websites, etc can be set up on limited budgets and do not need much cash to keep ticking over, especially if you look towards dropshipping, affiliate marketing or service based businesses.

This would at least give you some experience in running a business and a chance to find out more about your skills and passions before committing 100% both in time and money.

 

[Preemo]

I was looking at a Print Management company, but I wouldn't be able to do this if I'm working at the company I currently am. I feel with what I've learnt, and the companies I know in the industry, I could make a pretty good go of it. Print is also something I'm ambitious about.

What's everyone's advice, considering I'm doing an apprenticeship with a printing company now and I'm on really low money?

Thank you all

 

[SetupaCompany]

Personally my advice would probably be to finish your apprenticeship first and learn everything you can.

The problem is, if you drop out out now and then things don't work out it wont look good on your CV and it may be hard to get back in to the industry.

You are still young so there shouldn't be any rush, get your apprenticeship finished so you have a qualification behind you and then think about giving it a go.

 

[Alan]

There are many schemes out there to support youngens some/most are 18+ though, might be worth a ganders.

Get to free business shows for research and to get a feel for what other people do. They'l be more than happy to talk if you show an interest in what they do - that's what their exhibiting for.

If you're near London today is the last day - http://www.bstartup.com/

Some schemes:
http://www.startuploans.co.uk/

http://www.mentorsme.co.uk/

http://getmentoring.org/

http://ioee.co.uk/