Looking to start a business

[Mark T Jones]

Thank you. Those couple of post above trying to kick me when I’ve already been through so much and I am trying to make my life better really isn’t helpful at all. I see no harm in exploring things thoroughly before jumping into something.

I'm not supporting the neg-heads; but you must recognise that this is reflection of lire and, in particular of business

There will be people who doubt you and there will be people who want to destroy you (or rather your business), some for personal gain and some just for the fun of it.You need to be able to take this in your stride, and to separate constructive criticism from plain negativity.

 

[serendipitybusiness]

People are forgetting that the OP is coming off benefits so if he feels it needs to be thought about and planned properly before he starts, I can understand this. I am guessing there is a very small safety net, if any and trying to get back on benefits once he is out is problematic as well. The benefit trap is real so looking at all the potential issues and trying to create a solid plan is not a bad strategy, just don't let it convince you that you can't do this. All hurdles can be overcome, if others are doing it, you can too.

One of the other services you can offer is cleaning up the PVC window frames and guttering as well. I saw a window cleaner offering that service for extra in Poole, he was a bit naughty as he did a demonstration and only did part of it so the rest looked really dirty. I have seen prices range from £5 for a terraced up north to £15 for a detached (but smallish 3 bedroom house) down South for straight window cleaning. Normally once a month.

Marketing, as others have said, start with facebook local buy and sell groups, leaflets and cards (remember to recanvas if a house is sold or you think new tenants have moved in). You can also look at the local online listings for rentals and sales in your area and leaflet drop them after they are marked under offer or sold nobody has a window cleaner when they first move in. Also when in the neighbourhood always say hello to everyone and chat, you will get referrals that way too.

Look at local shops, see if you can put your cards or leaflets in any of those.

Then build a website and google business page, make sure you are found for your local area, if you do it right you probably won't need to buy advertising but you can also do that to make sure you are number one for your local area.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I'm not supporting the neg-heads; but you must recognise that this is reflection of lire and, in particular of business

There will be people who doubt you and there will be people who want to destroy you (or rather your business), some for personal gain and some just for the fun of it.You need to be able to take this in your stride, and to separate constructive criticism from plain negativity.

If you can't get out of bed in the morning and be the "wolf" Then running a business is not going to be for you because people will always want to kick your ass ! As Mr D indicates

 

[serendipitybusiness]

True you do need to be determined, watch the secret, tony robinson, read the 4 hour work week and rich dad poor dad, surround yourself every morning with these positive influences. It will help you get your mojo back and push down the self doubt that comes with being out of work for a long period and the sinking depression. Get some protein powder in you when you can afford it as well every morning, this will give you a boost (hemp with superfoods is good as it gives you a physical and mental boost). We all have the ability to be rhinos we just have to find it within ourselves.

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

watch the secret, tony robinson, read the 4 hour work week and rich dad poor dad

Not mandatory

Get some protein powder in you when you can afford it as well every morning

Or even better, just eat some real food. Eggs are good, and you only need to eat 2 to get the same amount of protein as you would from drinking awful powder.

We all have the ability to be rhinos

We all have the ability to be hulking, poorly sighted, endangered vegetarians?

 

[serendipitybusiness]

1. No but it helps massively especially if you have been out of work for a while with a bout of depression or suffer from self doubt.
2. Yes that too but the formula gives you a better boost, especially mentally, the powder I use isn't awful, it is delicious with a fruit smoothy and really does make a difference. It also helped my mother who has suffered from depression for years but still eats eggs for breakfast.
3. Thick skinned and charge forward blindly, sometimes you need this in business.

Nice, positive, helpful post there Gordon, very helpful to the OP.

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

Yes that too but the formula gives you a better boost, especially mentally

Not true, unless by way of placebo. But I wouldn't want to derail this good thread with discussing nutrition.

I understand your point about Rhinos now, being thick skinned is good.
Not sure how helpful it is to advise anyone to "charge forward blindly" though.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

... tony robinson ...

What's archeology got to do with business...?

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

What's archeology got to do with business...?

About as much as the 4 hour work week has to do with window cleaning...

Good luck automating that business!

 

[serendipitybusiness]

Haha oops, Tony Robbins yep Tony Robinson is no help at all.

 

[NickGrogan]

watch the secret, tony robinson, read the 4 hour work week and rich dad poor dad

The secret - a load of rubbish
Tony Robinson - especially good in Black Adder - recommended
4 hour work week - dated, not relevant
rich dad, poor dad - bad advice, rubbish too.

Haha oops, Tony Robbins yep Tony Robinson is no help at all.

Tony Robbins? stick with Tony Robinson, much more useful.

the formula gives you a better boost, especially mentally

Eating protein and vitamins can be good if your diet is lacking, the form doesn't matter.

 

[serendipitybusiness]

Okay lads you carry on but it may be more useful if you suggest better resources than just stomping over my suggestions.

To the OP these helped me and I just made more in the last couple of hours than many people make in a week, sat at home, with my feet up. So the choice is all yours as to who you want to listen too! Good luck (and it is situations like this where the rhino reference comes into play as opinions are like as****** everyone has one and there are always plenty on here ).

 

[Forgot password]

Well said Serendipity I totally agree with you especially as in the main here we are talking about a mindset and trying to advise someone who has obviously struggled in this department and is trying to change.

To the OP I admire you and you just need to get inspired and take the first few steps and you will gain confidence and you will grow.

My advice is not to ask anymore questions as you know what to do now just get out there and do it.. One step at a time.

Serendipity as a ex serviceman I would like to be in the same trench as you and to the neg-heads just watch your backs as you leave your trenches.

 

[serendipitybusiness]

No you wouldn't, I am a terrible shot !! Thanks James.

 

[NickGrogan]

Okay lads you carry on but it may be more useful if you suggest better resources than just stomping over my suggestions.

To the OP these helped me and I just made more in the last couple of hours than many people make in a week, sat at home, with my feet up. So the choice is all yours as to who you want to listen too! Good luck (and it is situations like this where the rhino reference comes into play as opinions are like as****** everyone has one and there are always plenty on here ).

No books would be better than any of those.

Plenty of suggestions here if OP is looking for books.

https://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/which-business-books-should-i-read.393838/#post-2895149

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Again if you need a book to start a business Then running a business may not be the best thing for you . This is not some fantasy world ! when it all goes wrong people and their families become homeless and bankrupt !

Everything you need is on this site for 40 quid

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Sorry Jeremy

But after god knows how many years on this forum and seeing so many posters asking the most basic questions and directors and shareholders having no idea of there responsibilities then there is a need for everyone new to starting a business to read a basic book on the subject,

In my day when you enquired about a business account all banks gave you a small paperback book ( I think written by either the Daily Mail or maybe Financial Times) which explained all the basics from market research, planning, calculate prices, cashflow, management, Taxes, Directors duties and shareholders rights.

This would not make you a Mr Branson or Alan Sugar but did in a few nights reading give you a good basic preparation

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

On no don't start all that book reading ££££ again

The good thing about capitalism if you do lose your shirt .It's your own fault
Most of the time (medical episodes excluded )

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

I think in general reading a book would be a good idea if the OP is that way inclined. Some people learn in different ways. The key though is finding the right book - some of the suggestions above were just baffling.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Sorry Jeremy

But after god knows how many years on this forum and seeing so many posters asking the most basic questions and directors and shareholders having no idea of there responsibilities then there is a need for everyone new to starting a business to read a basic book on the subject,

In my day when you enquired about a business account all banks gave you a small paperback book ( I think written by either the Daily Mail or maybe Financial Times) which explained all the basics from market research, planning, calculate prices, cashflow, management, Taxes, Directors duties and shareholders rights.

This would not make you a Mr Branson or Alan Sugar but did in a few nights reading give you a good basic preparation

I'm inclined to agree

Forum advice can be useful, if you know how to ask the right questions & interpret answers - it can also be extremely dangerous!

I'd recommend books partly for getting the basics right (avoiding the silly,pointless mistakes that crop up on here so often), also for ongoing motivation / inspiration.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

On no don't start all that book reading ££££ again

The good thing about capitalism if you do lose your shirt .It's your own fault
Most of the time (medical episodes excluded )

Whilst that's true, But what about the other small suppliers you take down with you obviously its there fault for believing in you and giving credit terms or getting a cashback

 

[Flankaaa]

It might be very tricky to start business in a niche where competition is very strong. However, it is not impossible to make business success, if you focus on unique selling proposition and communicate clearly what differentiate your service from others. Worth thinking

 

[Hyzer373]

Does anyone know a really cheap printing companies for leaflets or business cards?
looking to get a large amount done for canvassing, like 2-3 thousand at a good price.

 

[Redd]

Start a marketing company. Hire 3/4 guys and knock doors/do leaflet drops with your number on it/do instore demonstrations and essentially acquire leads for say home improvements jobs. Sell these leads to companies. All it will cost you to start is 3/4 waterproof jackets.

Sell leads for £40/50 a time. Acquire 8-10 a day with a few good canvassers. 6k a week. 2k wages. 200k a year profit.

 

[bodgitt&scarperLTD]

Does anyone know a really cheap printing companies for leaflets or business cards?
looking to get a large amount done for canvassing, like 2-3 thousand at a good price.

Colchester press have been good for me and the guy running it gave me good advice when I was starting up.

 

[MBE2017]

OP, for what it is worth, save the money on leaflets and simply knock the doors and talk. You will get far more customers, people who will pay you this way. Leaflets normally only return work at 1 to 3% if you are lucky. Knocking doors you should increase that rate of return ten fold.

Simply knock 30/50 doors each day and you should get 5-15 clients easily, at £5-£10 per client you will make money reasonably quickly. Bonus is doing this number between two of you shouldn’t take more than two hours a day.

 

[TheWebDesignCompany]

Does anyone know a really cheap printing companies for leaflets or business cards?
looking to get a large amount done for canvassing, like 2-3 thousand at a good price.

Saxoprint.co.uk are very competitive

 

[Hyzer373]

Right, I’m having trouble with roof racks for my car so I’m looking at getting a water fed system but it would need the back pack thing (tank to hold water) with it as I don’t have a van etc.
Can anyone recommend a good system to buy that’s a decent price and works well?

 

[Mr Monday]

From my personal experience

When I first wanted to start a business (after reading rich dad poor dad ) I was in a rush, I went online as most of us have and searched for cheap ideas to start a business. The same Ideas you have mentioned constantly popped up, window cleaning, man +van etc. I looked into these thoroughly and considered 1 or 2 of these ideas but then as time went on things changed.

I felt I was stuck as I have no qualifications and do not really any field I specialised in and would find people would say to start a business in your field but I had non.

One thing I realised, when you are in this situation you want quick money, but the reality of setting up a business is that it is a slow process. Initially I had no idea what to do, hence looking into these ideas BUT as time went on, I started reading through this forum and other places on the net, which started opening up my mind and I began to see new business ideas all around me.

I would say the 2 main things which gave me clarity was

The concept of branding
and
True understanding of a USP

Understanding these 2 gave me a new set of eyes

I have not yet launched any of my businesses, but I have 4 - 5 which I am very very confident about and have even been asked by others to partner up. I am working and saving and planning. As time has gone on, I have tweaked my ideas to become better and I'm still constantly doing so.

My main principle I am trying to stick to is start with the least capital possible, but at the same time be realistic.

I am very happy that, the whole time I have been planning I have not had the capital that I initially wanted, as if I had then I probably would have rushed everything and flopped. Yes there is such thing as trial and error but no need to throw yourself into error if you can be smart about it.


YOUR PLAN FOR NOW

Find a job
work and save

Research Research Research

the rest will come in due time

 

[Chris Ashdown]

A young window cleaner was in the papers yesterday and also on YouTube getting massive free advertising

All he does in clean a few road signs between traveling to jobs, they take him only a couple of minutes each sign

I bet this week he is flooded with calls for his services for being a nice person

Marketing does not have to cost a fortune or take long if lateral thinking is applied, just be the first to do it to get the publicity

 

[kkfcXHzmCc]

A young window cleaner was in the papers yesterday and also on YouTube getting massive free advertising

All he does in clean a few road signs between traveling to jobs, they take him only a couple of minutes each sign

I bet this week he is flooded with calls for his services for being a nice person

Marketing does not have to cost a fortune or take long if lateral thinking is applied, just be the first to do it to get the publicity

This is a very good point. He'll be loaded soon!

 

[Mr D]

A young window cleaner was in the papers yesterday and also on YouTube getting massive free advertising

All he does in clean a few road signs between traveling to jobs, they take him only a couple of minutes each sign

I bet this week he is flooded with calls for his services for being a nice person

Marketing does not have to cost a fortune or take long if lateral thinking is applied, just be the first to do it to get the publicity

Yes saw that.
In his case it works and council don't have a problem with it.
Not always the case.

He's young, willing to get stuck in when seeing a problem - he could go far. And the tens of thousands of pounds in free advertising won't hurt.

 

[Jamie Monumental]

Cleaning company probably requires the lowest investment

 

[Mr D]

Cleaning company probably requires the lowest investment

Apart from the marketing, the travel, the cashflow, the equipment, the van etc.

 

[dwight10]

Hi everyone I’m new to the forums.
Basically I’m looking for some advice, to try keep things brief I’ve had a very bad last 4-5 years in life which resulted in me being out of work for the last 3 years with depression and totally out of a job, the job I had was at a powder coating factory.
I now feel ready to get back into the working world but from being out of work for all those years companies are obviously put off, I’ve tried applying for any jobs really but haven’t heard nothing.

I have felt for a long time I’d really love to work for myself but the issue I’ve had is what could I do?
The only qualification I have is a foundation pass in ICT... barely worth mentioning tbh.
I do have a car and about £1,000 spare to invest in something if it’s worth it.

The only ideas I’ve had is
Man with a van - would just require purchasing a second hand van, advertising, leaflets etc (worry being trying to get a good working van for cheap, getting work)
Becoming a painter and decorator - would have to pay for a few weeks course and buy tools. (Worry being I’ve never really done proper decorating and I’d imagine it might be a bit daunting pricing up jobs, getting everything right etc)
Start a window cleaning company - Buy ladders and equipment, advertise. (Negative being I can’t see it earning me much)
Start a cleaning company - Buying equipment and advertise. (Only ever done house cleaning really but I’d imagine this one is simple enough)

These are the only ideas I’ve had, can anyone give advice on these ideas or have any better ideas, would be much appreciated.
One other thing is it quite simple to be self employed and sort you’re own taxes etc, is it just done once yearly?
Many thanks.

Hi, Steve Jobs, Business Leader and Billionaire advised "The only ways to do great work is to Love what you do". So we all have to find our own ideal Pleasant work or own businesses work solutions.

When you focus on the Positive, that is far far more effective and useful for even better work, business and also make money results as well.

Since I learned advice from various make money experts, includes some Millionaires advice.

Since someone went from being homeless and some point later in time, to later step becoming a Successful Millionaire.

To me as an Entrepreneur, you also do 100% have and can also find solutions for Living your own even better and even more Pleasant Life Styles now!

Dwight Harrison, Entrepreneur

 

[Deleted member 319791]

Window cleaners I'm sure are classed as street traders and you may need a licence to operate.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Window cleaners I'm sure are classed as street traders and you may need a licence to operate.

No they are not

 

[Deleted member 319791]

In Scotland they are.

 

[alan1302]

In Scotland they are.

Just Googled and in Moray they need a licence but it is different from the street traders licence.

 

[Deleted member 319791]

I know a guy that does it and the licence is basically a quick check to make sure you aren't the type to raid someone's house via an open window. Tenement windows can be very lucrative contracts.