What is the smallest easiest thing you have done that had a bigger impact than you expected? small business |
- What is the smallest easiest thing you have done that had a bigger impact than you expected?
- Any SBA news as to when the second draw of PPP will open for applications?
- New small business owner. What things do you wish you knew when you first started your small business? Any tips or advice?
- I'm selling at my first craft fair! I need all the help I can get. :)
- The importance of Ranking in Google Maps
- UK digital services B2B: how to approach VAT?
- PPP Round 2 Accepting Applications?
- Part time handyman business questions.
- Online pet store business anxiety
- Complete fatigue from my business due to COVID
- Help
- sustainable fashion store
- Experiences going to school and owning a business?
- Accounting software: Xero vs. Freshbooks vs. Quickbooks online?
- Business Bank Accounts
- Can I sell established “creations” as a product for my business?
- New gardening Business, Is it a good or bad idea estimating through photos?
- Hey small business owners! For companies less than 3 years old, how did you obtain your first lines of credit?
- Looking for advice for Restaurants/Bars at limited capacity
- What would you do?
- I’m trying to start a clothing brand I’ve already got some cool designs how do I start up and sell my clothes
- Advice on growing
- Is there no way to protect yourself from a lawsuit in a small business?
- Tracking mileage
- Selling product online via USPS
| What is the smallest easiest thing you have done that had a bigger impact than you expected? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 06:05 PM PST For our company, we decided the office manager/call scheduling person's main job was to manage expectations. Expectations of the customer and us techs. With this mind set, our customers have suddenly become awesome folks to do business with. Why? Peope that didn't have the same expectations, we're not put on schedule. Example: we will call on within 10 minutes of arriving in our 3 hour time frame. Don't want to wait 3 hours. No problem. We hear good things about: our competition appliance service. We expect to be paid a min service call which currently is $xxx.xx. If you aren't wanting to put $250-300 into your current machine, it'll be better to go on down to Home Depot for a new one. When customers and businesses' expectations meet, good things happen. [link] [comments]  |
| Any SBA news as to when the second draw of PPP will open for applications? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 02:30 PM PST Any SBA news as to when the second draw of PPP will open for applications? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 05:07 AM PST I am a candle and wax melt maker. My products are being sold in local stores and I am going to participate in farmer's markets, craft shows, etc. Would it be wise of me to open a separate bank account for my business income/expenses? Any tips for filing taxes? [link] [comments]  |
| I'm selling at my first craft fair! I need all the help I can get. :) Posted: 05 Jan 2021 05:33 PM PST I'm going to be a vendor at my first craft fair since opening this shop six months ago on Etsy. I sell masks and hope to also have candles made. My main question is: where do people find those resealable, sturdy plastic pouches? I saw them at one fair I went to and can not find them anywhere. So far I know I will have two tables, two chairs, and electricity (it's indoors). I am currently working on a logo and overall brand theme. :) I plan to bring candles, wax melts, masks, and mask carrying pouches. Any other advice? [link] [comments]  |
| The importance of Ranking in Google Maps Posted: 05 Jan 2021 07:07 PM PST Do you know what the Google Map Pack is? You have probably seen it, and used it You just didn't know what it was called. When you need something, like a plumber, or an electrician, or a gym in your town or "near me" - you probably do what most people do --- Google it. In the my example, I needed a plumber in Frisco, TX. The Map Pack is the list of three companies that show up. In this case, the map pack contains Lee's, Smith & Son, and Mr. Rooter. Who would you have called? I would have called one of the three plumbers in the 3 company Map Pack. I would check out a few reviews and make the call. The bottom line is that if you are a local business and are not in the map pack for your keywords, you are likely invisible. Ranking in the top three and having good reviews is key to driving quick demand for your products and services. If you are not in the map pack - let me know and we can work on getting you there. I've read so much on the topic, watched hours of YouTube videos and taken a few Udemy training courses. I implemented the first step and went from unranked map page to page 1!! I am so happy. It took about 30 min, and I have so many more things that I will be doing tomorrow the competition doesn't stand a chance!!!! (Edit:spelling) [link] [comments]  |
| UK digital services B2B: how to approach VAT? Posted: 06 Jan 2021 02:01 AM PST Hello all, I am just about to launch my SaaS product and I'm quite lost with regards to how I should approach VAT for UK sales and for EU sales. Given Brexit, HMRC's guidance is hard to decipher. I am not currently registered for VAT. My questions: 1.) Until I meet my "required to register for VAT" threshold, what should I do? If I expect to meet it during 2021, is it wise to register as soon as possible or it's better to wait until I actually meet it? I'm thinking about recurring customers - say, someone signs up for a subscription and now I charge them £100 and in a few months I have to update it and start charging £100 + VAT? How do I communicate that? 2.) If an order comes in from an EU country, how does VAT work now? As far as I understand, I have to register in an EU country for MOSS. Am I obliged to do that? Do I only need to do that once I meet that UK VAT threshold? What happens if I take an order from an EU customer until I'm not registered for UK VAT / EU VAT MOSS? All this is kind of automated through Stripe and I need to set up taxation rules before launching. [link] [comments]  |
| PPP Round 2 Accepting Applications? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 04:45 PM PST Anyone know of a bank or online lender accepting applications for round 2 2nd draw? Haven't found any yet... Any help would be appreciated! [link] [comments]  |
| Part time handyman business questions. Posted: 05 Jan 2021 03:51 PM PST Hello, I am considering starting a part time handyman business. I work full time as an automotive technician, but have extensive experience painting, lawncare, home repair and renovation. I'm also a veteran and plan to use this in my marketing. I live in a very white collar, well to do neighborhood, surrounded by other upperclass neighborhoods. i have seen a huge demand for small trades services. Here are my questions;
I see the potential for this to be a profitable business, but want to make sure to do everything legitimately and honestly. [link] [comments]  |
| Online pet store business anxiety Posted: 05 Jan 2021 06:33 PM PST Hi everyone! I've been thinking for a while to open an online pet store business mainly for dogs. I'm super new to starting a business on my own, so I'm not sure where to start (aside from applying EIN and looking for suppliers). I think I become paralyzed by analysis in this case. I guess my question is, what kind of business plan I should prepare? What would be my first step after finding supplier and creating website? How did you guys market your store economically? Do you guys have any tips on overcoming the first business anxiety? And where did you guys learn about business plan when you're not familiar with the industry? Thanks!!! [link] [comments]  |
| Complete fatigue from my business due to COVID Posted: 05 Jan 2021 08:16 AM PST I've been in business since 2016 making custom patches. I'm in NYC and at the start of the COVID explosion in March, I got busy while the entire city and Chinese production shut down. Because I produce everything here myself, American made patches were all most people could get for a few weeks. I was working in my shop alone. I eventually got COVID, didn't have it too terribly like others but have been in a fog ever since. I can't focus or even want to focus on bettering my growth and business so much so that I completely pulled back for months. There's been quite a large wall up to get going again. The customers are still there, I'm not advertising at all, I'm not active on social platforms and still get inquiries for patches. I've taken a very long break and want to focus again, but there's a very large fog. Has anyone else experienced similar problems over the last year? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 03:08 PM PST Hello everyone my name is Juan. This is going to be a long post I believe..mainly because I need HELP! I started my own business a few months ago and I've had no help or guidon doing things properly which I'm sure many of you did the same and learned a lot. So that's where I'm at. I'm making mistakes and it's really hurting. My business: is a Junk Removal business based in Montgomery County, Maryland. My issues: Getting work. I am having trouble getting work on my own or getting leads and so on. From the start I got on thumbtack and that was my biggest mistake. HUGE mistake. I was getting work constantly and constantly but it ran me dry. Literally left me dry, so I cut them off and luckily I had a few repeat customers call me for some work and put me back on my feet. Now that I've cut off lead generating software I am struggling to find work. I post and post on fb in groups and so on. I'd like to know how some of you were able to generate leads for your business. This is the first time I've reached out for help or guidance and I wish I did sooner. Any help or any advice would be greatly appreciated. I post my website and maybe you can give me tips. I just don't want to give up. My wife got sick last year and basically died and had to be resuscitated(kidney failure and we had no idea) . Long story short..she had to learn to walk again etc and obviously could no longer work (she's also been on dialysis 3 days a week since) and we have two boys. I had quit my regular job cause I couldn't provide on my own and started this business. For awhile I did okay but like I said I made a huge mistake and I'm struggling, but the last thing I want to do is give up. I want this to be successful for myself and my family. I'm doing the best I can. Any help and any advice is greatly appreciated. [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 12:13 PM PST Hi! I recently started a new online store business focused around selling vintage designer clothing. I am a huge advocate for sustainable fashion and this has been a dream a mine for a very long time. I believe the fashion industry has a huge impact on the planet and by increasing the life cycle of the garments we can make a serious impact on the environment. What does everyone believe? I am looking to improve and grow my business by connecting with potential customers. If any of you have any tips or ideas on how to grow my business, any feedback or just helpful advice please comment it down below! [link] [comments]  |
| Experiences going to school and owning a business? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 10:39 PM PST How do you go to school (12+ credits) and run a business? I have an ecommerce business, but I have to go to school (I'm an engineer major). How have you guys managed this? Don't tell me anything about your business. Tell me about how you managed your time, mind, and energy. Also, what grades did you get, and simply the success you achieved with the business. [link] [comments]  |
| Accounting software: Xero vs. Freshbooks vs. Quickbooks online? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 10:19 PM PST This has been discussed ad nauseam, but if anyone has experience relevant to my use case/a link to another thread I'd appreciate it. My situation:
My needs:
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| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 10:11 PM PST I just started my small business as a sole proprietor. I've been purchasing supplies through my personal credit card since I haven't set up a business bank account. What's the best banks for starters (don't want to deposit much in to reach minimum requirements)? [link] [comments]  |
| Can I sell established “creations” as a product for my business? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 10:29 AM PST Hello! Hope everyone is having a good new year so far. I'm a young home baker. I sell cakes, cookies, pastries, and also do some art on the side. Recently, I've been seeing a lot of Among Us stickers on Etsy or basically anywhere and I was wondering if I could do it for my cookies/cupcakes too. Like can I essentially say flavours and art inspired by Among Us? I was thinking of making all the colours, sell them individually or a fixed set. Each colour would be different flavours. Would I get sued for it? I'm thinking of also adding some of my doodled Among Us art for the packaging. I'm planning to indicate to my socials and the package that it isn't a collaborative work and this is mainly an "inspiration." What sets the boundaries between Etsy shops selling Among Us stickers vs a home delivery service bakery that would include Among Us flavours/aesthetics? Thank you :) [link] [comments]  |
| New gardening Business, Is it a good or bad idea estimating through photos? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 09:28 PM PST So I've had a few customer enquires with my new gardening business with people asking for quotes. Is it bad if im asking for photos to estimate over instead of actually going to the properties and speaking with them about prices etc? A few have been a fair drive which i dont really want to drive all the way there for them to not even use me anyway. I thought photos are a quick and easy way to give someone a price. I know this could backfire on me but it just seems like a quick and efficient way to give people pricing Thanks :) [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 09:10 AM PST Even during COVID, its my experience that it's harder to be considered for grants and loans if you are a young company. The same issue exists with federal contracting: you can't get the contract without past performance, but you can't get the past performance until you get the contract/job. What comes first the chicken or the egg? Any advice how to grind through these first few years? Do you just have to get lucky with banks who will give you a shot, be patient until you have a few more years of income under your belt, OR are there specific opportunities out there to help boost your company's credibility to lenders? Thanks to all!! [link] [comments]  |
| Looking for advice for Restaurants/Bars at limited capacity Posted: 05 Jan 2021 04:42 PM PST Even though my restaurant (which people treat more like a bar) is closed at the moment, if our covid cases go down we can open at 25%. Was wondering if anyone implemented anything to help turnover and/or any other tips for operating at lower capacity? Unfortunately because our drinks are so popular people come in for a more bar like experience. We've already cut some items from the food menu, to save on food costs. Owners are working to keep labor hours down. Just curious what other restaurants have done in a similar situation that has helped. Thanks in advance [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 08:01 PM PST Should we keep going? And if so how? After 5 months of focused product development (and 15 years of experience in the charitable sector), on March 1st, 2020 my cofounder (CTO) and I launched a crowdfunding sass solution focused on helping nonprofits in North America run short-burst fundraising campaigns. It's just us and we're wearing a LOT of hats to keep this thing going. We're a niche product in a niche market but have been fortunate to have sold our solution to 30 organizations since March. 93% of the campaigns run on our platform have exceeded client expectations in terms of $ raised, volunteers engaged and new donors cultivated. We've been systematically detecting and fixing bugs and improving many parts of the product based on user feedback. To date, all profits have been reinvested in the business. We have been able to cover monthly operation expenses (primarily contract front-end developers, server fees, digital advertising, legal and accounting fees). No cofounder compensation through payroll or dividends has been issued so far in our journey. So, to my question... redditors, what do you suggest should be done with the ($150-$175k) capital that we have accrued from revenue? Is it worth pushing through w/out founder compensation? How could this bootstrapped capital be used and what type of investment (in your experience) has the potential to yield the greatest return in year 2? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 07:44 PM PST |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 07:42 PM PST I have a Facebook group for it right now. And its gotten 254 member in 2 months. That's not a lot but I'm satisfied enough with it. My page had an Instagram and TikTok. Which neither get really any views and I don't know why. I thought I was doing good at a steady pace. Am I doing okay? How can I continue to bring people in? [link] [comments]  |
| Is there no way to protect yourself from a lawsuit in a small business? Posted: 05 Jan 2021 06:02 AM PST So I have been asking in some forums and small business ideas and it seems it is impossible to be protected from a law suit. I just started a rental company business with my ATV and dirtbikes, and currently store them in my back yard. They come to my house to pick it up, then drop it off essentially. This is my life line as there is nothing else I know how to do yet alone this is what is keeping me from being homeless. My small business. I started this essentially with no insurance as I couldnt afford it. Now I am making a little more, so I would like to get myself protected, but seems a lot of folks are negative about this business and approach. I currently just use a waiver that I am not responsible for any members getting hurt or your own negligence. they sign it, and move on. Now I am looking to get insurance to protect my small business because I know someone getting hurt is bound to happen one day, and from what these people told me, my contract and waiver does not hold up in court and its pointless to have a waiver essentially. I had a person comment back, even if I have an LLC and liability insurance, they can still come after me and wipe my business clean. I mean so what is the point of insurance? Is it true it is impossible for me to be 100% protected? This business, I dont even make much money. But it is enough for me to live and put food on the table. Honestly makes me just want to give it up and work minimum wage somewhere. I also had someone reply back that liability alone for this kind of businesses is very expensive, and almost not even worth it unless my revenue is high, which is not. They recommended that I should just give up the business because the risk is too high. It sounds very unmotivating to be honest and I feel like I should not continue if I am going to lose everything since I am not 100% protected in the event if someone gets hurt. What should I do? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 05 Jan 2021 06:48 PM PST Hi everyone, I just started my small business and I've already made quite a few purchases for our business as well as driven around places to get our items. I am working on an Excel sheet to track our mileage now.. might be a silly question but does the trip there and back home count, or is it just the trip to the store? Thank you! [link] [comments]  |
| Selling product online via USPS Posted: 05 Jan 2021 06:27 PM PST I'm starting an online business selling glass jars of homemade food product. I've got jars, cardboard boxes, protective packing and tape. The only thing I'm not sure about is the best way to ship via USPS (all I have determined is USPS is cheaper than Fedex or UPS at this point). I have some very specific questions that I figured would be best aired on reddit as opposed to over the phone with a USPS worker: 1) My boxes are small (4x4x4 inches), but I know most shipping labels are 4x6. Are there smaller ones I can purchase? 2) To use Pirate Ship or Ship Station, do I need a home label printer? 3) If the above are too difficult or not possible for me, can I bring the sealed box to USPS and ship it without dealing with the label ahead of time? Might be dumb, but could I just write the to: and from: addresses directly on the box? Thank you. [link] [comments]  |
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