Please no beefing with each other in this thread..
This thread is for BGOL/SOL members who are working a 9-5 job or just want to start a business, but don't have the knowledge. So please add to this thread if you can, on how to start any(NAME) business that you was always interested in or have, I'll will start it off with .....
--------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Barber Shop
•Step 1
Find a convenient location. Like any other service business, location is a key factor to consider when setting up a barber shop, particularly if you want to encourage walk-in business. You need to look for a place that is strategically located and easy to access. A corner shop or an intersection where the human traffic is high is the most convenient location for setting up a barber shop.
•Step 2
Obtain a business license. Research the local statutes and legal requirements for running a barbershop enterprise. These include the minimum shop equipment requirements, shop size requirements, tools, lighting, and plumbing. Your local chamber of commerce may be of assistance in helping you get this information.
•Step 3
Draw up a budget for the start-up and operational costs of your barbershop. Start up costs will range from the cost of leasing a shop space to capital for purchasing necessary equipment, materials and supplies that you need. Determine the source for this funding, such as personal savings or a business loan.
•Step 4
Obtain a sales tax ID. This will enable you to purchase supplies and materials wholesale. Shop the different wholesale suppliers and compare the prices and discounts that each offers to determine the most economical one for your shop.
•Step 5
Brainstorm the different methods you can use to market your barbershop services and build a client base. This can range from postcards offering coupons for first time customers to launching a Website for your barbershop.
•Step 6
Visit other barbershops in the area to see what kind of services they offer. Check out the prices that are charged. Determine how you can distinguish yourself from your competition. For example, you could offer free coffee and nibbles or an offer for a free haircut once a customer gets 10 haircuts.
•Step 7
Remember that no one ever forgets a bad haircut. Make sure that you have the skill and experience to deliver quality service. If you personally don't, hire barbers who do. Focus on managing the business side of the barber shop.
•Step 8
Write a business plan that takes into account all the research and planning that you conducted in each of the above steps. A business plan is important to keep your business on track, and it is also necessary if you seek a business loan.
•Step 9
Implement your business plan and open your barbershop. Put an emphasis on client service, particularly in maintaining a calendar of appointments. Double bookings or taking in more clients than you can handle will not be taken kindly.
----------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Beauty Salon
•Step 1
Do your research and ensure that you will be able to manage all aspects of running your own business. Go to your local bank or enterprise aid organization and meet with someone who can talk you through the financial and accounting aspects of the business. These organizations will also be able to provide you with a template for a business plan which is a vital tool in your project as it will give you all the information you need to be aware of in running your own business. The best therapist in the world will fail if not properly equipped to deal with the administrative side of the business. Once you feel you understand the burden of administration you can decide if you can handle it yourself or need to budget for a part time bookkeeper or receptionist/administrator to help you.
•Step 2
Be aware of health codes and local legislation. You could be shut down before you even open your doors if you can't get a pass by a health inspector. Ensure that you have all the equipment and supplies to follow the health code, as well as the expertise to uphold it. Also, some states have different rules than others. Can you cut cuticles? Shave callus? Double check before opening
•Step 3
Choose the right location. Location is critical to the success of your business. You need a location that is strategically situated on one of the busiest streets in your area, if not in a mall. Some salons employing well-known hair stylists (e.g. "stylists to the stars") can put their business anywhere and clients will still flock to them. If you don’t have a well-established reputation in the business and a long list of loyal clientele, find a high-profile location with an easy access from all parts of town.
•Step 4
Create a clean and safe atmosphere. Salons thrive on an environment that is clean, safe and relaxing, where customers can receive prompt and professional service. Cleanliness is a particularly important element that can draw clients in again and again. Be sure your towels, foot baths, and other equipments are washed, clean and odor-free. Your clients must be able to trust that the products and tools that you use on them are of top-notch quality and safe. You cannot afford to put your clients at risk from infections, as it could damage your reputation.
•Step 5
Offer a wide range of services in one setting, which will give you a distinct advantage over those who offer only one or two types of services. Many clients prefer to have their hair, nails and face done in one place, instead of going to three different places. While you can specialize in one main area (e.g. hair), giving your clients the convenience of a one-stop beauty shop can set your business apart from your competitors. Always buy the right products, and if a beauty salon pick a recognized skin care brand which will draw clients to your salon.
•Step 6
Hire qualified and trained personnel. The cosmetic procedures performed by untrained personnel may cause health problems to the clients. It is important that you hire only qualified and well-trained beauticians, stylists, and other personnel. Experience may give a beautician the expertise to render treatment, but, without proper training, she would be unaware of the merits and demerits of procedures. It is your responsibility as the salon owner to ensure that your personnel are adequately trained and understand each procedure offered.
Have a short but clear salon procedures manual in place as soon as you can, and give each employee a contract when they start. These documents are usually easy to find on the internet and you can then customize them to your business. It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run if you are set up properly at the beginning
•Step 7
Keep your clients satisfied. A salon’s best marketing tool is word-of-mouth. If a client is happy with the results, he or she will come back to the your salon; after all, it's a question of trust. Satisfied clients can then help advertise your business to their friends, family, and colleagues. Word can easily spread about the great look and outstanding personal service that your salon provides. It is important that your business create and maintain the desirable reputation as a quality hair and salon operation. Collect contact information from your clients e.g. an email address or cell phone number, and if you have a computerized system you than then easily text or mail them with updates on new products/services, and any special offers you have.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Real Estate Company
•Step 1
Become a licensed real estate broker. The first step in starting your real estate business is to enroll in coursework and take the required licensing exam. The exact requirements will differ from state to state, so it’s best to contact your state’s real estate commission. Some states have reciprocity, meaning that they will honor your license so that you can work as a real estate broker in a different state. As an alternative, you can simply hire a real estate broker for your new business.
•Step 2
Decide what kind of real estate business you want. Would you prefer to invest in a real estate franchise, or would you want to begin an independent real estate agency? Joining a real estate franchise offers both the backing of an established brand name and the valuable training and support needed to get your business started. This may be helpful if you want to establish immediate credibility with the clients in your area.
•Step 3
Source a suitable location. It’s important to know your area well when you are in the real estate market. In fact, take the time to research what the market is like where you’ll be opening your business. Gain insight into what kind of housing is most popular, what neighborhoods are known for good schools and where you can reside comfortably without a car. You will fast become a valuable resource, and clients will turn to you for their home buying and selling needs.
•Step 4
Create a business plan. As with any business, it is important to develop a business plan that details your financial plan and budget as well as how you plan on running your business. This plan should also include important details, such as the need to purchase errors and omissions insurance to prevent unnecessary lawsuits and whether or not you plan on hiring real estate agents.
•Step 5
Fund your real estate business. You will need to figure out whether you have enough capital to start up the real estate business on your own or whether you will need a loan. Remember that loans can come from trusted friends or family not just commercial banks.
•Step 6
Start your marketing efforts. This includes becoming a member of your local National Association of Realtors. By joining a trade organization, you gain both credibility and access to pertinent information such as valuable home listings. You also need to get your name out in the community by engaging yourself in organizations such as your local chamber of commerce.
•Step 7
Start representing buyers and sellers in your market. Once you have made a name for yourself, clients will start coming to you for their real estate needs. Be prepared to work hard and reap the rewards!
Tips & Warnings
•If you want to become a broker, it will take time to get your license. Check with the department of real estate in your state to find out what the requirements are..
•In some markets, getting property listings is difficult. If you are in such a market, try to secure listings by networking with friends, neighbors and any other connections you have..
•Real estate is a litigious industry. It is wise to get errors and omissions insurance to protect your assets..
------------------------------------------
This thread is for BGOL/SOL members who are working a 9-5 job or just want to start a business, but don't have the knowledge. So please add to this thread if you can, on how to start any(NAME) business that you was always interested in or have, I'll will start it off with .....
--------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Barber Shop
•Step 1
Find a convenient location. Like any other service business, location is a key factor to consider when setting up a barber shop, particularly if you want to encourage walk-in business. You need to look for a place that is strategically located and easy to access. A corner shop or an intersection where the human traffic is high is the most convenient location for setting up a barber shop.
•Step 2
Obtain a business license. Research the local statutes and legal requirements for running a barbershop enterprise. These include the minimum shop equipment requirements, shop size requirements, tools, lighting, and plumbing. Your local chamber of commerce may be of assistance in helping you get this information.
•Step 3
Draw up a budget for the start-up and operational costs of your barbershop. Start up costs will range from the cost of leasing a shop space to capital for purchasing necessary equipment, materials and supplies that you need. Determine the source for this funding, such as personal savings or a business loan.
•Step 4
Obtain a sales tax ID. This will enable you to purchase supplies and materials wholesale. Shop the different wholesale suppliers and compare the prices and discounts that each offers to determine the most economical one for your shop.
•Step 5
Brainstorm the different methods you can use to market your barbershop services and build a client base. This can range from postcards offering coupons for first time customers to launching a Website for your barbershop.
•Step 6
Visit other barbershops in the area to see what kind of services they offer. Check out the prices that are charged. Determine how you can distinguish yourself from your competition. For example, you could offer free coffee and nibbles or an offer for a free haircut once a customer gets 10 haircuts.
•Step 7
Remember that no one ever forgets a bad haircut. Make sure that you have the skill and experience to deliver quality service. If you personally don't, hire barbers who do. Focus on managing the business side of the barber shop.
•Step 8
Write a business plan that takes into account all the research and planning that you conducted in each of the above steps. A business plan is important to keep your business on track, and it is also necessary if you seek a business loan.
•Step 9
Implement your business plan and open your barbershop. Put an emphasis on client service, particularly in maintaining a calendar of appointments. Double bookings or taking in more clients than you can handle will not be taken kindly.
----------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Beauty Salon
•Step 1
Do your research and ensure that you will be able to manage all aspects of running your own business. Go to your local bank or enterprise aid organization and meet with someone who can talk you through the financial and accounting aspects of the business. These organizations will also be able to provide you with a template for a business plan which is a vital tool in your project as it will give you all the information you need to be aware of in running your own business. The best therapist in the world will fail if not properly equipped to deal with the administrative side of the business. Once you feel you understand the burden of administration you can decide if you can handle it yourself or need to budget for a part time bookkeeper or receptionist/administrator to help you.
•Step 2
Be aware of health codes and local legislation. You could be shut down before you even open your doors if you can't get a pass by a health inspector. Ensure that you have all the equipment and supplies to follow the health code, as well as the expertise to uphold it. Also, some states have different rules than others. Can you cut cuticles? Shave callus? Double check before opening
•Step 3
Choose the right location. Location is critical to the success of your business. You need a location that is strategically situated on one of the busiest streets in your area, if not in a mall. Some salons employing well-known hair stylists (e.g. "stylists to the stars") can put their business anywhere and clients will still flock to them. If you don’t have a well-established reputation in the business and a long list of loyal clientele, find a high-profile location with an easy access from all parts of town.
•Step 4
Create a clean and safe atmosphere. Salons thrive on an environment that is clean, safe and relaxing, where customers can receive prompt and professional service. Cleanliness is a particularly important element that can draw clients in again and again. Be sure your towels, foot baths, and other equipments are washed, clean and odor-free. Your clients must be able to trust that the products and tools that you use on them are of top-notch quality and safe. You cannot afford to put your clients at risk from infections, as it could damage your reputation.
•Step 5
Offer a wide range of services in one setting, which will give you a distinct advantage over those who offer only one or two types of services. Many clients prefer to have their hair, nails and face done in one place, instead of going to three different places. While you can specialize in one main area (e.g. hair), giving your clients the convenience of a one-stop beauty shop can set your business apart from your competitors. Always buy the right products, and if a beauty salon pick a recognized skin care brand which will draw clients to your salon.
•Step 6
Hire qualified and trained personnel. The cosmetic procedures performed by untrained personnel may cause health problems to the clients. It is important that you hire only qualified and well-trained beauticians, stylists, and other personnel. Experience may give a beautician the expertise to render treatment, but, without proper training, she would be unaware of the merits and demerits of procedures. It is your responsibility as the salon owner to ensure that your personnel are adequately trained and understand each procedure offered.
Have a short but clear salon procedures manual in place as soon as you can, and give each employee a contract when they start. These documents are usually easy to find on the internet and you can then customize them to your business. It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run if you are set up properly at the beginning
•Step 7
Keep your clients satisfied. A salon’s best marketing tool is word-of-mouth. If a client is happy with the results, he or she will come back to the your salon; after all, it's a question of trust. Satisfied clients can then help advertise your business to their friends, family, and colleagues. Word can easily spread about the great look and outstanding personal service that your salon provides. It is important that your business create and maintain the desirable reputation as a quality hair and salon operation. Collect contact information from your clients e.g. an email address or cell phone number, and if you have a computerized system you than then easily text or mail them with updates on new products/services, and any special offers you have.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Start a Real Estate Company
•Step 1
Become a licensed real estate broker. The first step in starting your real estate business is to enroll in coursework and take the required licensing exam. The exact requirements will differ from state to state, so it’s best to contact your state’s real estate commission. Some states have reciprocity, meaning that they will honor your license so that you can work as a real estate broker in a different state. As an alternative, you can simply hire a real estate broker for your new business.
•Step 2
Decide what kind of real estate business you want. Would you prefer to invest in a real estate franchise, or would you want to begin an independent real estate agency? Joining a real estate franchise offers both the backing of an established brand name and the valuable training and support needed to get your business started. This may be helpful if you want to establish immediate credibility with the clients in your area.
•Step 3
Source a suitable location. It’s important to know your area well when you are in the real estate market. In fact, take the time to research what the market is like where you’ll be opening your business. Gain insight into what kind of housing is most popular, what neighborhoods are known for good schools and where you can reside comfortably without a car. You will fast become a valuable resource, and clients will turn to you for their home buying and selling needs.
•Step 4
Create a business plan. As with any business, it is important to develop a business plan that details your financial plan and budget as well as how you plan on running your business. This plan should also include important details, such as the need to purchase errors and omissions insurance to prevent unnecessary lawsuits and whether or not you plan on hiring real estate agents.
•Step 5
Fund your real estate business. You will need to figure out whether you have enough capital to start up the real estate business on your own or whether you will need a loan. Remember that loans can come from trusted friends or family not just commercial banks.
•Step 6
Start your marketing efforts. This includes becoming a member of your local National Association of Realtors. By joining a trade organization, you gain both credibility and access to pertinent information such as valuable home listings. You also need to get your name out in the community by engaging yourself in organizations such as your local chamber of commerce.
•Step 7
Start representing buyers and sellers in your market. Once you have made a name for yourself, clients will start coming to you for their real estate needs. Be prepared to work hard and reap the rewards!
Tips & Warnings
•If you want to become a broker, it will take time to get your license. Check with the department of real estate in your state to find out what the requirements are..
•In some markets, getting property listings is difficult. If you are in such a market, try to secure listings by networking with friends, neighbors and any other connections you have..
•Real estate is a litigious industry. It is wise to get errors and omissions insurance to protect your assets..
------------------------------------------
Last edited:
