How did you start your business?

[lurknomo]

The thread where one of the members of the board who asked an Chinese lady how to start a restaurant got me thinking, and the replies that thread where a few members thought it was dumb for the OP to even run up to a Chinese lady and ask how she started was "debo like" made me want to ask in a normal way.

So I know there are a lot of folks on this site that have their own business. So my question is ONLY to them. People who have their own business, no matter how small, large or even if you are the only employee. It doesn't matter as long as you have a side stream of income or are self employed in a company that YOU started. I don't want to hear from people with "thoughts " of how to start a business or even people who "had" one. If you currently have your own business. How did you start it? Also how did you get your first few customers?


VERY IMPORTANT EDIT:
A long time ago a guy posted that he created a few websites (and flipped them) and he wanted to help a group of BGOL members do the same. It was like a training session on doing what he has done in the past. The post was really successful. They created a site called BluntBit. Now the thread that the dude that recruited died but I think Blunt bit is still around. I would like to know from ANYONE involved in Bluntbit how is it going?

2nd edit there was also a post in the business section (maybe damn near ten years ago) From a dude that planned to write his step by step bgol diary of selling t-shirts. I lost that post a long time ago and can't find it. I think the users may have been based in or near st. louis. If you happen to be that member please reply as well and tell us how is that going.

 

[lurknomo]

bump

 

[richminded]

The thread where one of the members of the board who asked an Chinese lady how to start a restaurant got me thinking, and the replies that thread where a few members thought it was dumb for the OP to even run up to a Chinese lady and ask how she started was "debo like" made me want to ask in a normal way.

So I know there are a lot of folks on this site that have their own business. So my question is ONLY to them. People who have their own business, no matter how small, large or even if you are the only employee. It doesn't matter as long as you have a side stream of income or are self employed in a company that YOU started. I don't want to hear from people with "thoughts " of how to start a business or even people who "had" one. If you currently have your own business. How did you start it? Also how did you get your first few customers?

I made the video and I didn't deebo anyone don't listen to idiots

 

[BronxBomber]

Perfume and Cologne Body Oils..... Ebay / Flea Market / or even in your local store.

I made that thread in 2006 since then have had a couple other threads.....

10 years later Ive quit my career etc... But as you can see back then I was in the flea markets heavy etc etc.

I started at my job, I was a School Counselor and my 2 secretaries were my first customers, they still buy to this day. I sold to everyone in the building or who came into the building, parents included. Was a semi earlier adopter to ebay. Made logical steps to grow my business and have done well for myself to be such a small operation.

Ive talked to several brothers from here who have businesses and we bounce ideas back and forth off each other.

Customers to me are EVERYBODY. I give out samples when I go get gas, restaurant, get massage, dentist, the bank, literally EVERYBODY is potential customer.

 

[clitsational]

bought a dslr

been shootin since i was a kid

dad put the camera in my hand as soon as i could hold it

used to shoot people now i shoot houses

work for several realtors

not glamorous but keeps the lights on

​

 

[Cross]

My dad left my brother and I some property and we grew it from there my dad was a contracter had us working with him at age 13 on sites my brother stuck with but my true calling was helping people and I eventually with the help from an amazing woman and friend started a non profit mentoring black boys and girls.

 

[BigDaddyBuk]

filed paperwork as a sole proprietorship. made and sold a comic book. made a little money. hired a contract lawyer. sought investors. became a corporation as an LLC. got some money from investors. hired a buncha asian artists. created content for 5 titles. poised to publish at least one title per month from 2018 til 2020.

we will see if it pays off.

 

[easy_b]

With some juices and berries

 

[YoungSinister]

Spent a few months planning and reading
Sold alot of my shares in Nvidia to finance the operation
Started purchasing equipment and materials.
Filed my LLC paperwork with the state
Bought a PO Box
Built a website
Found a good graphic designer
Got a friend to get me access to a lab for production purposes
Started the production process
Hit the net with the intent to advertise. Once I found the right formula it was smooth sailing

 

[Coldchi]

utilitized my skillset in IT to work for me in my off time fixin computers, upgrading, virus removal, data recovery, etc....
i wouldnt call it a business,....but a very good tax free side hustle. an extra $20-25k a year doin that doesn't hurt one bit.

 

[lurknomo]

Spent a few months planning and reading
Sold alot of my shares in Nvidia to finance the operation
Started purchasing equipment and materials.
Filed my LLC paperwork with the state
Bought a PO Box
Built a website
Found a good graphic designer
Got a friend to get me access to a lab for production purposes
Started the production process
Hit the net with the intent to advertise. Once I found the right formula it was smooth sailing

None of that tell me what you do or how you got your first customer...

 

[lurknomo]

utilitized my skillset in IT to work for me in my off time fixin computers, upgrading, virus removal, data recovery, etc....
i wouldnt call it a business,....but a very good tax free side hustle. an extra $20-25k a year doin that doesn't hurt one bit.

How did you get your first customer. I work in IT and I can do all the same stuff but I find it hard to find a customer. I wanted to fix and install upgrades but no one will bite, ive only used CL to advertise.

 

[lurknomo]

I made the video and I didn't deebo anyone don't listen to idiots

oh trust me I thought it was nuffin wrong with the way you asked, I dunno if it was satire or serious but I like the post. I see people living in apartments in the city that cost 3k a month and I wanna ask them how the hell do they afford that. But im glad you asked asked someone whos doing somthing exactly how to do it.

 

[lurknomo]

My dad left my brother and I some property and we grew it from there my dad was a contracter had us working with him at age 13 on sites my brother stuck with but my true calling was helping people and I eventually with the help from an amazing woman and friend started a non profit mentoring black boys and girls.

grew what, what type of business? I think I know but I dont want to asume.

 

[YoungSinister]

None of that tell me what you do or how you got your first customer...

You're right
I run a vitamin/supplement company
I got my first customer(s) by advertising on a forum
I posted in the Thots/Freak section, making comments about my product. It was enough to generate a few hundred in sales that day. That's when I began to figure out how to market my product

 

[Coldchi]

How did you get your first customer. I work in IT and I can do all the same stuff but I find it hard to find a customer. I wanted to fix and install upgrades but no one will bite, ive only used CL to advertise.

started out using CL.....then posting flyers at the student unions at all the local colleges and universities, hospitals, barbershops, etc..., in and around town.
Built a decent customer base of a few thousand people.....and now its through word of mouth and referral.

 

[mailboxpimp]

I tried.............
got tired of the complaining co-workers.......
I started practicing on the other stylists shampoo assistant.
Made friends with the dude in the mall who was the king of the shit I wanted to do.
Asked to come in on the days he was off.
Started working full time.
Soaked up the game.
Designed a business card that could speak for me.
Learned how to gorilla market pre social media era.
Saved my money.
Brought my shop / salon equipment used.
Turned my spot into my business.

I razor arch/ wax brows, apply lash extensions, brazilian waxing, & make up for women.
I got my 1st customer practicing on the shampoo assistant. I got the job @ bronner bros after basically begging to be put on for almost 3 months. Had to show up with a model. Its HARD to get a chick to let you fuk wit her eyebrows. She'll let you fuck u her hair before her brows. I didnt tell anyone I could arch brows until after I graduated from cosmetology school. The 1st time I used a razor was in cosmetology school. I had been a licensed master barber for almost 10 years already & never used a razor.

Word of mouth quickly spread. I advertised with a person I worked with who offered a service which complemented mines. Ordering fliers & business card 5k @ a time became very normal.

*had to take a few special certification classes for the eyelash extension certs..... the class for that can cost $500 - $2,500, for a 2 - 3 day session, 8 hrs per day. you MUST have a cosmetology or estheticians license to do eyelash extension/ microblading, both services are $150 & up per session. The average lash extension application cost $250 - $300 for a full set up to $500. Fillins which are basically mandatory begin @ $100 - $150.

Got into the union for hairstylist & make up artist...... I am able to work on movie & tv sets on the east coast. Clients on a very different money scale.

by my supplies wholesale from the asians.....
razor blades, individual lash extensions, eyebrow wigs, glue, make-up from mac, cotton balls, hot wax, hot wax machine, tissue, alcohol, eye pads.

 

[Mike In Bmore]

Used to work for a contractor for the DOD. The company lost the contract and we were all getting let go. There were opportunities to apply for the new contractor and commute or move to Virginia and opt out of getting a severance package or play it out til the end for the money. I stayed til the last day, got my severance and bought enough equipment to start my printing business. Began selling shit on eBay and CL and it just grew from there.
But I remember how I felt when the official word came down and we found ourselves out of a good paying job. Devastated. I didn't do anything wrong. I told myself I'd never put me in a position again where I could get laid off or fired. It was time to take control of my own shit. Even if it was small... I had to do my own thing.

 

[ANGRY MAN]

Was buying the latest and greatest car with car loans. Paid it off and ask for a personal loan, bought a business with my loan.

 

[lurknomo]

You're right
I run a vitamin/supplement company
I got my first customer(s) by advertising on a forum
I posted in the Thots/Freak section, making comments about my product. It was enough to generate a few hundred in sales that day. That's when I began to figure out how to market my product

How did you get the product made. I have an idea of a supplement but dont understand how I can get it made.

 

[lurknomo]

Was buying the latest and greatest car with car loans. Paid it off and ask for a personal loan, bought a business with my loan.

what type of business and how did you get your first customer?

 

[YoungSinister]

How did you get the product made. I have an idea of a supplement but dont understand how I can get it made.

I sourced all the raw materials and purchased the machinery so everything was produced right there in the lab. I have qualified people in my corner I help with production
What kind of supplement do you have in mind?

 

[tallblacknyc]

got my first vidcam in my late teens..use to tape me and my people wild antics at parades, beaches, college parties, use to tape my sexcapades..starting goin to the stripclub and got cool with dancers..than word of mouth the rite people heard of my work and got plugged into a few things..companies, events, clubs

private parties/bachelor parties..knew dancers, knew a lot of nigs that like strippers..i connected them both got paid for it

party promotion..knew a lot of clients..word of mouth got around i was the nig to do bizz with various promotion teams hollered and pulled me in

porn..word of mouth i knew broads..companies hollered at me.. also since i knew how to use a camera that got me cameraman money to..also i knew locations so that plug me into more money

it's other shit but that's all for now

 

[Cross]

grew what, what type of business? I think I know but I dont want to asume.

My brother and I own rental properties in and around NJ

 

[BrownTurd]

Started a cleaning business. I started with what I had in my house for supplies and then about $30 for Google adwords. I downloaded a website program off bgol named Xara and put together my website.

I got my first job through Google adwords. I specialized in move out cleanings. I went from just me to now 30 plus workers. The business does $550,000 a year.

I later opened a daycare which does $630,000 a year. I purchased the daycare from someone for $40,000

 

[Chitownheadbusa]

Ive made some NICE money through eCommerce. And I also collected from a npo that me and my cousin had going here in Chicago. But I never technically started my own business or created a brand. A lot of the business ive done was via partnering with Family who already had businesses. But since im inching closer to my mid 30s, i plan to start something soon.

Theres a lot of free and cheap resources out there that can help you start a business. Some of the same ones that those Asians used, you can use as well. You gotta research and network. I got a lot of good game and help when I did volunteer work for Chicago politicians back in the early 2000s. Getting into good relationships with local politicians helps a lot when u want to set up shops in certain areas. Every local politician has an office. Usually if u volunteer to help them for free, you can get a lot of good rewards once they take office.

I understand that when u dont have millions at your disposal, you gotta start small and work your way up. Be persistent and pateint. I'll keep my eye on this thread for tips......

 

[lurknomo]

I sourced all the raw materials and purchased the machinery so everything was produced right there in the lab. I have qualified people in my corner I help with production
What kind of supplement do you have in mind?

An energy one, so you make the product yourself?

My brother and I own rental properties in and around NJ

So see this is my issue. for something turn key Ive wanted to do this supplement thing for a long time, but dont know how to get it made. 2nd I've always loved doing RE. I used to go to RE meeting and even hooked with a dude to try to buy foreclose homes but it never bit. So i just brought my own house and never thought much of it esp since that was during the housing crisis.

The big issue with both of these is that I need to pick one and do it. trying start 2 hustles with minamum experience is ass backwards but I cant seattle on what to do or even be confident in either because Im a novice at both.

 

[lurknomo]

Started a cleaning business. I started with what I had in my house for supplies and then about $30 for Google adwords. I downloaded a website program off bgol named Xara and put together my website.

I got my first job through Google adwords. I specialized in move out cleanings. I went from just me to now 30 plus workers. The business does $550,000 a year.

I later opened a daycare which does $630,000 a year. I purchased the daycare from someone for $40,000

Aye did you post somthing on bgol YEARS ago about starting a cleaning biz?

 

[BrownTurd]

Aye did you post somthing on bgol YEARS ago about starting a cleaning biz?

Yeah I posted in this thread. One of the BGOl brothas I am helping out just for his first contract. http://www.bgol.us/forum/index.php?threads/bgol-will-put-you-up-on-a-hustle.389106/

 

[IMDATDUDE]

OP hope you don't take this as me trying to take over your thread but here is a thread from couple years ago asking your same question plus a little more info. I stop bumping the thread b/c people stop replying but I see most of the same guys responded in that thread but gave a little bit more info for you to see to motivate you if that is what you are looking for:
http://www.bgol.us/forum/index.php?...ss-owners-and-also-the-guys-who-tried.818898/

 

[Cross]

An energy one, so you make the product yourself?




So see this is my issue. for something turn key Ive wanted to do this supplement thing for a long time, but dont know how to get it made. 2nd I've always loved doing RE. I used to go to RE meeting and even hooked with a dude to try to buy foreclose homes but it never bit. So i just brought my own house and never thought much of it esp since that was during the housing crisis.

The big issue with both of these is that I need to pick one and do it. trying start 2 hustles with minamum experience is ass backwards but I cant seattle on what to do or even be confident in either because Im a novice at both.

One thing I will say if youre gonna go the rs route do because its something youre passionate about rs isnt a get rich quick endeavor it took us some time to actually turn a profit i love what i do but do understand i still have to work but im in a position now after years in the game that i can live comfortable with my income from our rs holdings.

 

[lurknomo]

OP hope you don't take this as me trying to take over your thread but here is a thread from couple years ago asking your same question plus a little more info. I stop bumping the thread b/c people stop replying but I see most of the same guys responded in that thread but gave a little bit more info for you to see to motivate you if that is what you are looking for:
http://www.bgol.us/forum/index.php?...ss-owners-and-also-the-guys-who-tried.818898/

Im reading it now, thanks, question to you tho. did that post inspire or help you to start a biz?

 

[YoungSinister]

An energy one, so you make the product yourself?

My employees do, in a GNP certified facility

 

[moblack]

My dad left my brother and I some property and we grew it from there my dad was a contracter had us working with him at age 13 on sites my brother stuck with but my true calling was helping people and I eventually with the help from an amazing woman and friend started a non profit mentoring black boys and girls.

Was waiting for you to say you lure single moms in wanting help to buy houses and you start smashing.

 

[Cross]

Was waiting for you to say you lure single moms in wanting help to buy houses and you start smashing.

No comment. Lol