jon_davies started this topic @ 15:46 on 17/03/2006
Hi there!
I am new to this particular forum, so please let me introduce myself. My name is Jonathan Davies, I am 19 years old and am currently living in High Wycombe where I am studying for a Foundation Degree in Airline and Airport Operations.
I would really like the opportunity to go into business for myself, however, the biggest problem I face is trying to think of the ideas for a small business that I can set-up. Its not that I am incapable of doing so, it is merely the fact that I constantly dought my own capabilities, and maybe I am being a bit too harsh on myself here, but I see other people's ideas, and think to myself "Why didn't I think of that before?". Most of the ideas I have come up with so far are so elablorate or would require so much funding that I think some investors would just sit there and laugh at me!
Can anyone offer me any advice or ideas for a small business that might be able to help me? If so, please feel free to post below or send me an e-mail (jonathan_mark_davies@hotmail.com).
Look forward to hearing from someone soon.
Regards,
Jonathan Davies.
RE: small business ideas?
FreeLocal | 17/03/2006 04:10 PM
Hi Jon . . . May be of interest to you.
We have just launched www.freelocal.co.uk as a result of success with www.seeitlocal.co.uk [our local site] and are currently working on network partner sites www.thameslocal.co.uk and www.thelocalsource.co.uk in addition to others around the country.
We are actively looking for people who can work within their local area, as a guide the area covered by local newspapers. The business is embryonic, but provides an ideal opportunity for start up at home or as an extension to an existing business.
How does it work? www.freelocal.co.uk/business
Regards
Keith
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Working with our Communities . . . .
RE: small business ideas?
James Smith | 17/03/2006 04:49 PM
I think you need to start at the beginning.
What are you good at?
What are your interests?
What skills do you have?
What opportunities do you have open to you that others do not?
You need to do something that you are good at, and something that you have the skills and personality to match.
A business idea doesn’t have to be radical - it can be a "me too" (so long as it is well delivered) as well as something unique.
You also need to consider where you are going with this. What are your long terms aims? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 and 30 years time?
A business idea has to come from you – there are 1001 dodgy “work from home” type schemes out there, only 1 in a 1000 of which are probably any good.
On funding - again if you are 19 it is unlikely you have much money. As you have identified there is no point planning a business that you can’t afford to launch. Given you are a student I assume you are going to have to do this very much on the cheap, therefore this will heavily restrit what you can do, and you may need a "stage one" business to earn enough money to fund the real business you want to launch.
Hope that helps, shameless plug, my e-book here may help you to think through some ideas constructively:
http://www.jamesesmith.co.uk/ebooksplan.htm
Also try your university library for books on entrepreneurship.
Regards,
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James Smith
Chartered Accountant
www.jamesesmith.co.uk
01235 536 773
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Your indispensable guide to Small Business Bookkeeping, Self-Assessment & VAT
RE: small business ideas?
krazykevy | 17/03/2006 10:05 PM
try to visit site like this one always come up with the next big thing
http://www.trendwatching.com/trends/
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Kevin Gumbo(MCIPS)
Director-Founder
http://www.under100thousandhomes.co.uk/
Buy properties for £100,000 or less in the UK & Europe
RE: small business ideas?
ukbets | 22/03/2006 01:12 AM
Mate you might laugh, but i recently started delivering McDonalds in my local area, all i did was get a mobile and put some adds in local papers
I charge £1.50-£2 per delivery and on week nights i recive average 30-40 phone calls
Weekends are much more busy.
I know its not an ideal business for everyone but it is easy and i also know Its not a fortune but it is making me money.
Good Luck with what ever you decide to do
Michael
RE: RE: small business ideas?
Anglo-Sino | 22/03/2006 07:23 AM
Michael...no laughing here. Great idea and it works with minimal outlay. Good job.
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Your Gateway to Asia - Global procurement services.
www.anglosino.co.uk
RE: RE: small business ideas?
rocket | 22/03/2006 01:53 PM
seconded....very good idea!
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If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks.
RE: RE: small business ideas?
Anglo-Sino | 22/03/2006 02:08 PM
Rocket,
Went to Nerja a year or so ago....for those that have not been it is a fantastic place to go. Having had the good fortune of visiting many places it is still my no 1 destination! Maybe I am easily pleased!
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Your Gateway to Asia - Global procurement services.
www.anglosino.co.uk
RE: RE: small business ideas?
thorpelad | 22/03/2006 04:16 PM
Hi All,
Was in Nerja 3 weeks ago, for a week. Girlfriend's mum lives there. Fantastic place and had a great time.
Michael - Inspired idea, well done mate.
Thorpelad
RE: RE: small business ideas?
Marek36England | 23/03/2006 07:07 PM
Hi Jon,
With me I find coming up with ideas is easy. The hard part is converting it into a profitable business.
Don't try to re-invent the wheel-there's no need to always come up with a brand new, original idea. Just look for something that's already working and do it better.
The Japanese have been doing that for years !
