I have reading and researching trying to learn more about the ‘proper’ way to start a business. It sure sounds like a good idea since I am putting a lot of time and energy into mine. Sometimes though, it can be counterproductive. Some of the most recent info was about getting a distributor for my products. Now that implies I have a lot of demand such that I can’t keep up, which is not exactly true. I wish it were but this is research, trying to be prepared for what I hope will come.
As I read I am hit with questions that I am supposed to have figured out answers to. As in, “What kind of market do you want to sell to?” The answer here is so easy it can’t possibly be the right one, I want to sell to whatever markets I can find who will buy my nuts! And no, that is not the right answer. The article goes on to elaborate on your pricing structure for selling to a large chain versus specialty food stores. You are supposed to know this before you start the business!
Give me a break! If I knew this I wouldn’t be starting a business I’d be in the middle of managing an existing enterprise. If I had enough facts to calculate my pricing of each unit BEFORE I started then wouldn’t that mean I was already doing it and then… Forget it I told myself. These notes on ‘how to be successful’ are written by people who have already been working at some business and now are using that knowledge to try to build another business. That being the business of selling you info or software or something to help you start.
My 2 cents worth (and probably that is just what it is worth!) is to try to know your cost numbers. Sell some of your ‘product’ or ideas so you know others will buy it an you make some profit on it. Enjoy and repeat until you need to get bigger. So now I am going to go enjoy and repeat!
