Starting a business. Need advice.

[paulC]

Thanks guys. All good advice. Sending out samples sounds a particularly good idea. It wouldn't cost me much to do and shows I can produce the goods. As for doing my best, I'm very critical of my own work. I hate delivering anything that I don't see as perfect. Proberbly to my own detriment as I pick faults that others can't see. I have another laser on it's way from RedSail China, an 80watt 900mm x 600mm, so I'm hoping that with the ability to do bigger work it will help as I have had to turn away a couple of jobs that I couldn't do.

[Fixittt]

Paul,
I am in almost your same situation. Only I did not quit my job, I was forced to start a small business because of a accident that left me disableled. I cannot hold down a 9 to 5 due to acute pain. I had a small cnc mill already and in my recovery time I started learning jewelry design in cad. Now I design custom jewelry. Its not paying the bills yet, but It is making a little money. Here is what I have found.

Networking is key here. learn what you can from people in the trade. If need be.

Social networking sites like facebook and myspace can help a great deal.

Get business cards and keep them with you at all times. Keep a box of samples as well.

Do not be afraid to go into shops, stores ect. The worst they can tell you is no.

Keep a tablet with places and people you have talked to. If you get a "Promising lead" you now have a name to follow up on.

CAD screen shots are great for prototyping a design. Explain in simple terms what you do and how you can allow them to make changes ect before anything is ever cut.

Never limit yourself to anything. While I do jewelry I am also extending my scope to learning different avenues which are in the realm of my machines capabilities. I am working on doing some lithopanes.

Sell the fact that your products can be personal and one of a kind. Talk to your friends and family. You would be surprised at what type of things they would be interested it. We all know that mothers love their kids. So I have done some necklace pendants with children's portraits in silver.

When your dealing with a customer. Do not be afraid to suggest things to their "Design" if you show passion in what you do your passion can be clearly seen and it most of the time transfers to the customer. Be excited for them chances are they will be excited as well.

I do some work for smaller local jewelry stores. But sometimes there is need for me to talk to the end customer. (The jewelry stores customer) I identify myself as "Such and such stores designer" I do not try and "STEAL" the customer from the jewelry store. because at that point in time I work FOR the retail store.

Keep any and all receipts. most anything can be deducted when tax time rolls around. If my girl and I go out to dinner and I say anything about the business. It then becomes a tax deduction because it was a business dinner. Gas and mileage for conducting business is also a deduction.

Hope these help. And good luck!

[SanDiegoCNC]

Its too bad you're not located in Southern California. I once owned my own shop but have since sold it and turned my website into a referral service for people just like you.

I also have a Facebook page called 'CNC Machining'. Feel free to check it out.


Patrick

[paulC]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoCNC Its too bad you're not located in Southern California. I once owned my own shop but have since sold it and turned my website into a referral service for people just like you. I also have a Facebook page called 'CNC Machining'. Feel free to check it out. Patrick

If I was in Southern California I would proberbly be at the beach or pool all the time. I don't handle heat too well. I will check out your facebook. Thanks.
And thanks to Fixittt also.

The local phone book has finally been printed and I'm listed under engravers so I'm hoping that may help. Still working on sign samples, found a couple of problems with my bigger home built router. Was getting some stalls when doing larger signs. Problem due to using an area of the table never used before. Found one bearing mount just touching a bolt as it passes and think my Y axis was set too fast as I had a stall on a rapid. Will try again tomorrow. I have a couple of odd jobs I have picked up. Joinery type work. I'm not a joiner but will do anything to make ends meet. Just hope my skills are good enough for the clients. I have informed them that I'm a handyman not a professional and they seem happy with that.
Paul