Would like to open small shop.

[mxtras]

Word of mouth is a good thing in my opinion, for a small hobby/business. It grows slow enough that the changes are easier to cope with.

Unfortunately, it can take a long time to secure business. Going from 'word of mouth' to advertising is just like starting from nothing, except you may have trickles of work to help with cash flow. The only problem with WOM that may not be considered is if you have to start deciding between your day work and your business it can be a very high fence to climb - the work is abundant enough to be attractive but not enough to support you and your family and the overhead of the shop. Cash flow can be a hidden monster when making the transisition between "WOM" and full-scale business. It's a good situation to be in, for sure but it can challenge the most ambitious entrepenuer.

Plan for success and prepare for failure. Always think 'Success'. Good luck. ..and find a trustworthy accountant that you trust - do that early.

Scott

[MBG]

Originally Posted by mxtras Word of mouth is a good thing in my opinion, for a small hobby/business. It grows slow enough that the changes are easier to cope with. Unfortunately, it can take a long time to secure business. Going from 'word of mouth' to advertising is just like starting from nothing, except you may have trickles of work to help with cash flow. The only problem with WOM that may not be considered is if you have to start deciding between your day work and your business it can be a very high fence to climb - the work is abundant enough to be attractive but not enough to support you and your family and the overhead of the shop. Cash flow can be a hidden monster when making the transisition between "WOM" and full-scale business. It's a good situation to be in, for sure but it can challenge the most ambitious entrepenuer. Plan for success and prepare for failure. Always think 'Success'. Good luck. ..and find a trustworthy accountant that you trust - do that early. Scott

thanks a lot.

How is the market just for lathe jobs?

[mxtras]

What ever it is that you choose to do, you have to MAKE it successful. Don't expect things to go your way - you have to force the business into maturity.

I don't really know, but I think that if you maybe get your shop moving and put a simple website together, then make sure you work your searchwords correctly to be near the top of the list when customers search that would be a good start and could connect you with some business. Local advertising, too. Sometimes all you need is that one individual that spreads the word to the right people and off you go. But it may take years to happen.

Scott