recently asked if I could provide some tips on starting and spinning workshop online. I am eager to help, and I recently took a leap in my project on the Internet. So here are some tips and traps that this player does not even young people experienced in the wonderful journey that has become my very own yarn shop!
these tips apply to all types of businesses over the Internet and is not intended to be a complete guide. I urge all potential employers to use the many resources available both online and in the larger community. It is a difficult step dramatically and exciting to take action but being one person does not mean that you have to do it alone! So here are my top tips for a thinking of starting their own online business and living their dream.
1 - Learn the business. It's not just buying and selling. While you may have strength in some areas, and there are certain things you should know. No one can be an expert in every aspect of business management. Access to training (local college courses and programs funded by the government, etc.) and make sure that you have at least a basic understanding of all areas of business. I started my business with the help of a program funded by the Australian government called NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Plan). It is a program for people who are registered as unemployed and who want to start their own business. The training program offers (Cert 4 in the Small Business Administration, which of course is accredited and nationally), and pay every two weeks and paid for 12 months, regular sessions guidance. I found the process of learning the value of a very eye-opening, as I got to know many of the concepts of work that I was not aware. Without this training, the dream business has remained just that.
2 - find out what is involved. There are many aspects of business management, and if you go into this blind almost certainly will fail. Make a close friend of the organization of local small business. It is one of the smartest things you will ever do.
- finance the startup. Do you have savings that you can work towards the creation of a new position? Or you will need to apply for funding in the form of loans or grants?
- systems - Does the local government have rules about running your type of business, for example, lists a home based business, and insurance?
- tax - this one is probably the most challenging of all. Get some basic tips from your taxes regulator. Usually they packed their websites with good information on starting and building a business and to comply with the tax laws. If this is not one of your strengths and Budget for an accountant to help you with this. Even if it is, it must be an accountant at the hands of annual returns.
3 - Website and Support Systems - Be prepared to spend some time and money on your online design and implementation. Online business is booming, but that does not mean it is easier to set up than traditional stores. You can not just slap a website and expect traffic and sales from day one. You need to optimize your site so all the major search engines can find you and customers can access your Web site based on the search terms they have chosen. If you are using a website designer ask them about SEO (search engine optimization). It can add significant costs to build, so learn as much as you can, do as much as possible yourself if you can.
know what you need from your business systems. Do you have internet (web design experience which is completely different to the knowledge, as I discovered!). Do you know what you need on-site / shopping cart? Again, talk to people, check out the web design companies and contact customers for feedback. Do not assume that the site stroller / shopping will have features that are standard assumes, for example, inventory control, e-mail newsletters facilities.
The same is true for accounting and office software. If you have bookkeeping experience before you are many. If not, consider taking a short course or hire an accountant. Yes, add this to the operating costs, but it will not be stung with a huge tax bill!
Make sure the computer skills and even now, as you will do a lot of word processing, budgeting and e-mails. You may also want to invest in a writing course, you will be shocked at how much time you will spend banging away at the keyboard, reply to e-mails, and social networking functions, and the preparation of newsletters and blogs.
4 - do your research on the market. If you do not do this you will not have a market to sell to. You're obviously going to work because you have a passion for something, whether it's knitting, gardening, or any other reason. You may excel in one or more, but do not assume that you know what customers want based on your beliefs.
I spent weeks in search sites spinning, check what they are selling and see what other services provided by the (blog, free, lessons etc.). I looked in their design and general appearance. I also visited the local yarn shops to see how it can be translated into a physical store front to the virtual one. The main message sent from this that you have to provide a website friendly and easy to use and helpful with a lot of variety and ways for customers to interact with the store.
you have to know who your competitors. Direct competitors are those who sell the same kind of products you want to sell. Competitors could indirectly be the retailers who sell huge knitting yarn or branded is cheap production. It should include a business plan and a general description of your competitors and outline how it will fit into the current industry and how it will stand out from the crowd.
you're looking to make a USP (unique selling proposal). This could be selling products that no one else carries that are in demand, or provide a service is not available, for example, cafe facilities, delivery service, classes, and so everything about the development of your business as a brand. I think that some of the big companies and write down what comes to mind when you hear her name. It is a lot about how to handle products they sell.
5 - develop an action plan. This can be done by yourself or with the help of business support centers. There is a basic business plan for funding, as well as being your "Bible" that you refer to often, so as to find out whether your business is performing according to plan, and also to remind you why I did this crazy thing in the first place!
There are well prepared business plan gives you an advantage when negotiating financial and starting, because it shows that you are serious and professional in your approach. It should include market research results, your resume as it relates to your business and the intended group of startup and financial forecast.
6 - develop an effective marketing strategy for your business. Messages drops may not be the most effective way to promote an online business, but well-placed posters and leaflets in shopping, libraries, community centers and homes for the elderly centers, hospitals may also work. Should not be limited to magazines spinning only print ads. Look at parenting, crafts and lifestyle magazines as well.
use social networking sites. I have a Twitter account and Facebook page. One of the two most valuable Facebook, it allows the viewer an inside look at my work and core values. This concerns in building your brand. I did not realize the importance of this in the beginning, but after attending a few workshops and doing market research, I realized that my "brand" is the essence of what I do. My goal is to help Knytteres of all skill levels, but the new Knytteres and experience in particular, who may be afraid to approach the high-end shop for advice. This has become my "brand".
define your brand is a major feature of your business plan, so try to get this as stipulated as possible. And remember, you have the idea of the original work may well evolve and change whenever you answer to customer requests.
7 - Be prepared to generate no income for at least one year. Although I receive allowance for the first 12 months, and I still need to rely on my savings to survive. You may have to consider the operation of your business along with the function of a "real" for some time. I did not resort to that yet but I feel that the time has come fairly soon. In the meantime, I am doing everything I can to prevent it, but we must be realistic.
8 - network. Spoke to the people! If you want to view from the inside on the work you want to run the type, talk to someone who runs a similar one. Obviously you may frighten some operators who see you as a potential threat. Why do not you talk to someone who runs a business is competing, for example, if your business, spinning, knitting, and talk to the scrap booking or other owner of the craft shop. They are usually happy to answer questions and take an interest. You can also contact the same type of business in a completely different location, because it is unlikely to be a direct competitor.
participate in forums and subscribe to newsletters and magazines to keep up with trends and gather feedback from people who use the products you want to sell. When I was first looking to start a business of spinning the material you want to be replaced, which contains a cafe and play area, as well as the selection of spinning extensive. I posed the question "What is your dream yarn shop looks / her?" To a local forum and they came up with exactly what you would imagine. That was really encouraging, but after much thought and soul searching, I realized I was not ready to challenge such an ambitious operation. Starting online is by no means a compromise, or run the practice, but that may well lead to me to open retail outlet in the future.
9 - And last but not least, stay positive and passionate about what you are doing! Most people who dream about opening a shop of their own spinning (or any business for that matter) is focused on one aspect of this business. For us yarnies is a dream which is surrounded by beautiful fiber every day! While this is always going to be the case, there are many other aspects of owning a business that can outperform your dreams.
day to day pressures of a small business and always going to be there, so keep reminding yourself why this was so important to you. If you sometimes forget what it was like to have a desire to do so, remind yourself by picking up needles and yarn and escape into the world of your dreams even for an hour only - you have to remember soon leads to madness to open their very own yarn shop!
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