Do you now or have you ever own a small business?

1. 73

   StayPosposted 13 years ago

   Do you now or have you ever own a small business?
   
   If so, what did you like or dislike about it?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 60

   ricoramiroposted 13 years ago

   Hey StayPos, yes I had my own business a few years ago.  And I just started another one about 2 months ago.
   
   What did I like about it?  Not having to answer to anyone about my time.  Being able to work at my own pace. 
   
   Sometimes we don't feel like working!

   replyreport
3. 0

   Ghost32posted 13 years ago

   I've owned several in the past.  The only thing I disliked was the fact that most of them lost money.  One did make me a ton of cash during its first ten years and continued to generate enough income to keep going for a total of twenty. (Not a dime left now, but them's the breaks.)
   
   In September through December of 2008, I TRIED to launch yet another business as a water-hauling trucker.  Which I was already, but as an hourly wage slave driving a company truck.  The idea was to buy my OWN truck and do the same thing for the same boss.  Would have tripled my gross and doubled my net.
   
   But financing for the truck fell through, and after Barack Obama was elected President, the entire gas drilling industry in western Colorado went swiftly from boom to bust.  They knew his hatred for conventional energy production, so the big companies all pulled in their horns, went into survival mode to ride out the storm.
   
   I would have liked to have gotten that danged truck!

   replyreport
4. 60

   BobbiRantposted 13 years ago

   I've been a hairdresser and ran my own salon and I've run an elder care consulting business and free lanced on a lot of different things as well, over the years.  Being my own boss are the happiest times of my life.  Even now, writing my books and writing here, I'm happy as a lark.  I do not miss the 9-5 rat race and pleasing a boss who knows not much about how to manage anything.

   replyreport
5. 66

   Kahanaposted 13 years ago

   Yes, I now operate a small business.  Used to be a big business but thanks to the recession is has dwindled remarkably.

   replyreport
6. 60

   Aivenposted 13 years ago

   Yes, I had a small business. I like that it's not difficult to start it. You do not need a lot of money (If we talk about small business).

   replyreport
7. 75

   Inventuristposted 13 years ago

   Right now I have several small businesses. I am a poster boy for ADD or ADHD and feel like I have finally found enough stuff to keep my mind working in all directions at one time.
   
   I like that my mistakes are my mistakes, my right moves are just that - my right moves. I like that if I want to send my customers hand made fudge for Christmas every year - I get to without asking corporate for permission. (I do this - last year made 80 pounds shipping it all across the country. I have people calling me telling me so-and-so retired so I get the fudge!).
   
   What do I dislike about it. The same things I don't like about corporate life. You still have to deal with liars, cheaters, scumbags, and scallywags. They are out there and too numerous to count. But if you work hard you can begin to move them off of your list of contacts and have fewer and fewer of them.
   
   My main recommendation - for anyone considering opening a new small business. Don't borrow any money, ever. Operate within your limits and it will keep you free.

   replyreport
8. 60

   sam3mposted 13 years ago

   my son and i just started a business.  we are selling personalized autographed bibles on ebay.  they are a novelty gift item.  for example, a bible might be inscribed "to joe, see you soon.  god"  this is strictly a fun thing and is not meant to disrespect the big guy.

   replyreport
9. 60

   Twisted Tposted 13 years ago

   I did own a cafe for ten years and did all the work involved in running it. I did not have a manager or any permanent employees, just summer help when I needed it. I see most small business owners have a similar answer, it's mine and I can make my own decisions. Being micro managed day to day by a company can drive a person with passion and a brain to find something else. The fate of being a cog in a wheel for twenty years is just too much for some us to bear. That being said I always recommend a person plan carefully before starting their business and  use thier own money to start it. You should also realize that even though it is yours you still have to answer to customers, landlords, Uncle Sam, and your suppliers.

   replyreport