Small Business Gov

Small Business Gov

A Journey in Small Business Ownership

When I first told friends of mine I was thinking about leaving the education field and starting my own business, they said to me, "you're throwing up a prayer", which is a reference to a basketball player trying to make a shot that's nearly impossible in a game.  Some parts of me agreed with them, since I was trying to start this business on a teacher's salary with limited other resources.  I knew that I would not only need; financial resources,  great marketing tools, optimization of my website, supplies, distributors, and a creative edge to set me apart from my competitors, but I would also need commitment, tenacity, and a "prayer".

          I had decided a long time ago I wanted to go into the fragrance business because I had always been fascinated with the wonderful scent of perfume since I was a child and what it does to your senses. I then started working on a business plan and looking into funding.  I went to http://www.business.gov to find out what loans and grants would be available for the type of business I was opening. I noticed that there were many grants there for women and minority business owners, both of which applied to me. In the end, I decided not to go with government funding after realizing how long and complicated the process is. I was also told that there are many stipulations for getting a Grant by others I knew that received help from the government starting their businesses.

          I already had two very reliable distributors for my products that I had done business with in past.  Having a longstanding relationship with a distributor you know is reliable, offers quality merchandise, and is trustworthy is so important. You cannot just go with any distributor without scrutinizing their business first and making sure that they will provide you with quality service and merchandise. Remember that you are accountable for how well your business performs, not them, so if customers receives poor merchandise, customers will blame you.

         Thirdly, I opened a Merchant Store for a small fee, named it www.scentastic.net, and embarked on a mission for a good SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Company. Optimization of your website is very important because the more optimized your website is, the better it will be for search engines to find you and rank you highly.  If search engines can not find your website or your website is not ranked highly, then potential customers will not be able to find you. After three, frustrating weeks of research I could not find a company that would optimize my website for less than $5000. I finally found a SEO directory that lists the top 30 SEO companies in three countries, including The United States. It was called http://www.topseos.com and it also gave information on what clients these companies have worked for.

          There are also many marketing strategies you can use to boost the success of your business.  The strategies I have found the most effective are Sponsored Searches (on major search engines like Yahoo, Google, and MSN), Text Advertising, Banners, and listing your site on free directories.

           Since I started my business online approximately a month ago I have had over 500 visitors. Although I am not "swimming in money" yet from it, every day brings new successes and exciting challenges.  Although I was "throwing up a prayer" starting my business according to others, there is nothing better than being able decide what hours you work and having control over how successful your career will be.

About the Author

J Howson lives in New Jersey, USA. She is a teacher and business owner.

why doesn't the Federal Gov make small business owners who owe $200,000.00 + to irs pay?

Sole Propraitor of a small business to not have to pay their taxes, they do not have to claim outside monies received, nor claim or paytaxes on monies taken from business account and used for personal bills, child support etc.Even when proved said propriator is defrauding the irs nothing happens except more money is attached to his irs bill. No Garnishing , No Jail , Nothing

You are incorrect. Everyone pays taxes.

Gov. Perry: Small Businesses Help Texas Economy Shine

 

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Filed under: Government Education Grant

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