(Vanity) FReeper Help Requested: Small Business Owner/Mentor Needed.

6-8-03 | Jhoffa_X

[Jhoffa_]

Hello.

With luck my small business will be kicking off in about the next 60 to 90 days.

I suspect that most small business owners started out allot like myself, they are good at something and want to capitalize on their ability, but they are fuzzy on (and terrified by) the minute details and steps required to get started in a savvy, proper and legal manner. (taxes, the EPA and what have you)

What I actually need is a Mentor, and I was hoping one of my highly intelligent and experienced fellow FReepers might come to my rescue here. I don't know what I could do to make it worth your while, but regardless this shouldn't be taken lightly because I am completely inexperienced here and will undoubtedly torment a potential Mentor with dozens of ridiculous "newbie" type questions until I become acclimated.

If it matters, my business is in the service industry. It's automotive in nature, automatic transmission rebuilding & repairing to be precise.

If you are interested in being pestered, plagued & tormented by a fledgling business owner, feel free to drop me a FR mail.

[Jhoffa_]

Thanks and regards.

[metesky]

He he he!

1.)You certainly don't want advice from me after I've already admitted being a flop in an area where everybody else is making money hand over fist.

2.) Although the office mechanics are basically the same in all businesses (scheduling, bookkeeping, inventory, etc) I have no experience with the automotive business.

But if you want to go down the drain at an accelerated rate, I'm your guy!

[Jhoffa_]

LOL!

I am not worried about the office mechanics (former multi-unit retail manager) or the automotive aspect..

I am concerned more with accounting practices, taxes, and other potential legal landmines. I have this incredible fear of making a simple mistake because I don't know what I am doing here and being badly reamed for it.

I have a book I am working through now that will hopefully clear some of the fog surrounding this, but I am still concerned.

[Under the Radar]

BUMP for a great cause!

[Jhoffa_]

:)

[FairOpinion]

I would suggest you check with your local Chamber of Commerce and maybe join them. There are frequently people there who are happy to mentor new business owners.

[Jhoffa_]

That's a good idea also..

thanks!

[FairOpinion]

You are welcome. Good luck.

Finding people locally you can talk to is much better. Also joining something like the Chamber of Commerce helps you get to know other business owners, and in turn they get to know you, maybe get some of them as customers, or can refer you people, etc. and as I said, some can help you with the legal stuff.

There also must be some kind of Small Business Administration offices, which are government offices, but they sometimes have people to help you. Look in the phone book, on the web for some of your local resources.

Also suggest you get a CPA who is well versed in small business operation, so they can warn you about somethings in advance, or help you set things up in a more tax advantaged way, etc.