College and Business

[Businessceo1]

I'm about to go to college in June. So I read this article sayin college is the best time for Young Entrepreneurs to start there own Business.

So, is there any College Entrepreneurs in this forum that can give me some advice?

And, what type of ventures would be the best for college hustlin.

[Tom Milan]

start thinkin mate,

any time is the best time to become an entrepreneur and start a business, as long as you have an idea.

Good luck.

[squatrani]

I'm in college at Drexel university in philadelphia. I started a business in Jan. with another friend who is also in college. It's been mildly successful so far but has a lot of potential. It's great b/c most schools have entrepreneur centers that will help you out with business plans, grants, business plan competitions all that stuff. We have one here and its amazing we actually got a ranking of 3rd in the nation this year for best schools for entrepreneurs!! if you have any questions let me know.

[Businessceo1]

I'm already an entrepreneur. Its just when I go off to college, I'm basically starting over.


Congrats on the success. Wish you more success. But what type of Business your in?

[squatrani]

I offer rebates for web hosting. Eventually we'll expand into more but for now we're offering (soon at least) reviews and we give rebates now

[CDRamming]

Many people will buy back books for more than the book store offers and resell them. Do it on your campus only so you know the books well and you can do well. I know that my school doesnt buy back many books that are required, including my $50 MIS book the school published. A friend of mine bought it for $30 and will resell it for $40 next semester. I don't mind because it is unlikely to sell on any book site because its specialzed for my school and I dont want to take the time to sell it myself. You can also offer a "credit" program for kids who sell books for more than beer money. Offer them a higher amount on credit within your program and they can buy books from you the next semester so you need less capital and give an incentive to use your service. Make a site and keep inventory, set it up so kids can order the books and you ship on campus or have a pick up day. Utilize the campus email to mail your site to all students and hang posters in dorms and other places.

[Kyle Arnett]

I recommend not starting a new business but just focusing on your specialty. Maybe it is business continuity, customer relations, affiliate management, or being an excellent facilitator or liaison.

I was once heavily involved in the web hosting industry and decided to apply my skills to the non-profit sector and events and now that I've learned how to adapt my skills to those industries I am moving into entertainment.

My business is publicity and events (planning/production).

[Edman32]

I am a college student at Penn State University. College might be the best time for you to start a company because you can do a lot of research and have much needed time to figure everything out, but I know for me it has been hard. I plan on busting my butt this summer getting everything together. At the end of the summer I will evaluate myself and see where I am. If I feel I need to take off a semester I will ( Not recommended). It really depends though on what your doing. Are you capable of doing this at college? Somethings you need to consider when starting a company up in college. As stated above your school offers a lot of different services that can help you out. College also has a lot of connections too. Wish you the best!

[brandnewman]

I'm not in College at the moment but have been testing different ideas. So far one has been very successful, I'm currently exploring different ways of moving my operation online. I know I can't be in control of everything and eventually will need to start hiring but the way things are looking. My immediate plan is to understand the fundamentals of my business so when I do decide to hire someone it won't take too much time to get them on speed. Moreover, I can always be ready to handle any problem should it surface.

But on another note, being in college is definitely the best time to start a business. Actually I think middle school and high school are by far the best. Wished I'd thought of it ages ago. But now this is what I will tell any college student "If you have an idea, yes go for it. Even if it doesn't turn out to be what you were hoping for you will learn enough to apply to the next to make it fly"

[crackah]

I goto college and I also own my own business.

It works.

[Tjohnson]

^^ what business do you have?

[crackah]

^^ what business do you have?

I buy out end of life IT equipment from schools and businesses and refurbish it.

So far very successful for me! im really happy.

[jack1887]

have anyone of you start an internet business , i mean ecommerce.if so any suggestions

[Mark D]

Why not throw parties that can generate you profit. Everyone loves a good party and as long as there is liqour, girls, security and washrooms im sure success is possible.

[squatrani]

good post above haha I have done both actually I have my own site Rebate Rabbit - Save on webhosting its been mildly successful but has a lot of potentional and I have also thrown parties. I go to drexel university in philly great great school but its something 60-70% guys we charge guys 5 girls are free get like 4 kegs and 4 bottles of liquor. Most i've made is $800 profit from a party.