how to bootstrap a business?

[jayben]

is there anyone out there has tried to be an entrepreneur? in the process of it? or already is a successful businessman? honestly i need all the help i can get right now. i've gotten past that whole MANLY PRIDE thing and decided to ask for advice.

i've read a book called bootstrap business; A Step-by-Step Business Survival Guide which already has given me some amazing advice but i'm the type of person that likes to explore and hear every side of the story.

what do you suggest me to do in order to successfully bootstrap my business and become a smart entrepreneur?

[Sanojio]

It depends on your entire situation. But your choice of a book was telling.

[Alexishost]

The simple solution is

Start with idea.

Make a plan with those idea

and setting up a simple website before you go to hurry setup office.

online business has great potential by now.

and low cost to start!

[feint]

what type of business are you looking to start?

[jayben]

feint

i would love to start a personal fitness center....focusing on cardiovascular and muscular exercise with free weights, machines, and a pool and spa area.

apart from this i also i would like to incorporate a diet analysis section where those who are members may receive suggestions from physicians and personal trainers alike to create a work out and meal plan designed especially to their needs.

that's basically the type of business i would like to start but am still wondering how to best manage my money right now and get things rolling.

[jayben]

alexishost

hey thanks for the ideas. i hadn't thought about the internet or a webpage. i'll look into it. i guess i just am at the "planning" step right now...i just have to figure out how to make those ideas become a reality.

thanks again

[ucavik]

what type of advice are you looking for? if there is any specific question or querry feel free to ask, i may be of some help to you

[rogercbryan]

Take a step back and see what you are financially capable of doing. A fitness center would cost 100's of thousands of dollars to start... you need to start with in your means and then grow into long term plans.

[dogvi]

Get out there and start learning everything you can about the business industry that interests you! What worked for me is I piggybacked off someone else's success. The key is to stay focused and having the ability to work on the same project until your desired goals are met. It may even take a ridiculous amount of time but if you stand patient and build up a fiery inferno of genuine desire inside you, success will be right around the corner.
hope this help :P

[ACB123]

Your proposal sounds costly. It's best to start small and add one component at a time. I would research the market and see if there is really a need for what you are planning. Then I would see who's out there doing it and how successful are they. That way you can tweak your plan as you go along.

[DerekS]

Take a step back and see what you are financially capable of doing. A fitness center would cost 100's of thousands of dollars to start... you need to start with in your means and then grow into long term plans.

Follow this advice.

Perhaps start at an existing gym and build a loyal client base. People may join a gym because of the equipment/amenities, but if you can't afford to play with the big guys, you need to take a different approach. If you build up your base and get people who want you to train them (because you're nice, compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, fierce, whatever) then you've established a client base that can go with you once you've raised enough capital to start your own operation.

Lots of people take out huge loans to start operations that they really don't have a full grasp on (usually because they didn't work in the industry before, or only in a very limited or compartmentalized capacity.) Most of those guys spend time freaking out about how they're going to cover their debt service, and don't focus on customer service and business building (the most crucial tasks when starting up.)

Good luck.

[sajis18@yahoo.com]

Some businesses are built by venture capitalists. Dearly departed Pets.com comes to mind. Other businesses are built by entrepreneurs--Dell Computers and Microsoft are a couple of good examples.

Despite the dream of some entrepreneurs to meet a VC with deep pockets, the fact is that 99.9 percent of business owners will struggle alone, pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. With a little luck and a lot of pluck, bootstrapping a business can be both financially and emotionally rewarding..............................