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Starting a Small Business/Questions Answered by Expert Lee Lister
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Starting a dog business | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: I recently got certified as a dog trainer and am planning on opening my own business or a franchise ... A: Welcome to the world of business and all it's risks. There are no insurances to protect you from ... | |
| Starting a Website Building Compan | 2/3/2012 |
| Q: I can create basic business websites in 2-3 hours using WordPress and Artisteer. It's fun and I want ... A: This is a very competitive area you are looking to move into and your profit margin will be low so ... | |
| Business Name | 1/26/2012 |
| Q: I have been planning on starting a clothing line for almost a year now and I need some guidance. My ... A: I am from the uk so do not have the same cultural prejudice as an American although I have lived in ... | |
| Small rental car business versus taxi service startup questions | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: I live in Mobile, Alabama. Mobile is a port city on the coast of Alabama. The city just got a bus ... A: This sounds awfully like a paired down taxi service. Ask yourself two questions. 1) why aren't the ... | |
| Terminology | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: I've been trying to research this, but I'm really not understanding it... Basically, my question is ... A: Brokers are qualified real estate agents who then take their brojpkers exams. Some brokers sell and ... | |
| Starting an online business | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: Me and my friend came up with the idea of a lawyer's directory in our country. Our concept of the ... A: I know nothing about your country requirements I am afraid. I can however give you the following ... | |
| is this legal? | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: I'm not too sure where to ask this question so I'm hoping you can answer it. Is it legal to make ... A: I am sorry but I can not by law answer legal questions. From a business perspective why would ... | |
| Wholesalers? | 8/14/2011 |
| Q: I'm really interested in starting a small ebay business selling things such as video games and ... A: First of all you are aiming to start your business in a very competitive area. You may be better ... | |
| how to market for my small business | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: I started a beauty business in a clinic,Before I used to work in Salon. What I am not getting ... A: I had to think about this one as you seemed to be doing most of the right things already. I do not ... | |
| Small Business | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: I would like to start a small business. A small residential cleaning service. Do you know of any ... A: I cannot provide any grant information. Try your local Small Business Association who should be able ... | |
| Info Request | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: Respected Expert Good morning... This is Venu from India and currently working in a private ... A: Sorry for the delay but I am on vacation. BPO means business process outsourcing and is used when a ... | |
| New business startup recomendations. | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: Good Day, I am Fakat Janee from Pakistan, I want to start my new small business of supply, sales, ... A: I suggest that you go to justdropped.com put in a few words that you like and see what kind of ... | |
| I want to start a business | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: I saved 25k dollars I have 1k in disposable income a month, I just don know what business to start ... A: Well done on your savings. There is no one size fits all business that people can start. You need ... | |
| Business move bad | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: Lee not sure if this is a question for you, but any advice would be great. Lee I feel I made a bad ... A: My advice is that you have had 6 years to make your bad decision a good one. You cannot sell at the ... | |
| Self Storage business | 4/20/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Lister I am interested in the self storage business or mini storage. I would like to start with ... A: I think that will be your challenge differiating yourself from a bank locker. You will hopefully be ... | |
| starting a beef jerky business | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: He llo,my name is jesse and I have been making homemade beef jerky for 20+ years.My freinds are ... A: Well they say better late than never - so you go for it gal! I do not know the minutea of beef ... | |
| Need Some Guide About Business Clients. | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: This Is Vandan Pathak From India. We Are Starting Our Web Development Business Before Few Months. ... A: If you want web development work you need to go where many Indian developers go and that is the ... | |
| Starting Online Business | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: I have an idea for an online business and have been doing my research. Now, I would like to proceed ... A: Idea first . That is yours and is called IPR. This is protected by your contract saying the designer ... | |
| Starting Online Business | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I have an idea for an online business and have been doing my research. Now, I would like to proceed ... A: I cannot go into full detail about starting a new business here as it would take far too long but I ... | |
| Getting a business directory in excel | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I am planning on starting a small Internet website whose primary revenue will be through ... A: With respect to your business model are you sure that upsetting the local business people is the ... | |
| Preparing for a business | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I want to start a business. I am a software freelancer but I have other things as well in mind. I ... A: I think that you will find that starting a McDonalds franchise is also expensive. Find out an idea, ... | |
| Strategy | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Lister I am very interested in starting a "location equipment business for people with limited ... A: This is not an area where I have a lot of experience with regard to starting such a business I am ... | |
| opening a small cafe or stand? | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: I am currently I junior in high school, and I love cooking. I would like to either start a small ... A: To answer the Walmart question first - no it is not possible to set up a stall in Walmart's car park ... | |
| small business? | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: I am 23 and I live in Alabama. My dad and I are very interested in turning our hobby -- gardening ... A: You and your father are lucky in that you are starting a business that has a low start up cost. ... | |
| invoice? | 3/15/2011 |
| Q: can I sell advertising in a website (mine, hipothetically) without having a company formally set up? ... A: Hector I do not know the law in Brazil but I do know there are only two things certain in life - ... | |
| starting a business | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: would you please tell me what are the steps to follow to start a home based export business ... A: It is a very small spot to answer not one but two really large questions so I can only provide ... | |
| Start up a business | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: my question is how do I go about starting my own small school transportation company? I've been a ... A: If you want to start a school transportation business you need to check out how these contracts are ... | |
| my store got robbed | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: I have a cell phone repair shop. Just two days ago two guys walked in and put the gun on my chest, i ... A: I am so sorry that your store was robbed, it must be very frightening for you and I am sure that you ... | |
| Young Entrprenuer | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I am 19 yrs old left school and college and working in retail with fairly little qualifications. I ... A: It does seem that you have the entrepreneurial spirit but do not take your family for granted too ... | |
| Dress Shirt Selling business | 1/14/2011 |
| Q: I am trying to start a web based online dress shirt selling business. My shirts will cost $75.0 for ... A: Re selling your shirts. I am not familiar with Zeb Garments so cannot comment on that. Shirts is a ... | |
| Consulting business | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: I have been in Hospitality Industry for past 20 years,working my way from the scratch to the ... A: You certainly sound approachable and obviously know your stuff. The easy questions first: You will ... | |
| New Internet Business | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in building a membership site business, basically a business where monthly ... A: I have actually done some consultancy work for a simmilar web site and it is a good idea. To find ... | |
| whats better? | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: i am thinking of starting a business but im not sure which to do either a pawn shop or a different ... A: You are looking at the problem the wrong way. You will not have a successful business unless you ... | |
| start a chemical small scale industry | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: i am malavan & am a chemical engineer i would like to become an enterperner by starting a small ... A: It is very difficult starting a business if you do not know what kind of business to start. It is ... | |
| starting a security business | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I have been wanting to start a security business for small events (weddings, birthdays, parties, ... A: I am sorry but I am unable to answer legal questions. Most country's laws forbid an unlicenced, ... | |
| Starting a small business | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: good day, my name is Nicole and i am from Trinidad and i am new (don't know anything) to the online ... A: Oh Nicole I cannot tell you how to run a business in such a small space as this! It is a massive ... | |
| starting export to uk | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: I am from india and want to start export to uk but confused about the product having demand in uk ... A: Beauty products are of course used in the UK, but this is a very competitve market. You really need ... | |
| Job Title - Need Suggestion | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: This is Sourav. I run a small website designing & development company. We are only 2 people in this ... A: You are write founder/owner does seem pretensious and also signals that you are a very small ... | |
| working as a contractor/vendor | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a question. I am just starting in a new business and I will be working as a contractor. ... A: I cannot provide legal assistance I am afraid. I will tell you that you need liability insurance ... | |
| Starting My Professional Blog | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I've been laid off my job for over a year and living off food stamps and other social services. ... A: Because of your situation, I am trying to tell you very nicely that the chances of your making ... | |
| Starting My Professional Blog | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I've been laid off my job for over a year and living off food stamps and other social services. ... A: First of all you need to realize that the chances of making money from your blog is going to be very ... | |
| partnerships/equity stakes | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: I am currently the sole owner of a Financial Recruiting firm with zero employees. I am in the midst ... A: 2 things: 1) Ensure that you both make your relationship 100% professional at all times. Otherwise ... | |
| company shares | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: I’m not sure if I’m asking my question in the right place, but please forgive me if I’m not. I'm a ... A: Sorry for the delay, I was rushed into hospital. Your answer is two fold. 1) It depends upon the ... | |
| food | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: I am not sure if you can 100% answer this. My wife wants to go into the food business cooking and ... A: Sorry I was on vacation and the original answer I gave you appeared not to have saved. Yes you will ... | |
| Work/Education Sequence | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: im Sammy. Ive got this dream plan of Becoming a wealthy Instrumentation Engineering oriented ... A: You really need a plan. If your ultimate goal is your own business then work out what you want to ... | |
| Entrepreneur 101 | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I attended college and have two degrees in graphic design technology, only to realized that I have ... A: Julian Before you become an entrepreneur you need to decide what kind of business you want and what ... | |
| Advertising | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I am a nail tech and I have this booth rental opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Unfortunately, ... A: sorry for the delay, I was dealing with some of my own customers. 1) First of all if your nail work ... | |
| mail order business in 21st century | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: .. Is Mail-Order business going to thrive in current times? I know it has been successful in the ... A: An internet business is the quickest way to get your goods out to the world - if you can persuade ... | |
| ON PROBATION. WANT TO OPEN A TAKE OUT RESTAURANT. CAN THAT NBE POSSIBLE IN FLORIDA?? | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Elizabeth Here From Florida, North Miami Beach. Ok, Where should i start. I Got convicted on a ... A: You don't say what you are on probation for, nor who will reject you. If you start your own ... | |
| Finding a supplier. | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: I don't have any business training. I wanted to sell electronics, but I don't know how to find a ... A: I would caution you about starting a business unless you get some experience - it could be an ... | |
| help to set up the small printing press | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: Flyers/Pamphlets/Brochures Catalogues Posters/Banners Booklets/invoice books Envelopes/bank ... A: I suggest that you go to your local printers and ask them. Otherwise go to an online site such as ... | |
| Running a business | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: I run a cafe and have recently stepped out of managing it due to other projects. But ran into some ... A: First of all, I guess that you have learnt that no one loves your business as much as you do! Hope ... | |
| Urgent please advise! | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: A friend of mine, who is a skin care professional living in Europe has developed a skin cream that ... A: I am unable and not allowed to give legal advice as I am not a lawyer. You have a lot of questions ... | |
| Urgent please advise! | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I am in my early 20's, I consider myself creative, filled with ideas, social, and have great global ... A: As before, I cannot provide legal advice. I suggest that you set up a consultancy. Give the first ... | |
| starting up online retail | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: i sold off a few of my used console games on websites like play and amazon and found its something i ... A: Well done on selling so much via Amazon. If you want to sell second hand games on Amazon and do not ... | |
| Import exports | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: Good day Sir, I first of all thank you for the services which you are providing here. I really ... A: 1) First of all get your arrangement in writing so that you both understand the same things, you ... | |
| Starting a small business - advertising help | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I've started a writing business but haven't quite worked out a jingle ad to draw people in. ... A: I also run a CV/Resume site http://www.JobSuccess.co.uk and http://www.ResumeGuys.com There are a ... | |
| Motorcycle Touring | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I have been doing a lot of research lately. I am interested in combining my passion with my ... A: I cannot answer legal questions - in fact it would be illegal for me to provide legal advice in any ... | |
| bussines | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Iam living in sweden,. i am intrested to start bussines in Pakistan. I have about 20.000 us follar. ... A: It is very difficult to suggest a business with so little information. You need to work out what ... | |
| business start up. | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: Hope you are fine. I am from india completed my graduation last year and i am planning to start a ... A: I get asked this kind of question a lot and it is not one that has an easy answer. Your new ... | |
| starting up my fashion business | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: i am a talented fashion designer graduated from a great school in nyc.i have about two years working ... A: Fashion design is not one of the areas that I have experience of, so I will look at your question ... | |
| How to successfuly invoice customers and get paid | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I run a part time lawn mowing business due to recession and lost income from jobs after being laid ... A: Your invoice sounds a little unfriendly. How about Please pay invoices withing 7 days from the ... | |
| Start-Up | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I'm looking to start-up a discount membership club with monthly fees. ie: customers pays a monthly ... A: First of all get legal advice - you are entering into a contract with financial implications. Second ... | |
| How to start my own private business. | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Lister, My name is James. I’m a high school junior looking to choose a career path that I feel I ... A: To have a good chance of a successful business you will need both money and experience. I think ... | |
| BUSINESS NAME AND BUSINESS MODEL | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: Im highly interested how to come up with business names, but im more focused on names that does not ... A: Getting good product and business names is an art in itself and people that are good at it are paid ... | |
| Advice | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I have my own print shop which opened for more than a year and when I open this small business I was ... A: I am at a loss as to why you have your own business and are working for another firm presumably as ... | |
| Finding a mentor | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: Greetings - I have 5+ years background in IT (support, management, development), and have been ... A: Finding a mentor could be a good thing but it could also be a bad thing as I am sure you know. As ... | |
| enterpreneur skills | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: i am working as sales manager in a training organization and i am having 8yrs experience in sales in ... A: Your question is very muddled. I suggest that you do not start a business until you really want to ... | |
| Business | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have been in my own very small business for 18 years now. I stayed this way because it always ... A: Here is a good article of mine about what goes into a business plan. A step by step process would ... | |
| Business | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have been in my own very small business for 18 years now. I stayed this way because it always ... A: You do not give me very much information to go on so the only real answer I can give you is: 1) Be ... | |
| Start up | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: If i were to start a company that sells movies for 30$ each and the production of each copy cost 20$ ... A: you will need it to approach the bank. You give me little information to advise you on but this ... | |
| Marketing | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I have hired a pro to redesign my writing website: www.bestinresumes.com and it now includes SEO & ... A: Only a quick review - this is not the arena for a full review 1) Too many fonts 2) Too many over ... | |
| Business Model Ideas? | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: Based on my analyst work experience, I am considering starting up 'research and analytics' reporting ... A: There are two ways to price your reports: 1) Look at the market and see what other simmilar reports ... | |
| people escort from airport to destinations of there choice | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: i was wandering what i needed to become an escort driver for people from the airport to destinations ... A: You need to go onto you State web site to see what licences you will need. You will also need: 1) ... | |
| Shoe store | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: I want to open up a shoe store in my town.I've been reading a lot on internet lately and got so ... A: I could not find a shoe store biz book. I looked on both Amazon's as well. My suggestion is that ... | |
| tips on starting a small video production company | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm doing my research on starting a video production company and I was wondering as far as paperwork ... A: You are going to require insurance and tax and probably some kind of license. Contact your local ... | |
| Financial projection | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: I will like to know all what i needed to start up a bottle water business? I have the capital but ... A: I think that you are looking for what goes into the financials for your business plan - here are a ... | |
| Who to contact | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: My name is Igor, and I just recently graduated from university. I am now working as a fitness ... A: If you are looking at individuals then you need to be like the lion and "go where the antelopes are" ... | |
| Business opportunities | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm highly interested to set up my own business but I wanna know how can i find opportunities in my ... A: There are a lot of books about helping you find business ideas and start a business. I have written ... | |
| re: how to calculate estimates | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm opening a new business with my husband, it is a commercial and residential cleaning services. So ... A: There are several ways to calculate cleaning work. 1) On a weekly or monthly basis in that you ... | |
| Where do i start? | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I live in Atlanta Georgia, and my question is this: I want to start a business helping teens and ... A: With respect to guidelines you should contact your local council/state to find out the legal ... | |
| basics of starting my own salon | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: iam a exp groomer looking to start my own grooming salon an would like to know where to start please ... A: First of all you need to check that there is actually a demand for your grooming services. Without ... | |
| bonding and insurance | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: Where can I find an insurance co. that will insure my small business. I have a handyman business and ... A: All I can suggest is that you contact local insurance agents and if you have no luck here - do an ... | |
| Wants to become an entrepreneur | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: I am 20 years old and i would like to become an entrepreneur. I am from Afghanistan. Can you tell ... A: An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. Your own business should be in ... | |
| help marketing my business to the right target | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: l have started and set up my own business in the property management department l am an independent ... A: You need to market in the areas where your potential customers are and that is estate agents and ... | |
| being inspired | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Can you share with me some really inspiring successful quotes people use to be inspired. Like ... A: I get my daily quotes from Give More www.givemore.com I have no connection to them. Here is ... | |
| small business registration | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: helo Mr. Lee, compliments of the day. i've been trying to figure out what to do as regarding ... A: Yes you do if you are expecting to run a business and make money as opposed to a hobby site. Don't ... | |
| product growth strategy issues | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I am an aspiring entrepreneur who started a business by selling products. Started in 2005. sales ... A: Well obviously the recession has something to do with it but it also points out that you need to ... | |
| inspiring employees | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: just wondering if u know of any tips that you can share with me for how to keep employees motivated, ... A: Hopefully this article of mine will help you: ... | |
| Part time business | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Lister, I was laid off in january and would like to start a business on the side. I am ... A: Eddie I am a lady! Ask yourself, if you were a business would you spend 15c for a flyer that is ... | |
| Marketing Questions | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I teach Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Chi Kung and I am trying to find some effective ways to market what I ... A: Sorry for the delay. I wanted to give your question a little thought before I answered it. You ... | |
| starting a business (first time) | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: I want to open a hair dressing salon as I know having a business will generate more $ than working ... A: I am afraid that one of the first things you are going to need is money so with your current ... | |
| business idea | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I want to start a small scale business with capital 6 lakhs can anyone suggest business idea? i am ... A: This is a difficult one because you appear to have little idea as to what you want to do and have ... | |
| financial partner | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: am a 3rd year student in Kenya and have this great business plan, the only problem is i cannot ... A: First of all you will need at least a deposit of 20% - no one will lend to you unless you are also ... | |
| small business legal procedure | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I need to know what do I have to do to open my own workshop for furniture upholstery, draperies and ... A: You should review the IRS procedures on their web site. This article of mine should help you with ... | |
| starting a cleaning service | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I would like to start a cleaning service that would also include lawn service and possible meal ... A: If you are earning money you need to pay tax so contact your local tax office. If you are working ... | |
| i want to start a small business | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: i am young tanzanian lady hoping to start a small business soon. the business i am hoping to begin ... A: This article of mine should help you: Entrepreneurs - Want To Start A Business With The Best ... | |
| I want to start a business | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: Like seniors or people who need local transportation like a taxi service but cheaper and on a much ... A: Yes you do need more insurance and yes you do need a tax ID - you should check the web site of you ... | |
| New Business | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a small software startup. I provide software services and sell other ready-made software ... A: If you have the money then hire a marketing executive but ensure that they are paid on results only ... | |
| Investor relations management | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Lee, are you aware of any shareware to manage an investor base? We have just over 300 investors, and ... A: I would not recommend shareware to track something like 300 investors. Shareware is frequently ... | |
| Is this legal? | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I am 15, and me and my friend are looking to start a business. First, how do you legalize your ... A: Let's answer this bit by bit: If you start a company you need to be 18. So you need to talk to ... | |
| Business 101 | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to start my own online business, but I have no idea about business. Therefore, I think ... A: I don't think that you will need a business course if you follow one or both of these guys. Don't ... | |
| Business 101 | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I would like to start my own online business, but I have no idea about business. Therefore, I think ... A: There is plenty of help around just by reading web sites etc. Don't fall for the "get rich ... | |
| getting clients | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: this is the first time i have tried to get my pet sitting and dog grooming business up and running. ... A: You need to be in every vets so make up a small poster (1/2 page) and then go round all the vets. ... | |
| small business | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: i have recently started a small business of sandblasting & painting my question is how can i find ... A: F5rst of all you should be looking locally for your clients so any searching you do should include ... | |
| Marketing and entity | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I have started a "business" making and selling beaded jewelry and beaded bookmarks. I have a name, a ... A: With respect to the business entity you must take professional advice on that. I cannot give legal ... | |
| marketing | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm in the process of starting a handyman business here in town (africa) and I would really ... A: This is very difficult to answer as you have not given me very much information at all. Try and ... | |
| starting a business | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: My name is JERMAINE I am the owner operator of a grocery store. I came up with what I believe to be ... A: Bottle water is a very competitive area and one where products are bought because of their brand ... | |
| question | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: ANSWER: Hello Mathew 100% you will need to pay taxes on any profits. No one has managed to legally ... A: Mathew I cannot give tax advice in a forum such as this with so little information. I suggest you ... | |
| question | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: ANSWER: Hello Mathew 100% you will need to pay taxes on any profits. No one has managed to legally ... A: Re bank you don't say what country - but it is usual to use a business bank account - it may be ... | |
| question | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: hi im looking to start my online website im setting up as a sole trader am struggling with the ... A: 100% you will need to pay taxes on any profits. No one has managed to legally avoid that one! My ... | |
| Repeat business | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I started a small lawn mowing business (basically I hand out my flyers 360 of them in the weekend) ... A: Of course you should be signing these guys up for a regular lawn cut. Leave a card or better still ... | |
| Starting a software startup | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I am a software programmer aged 33 and live in India. For the past few years I have been developing ... A: Congratulations on starting your new company. I hope that you will enjoy it. You are entering a ... | |
| starting a business | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My wife and I currently live in Virginia, and were thinking of starting a home based fruit ... A: I am not a lawyer so I cannot give you specific legal advice but I can tell you where to find it and ... | |
| Starting a small business - marketing | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: can you suggest anything further to get this off the ground: AFFORDABLE LAWN-MOWING SERVICES No ... A: That is a pretty good rate of return. That is one customer that you didn't have before. So treat ... | |
| Starting a small business - marketing | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: can you suggest anything further to get this off the ground: AFFORDABLE LAWN-MOWING SERVICES No ... A: I like your advert - catchy. This is a very competitive area. One idea you might consider - as you ... | |
| cloth manufacturing unit | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: hai my name is umadevi am from india, andhrapradesh. i want to start a my own business. i would like ... A: Well done on wanting to start your own business. When looking around for the kind of business you ... | |
| location | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I live in a very rural Nevada town with a population of 4000 countywide. The closest ... A: M. You have a few things going for you in that you have run two successful businesses and that you ... | |
| Starting a Small Biz | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: .. I plan on starting a small financial recruiting business in NYC within the next couple of ... A: Everyone's business is different. Whilst you can obtain advice from books, specific advise as to ... | |
| new bussiness | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: i am just starting a new janitor business need new customers what is the best way to contact new ... A: I am assuming that you have your legal requirements, police checks if needed, licenses and ... | |
| Manufacturing | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: My family was involved in the automotive industry when I was younger. Since then the automotive ... A: I can't give you specific suggestions because you have given me little information from which to do ... | |
| water | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a similar question to one of yours regarding the spring water. I am thinking of setting up a ... A: This was a difficult question as they did not want to bottle the water. These are the options: 1) ... | |
| Volunteer Co-op | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have an idea that I'm trying to develop but I haven't been able to find ... A: You will indeed be a charity and perhaps that is one of the routes you should be following. I have ... | |
| Volunteer Co-op | 10/15/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have an idea that I'm trying to develop but I haven't been able to find ... A: Part of you problem is you are not able to describe what you are trying to do in a few sentences - ... | |
| Volunteer Co-op | 10/15/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have an idea that I'm trying to develop but I haven't been able to find ... A: We have similar things in the UK called Home Owners Associations - just a group of people meeting ... | |
| Teen wanting to start business | 10/15/2008 |
| Q: I am a teenager who knows a lot about business and entreprneurship. But I don't have any business ... A: First of all you need to get focused and I doubt that you, as yet, know a lot about business. We ... | |
| Market Research | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are considering starting an indoor recreation business and are debating between the ... A: Yes a problem. Obviously what you need to find out is will people prefer one location to another. ... | |
| pocket milk delivery and cool drink shop | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: Respected Sir, I have a small house, I want to earn atleast 10,000 rupees per month buy selling milk ... A: First of all I suggest that you check that enough people will want your drinks that you can make ... | |
| Spring water for sale! | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: My father and I have some land and the land has several natural springs, we would like to start a ... A: It is a little difficult for me to give you a quick answer for something that you have researched ... | |
| Please Advise :) | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: Hope you are doing well. I am a 22 year old male with a lot of aspirations from India. I started ... A: You have a lot of questions here and I cannot answer all of them because I would need far more ... | |
| SETTING UP A CORPORATION............. | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: I am starting my own business and will be incorporating right away. My plan is to have 2 distinct/or ... A: You should get your accountant's advice on this one. I run several different companies under one ... | |
| Cleaning business | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I know a man who is interested in just cleaning houses (general cleaning). He wants to on a weekly ... A: There are several points to your questions and I will try and answer them all. 1)It is illegal in ... | |
| stsrting my buisness | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: m a student of it bhu,varanasi,india i m in first year....we get a lot of free time. i want to start ... A: Well my suggestion would be to look around for a problem and find a solution. Ideas would be: ... | |
| city codes for opening a restuarant | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: How can I get a list of city codes and regulation on opening a restaurant A: How on earth do you expect me to answer this question when you do not tell me your country no matter ... | |
| Hotel Start-up | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: this question is not exactly regarding a "small" business, but i hope you could be of assistance to ... A: I think that a hotel is still a small business so happy to help. Raising cash for a hotel is ... | |
| Grants for women who want to start a business | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: Where can I apply for a grant as a women to start my own business? I have already been through all ... A: How can I answer that when you don't give me any details? I too can sell you a list of grants that ... | |
| dental nurse agency | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: i am currently a dental nurse and have been for the past 5 years,i love my job but i really want to ... A: If you live in Ipswich Suffolk, I know the area well. The first question you should ask yourself is ... | |
| in the business id like to start i have questions | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: MI. 20 yrs ago i bought this property and on it it has an artisan flowing well.My wife just passed ... A: This is a little out of my area of expertise but I would suggest that: 1) You check that the water ... | |
| Candy shop business? | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: About what would you say the price range would be to start a small candy shop businesses?I know it's ... A: the cost of starting a new business is always a difficult calculation, I have an article for you on ... | |
| IT Consulting/Agency | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: Any how my husband and I have been running a IT Consulting/Agency business. Were still very new to ... A: This is going to be difficult for you because you do not as yet have an established business. Large ... | |
| Question about starting a business | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I have an idea to start a financial consulting business. In my mind, my primary goal in consulting ... A: I have to say that I would not take financial advice from someone who has got themselves in such a ... | |
| bonded and insured | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I am starting a cleaning service. Right now I will be the only one cleaning. Do I need to get bonded ... A: Yes you do because you will be on other people's property using equipment and materials that may ... | |
| start up query | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I am in the process of becoming a sub dealer for Bosch range of power tools. Now the problem is ... A: First of all do you have a territory agreement for your dealership? If so specialize in this area. ... | |
| Taking products to next level inquiry... | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: Although I have worked in a freelance environment the majority of my professional life, I also owned ... A: Your question is very confusing - not least that you are asking a question about potential buyers ... | |
| Your FAULT | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: Yesterday was the first time ever I got into this siite and asked u an important question. Yr reply ... A: YOU put the SAME QUESTION in TWICE. So the person being rude and offensive who made the BIG MISTAKE ... | |
| Corporations/LLC | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a question about setting up a corporation or LLC (Limited Liability Company). I have an ... A: If you search for "making a corporation" or similar you will find a number of organizations that ... | |
| Distribution costs | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I have a product that retailers are interested in buying for six dollars. They are requesting that ... A: There is no set answer to this it depends upon the product, the market, the country you are in, how ... | |
| Business Plan | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: how would I go about creating a business model? how would I get the information needed for said ... A: A business model is the manner in which your business operates. If you have no idea how to do this ... | |
| career as an entrepreneur | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: I'm a 5th grader at Morgantown Elementary. I am exploring a career as an entrepreneur. Can you help ... A: This is an awful lot of questions that look like a homework question, but I will give you the ... | |
| starting a dealership for power tools | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: Sir, wel m a mechanical engg (degree)..(completed my degree this June 2007)..i have only three ... A: I would suggest that you contact BOSCH ... | |
| Pet Grooming Salon | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: I would like to start a pet grooming salon. Please advice as to how to get this going and off the ... A: An article of mine may help you. Starting a New Business – Your Business Framework – What ... | |
| how do i start a new business? | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: im a 36 yr old mother of four and thinking of starting up a ancy dress hire from home? i live in an ... A: This is an expensive business to start up as you need to buy lots of fancy dress costumes. First of ... | |
| how much | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: how much does it take to start up a small pluming business. A: This is a question I get asked a lot. So I have an article that will help you. Entrepreneurs – How ... | |
| Buying a small business? | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: I am looking into buying a small hotel in my home town but I am not sure where to start. I honestly ... A: It is very unlikely that you would get a grant and particularly a 100% grant for a small hotel. You ... | |
| starting up a buisiness | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: ive been wanting to start a buisiness for sometime now.im not sure though i can get the backing do ... A: If you ask for finance from a bank or the SBA then they are going to ask that you put in at least ... | |
| STARTING A CLOTHING LINE | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: I WOULD LIKE TO START A LINE OF T-SHIRTS FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, NOTHING FANCY JUST PLAIN ... A: Congratulations on the start of your business. First of all get together at least 10 designs and ... | |
| starting an automobile spare parts dealership | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: Sir, am a mech engg. i am intersted in becoming a dealer for automobile spare parts . How shud i ... A: You need 4 main things first of all before you spend any money on your dealership. 1) Location - ... | |
| Nail Business | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I own a nail spa in a prominent area in Illinois. This location has been a day spa previously and ... A: This is indeed a sad place to be. There do seem to be some clues in the past that your location may ... | |
| starting up a charter bus business | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: Could you please give me any information or resources on how to start up a charter bus business in ... A: The first thing I would advise you to do is to ensure that people really want another charter bus ... | |
| Clothing stores | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: My partner and I would like to start a mainstream discount clothing store. Any tips on a directory ... A: In order to ensure that you get legal items to sell you need to go to the supplier and find out ... | |
| startup and marketing | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: I am a 20 year old student, and i am studying construction management. Along with school i also work ... A: Congratulations on being so energetic. People will always need good painters so it is just a case ... | |
| starting a pizza business | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: Lee, I was wondering, (just a ballpark figure) what would it cost to start a small hole in the wall ... A: Here are a couple of articles that will assist you. Entrepreneurs – Is It A Window Of ... | |
| how to start a bakery | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: I wish to partner with tertiary institutions and universities to run bakeries within the ... A: Set up a basic proposal that states how you would run your business, likely menu and prices etc. ... | |
| how do i manage the small business? | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: I am a 19 year old lady, who has been baking from home for two years now. I do have a few people who ... A: Here are a few ideas: 1)Open up a market stall and sell from there. 2)Join a local farmers market. ... | |
| Business issues | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a business for three months now(sharpening shop for circular and band saws).I'm living in ... A: The agencies you mention such as the World Bank deal with multi million loans and usually deal at ... | |
| Not Sure Where To Begin | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: A friend and I thought of starting a spa/health facility. I have done some research and know for a ... A: This is a very expensive business to set up. The largest loan that you can secure is 80% so you ... | |
| Does this sound feasable? | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: I am looking to start a card sending business for companies to stay in touch with their clients. Its ... A: This is quite a common business so you need to work out how to differentiate yourself from ... | |
| Owner/operator | 10/22/2007 |
| Q: I'm a millwright for a major oil company. I'm 43 and I've had enough. I've been thinking about ... A: As you are so unsure of what to do, I would suggest that you: 1)Find out what kind of trucking ... | |
| Valet Business | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: Here is an exact copy of what I sent him about a week ago. Hi, please excuse me I have a lot on my ... A: David First of all understand that the experts on this site answer questions in their spare time ... | |
| Connecting with my Audience | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: I am a stay at home mother with over 8 years of Internet Marketing/Search Engine Marketing ... A: Congrats on your hard work so far. Unfortunately you are entering a very competitive market that ... | |
| Property Management | 9/23/2007 |
| Q: I have been the boards' president for 2 years. I now wish to open up my own Property management ... A: As with all businesses: Decide what market you want to be in - who do you want to sell your ... | |
| making money | 9/13/2007 |
| Q: I want just to make extra money and i am willing to put ALL of my extra time into the at home ... A: Please be careful you are ripe for one of the many con merchants out there. You will not make money ... | |
| opening a business | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: my name is Mike. I was looking into opening up a cleaning business but i can't get past that first ... A: You are doing well to undertake a lot of research first. I get asked these questions a lot. I put ... | |
| Starting a business | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: I am a 22yr old male that is about to graduate from college with an degree in Management. My ... A: Well done for spotting the opportunity for a business. Unfortunately the two businesses you have ... | |
| finding a business partner | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: Tell me how could i get someone who are willing to invest in Tanzania, East Africa to establish a ... A: Firstly you should look locally and then at companies that specialize in your country. This may ... | |
| partnerships | 7/10/2007 |
| Q: what do i need to know before entering a business partnership with a friend in starting a company? A: First of all you need to both understand that starting a business can be extremely stressful, you ... | |
| Website Addresses | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: I know at the library they have a book that tells you details about occupations like average ... A: I don't know of any such web site I am afraid. I do caution you to view any home business income ... | |
| info about starting your own business | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: how do i go about starting my own business. i would like to start up my own t-shirt business. ... A: With respect to T Shirts it is very difficult to copyright your designs but the easiest way to do ... | |
| Venture | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a great idea for a new t shirt venture with a contemporary twist. However to make it truely ... A: Congratulations on wanting to start your own business. Now T Shirts are often thought of as "hobby ... | |
Starting a Small Business
Answers by Expert:
Lee Lister
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
If you are a serious entrepreneur and want to set up your own business or ensure that your existing business is more profitable then let me assist you. I answer questions on business start up, business strategy, business models, business planning, marketing plans, marketing strategy, branding, business tune ups and business improvement. I do not answer any legal, tax or accountancy questions - you should see your own professional adviser about these. If you cannot be bothered to read and rate my answers - I can't be bothered to answer yours!
Experience
Over 20 year’s management, IT and business consultancy experience with businesses large and small as well as being a serial entrepreneur.
Publications
A prolific writer and published author, I write on entrepreneurship, project, bid management and career improvement.
Education/Credentials
BA (Hons) Financial Economics
Numerous Management Qualifications
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