Since when did you need a business license to start your own business?

 

I thought all you had to do was pay taxes on your profit, but I know nothing about that stuff so I didn't chime in

 

most small businesses fail because of
1-poor management
2-lack of sufficient capital

have you taken any business classes?

 

I've been self employed since 2001, when I got laid off my drafting job. I was lucky because a couple of good architect friends of mine decided that they could use some help with their own businesses and had the time to continue training me. I was extremely "green" when I started the working for myself. I spent a lot of my time learning and working so that my clients would see quick improvement and reliability.

I will finally be getting a business license here shortly, but I haven't really had the need for one. In my line of work I don't have any responsibility other than to draw what they ask me to and they review it, as they are ultimately responsible for what I draw. Photographic services don't have as much liability either in my mind. Sure if you hiring yourself out a professional photographer there's liability in that.

I believe a small labor based business doesn't have to cost much at all. Basically you need the software and equipment required to do your service. You can operate out of your home with very minimal space. The government helps out a lot with small businesses through write-offs. To fully understand the advantage of working for yourself see a professional accountant/tax advisor. I have one that is awesome. He costs a little more than going to a H&R Blockhead, but excellent advice is worth every penny.

Some business courses are always good to take, but I wouldn't wait on taking them before starting your adventure. I would, however, rethink quiting your job to work on this type of new business. There is a lot of personal risk if you can't make the capital you need right away and there will undoubtedly be times where your going to be out of clients/slow and you'll need to be marketing. If you know some people that need some stuff that helps out in the beginning.

Working for yourself can be tough, but it can also be rewarding. At one point my business was my sole source of income. I had tons of clients and lots of work, but I couldn't make myself focus on work. I had big plans to teach/consult with other students from my former teacher as a training thing for the real world, but it takes a lot of work to setup a business that isn't running by your time/effort put into it. Then once you get an empire like that setup you'll spend all your time reviewing other's output, training and getting jobs to keep them busy. Basically an employee in terms of effort on your behalf. Probably a little more than your need to worry about right now, but my mind starts wondering and I go with it.

Unfortunately businesses that rely on the income from labor are hard to make a lot of money from. You can only work so much, and a lot of that time is spend marketing for new clients. You'll have to continue to advertise and network socially even if your swamp at the moment, because you have to plan for the future.

Good luck on your adventure and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

 

I agree with deede, it would not be smart to quit your job. Most, if not all professional photographers start off by going to things like weddings, car events, night clubs and getting their name out basically as much as they can. Do it on the weekends, or after work on the work days. Once you think going full time will be the financially smart thing to do, then branch off and quit your job and give it a go. Until you get the clients it would not be a smart thing to quit your job.

 

i hear you don't need one to tune

 

Liar, I didn't do nothing for you to see anywhere.

 

Thanks Deede. I'll deffinately be PM-ing you for some questions

 

what?

 

fkn right

 

huh?

 

srsly

 

well, since you are in roseville, here's the plan for you:

1. come up with a snappy business name.
2. lease a big SUV and plaster it with your logo.
3. buy a big house on a risky loan (1% negative amoritization interest only).
4. ???
5. blame the economy when your business fails.

 

6. Blame George Bush...


oh wait nvm, we are in placer county....

 

Yeah, Clinton got a blow job.