"Non-engineering" Small Business
"Non-engineering" Small Business
(OP)
I was at a superbowl party last night and discussed something interesting with a fellow ME. He and his wife have started a small business on the side selling grain over the internet. I don't know how much money they make or anything, but I was definitely intreagued.
I'd like to hear what others have done for a small business not related to their "day job".
I'd like to hear what others have done for a small business not related to their "day job".
RE: "Non-engineering" Small Business
TygerDawg
RE: "Non-engineering" Small Business
I work all day Saturday, every Saturday. Haven't had one of those off since April 2005. Most Sundays I go in to clean. My books are so far behind it isn't funny. I have 3+ years to pay on my SBA loan. Financially, it's cost a lot more than I ever expected, in every way. Someday it will pay off. I am tough, I'll make it.
My advice would be (1) don't quit your day job until you know it's going to make it. Start part time so you can at least pay bills. Cut out every unnecessary expense in your personal life. Stress over money is a killer. And (2) go in with a partner. It's really hard to go it alone. You need to be able to take a day off here or there. My family has been really helpful but I still get the feeling like they are thinking, "we told you it wouldn't work..." but it is, I'm just exhausted in making it work.
RE: "Non-engineering" Small Business
We don't yet know how to make that pay the bills unless we start running around doing speaking gigs or something--which really isn't what we had in mind. So for now, I remain an industrial designer while we make the jump to CO and settle in. We have the start of a three year transition plan where I can begin to ween off of this design business and we'll begin to put more "weight" on the new business plan.
This may be obliquely related--I was given this book yesterday by my "mentee"--looks fascinating, although I've only read the first chapter. May be something to think of, since the topic deals with such jumps in the market and of marketable thinking generally:
http://www.danpink.com/aboutwnm.php
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.
RE: "Non-engineering" Small Business
A couple of other "side" careers that I have heard of:
1) One of my professors worked (owned) a coffee shop. He would invite students over to talk about whatever once a month. Coffee on him.
2) A colleague owned a ranch. I don't know if he ran it or leased it out. I believe it was very profitable.
They did this aside from their main careers - a hobby as it were.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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