I saw my business advisor yesterday.

[claire fox]

Hi Everyone,
Following up from my thread about how to set up your own business, i went to see a business advisor yesterday.
He told my about the princes trust being able to help with training, gave me a business plan to fill in (question and answer...how easy) and advised on what to do in the future with regards to how to get it off the ground.
I explained i wanted to be mobile and in a salon somewhere. He said that was the best option as i would have a base to build clients.
He told me about grants that i could be entitled to( people on benefits get money thrown at them by the way). The way it sounded there was up to £3000 available if they thought your business plan sounded promising.
Obviously he asked about competition in my area but luck has it theres not much going on.
My next move is to ask in salons if i can rent space (aparently £50 is suffice in the north east) and then finish my business plan then go from there!! Its all a bit confusing at the moment as im in full time work and not sure what step to take first.
If anyone has been in my position i would be grateful if you can shed some light!!!!

 

[MINKUS]

i think button moon got this princes trust thing....i am sure she could offer you some good advice if you need it.


ambx

 

[tinkywinky]

Hi there

I am a mobile beautician but only work part time. I didn't get grants or loans or anything to help me out. I did some market research and had some knowledge of sales and marketing through work.

Look on yell to see if there is someone nearby. You need to think about the four p's - product, (ie. what to offer the public) price (how much your services will be), promotion (how you will promote your business) and place (are you going to be mobile/in a salon). This will help you in your business plan.

In terms of not knowing whether to go into a salon or be mobile, I'd say concentrate on building up one area e.g. salon first and then you could offer a mobile service or vice versa. Otherwise you are going to have twice the advertising costs and put in lots of effort when you could concentrate on one area.

I nearly went into a salon but decided against it. The room was filthy where a reflexologist worked, there was oil everywhere on the couch, oil in pots dotted about the room etc. It looked unclean and I got bad vibes.

Since making the decision to stick it out alone it has been great. No salon owner telling me what to do in his business (as this place was trying to do).

I hope it goes well for you and I hope you get sorted! Research is key , try the internet to see if you have local competition. if not you may crack into a big niche market!!
Good luck