Wanting to start a small business

[Ladyhawke]

Hi all....my friend and I have a VERY small chair massage business started, we've only done a couple of jobs so far, and a home party, and it's been an all cash business thus far, but, for 2004, I'd really like to go ahead and tackle it head on, get registered as a business, do the taxes, the whole thing.  Does anyone have any suggestions of books/websites I can check out for help getting started?  Also, anything along the lines of correspondence to let people know we're here, etc.  I'm looking into getting involved with the chamber of commerce here, but since Michigan isn't a state-wide regulated area, will we need to have business licences for EVERY city we go to?  Has anyone tried this?  I'd really like to establish myself and get my name out there, and hopefully, become a millionaire with it!  (Or at least have this be my ONLY job

 

[billyvnilly]

Wanting to start a small business

Hi, rtamm!I have a few suggestions for you -- I hope you find them useful.Cherie Sohnen-Moe's book called Business Mastery has some great general information -- from marketing to taxes and everything in between. And Monica Roseberry's book Marketing Massage is excellent; while she doesn't mention chair massage very much, I believe most of what she talks about can translate in some fashion from "office" massage to chair. They're both available on amazon.com.Find your local Small Business Administration office and talk to them about state/city regulations and any advice on starting small businesses. Network, network, network! Find actual organizations (the Chamber of Commerce is a good one) -- there's the American Business Women's Association, Business Network International (both of which have web presences) and probably others in your town. The Chamber would be a good place to start, esp. to meet others who belong to a variety of local organizations. Some of them (most?) do have fees to join, so shop around and find one that fits your budget. I have found, however, that they usually *more* than pay for themselves over time. Don't forget to network with other massage therapists -- most of my work comes from chair massage, and my biggest "gig" I inherited from another MT who couldn't keep that location anymore. Of course, you're not out to grab their work from them, but let them know you're out there, you're reliable, and you can help. Also, look for any big technology conferences in your area; find out who the promoters are, and offer to do free chair massage for the participants in exchange for the booth (which will normally cost a lot). With the turnaround in the economy (at least I certainly hope it's turning around) maybe more tech firms will be looking to do perks for their employees again. If nothing else, you get your name and your cards out there, and you just never know where your cards might end up!I hope this helps! Good luck!Andrea