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Where To Begin?
Start with an idea. Then check out the Web.
If you want to start a business, you may already have almost everything you need to begin.
First, consider your skills and current situation. You don't necessarily have to quit your gig, unless you want to. You can begin doing something new as a moonlighting transition if your current situation is getting played out. If and when your independent gig achieves critical mass (and revenue), you can leave the old gig behind.
For example: You're a real estate agent. Right now, the market is tough. You don't want to quit; you've got too much invested in your career: time, energy, contacts, and pride. But sales are few and far between. You've got a few listings, but they're just sitting there.
What else can you do?
You've enjoyed planning meetings, bar mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, showers, baptisms, parties, even that wedding for your funky brother-in-law. You negotiated with the hall, got a great deal on the food, favors, music, invitations, etc. How about becoming a party planner?
You can do it without quitting your real estate gig. Just get the word out among your family, friends, and network of contacts. Maybe throw a website up, and while you're going about your business, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.
Or you're interested in web design. You've had training as a graphic artist, perhaps, but how do you make the transition to doing web pages?
You might consider taking an adult education course at a local high school or community college. Or ask a friend who's a designer to teach you. If not, go online. Google "web design" and you'll find (gulp) 352 million links. Try "learn web design," and it drops down to a nice, manageable 139,000. Poke around a bit more and you'll find several sites that offer free online tutorials.
First, consider your skills and current situation. You don't necessarily have to quit your gig, unless you want to. You can begin doing something new as a moonlighting transition if your current situation is getting played out. If and when your independent gig achieves critical mass (and revenue), you can leave the old gig behind.
For example: You're a real estate agent. Right now, the market is tough. You don't want to quit; you've got too much invested in your career: time, energy, contacts, and pride. But sales are few and far between. You've got a few listings, but they're just sitting there.
What else can you do?
You've enjoyed planning meetings, bar mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, showers, baptisms, parties, even that wedding for your funky brother-in-law. You negotiated with the hall, got a great deal on the food, favors, music, invitations, etc. How about becoming a party planner?
You can do it without quitting your real estate gig. Just get the word out among your family, friends, and network of contacts. Maybe throw a website up, and while you're going about your business, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.
Or you're interested in web design. You've had training as a graphic artist, perhaps, but how do you make the transition to doing web pages?
You might consider taking an adult education course at a local high school or community college. Or ask a friend who's a designer to teach you. If not, go online. Google "web design" and you'll find (gulp) 352 million links. Try "learn web design," and it drops down to a nice, manageable 139,000. Poke around a bit more and you'll find several sites that offer free online tutorials.
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