Just Start A Business?
A friend of mine wants to start up a business. He told me he’s going to just download a program, learn how to make websites with it, and then he can start up his own web design business.
Sounds pretty simple when put that way. My nephew, who I sometimes babysit talks that way (very simply). Since my nephew doesn’t have the largest vocabulary yet, and is 2.5 years old, he speaks in the simplest forms.
My friend has absolutely no experience creating websites. But he did happen to find a hungry market in his area. But without the experience of creating websites, how does he plan on pulling it off?
Of course, it’s going to be a much more difficult task than he first imagined. But there is a way he could make this happen.
He can:
- Learn HTML and graphics design himself
That’s going to take a while. I’ll just say at least a month for him to learn it. But even then, he won’t be any expert. Clients (if he can get any) may be unsatisfied with the work done, and will likely not use his service again. On the flip side, clients may work him like a dog and he’ll be stuck working a second day job. Oops!
- Outsource the work to someone else who already knows HTML and graphics design
This would definitely free up some time for him. Considering that he still has a day job, I think this would be most beneficial to him. He seems to have enough money for some luxuries (going to night clubs, buying video games) so I’m sure he can find a way to pay a contractor for work.
He can find contractors on a website like craigslist.org or elance.com, and there are plenty of other places to find freelancers.
I’ll monitor his progress over the month and see if he decides to take any action. I do wish him luck, but wouldn’t be surprised if he were to forget his original plan and jump on something else.
- Aaron Brandon
I hate dissuading anyone from their dreams, but unfortunately many want to run before they walk. Perhaps this individual already has a plan in place and needs only to execute it. But the website development industry is oversaturated - there are thousands of developers out there. If you’ve got a solid marketing plan in place and a way to generate revenues without killing yourself (as you’ve said — working TWO jobs) then you could make a good living or second income. I wish your friend the best of luck in achieving his goals.
Comment by Mohamed Bhimji — March 20, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Aaron,
That’s pretty interesting timing. I added a post a couple of days ago sort of talking about the same thing. Basically, just because it “sounds” like a good idea doesn’t mean it “is”.
Here’s that link:
http://www.kentonnewby.com/business-basics/just-because-you-can-doesnt-mean-you-should/
Though I have to applaud his efforts at finding a hungry market and having the drive to get out there and make things happen. That said, might be better in the short term to refer people to someone more experienced, get a referral fee instead. Maybe also learn the ropes from that person.
The other thing about that market is that unless you’re pretty creative, it’s a one-off sale, other than providing web hosting. So you’re always scrambling for new business (or so it seems).
Either way, best of luck to your friend. But certainly some things to consider before diving in head first.
~Kenton Newby
Comment by Kenton Newby — March 21, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I applaud those who take action no matter what. Most people are in a vicious circle of planning-thinking-planning though. One could also title it as “trying.”
So again, I applaud your friend for starting it anyway and improve it along the way. It is how I myself improved lots if things in my life before I even got a chance of coming up with silly excuses…
Comment by Marcus Hochstadt — March 24, 2008 at 8:27 am
It needn’t be hard to start a business, just requires a little thought before action to get things moving! But sometimes it requires action before thought, too.
Comment by InvestorBlogger — April 4, 2008 at 8:13 am
Of course web designing is an interesting field provided there is a niche market on net for this. There are 100’s of fields on net where one can start an internet business and earn on net from a legitimate home based business. Even if there is no niche market for web designing, website designing knowledge is essential for any online business person because he/she is concerned with site designing first whatever is the nature of the business.
Comment by Muzaffer_Bhat — May 6, 2008 at 1:43 am