Starting & Running a Business

Business & Economy Forum

Any start up companies going on out there? I'm curious to know what plans you use, if any, and what roadblocks you've run into.

What have you experienced that you never expected would happen, and what did you do to solve the problem?

Well... I started my own consulting practice... just me and one other guy, doing web/graphic design, networking, print/pub, video, etc. (a media production house). My website is currently under re-design (www.xonelabs.com) but will be up shortly.

I have a short term plan and a long term plan for my business. My short term plan defines what I'm looking to do with the company now. This is mostly driven based on new technologies (i.e. learn new version of ActionScript) and getting projects (i.e. marketing, etc.) My long term plan for my business is about how far I'm going to take this endeavor, and what I am trying to accomplish with it in the grand scheme of my life. (that part isn't really fully defined yet)

The biggest roadblocks have been with other companies stealing my ideas. (I've invented some new technologies for Windows servers, and a lot of them get noticed and gobbled up by other firms). Surprisingly, getting clients to take me (a 16-yr-old) seriously has not been a problem. The problems come when something of mine is in somebody else's hands, and there is no real way that a 16-year-old can get it back from them.

As a result of these... impeadances... I have learned a lot about protecting my work (without filing patents, as I have no money). I've done some really in-depth studying over the years of contract law / intellectual property laws, etc.

I'm trying to get my own Nightclub up and running! Expensive!!!! I didn't realize how expensive it would be to do something like this!

The only areas I can skimp is at first I can Bartend (experienced) and bounce (also experienced) but if it becomes as successful as I hope it will one day become...I really have to start spending money!!!

I recommend the "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" series of books to anyone trying to start a business, protect assets, learn about financial management, etc. The books changed how I see things, that's for sure.

Mike, 16 year olds are no problem in business any more because people have learned they are very capable of producing valuable products and services.

TearUUp, hmmmm.... I'll refrain from commenting about you being a bouncer. I remember you saying how you got your nick, and being a bouncer would... oh wait, I said I would refrain.

What? What I say? Who me? Um...okay, so I used to bounce! But people learned not to start too much trouble...I have had a lot of employment in different fields! I wanna know what Kookaburra was gonna say! I won't take offense!

I'll let you keep wondering. It's more fun that way.

Can you see the green smoke coming out of my ears? I don't like to wonder!!!
Don't make me hulk out again.