Looking to start a business that can basically be run from a laptop
I have been racking my brain for a while on this now, but am ready to take the plunge. Partially inspired by an article in Business 2.0 on the virtual workforce and Vistaprint and partially inspired by a recent vacation to Florida, I'm looking to start a business that can basically be run from a laptop and perhaps Skype from anywhere in the world that has a WiFi connection. I'm not looking for any "sell stuff on Ebay" or web design type of things. Hope this made sense (still waiting for that caffiene to kick in!).
Clarification added June 11, 2007:
Thanks everyone for your replies. You've given me a few things to think about. Just a little clarification as to what I was looking for. I didn't really have anything specific in mind but was trying to figure out a way to use the internet and various tools to collaborate globally online to create some type of small business that could be run anywhere I have a net connection. I guess I'm trying to figure out what kinds of businesses could be run this way. Someone suggested that I do something along the lines of my personal interests. I'm mostly interested in live music/bands and movies (this is something else that I have been kicking around in my head as well but am at a road block as to what I can do with that kind of interest). Hope this clarifies things a little better.
Good Answers (2)
Michael A.
Changing the world by identifying and focusing True Genius on Big Dreams
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Here is what I have learned after 10 Startups over 35 years.
Write down your objectives, why do you want to go into business on a laptop, what will it do for your lifestyle
Write down the goals you need to meet to make your objectives
Know who you are from a strengths perspective
Sort out your passion, some times called your Motive Passion, without it, you will find it hard to keep perspective and persevere when things are tough.
Define:
- Your values, so you can connect with potential clients
- Your core competencies, so you know what you are really selling, (not your product but your intellectual properties)
- You vision, what do you want the business to be when you grow up
Establish a strategic objective, think DNA, what is going to control the way your new business is going to grow.
Create a marketing plan
Develop a marketing strategy
Develop a sales strategy
Develop a product strategy
Develop a pricing strategy
Develop a promotional plan spelling out the number of units each promotional initiative will produce by time period
Project a forecast based upon units and your pricing strategy
Develop a proforma cash flow forecast so you can see how much money you will need
Warn your family you will be absent for about 2-3 years, unless this is only a part time endeavor then you will only be absent for a year or so.
This is a simple formulation of a strategic business plan and about all I can ever get anyone to actually commit to completing, it is a minimum. If you cannot make at least this type of planning happen, then treat your idea as a learning experience, because a successful business is the result of careful, painful planning, soul searching with a strong dose of knowledge, understanding and wisdom relative to your product, business model and marketplace.
See my website for more help.
Devesh D.
Management Consultant | Business Coach | Speaker | Mentor | Entrepreneur
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Charles,
I think it would be a good idea (because you sound confident and passionate) and I've a few question and suggestions below:
Questions:
1. How and where do you plan market and promote your product - what is your target market?
2. Do you have a business plan and some financial legwork done yet?
Suggestions:
1. I've seen many businesses fail because they mindset is to create a web site and expect sales...Its wrong, and online business is not much different than B&M business. So, start documenting your ideas, facts, figures, related website links like export import issues etc.
2. Sit down with all these rough notes and try pen down your actual idea and support with all your research work done in the previous step.
3. Run a cash flow and do cost projections for different scales of import and sales. Estimate your working capital and dry period.
4. Do a break even analysis.
5. Contact start-up advisors to help you with more formal issues like incorporation, business insurance, business and marketing plans and other issues.
6. Start shopping around for web development companies and start working on requirement and functionalities you need on your website and start working on content material and text for your website.
Hope it helps.
Devesh
Links:
More Answers (6)
Kenneth L.
Retired Aerospace Contracts Manager, MicroMentor Volunteer and Founder "Smalltofeds"
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Once you have your technical concept, suggest you next develop a business plan to test your idea's viability as a business before you "Take the Plunge" as you say. See below resources for assistance and examples.
Links:
Arne H.
Social entrepreneur aiming to inspire, to help initiate and to create new things
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First find your passion. What would you really, really, really want to do? Does it fit into a web 2.0 format? Get a business plan sorted and then you can run it from a laptop. It is possible, but you need to determine what it is you want to do.
Victor R.
Director of Engineering at SpydrSafe Mobile Security, Inc.
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I recommend to everybody, who plan to start business, think what is the best way to start business. You need identify you strong side
a) You are really proficient in something
b) You have good contacts in some market
c) You have a lot of money to invest in your business
d) You have a lot of time for business
e) You have great idea
I think, if you have at least couple of these, you are fine. If you don't have them, I think, it's not your time yet.
And probably, that's not the best start to think where you plan to do business (run from a lapton, siting in cube or etc). Much more important is what you plan to do.
Marc A.
Senior Program Manager at Sun Media
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I've got one!
Generally the small businesses that I have supported and setup, obtain the following:
1 * laptop
- Windows XP
- Office 2003
- Anti Virus Software
- myob or quicken for bookkeeping
1 * external hard disk drive
1 * all in one laser printer
Depending on budget and accounting advice, I advise my clients to either purchase equipment outright or rent it. Renting your equipment initially can assist your cash flow.
Hope this helps.
Trevor
TRC Computing
www.trccomputing.com.au
