Resources for starting business

[Rugger]

Wanting to start a business, initially it will just be a consulting gig and will probably be just me. Later on I would like to convert it to a contracting biz for/with the DoD.
I haven't been to B school, yet, and I don't know anything about the technicalities of starting a business aside from having to register with the secretary of state.

Is there a good online resource, or forum, that I might want to utilize to educate myself on the process? Thanks to anyone that can help.

PS- also looking for a talented graphic designer to help me establish some graphics/logos.

 

[Laffertron]

If you want to start "a business", doing "consulting", and your business objective involves winning Defence contracts, I'd say organise a logo is the least of your worries right now.

GIve us some detail. What sort of consulting? What's your professional network like right now? Who will your first customers be? What's your business development strategy to win your first pieces of work?

 

[Joffrey]

First, do you have a background in consulting or contracting with the government? If not, it may help to work in a firm (preferably a smaller startup) for a year or so and get a feel for how they operate. Work on the project side and the home office. Also, with defense cuts you may be a little late to the party.

 

[Rugger]

Thanks for your replies..and I do appreciate the help. I'm in a position now in terms of network and contacts that I'm essentially being told that if I put the structure together I'll have some immediate business. I'm in a field where the business dynamics are hard to describe..kind of a mix between word is bond and old boys/mafia style. At this point I strictly need to know how to set up the shell for structure and tax purposes.

 

[Dbear]

I wonder if the people that are itching to give you "immediate business" are aware that you're trying to put together your consulting business by asking randoms on a clothing website.

 

[Rugger]

I use the term consulting loosely, and yes they are aware I don't have a business background.

 

[jrd617]

Gonna need to learn how to "get on schedule" with the GSA if you want to do consulting.

 

[slycedbred]

im almost positive that a google search of "starting an llc in (x state)" would tell you everything you need to know and more!

 

[Lord-Barrington]

You don't really sound like you know what you're doing. I worked in defense contracting for three years and I still probably didn't know enough to start a business in the area. The complexities and the competition are enormous.

The best thing to do is work for a firm that does what you want to do in the future and learn the ropes. Starting out on your own without the knowledge in an industry like that will be suicidal.

 

[mordecai]

Okay guys, I've got this great idea. It's like Netflix, but for marital aids. Should I go USPS or FedEX?

 

[Rugger]



You don't really sound like you know what you're doing. I worked in defense contracting for three years and I still probably didn't know enough to start a business in the area. The complexities and the competition are enormous.
The best thing to do is work for a firm that does what you want to do in the future and learn the ropes. Starting out on your own without the knowledge in an industry like that will be suicidal.

What gave you that impression?

I don't know anything about the technicalities of starting a business

 

[munchausen]

Jesus man. Starting any business is hard, but contracting with the DOD sounds scarier than most. You should be consulting with an attorney, not a bunch of strangers on the internet.

 

[munchausen]



Thanks for your replies..and I do appreciate the help. I'm in a position now in terms of network and contacts that I'm essentially being told that if I put the structure together I'll have some immediate business.

Seriously, no. Don't start a business based on this. People who promise you business are going to deliver a fraction of what they promise if you are lucky.

 

[jrd617]



Should I go USPS or FedEX?

***chirp chirp chirp**

 

[zerostyle]

If you're interested in learning how to get on the GSA schedule, check out the SCORE classes. For about $30 they give a really detailed 3 hour course on what you need to get going.

You'll still probably end up hiring a professional, but it gives you a much better sense of if you're ready or not.

There are LOTS of gotchyas.