In a message, Gary Kopycinski wrote to All:
 GK> Would anyone care to give some pointers to someone starting a new 
 GK> business at home? I would like to begin some type of a desktop  
 GK> publishing business at home. So far, I have printed business cards 
 GK> for myself, but I have not done any real advertising of consequence. 
 GK> I do not have a laser printer, but I do have a nice 682 C from 
 GK> Hewlett Packard. Just curious, I hope this is within the subject 
 GK> area of this echo. Thanks! 
  
  Hi Gary!
  You picked one of the most currently popular at home businesses in the 
book!  In many areas of the country, the market is saturated.  You will have 
to work hard and smart to get the edge that will help you beat the 
competition.
  Having said that, I believe that in every market area, there is room for 
one more good provider of service.  My wife and I have been operating a word 
processing/resume writing service out of our home for the last four years and 
we have helped a few people who were starting out.
  A few tips:
  Plan for the long term.  I see many start home-based businesses who became 
dismayed with how long it took for business to get rolling.  Many quit before 
one year is complete.
  Charge enough money to stay in business!  Many don't charge enough, 
thinking they will get more business by charging less.  Actually, you wind up 
working harder and earning less.  If you are the cheapest service in the 
area, you will attract cheap clients who will not value your work and you 
will scare away good clients who will not believe good work can come cheap.
  Study your craft!  I see many people who don't do the study necessary to 
improve their skills or to acquire new skills.  Everything you learn about 
your biz is potentially a money maker for you.  Read books, magazines, get 
involved with discussion groups, like the FIDOnet echoes.
  I have a list of resources for word processing businesses that I post 
periodically in the INK echo on FIDOnet.  See if your local BBS has the INK 
echo and check the older messages.  If they do not have it, send me internet 
e-mail requesting the resource list and I will send you a copy of the list.  
If anyone else is interested, send me private e-mail or net-mail.
  Please do not request the list in this echo!  I wouldn't want to clutter up 
the echo with requests and disturb the harmony of the moderator, who must 
remain moderate (grin).
  Be seeing ya!
  -Franco Rios
  FIDOnet 1:203/23
  franco.rios@EVillage.gigo.com
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