So You Want to Start your Own Business?
So you’re thinking of starting your own business? Maybe you’ve been making jewellery for all your friends and now you’re getting requests to make more, or perhaps you’re a pretty good artist and you want to see your work on posters and puzzles?
It’s pretty hard to do and there’s a lot to think about, but it’s not impossible to start your own business – even as a tween, just ask Franc!
Here are some steps to get your started;
What are you going to sell? Hairclips, posters, slime, glitter and even homemade biscuits? Work out what you love doing (because you may well be spending a lot of time doing it!!). If you’re not sure, take a look around, what do you enjoy doing? What do you like buying?
Once you’ve settled on a product you need to work out logistics, how much does it cost to make, how much will you sell them for and the big one – how are you going to sell them? Maybe the markets are a good option, or just through friends and family or how about you think big and open an Etsy store or even your own website!
Now for the serious bit – you will need an ABN (Australian Business Number) – here is a great site for more information. If you’re under 12 your parent or guardian must sign on your behalf. You should also get a bank account and may even need to consider registering your business name.
Phew! Those first few steps were pretty big! So how about we have some fun! Let’s name your company and design your logo! www.canva.com is the perfect site for this – it’s free and has all the tools you’ll need to not only design your logo, but your flyers, brochures, signage and more!
LAUNCH (and have a celebration – well done you!!)
Now it’s time to sell. For that, you need to grow your audience. This involves marketing your product to a wide range of people in a variety of ways. This could be as simple as getting your friends to shout about how great your product is, putting it on social media or even advertising (and for that you’ll most likely again need an adult).
Starting a business can be a lot of hard work, but it’s also super fun and can be so rewarding – not just through making some money, but seeing people use and enjoy something you made is truly amazing!