What advice can you give me for starting my own business?

My fiance and I are starting our own personal training studio, with in-house supplement and health food store and tanning beds. I've already started on my business plan and have done research one projected growth in the industry. I've also started researching costs of running the business.





If you could give me one tip, what would it be? Thanks!What advice can you give me for starting my own business?
Good Networking...it'll help you build clientele and let folks know you are friendly, knowledgeable, trustworthy, etc. Also, look and act the part...I wouldn't want to go to a little training/supplement/health food store where the co-owners are not in good physical shape.What advice can you give me for starting my own business?
One thing I would suggest that you would read in every 'start your own business' book, in addition to the one that was recommended, is that they'll advise you to 'become business friends' with others of the same venue.





Business-sharing is very profitable for both companies. Call another private studio and talk to the manager there. Sometimes developing that rapport and relationship will benefit both.
What you're going to need is a great management system on your computer that will maintain your inventory and customer loyalty, and consider your store's location as well. Image is also important, make a catchy logo and theme and be personable and likeable.





You should budget about $5,000 for a retail management system so inventory doesn't go missing and you don't have a hard time doing reports for taxes. Trust me, it's worth it. Customer loyalty programs are a plus as well, because when you're a little start up getting and keeping your customer base is the most important thing. Getting them is a combination of location, theme and advertisement, and keeping them is a matter of good products and services and a loyalty program that rewards them.





If you guys are going to be training, you should also consider investing in a solid retail management system because your time will be worth more in training than managing your store - because training brings in money.





I recommend something from Retail Hero, and not just because I work there. I'm plugging our own stuff because frankly it's the best there is. send me an email for more info: doodles@retailhero.com
Take your time an think it through:





http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/鈥?/a>


http://www.sitesell.com/win502.html





Leverage technology as much as possible, ie, make a dvd series, online store for supplements, online memberships, webcasts, franchise (yourself)... set yourself apart.





good luck
Buy the book: In Business For Yourself, by Bruce Williams. It is an excellent book. I will give you the number to buy it directly, if you will e-mail me, as I think that posting it here would violate the community guidelines.


I have read it and highly recommend it.