"Stop Dreaming and Start Your Own Business" 8 Ways to Get Started

Tired of playing by your boss's rules? Tired of wondering if you have what it takes to navigate your financial freedom? Wondering if you can make your dreams a reality? Wondering how you can get out of debt and do the things you truly want to do? Well, here's your guidepost ---- Very Basic Easy to Understand Rules:

Step 1: Get Organized

Get a day planner or PDA and write your goals - where are you, where you need to be, what you need to do to get there. Figure out why you want to start your business? Are you turning your hobby into an income stream? Will it be part-time or full-time? If possible, start out part-time and keep your current employment. You can use your salary to float while you start up the business. If you're just bored and tired of working for your boss, evaluate your decision. Perhaps you can switch jobs or take a sabbatical. Don't do anything drastic until you figure your true reasons for leaving your stable employment for the unknown.

Step 2 Get Information

Do your research. Be realistic. Just because you have an idea doesn't mean you're going to be rich. What do you want to sell? What is your niche? Who are you targeting?

Step 3 Get Out There!

Go online. Go to your local library. Attend workshops. Volunteer. Study the competition. Attend the industry parties, expos and shows.

Step 4 Make A Business Plan

Put your thoughts and ideas on paper. This allows you to figure out what you need. Describe the goods or services you plan to offer. Describe the market. Determine how much you need. Figure out where the source of your investment. How much startup cash do you need? Don't forget advertising costs. You don't want the business to be a secret, do you? How are you going to get the word out?

Step 5 Get Money Smart

If you're drowning in debt, pay down your debt before plunging your life savings or retirement into a new venture. Don't put your startup costs on a credit card. You don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul. Check your credit history. You may be able to use your savings or you could be eligible for small business loans from banks or other credit institutions. Overestimate your budget. This allows you to fall back on any accumulated cash reserves.


Step 6 Pick Your Legal Team

There are several types of legal entities ranging from sole proprietorship to limited partnerships to limited liability companies. Speak to legal and tax professionals for guidance.

Step 7 Get Started

You've done your research. You've met with the legal and tax professionals. You've got your financing. You've got your permits and/or licenses. You may start with an on-line establishment or a brick and mortar store. The main advantages of online trading are the low overhead costs. Online trading allows you to get your "feet wet" and gives you a feel of the consumer response to your products or services. If you're sure that a brick and mortar is your ideal route, then go for it.

Step 8 Get realistic

You may not start off with a bang, but remember its a process!!! You'll lose some sleep. You'll second-guess your decision. You'll wonder why you gave up your 9 to 5 for what appears to be a 24 hour headache. Don't give up yet. The rewards are great. The intrinsic satisfaction is priceless. You've dreamed about this. You've worked hard for it. It's here. Enjoy the ride!



-Mimi owner and designer of Boutique Mix

How To Build A Fashion Empire By Gabrielle Teare

With the credit crunch biting more and more of us are looking to the internet as a source of income. In both Europe and the US retail sales have fallen whilst internet sales are still holding. Around 75% of us now have a home computer, and clothing sales account for 17% of US and 37% of UK online sales in 2007. The US market topped $100 billion in 2007 so there is a massive market to go for.

• Fashion Internet sites are still starting all the time. The Bauer Media group who own Grazia magazine have just launched a new fashion site. http://www.cocosa.com/. This is a designer retail internet site similar to net-a-porter. Check it out. It is by invitation only. Type in "HauteMimi". It is by limited invitation which is available until November 2.
  
• Retail shops are finding it very tough with rising rates, and consumer confidence dropping. So the time is right to start a fashion empire. Niche markets do very well, Bravissimo the online bra company for fuller figured women started on a kitchen table. Other ideas may be children’s clothing, plus size women, tall men etc.

• Next, start a blog with a free newsletter and find out as much as you can about your target market and customers prior to launch. The newsletter will give you your mailing list for your launch. This will get you known to your target customers and get some healthy web traffic. It will also give you competitor data for your business plan.
  
• Then source your product and start a website. There are many website software packages now to build your own i.e. Mr Site. Google Adwords provide instant advertising and with a website focused on your most relevant keywords you will soon have sales. Market by email to your customer base and keep marketing to them, on average it takes 7 access points before someone buys.

• Now you have your killer product, a great website, stay focused, network like crazy and don’t give up. Take a long cool look at your business regularly and refine it. Many big businesses start very small so be motivated and get out there to build your very own Fashion Empire.

Interview with Juli Lee of Julianna Rae

Juli Lee is the designer for Julianna Rae one the most luxurious and glamourous lingerie houses. Here are her insider tips on boudoir dressing.

HM: Describe your boudoir style in one word.

J: Intriguing. It makes you want to look a little closer and find out more.

HM:Favorite place to shop for lingerie?

J: Spain. This amazing country is often overshadowed by the better known kids on the block for lingerie, Italy and France. What I love about the Spanish designers is they have a much more fresh approach, less bound by tradition. It feels modern, feminine, fun and very wearable. Don’t get me wrong – the French and Italians do beautiful lingerie – but it’s almost like their designs have the burden of upholding all the traditions of lingerie royalty.

HM: What are some new trends in lingerie?

J: First key trend – lingerie is finally being invited to sit at the table with the rest of ready to wear fashion. Customers are no longer waiting for those special occasions to wear lingerie. They now want their lingerie wardrobe to be as good as their regular wardrobe and are upgrading their lingerie at a furious pace. You will see much more emphasis on fashion looks over basics BUT that means fashion lingerie now needs to perform like basics – it has to be comfortable and every day wearable! Another key trend is simplicity – clean beautiful lines with well placed trims and accents that flow along the body instead of constrict the body. Corsetry, structure, laces, and overwrought frills are on the wane – women are a bit tired of looking like old fashioned dolls.

HM: Who is your style icon?

J: Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel – She wore simple, elegant clothes that still made her look sexy. Comfort was as important to her as looking good and she made relaxed and casual still look tailored and stylish. And of course, she shocked the world by wearing menswear inspired pants and suits, but millions of us women are grateful for it now!

HM: What is the biggest mistake a woman can make when it comes to buying lingerie besides wearing a wrong sized bra?

J: Too tight, too sheer and too revealing are the biggest mistakes when it comes to buying lingerie. Less is not more when it comes to lingerie. Women look best when they conceal a bit of their charms, when they leave a bit to be discovered.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in lingerie designing?

J: The greatest advice I have learned not just as a lingerie designer but as a designer of ready to wear, also, is to not design for myself. My customers count on me for my design aesthetics but none of them have said they wanted what was in my closet.

HM: What advice would you give to young lingerie designers trying to make their fame?

J: Know who your customer is, or who you want them to be. It actually forces one to be MORE creative and helps prevent “designer’s block.”

HM: If you could give women a tip to feel fabulous in their lingerie what would it be?

J: Drape, drape, drape. Buy lingerie in a fabric that has fluidity, a good hand feel, and a fabulous drape – you will look and feel like the belle of the ball. Silk is great for this, as are very high end, lightweight cottons.