Starting up a business

louloulouisa

Hi everyone

I want to set up my own graphic design / web design company, but don't know where to start!

I have tried looking through businesslink.gov.uk but its a lot of reading!!! Just wondering if anyone knew a simple quick guide? or could tell me?

I have 3 children, so very busy!

Thanks very much :beer:

Lou x

pjcox2005

I appreciate it's just a post on a website, but the line 'I have 3 children, I'm very busy' as a reason for not having a chance to read through Business Link is a worry as that will be nothing compared with the time and energy required to set up a business.

However, to help:
First, have you actually identified the business you intend to run (i.e. thought about the type of websites to be designed, who your target customer is, the opportunities/barriers to winning work) in order to get an idea as to whether this is feasibe. Perhaps try and work this up into a business plan (even if unsophisticated at this stage) and ask friends to tear holes in it - this will allow you to be prepared for the task ahead and hit any weaknesses head on early.

I haven't used the link yet, but I would suggest the business start up organiser on business link may be useful to give a personalised list of tasks required. An alternative would be to contact their phone number to have a chat with someone about the initial stages that people face when setting up on their own.

Premier_2

louloulouisa wrote: »

Hi everyone

I want to set up my own graphic design / web design company, but don't know where to start!

I have tried looking through businesslink.gov.uk but its a lot of reading!!! Just wondering if anyone knew a simple quick guide? or could tell me?

I have 3 children, so very busy!

Thanks very much :beer:

Lou x

Setting up your own graphic design / web design company, a bridal shop , as well as looking after 3 children, one of which is only about 7 months old.

My you are going to be busy. How do you plan to fit it all in?

louloulouisa

Hi pjcox2005 - thanks for your reply, I understand your concern, unfortunately I have been made redundant, My other half earns enough for us to scrape by and pay the mortgage, but I want to work So my idea is to work part time creating websites and graphics from home, so I can fit around the children if they are poorly. thanks for taking the time to reply:)

Hi Premier, yep I did consider a bridal shop, desparation from loosing my job, but just waaaaay out of my abilities. no just the web design co will be more than enough thanks for taking the time to reply:)

Lou x

fiscalfreckles

Businesslink may look daunting, but believe me that's relatively concise compared to looking up all that information seperately.

Work through the start up plan, if you can face it. At very least I would start with a business plan, how much your costs are going to be a)to set up and b) regular outgoings and how much you expect to turnover each month. Consider premises, staff etc (if any) and work out how you will finance it all (talk to a few bank business advisors?)

Once you begin, one thing will need to another.

louloulouisa

Thanks fiscalfreckles :beer:

I guess I need to get stuck in! Thanks for all your replies everyone

Lou x

paulwf

My concern before you go any further is what will set you apart from the rest? There are thousands of graduates in these fields all needing jobs plus many thousands more who can "turn their hand" to it. You don't even have the advantage that most businesses have of getting trade purely by being the nearest supplier as most of this work can be outsourced over the web.

I'd imagine getting the work will be more time consuming and difficult than actually doing the work. It doesn't sound like you've got the time to set yourself apart from the rest in this respect.

Sorry to sound negative but you really need to think how you are going to generate business before you spend time setting up the company.

louloulouisa

Hi Paulwf

Thanks for your reply.

What does everyone think, am I a bit out of my league here? I appreciate Paul's comment

I was employed as a web designer for 3 years, and was a magazine designer for 8 months before that, I am in the process of creating my own website, and am not putting it on here to spam, as I am a bit embarrased as it is not finished yet, but it shows my work on the portfolio page (I have removed this link now)

am I out of my league?

Thanks :beer:

Lou x

martindow

Lou - I don't think anyone is suggesting you are out of your league. There is though a world of difference between being employed in a role and running this as a business. Clearly you are experienced but you are entering a crowded market place where you are going to have to find clients. How you are going to do that is key to your success.

Debt_Robot

I think what separates the successful people in business is sheer perseverance.

You make your own luck in business. Do you have a target market for your graphic design business?

Savvy_Sue

louloulouisa wrote: »

I am in the process of creating my own website, and am not putting it on here to spam, as I am a bit embarrased as it is not finished yet, but it shows my work on the portfolio page

Sorry, but if you read the Forum Rules you will see that whatever your intentions you should not post your own website here. Please edit your post to remove the details.