So I would like to start a business

[Iggy]

I'm never sure how to go about getting started at things. I want to do copyediting - correcting grammar, punctuation, readability, clarity, etc. - polishing your copy, basically. I do not know how to start freelancing to do this, how to make contacts, how to get jobs. I feel lost. I know I could do it and do it well but I have never done freelance anything (except belly dancing) and am not sure how to start. Is there a site to look for jobs? Do I need a website first? How do I advertise? And once it's started, how do I run it as a small business so I don't run into IRS trouble?

Thoughts? Ideas?

[Maverick]

Those are a lot of questions and all great ones.

I would start building a business plan, because the questions you're asking are all things you want to address in mapping out your business.

There is one in here I posted some time ago and I'll go find it for you. It's easy, a one page deal. It's useful in that it forms your plan of attack, it's brief and concise. Plus, actually putting it down on paper gives it presense in the real world and not just floating about in your head.

You're more likely to take action once you've taken the time to map out a plan.

BRB with a link to the post. :think Or did I stick it somewhere? I'll find it.

[Maverick]

This works for any kind of business idea:

Retail thoughts

[Iggy]

Thank you! I'll work on that this weekend.

[Carmine]

Potential customers would be local ad or pr agencies and non-profits. you might also want to contact the local off-set printers in the area, they would know who do their own work vs those who hire out.

There are also lots of websites like odesk where you can bid and interview for jobs - the problem with those is usually that there is a large pool of people bidding on a gig so the value prop gets diluted pretty quickly.

[Iggy]

Carmine, those are good avenues to explore, thank you. I hadn't thought of local agencies. Hmm. I'll have to see how to advertise to them.