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How I Started
My Color Scanning Business
© 1998,
by Annie Douglas
I began a business in computer
scanning last Spring after receiving a color scanner as a Christmas
gift. But more important, I saw a need for this kind of service
in our area. I also wanted a little extra income yet be able
to continue to stay at home mom with our twins.
We live in a small rural town
and the closest business that would do computer scanning was
about 30 minutes away -- and they charged an exorbitant amount
for their scanning service. I knew that many people in our area
were adding computers to their homes and many wanted to get a
web page up or just send photos to relatives via email.
My set up began with an application
for a service vendors licence and registering the name of my
business. Your local or county municipal building should have
these forms. Next I worked up a pricing schedule and set up forms
that the clients would have to fill out; this included a disclaimer
for copyrighted materials. I designed a simple web page with
all of this information and printed up business cards as well
as fliers for advertising at local computer shops and bulletin
boards. Later I purchased floppy disks for sending clients their
pictures.
Total cost for my set up (including:
scanner, licences, fliers, business cards, software to manipulate
pictures and floppy disks ) was approximately $450.00.
I advertised all over the Internet,
including message boards, our local ISP classifieds and local
town classifieds. I posted fliers at local computer shops and
stores.
Since I am a stay-at home mom
I am usually busy with "mom" stuff during he day, so
most of the work I do for my business occurs after the kids go
to bed and on weekends.
Advice for new WAH moms:
- Set realistic financial and
time goals.
- Review your plans with your
accountant, attorney and insurance agent.
- Talk over goals and plans with
your spouse and see how he can help with achieving those goals.
Be sure to thank your husband for helping in these areas. I wouldn't
be able to do what I do if it weren't with the help of my wonderful
husband!
- Plan one chunk of time each
week to devote to your business and get a sitter if needed to
come to the house.
- If you have to work every day
on your business, set limits for your time. It's so easy to get
caught up with work and forget about meals, cleaning and your
husband ;-)
- Try not to feel guilty about
the time you put into your business. I know I fall prey to this
very often. I think of it as my mentally stimulating exercise
for the day!
- Lastly, keep your priorities
in line! My family always comes first, no matter how busy my
business gets. I know that the time that my children are young
and at home is very short :-)
- Annie Douglas is the owner of Douglas
Computer Services, featuring fast, affordable scanning.
You can reach her via e-mail, [email protected]
or her web site, http://pages.sssnet.com/dtwins/scan/
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