I am business dumb, but I have a very unique mix of skills I would like to turn into a side hustle. Needless to say, there is going to be a huge learning curve for me.
Sure, I could just sell 3D prints on Etsy, but I would rather focus on B2B type work with a more hands on approach than the Chinese print farms/PCB manufacturers. (I’ll start an Etsy shop for practice, but that particular market seems extremely saturated.)
So, if you have started a business before, what are some basic things that you wish someone had told you before you did? Are there good books or other references I could use?
I am running my own business coming up on ten years now. You need to go and do a “Start your own business” course.
Lots of places have one that is state or local government sponsored so have a look around. It’s good to meet other local entrepreneurs too.
Apart from learning how to actually do business basics you’ll learn about legal requirements, filing taxes, registering a limited liability company etc that are all essential parts of a business.
Many of these things can be outsourced but you need to know about them in advance.
When you write your business plan BE HONEST with your numbers and assume everything will take longer and cost more because it will. I had huge respect for one dude I know who did then walked away before starting and losing money and / or not making enough.
Good luck!