Do you own your own business?

United States
April 19, 2007 12:19pm CST
How many people own their own business? Also what kind of business is it and how many employees do you have? Do you like owning your business better or would you rather have someone else call the shots? My fiance works for his dads business right now and will hopefully start his own next summer, and I would personally love the money and freedom it gives. It is a construction business and his dad has about 12 employees but my fiance will only start out with 2.
7 people like this
31 responses
@cipher2004 (1183)
• United States
19 Apr 07
I started a candle business not to long ago.It was completey by accident.I was getting free candles from a site that if you refer people you get candle coins.I got so many people to sign up I had too many candles and reed diffusers.So I sold them at the flea market.Then I decided to make my own and this went over real good.I now have regular customers and average about $500 profit just on the weekends.I still refer people to the site that I get free candles from.So this is pure profit.My husband has joined me.I love it!I have the week free other than making candles.But my house smells like a candle store.
• United States
19 Apr 07
Wow you have a great business! That's really neat how you just "fell" into it.
• United States
19 Apr 07
I sterted selling the candles I got for free at the flea market.I used my profits to make my own candles.So now I sell the free ones I get and mine that I make.The link is on my web.My website is on my profile.I am sure you will find the link.If you want more info.add me as a friend and request info.I will glady send you the details.
@denden (802)
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
Well,good for you.As of now, i dont have my own business but i would like to have my own business that can fit to me.I am a student here and i want to have an extra money for the projects and for my needs.Do you have any suggestion any business that fits to me as a student?
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Apr 07
I would suggest doing sales, like Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Party lite, etc. They have lots of earning potential and the flexible time students need!
@emisle (3822)
• Ireland
19 Apr 07
I'm only in college at the mo, but I don't think I have the drive needed to start my own business. I've never been a very motivated person, but I suppose if I found the right business it would all change. My dad works for himself with one employee. He's a civil engineer. He used to own a shop when I was younger but he sold it to focus on his C.E. job...my sisters and I were VERY disappointed! lol..the days of free sweets were gone!
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
LOL yes it does take quite a bit of drive to get yourself going!
@mnflower (1299)
• United States
19 Apr 07
Yes I own my own business it is a battery reconditioning business and it is just starting out so it is just me and my partner that run it.It is hard to get a business started and it will start out slow but if you stick with it and can put the time into it, it will all work out..I have a pretty regular schedule now and things are getting better every month and yes the money and freedom is good, but it is a big responsibility too all the same. and it doesn't happen overnight. We run the business right out of a quest house that we have converted over to a shop and lounge for the customers and are planning on adding a small dollar store style shop right in the lounge area and alot of customers thinks that that would be awesome so looking at that now and doing some more remodeling on it this summer.good luck hope it works out for you.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
Thank you! It does sound like you put a lot of work into it, but the benefits are worth it :)
@raven9595 (101)
• United States
19 Apr 07
Yes, I work full time but also have a Real Estate Mangement compay - I own several apartments/condos in NYC and I own a share of a resaurant. My wife also owns her own business. It's great - it gives you income and the freedom to do things your way.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
Sounds like you keep busy lol. Real Estate has always fascinated me! Thats great that your wife also is her own boss!
@kodie420 (872)
• Canada
19 Apr 07
Not yet but planning on having a roofing business within the next couple of years.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
Congrats! Roofing is hard work but its one that pays well! :) Good Luck
@Stiletto (4579)
20 Apr 07
I have my own business - well I have a business partner but he deals mainly with the money side - I do most of the real work! We have three Ebay shops and 11 websites that sell various things from Software to Sports Equipment. I prefer it to working for someone else but it doesn't suit everyone. It's a lot of work and a lot of worry. Believe me there's plenty times when a regular income sounds quite appealing!
1 person likes this
@jhartana (1084)
• Australia
20 Apr 07
Not owning a business yet but I already having a thought to start one. Still need ample amount of time to think what business is worth doing. I love to open computer business but unfortunately there are far too many of them here. I might think the mobile phone business could be more sense to me.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
Yes, my hubby and I own our own "Truck Mechanics Shop". He has several contracts with other companies to provide maintenance and service on their heavy duty trucks. He also runs a water tank cleaning business. He works full time as well. I do the scheduling and recordkeeping for the business. We don't have any employees and prefer to keep it that way, because we don't want to deal with the insurance, workers comp, and other government paperwork. My full time job is as a freelance writer and aspiring novelist, so I am considered self employed as well. It gets really interesting around here at tax time, lol. I think now days owning your own business(es) is the way to go. I personally wouldn't have it any other way. They only reason hubby still works full time is for the insurance and retirement benefits.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
You brought up a good point about insurance and retirement! lol yes I am sure tax time is quite an experience!
@ThulsZ (784)
• India
19 Apr 07
i'm not owning my business.. obviously,most of the business people in this world will continue their parents business or else do a business which will help their family business..it's nice to hear that your fiance is gonna start a new busi on his own..say congrats to him on behalf of us..
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Apr 07
Thank you. Yes I agree, if your family is a business owner it is so much easier for you!
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
20 Apr 07
I own my own store where I live at it is a resale shop and I have 7 shops on the internet that I am an Independent Rep. and then I am an Independent Contractor for a company where I live. so I can say that I am self-employed.
1 person likes this
@aweins (4199)
• India
20 Apr 07
Yes, I am happy to own my own business and we are into the following activites... 1. MArket development of products for Manufacturers ... we cover the international market with a strong focus to MExico - LAtin America & India.. i have my offices in Mumbai and Monterrey MExico... (our websites.. http://www.aweins.com http://www.mexindco.com 2. We provide a wide vaierty of services.. + Import Export + now 3. WE have organized a global beauty and taletn event Ms. BEautiful FEet World... http://www.msbeautifulfeetworld.com Wish you and your fiance all the best of success for your own ventures...
1 person likes this
@ehdzzie (331)
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
i do have a business...a bookstore...i have 2 employees but if the sem starts, i have 5 because there are many students who buy books....
1 person likes this
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
i am currently working as a real state manager in one of the biggest company here in my country, at the same time i have my own brokerage firm office business, its nice to have them both, i can get more network vice versa.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
i have a business, it is mainly for computer rentals. i used to manage it on my own but when things get busy, i ask help from my 3 brothers. this makes them my employees and i their employer :) this has become a family business since they started helping me. there are times when my dad and my mom wants to get away from their business and joins us in the shop. i like it better having my own business because i can manage my time well. i can work on hours that i am comfortable with.
1 person likes this
@aribaba (366)
• Indonesia
20 Apr 07
right now I am starting my own business i guess. it is an internet cafe. actually it already running for about 8 months. with some loan I started this business with my friends. currently we are still in survival step, but we hope for the next month will be better. that's the consequences you have to take if you start your own business. you have to fight hard, but it promising a freedom of time and money. aree http://www.agloco.com/r/BBCH1974
• United States
20 Apr 07
Right now I don't own my own business, but I am looking forward to starting an internet based business some time in the future. It won't be the business in the traditional sense, but instead it will be an "million dollar idea" website. This is really what I want to do because it allows me to gain residual income from it. Being your own boss is the best thing that you can do. Not only does it allow you to make all the rules and call all the shots, but it also means that you will be the owner of an establishment or company and that's something that I would really want.
1 person likes this
@agi_lucy (102)
• India
20 Apr 07
My own business hads much risks i am facing it as alone it increaes my confidence level
1 person likes this
@agi_lucy (102)
• India
20 Apr 07
I am doing the powerloom business
1 person likes this
@agi_lucy (102)
• India
20 Apr 07
yes, my dad doing his own business .. though i am a civil engineer i am helping him a lot
1 person likes this