Tag: smallbusiness

Ideas for Starting a Small Business

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One of the positives to come out of the Covid crisis, is the realization of just how much we can accomplish virtually and how to rethink how we work. Not only did the pandemic transform the way we work, it even sparked the development of new businesses.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a small business, now is a great time to get started. Unfortunately, sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Lucky for you, we’ve got some great ideas to inspire your next business venture.

Online Teaching
A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of opportunities to teach right from your very own home. Many of these jobs are teaching English and do not require any special certification. However, if you have expertise in a specific skill or subject matter, there is likely a virtual school you can join and teach for.

This is a great business to start because it requires very little initial investment. You’ll need some kind of computer and internet connection to start. With DollarDays’ wholesale pricing, you can find all the computer accessories and parts you need to make your online teaching experience successful.

Online Reseller
Another idea for a small business is to become an online reseller. Since many consumers have shifted to online shopping (even before Covid and definitely more so after), online resellers often make quite a profit. If you’ve got a passion for clothes and fashion, this could be a great option.

Many resellers get their wholesale products from DollarDays. This can be a great business for someone with specialized knowledge of certain products or industries or has excellent marketing skills.

Anyone who chooses this path, in addition to the products they plan on reselling, will need their own office and shipping supplies. Buying office supplies in bulk can save you more money in the long run, especially as you get your business up and running.

Dog Walking
If you prefer to get outside and start a business that will keep you moving, start a dog walking business. As people start heading back to their offices and traveling again, those Covid dogs will need to be walked!

This is another business idea that requires very little in way of start up costs. Most pet owners will likely give you the basics like a leash but DollarDays can help with any additional pet supplies you might like to become your neighborhood dogs’ favorite walker. To get started, simply start advertising who you are, your rates, and your love for dogs.

Catering or Baking Business
Got a love for cooking or baking? Try starting a catering or baking business. Start with just a few of your specialties and brainstorm where you could set up a small shop. Summer fairs and outdoor events are a perfect place to start. Friends or acquaintances who are hosting baby showers, bridal showers, or even small weddings would likely be interested in giving you an opportunity to show what you can do.

It’s easy and cheap to set up a website and start taking orders. DollarDays has everything you’ll need from kitchen and dining supplies to binders for files and orders.

Starting a small business can feel intimidating. But if you stick with doing what you love and look for ways to save (like by taking advantage of DollarDays’ super low prices on essential wholesale products), you can start succeeding in no time!

For more information for aspiring small business owners, check out this post!

Tips for Small Business Owners to Celebrate National Small Business Week

restaurant owner hanging open sign

Tips for Small Business Owners to Celebrate National Small Business Week

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Starting a small business can be a great way to not only make money but also take charge of your career, do personally fulfilling work, and become your own boss. Starting a business takes time and effort but with a great idea and thorough business plan, it’s not particularly difficult. In fact, in the past four years, the number of small businesses in the US has steadily increased to over 30 million.

While owning and running a small business can be rewarding, there will surely be a few mistakes and headaches along the way. In honor of National Small Business Week, we’re saluting the millions of small business owners with a few tips to keep your business running successfully and the headaches to a minimum.

Ensure You Have The Tools You Need To Succeed
Any smart small business owner will strive to keep overhead costs low but be careful not to cut back so much that you neglect to have the tools you need to succeed. This includes big-ticket items like computers, office space and desks but also smaller office supplies you may be more tempted to forego.

Buying office supplies online in bulk is an excellent way to ensure you have everything you need without breaking your budget. At DollarDays, you don’t have to choose between having all the top-quality supplies you need and making a profit. With our wholesale office supplies, we can keep you well-stocked with everything from organizers to shipping materials to desk calendars and signage.

If you are just coming back to the office after a Covid break, we are also PPE suppliers who can help ensure you have everything you need to work safely and efficiently.

Use Technology Wisely
We are more accessible than ever which can be both a blessing and a curse for small business owners. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be everywhere and do everything just because you have a phone, laptop, and tablet. Automate what you can – like responding to email contact requests or reminders about an abandoned shopping cart or simple customer service requests. There are several software products that can help you automate certain processes and help you with recording keeping and accounting. Use them to your advantage.

Create Clear Communication
Designating time to catch up with employees or clients can sometimes feel unnecessary but creating clear lines of open communication can save you time in the long run. It helps to keep everyone accountable and sets clear expectations.

With more and more meetings and status updates happening online, make sure you and your employees are well equipped to stay in touch. Whether it’s Bluetooth earbuds, web cameras, or batteries and chargers, DollarDays can keep your communication channels running smoothly.

Set Goals
Setting realistic goals is vital for any small business owner. Once you know exactly where you want to go, you can begin to plot your course to get there. Whether you choose to write them electronically or in a composition notebook or journal, these goals should be both long and short term, and revisited frequently. Do some research on similar businesses to understand what kind of growth you can expect and potential problems along the way. With a detailed ledger of what you hope to accomplish and obstacles in your way, you can begin to take the necessary steps to achieve your dreams.

Create a Network of Support
Owning and running a small business can feel lonely at times but you don’t have to go it alone. National Small Business Week is a great time to explore different groups and networks available in your area or virtually. There are tons of resources and assistance available online. Attending conferences and networking with complementary businesses is another great way to build a community of support.