need help for starting a small business?

[Andy]

I started a business selling designer clothes, cheaply. I must stress also: legitimate designer clothes! Anyhow despite our differences in product and the consumer base, here's some advice.
(I no longer run the business it was a summer project to bring some extra money in; it wasn't a massive earner but it kept me in the green.)

1) Networking, networking, networking: It's so important. You need to be on Facebook. You need to be on Twitter. You need to get yourself a weekly video blog on Youtube, show the people what you're getting up to. Networking is absolutely crucial. You may not think your target demographic wont use these websites, you'd be surprised- they do! Just network until you're bored, then network some more.

2) Word of mouth: Self explanatory- Tell everyone what your doing. Always. And carry business cards.

3) E-Bay and Gumtree and Craigslist: Get on here to get your stock. Esp. if you're selling vintage clothes, these places are gold mines for cheap yet good quality stock sourcing.

4) Integrate: Get involved with other people doing what you're doing, learn from those doing it well, and learn what not to do from those... not doing well! Compare your website to others... Is mine as good? Does mine have a feedback page? Does mine have blah blah? Build up your contacts in the same business. Contacts are always useful.

5) Get invovlved with local projects and charities: You'll turn over some of your profits to those guys, but a) it's for a good cause, b) you attract a large number of customers already involved with said charity- so when you consider the volume your still turning more profit, c) it looks good on your website and marketing.

That should be a good starting point for you, feel free to mail me though- hey I could be your first contact!

Best luck!