Introduction

• Gary - started a web company 12 years ago. Runs Redharc. Was a network engineer
• Miles - started as a freelancer in 2002. Runs Bam Creative. Graphic designer by trade
• Steven Hambleton. Runs Hambo design. Comes from a sales POV
• Rosemary Lynch - works at Millstream. Also a graphics designer

Passion

(Miles) What sort of person do you need to be to start a web business? Entrepenerialship is a way of life. Most people do side projects.

(Gary) You really want to do what you are doing. Believe in it. It's long hours, a thankless task. You need the motivation. It isn't a walk in the park.

(Rose) Don't be afraid to partner up - find someone with similar passion and sklls

Research: (Steve) Do lots of research. Got on the phone, speak to people

Backup - resources

(Gary) Have sure you partners/friends know that it isn't 9-5. There are long hours, you won't always be avaialable, especially early on. Don't forget life/work balance. Freelancers need to do alot of stuff that eat into your business time (such as accounting etc)

What happens if you can't work or your partner can't work? Make sure you think of contingencies.

Skill sets, what can’t you do, what you can do.

Outsource what you aren't good at when you can afford it. Backups are not only hardware or software - also need people backups. Be open with you clients. Let them know when stuff happens.

you need exit strategy

Lack of money - a good motivator

Warning bells

(Miles): Early signs that I'm not cut out to do this. It's a mitagated risk. You have to accept failure, it won't always be peachy. You need to know where the line in the sand is when to say no. Be honest with your self. It isn't and end, you can come back.

Business structures

(Gary): You an ABN for tax. If you are earning under $50,000 (gross) you don't need to pay GST. But check with the ATO (we aren't accounts). You can be a single person, partnership or corporation.

Legal requirements

More for hiring staff - you have other people to consider

Insurance

super annunation insurance, public indemnity, public liability insurance, equipment insurance. Costs dollars, but is your safety net.

Break even point

How much it is going to cost you to run your business. Your incoming rate isn't your profit. Lots of costs, and don't forget a buffer for unforseen costs.

Charge out rate

x 3 is a good guestimate. Profit - how much you want to make. time break even point by 1.3 (as a rough guestimate)

Be aware of time.

Marketing

Phone is good - cold calling - some don't like it but if it works for you. Speak to the right person. Go in with something to say. Given them information. Make it constructive. Don't be scared of rejection - it'll happen.

Meet with people who are going to be your clients, because they are your, well, clients...

Word of mouth is still gold!

This is part 1 - we ran out of time - Part II continued at 3.00pm.

This is part II of 'Starting a Web Business', presented at Bar Camp Perth 07. The slides are available at http://www.slideshare.net/milesb/starting-a-web-business/

Human Resources

(Miles) Staff are like family, very important to like them and trust them.

Jump to Hiring and firing staff

(Rose) No-one likes firing staff.

• finding staff that are good with the passion that met your standards
• Staff motivation
• Keeping staff

USP

Ethics in Business

Work space (software / Hardware requirement)

Work life balance

Business Envy

(Gary) Don't spend time looking at competition with envy. Learn from them but don't get obsessed with it.

Thanks!

Thank you for everyone who came and listened to us.

More info...