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Forum nameStartup Stew
Topic subject?About learning the right questions?
Topic URLhttps://www.businessownersideacafe.com/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=119&topic_id=2330&mesg_id=2330
2330, ?About learning the right questions?
Posted by Todd, Wed Sep-19-12 09:08 AM
Hey everybody, Rather than say what I need(not sure), I will say what I have and where I am. I appreciate any and all genuine advice. I'm open to books, websites, crazy ideas, anything you think will help.

1year ago I got together with a friend who started a supplement company. I really liked 1 of his products but he had low/moderate success selling it. He said he wanted to get out of the business and didn't want to be known as the "supplement guy" I told him that I'd like to give it an overhaul.(He had misprints on label & would get defensive during local demo's.)
He would be the sole supplier for me and I would revamp the product & find a way to get it to more people.

My background: I have been a professional trainer for 18yrs, managed fitness retail stores, I have run fitness dept for nationwide club/gym, & a former gym/studio owner.

Haves:
I have approx. $1,000-$1,200 I can sacrifice monthly
I currently have approx. 8+hrs I can devote daily to this business
I have about 16,000 empty bottles and labels boxed & paid for.
I can have the product consigned if need be.
I have family that can help 1 full time 2 part time.(phone sales)

Have nots:
A clear path
A laser focus on it's niche'
Brand protection-------who can help?
LLC----working on it now
Business plan---------Should it be 1st?
Can I honestly get a grant with no history or credentials?
Team-lawyer,accountant...what do I need?
contracts with supplier, stores I consign to etc..
Where do I find out about how to get this off the ground?

I feel like I keep hitting dead ends and spinning my wheels.

Thanks again
ps. This is my 1st post on any site, ever.