Hobby to Business

[LaurelsArt]

Hello,
I should have started this business years ago but the main thing stopping me was TAXES and time.
Just today I have hurtled the tax issue and with sure will power I am making sacrifices elsewhere in my life for the time.
Occasionally I have business questions and ideas I would love to bounce around with others who are doing the same thing I am.
I look forward to getting to know your shops better.
--Laurel--

[LaurelsArt]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaurelsArt/379148922563

[CabinFeverDream]

I always have business questions! Anyone wanting to grow their business should ask lots of questions! Lets all begin to answer each others questions :)

I just finished my state taxes today (hooray!)so I know how you feel.

[LaurelsArt]

What is the hype about blogging? What do people want to see?
I have a blog and have started using it for online journaling about art but I can't see anyone taking the time to read it.

[Morninglightglass]

Blogging helps in so many ways! Check out
http://creatingthehive.com Great help in the whole land of blogging! Plus it is an almost instant following..Great blogs too!!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone, I have just joined this team! So nice to have a place to talk about business.
On the subject of blogging, I have to say blogs are the best. When I started my business, I didn't have the money to get a professional website done up, and have used my blog as my website. It works very well, and it works well enough that I am still undecided about getting a 'proper' website done..Its a great way to create an online 'personality', to let people get to know more about you and your business. If you want to have a look here is the address:
http://www.doylejewellerydesign.blogspot.com

[LaurelsArt]

Thanks for the link Morninglightglass,
I'm still learning so much.
I've been putting a bit of time into my blog. I'm posting the craft nights I've been hosting, sketch a day, and the projects I have around my studio.
All I'm lacking are followers.
I'm reading a lot of other blogs and getting good ideas. I have a few favorite blogs I keep on going back to.
I'm watching my analytics too. Not bad for the beginning but I feel like I'm walking through two foot deep flood sludge. UHHGgggg

[Former_Member]

LaurelsArt,
The last thing that should stop you in starting a business is... taxes! The deductions available for the smallest start-ups are just too juicy to leave on the table.

SALES TAX
If you're worried about sales tax... know that by taking credit cards you could multiply your sales x3! 300% is worth paying sales tax and documenting the sales.

EMPLOYEE FILINGS
If you pay staff by the piece or twice monthly (not weekly) you can file your forms without being concerned about the nickels you might be off... it will all work out in the wash - later.

REPORTING INCOME
You won't be paying taxes on this income unless... your household is making enough to make it necessary... Obama has your back, unless you're making 250k or more?

PAPERWORK
There is just no excuse for creative (anti-math) folks to avoid the paperwork... Quick Books and your Credit Card processing services makes it sooo easy.

EXPENSES
Tracking expenses has never been easier either... get a Visa that offers you those frequent flyer miles. (I love Southwest) and use ONLY that card for business.

Great tips are everywhere... and know that many of the top selling artists I know actually started their businesses in a recession... a Reagan recession!

We're all here to support you!

Best wishes,

Wendy Rosen

Arts Business Institute - Etsy Team
www.etsy.com/teams/10600/arts-business-institute
www.ArtsBusinessInstitute.org

[Former_Member]

I am thrilled to find a helpful Post! This is just what I was hoping to find by joining a teams and checking in on the forums.

I did not ask the questions, but the responses by everyone are helpful to me.

Thank You!!!

[PressedFlowerJewelry]

I started mine as a hobby but out of financial necessity since I retired in April it has become a business. Sometimes I don't enjoy it as much but on the other hand, I do like having my own time to myself!

[Former_Member]

I think we all got duped into believing that having your own business... meant that you got to do all the stuff you "wanted" to do... and someone else got to do all the stuff you DIDN'T want to do. I find that all the cruddy tasks still go to me!

[WovenByKim]

Me too ArtsyMom. I am a one woman show. And sometimes there are not enough hours in the day but those are the days I love.