business project...

[kennya14635b9x]

I am having some trouble with my business project, wondering if anyone could help me out. I am on the expense portion, and wondering if those who have their own business, or have had their own business could answer a few questions...

First of all, how much should I figure into my expense sheet for things like poseforum.xxxe, utilities, telephone, and office supplies?


Second, what is a good number to be spent on marketing and advertising?

I really appreciate the help, thanks!

 

[Alexis M]

Poseforum.xxxe: $10.00/month includes a big Christmas card mailing.

Utilities: I work from a home office and travel to clients, so my accountant takes a % of my home utility bills. This amount will vary by office size/type/location. Basically for class you take a guess - if you are talking about a separate office location, I'd estimate about what home utilities cost.

Telephone: my cell phone bill - what is your plan?

Office supplies: $30 month includes doing my own printing of brochures, ink, paper, pens, etc. I don't go out and spend $30/month, but I do try to keep close to that by always being ahead of the need on printer ink, especially. My space organizers, file cabinet, etc. fit into that budgeted amount initially, and now that I have that all set, I can spend more on the actual supplies....I can have different types of papers, have greeting cards printed through Vista Print on occasion, the better gift certificates (outside of the SpaBoom ones) and occasional fun stuff.

Marketing and advertising: At first I spent nothing other than my time and the office supplies I consumed: I made brochures, business cards, desk signs - then I hit the pavement. I still don't spend much. I have a website and an ad in the very small (this city only) phone book, but rely mostly on word of mouth and brochures/business cards. Oh....my shirts are also advertisement - I have my business name, logo and website address on my work shirts, which, since I do outcalls, I also wear out into the community when I go to and from appointments.

 

[sadgreeneyes3]

business project...

I am having some trouble with my business project, wondering if anyone could help me out. I am on the expense portion, and wondering if those who have their own business, or have had their own business could answer a few questions...

First of all, how much should I figure into my expense sheet for things like poseforum.xxxe, utilities, telephone, and office supplies?

It all depends on the nature of the business you plan to run. What generall type of practice are you thinking of: Out of your home, mobile chair, mobile table, mixed mobile, shared office space, solo office space, w/ employees, single room, multiple room, etc. ? Your business concept will largely determine how operations may be most efficiently structured.

Second, what is a good number to be spent on marketing and advertising?

Again, your business concept will largely determine a reasonable range for this. I know solo in-home therapists that do okay with little-to-no advertising expense, but not many. MTs that run an office or multi-room establishment generally need to spend more on marketing. You will see larger places (6+ treatment rooms) in my area spending at least $10-20k on advertising each year.

I really appreciate the help, thanks!

 

[Lion Ate Lamb]

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