HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: mattel@auto-trol.com (Matt Telles)
Subject: Re: setting up as a consultant.
Organization: Auto-trol
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1992 14:07:42 GMT

In article <1992Apr14.211507.1@vms.ocom.okstate.edu> geeslin@vms.ocom.okstate.edu writes:
>In article <1992Apr13.122422.39304@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu>, kumagic@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu (Stephen R. Figgins) writes:
>> I have been doing some independent consulting here and there for
>> pretty minimal money.  But now I am starting to get some real jobs,
>> and some money is starting to flowing, and I am trying to figure out
>> what I need to do to set myself up as a business, or if I need to
>> even.  Before I just claimed it as unreported income and left it at
>> that, but it looks like it will be my main source of income now.  
>> 
>> So, are there books out there to help guide me through this?  Just
>> some basic small business stuff?  Any other avenues of help?  I hardly
>> even know what to ask. -- 
>
>	So!  I can make some bucks off of turning you in (with your
>	confession!) to the IRS!!
>
>	Get the book HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT by
>	Holtz, John Wiley.  Get your business cards.  Get your voice
>	mailbox (I sell 'em).
>
>	And don't _ever_ let me hear you admit anything in _public_
>	again, you hear?!?
>
>	Cordially,
>	R*
>
First off, let me point out that he said "claimed it as unreported income" which
means that he *did* in fact report it to the IRS.  So, no money for you!

Next, a point about those books.  I have bought or read many of the consulting
books and have the general comment that they are pretty worthless.  None of them
really tells you the things you need to know about *how* to get work, *how* to
set yourself up, etc.

One thing I might suggest is to pick up a copy of the "Starting Business in
<Your State>" series.  They are good manuals that list all the things you need
to do to get yourself legal with your state of residence.

Matt
-- 
==============================================================================
Matt Telles 	                 mattel@auto-trol.COM
                                 {...}ncar!ico!auto-trol!mattel
Auto-trol Technology 12500 N Washington Denver, CO 80241-2404 (303)252-2874
From: figuerod@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Daniel Figueroa)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Art Fairs
Date: 14 Apr 92 04:42:13 GMT
Organization: the HP Corporate notes server

My wife and I would like to display our products at a Bay Area art and
wine festivial, particularly in the Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Menlo Park
summer fairs.  What can we expect regarding waiting lists, entry fees, and
so on?

We have no experience in this type of marketing.  Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan
From: rab@sprite.berkeley.edu (Robert A. Bruce)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: How do I get a UPC Barcode?
Date: 16 Apr 1992 05:53:50 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
NNTP-Posting-Host: murder.berkeley.edu

How do I go about geting a UPC Barcode for my products?  I have some
products that I would like to sell to retail computer stores.  I am
designing the packaging, and I would like to include a UPC barcode
so the laser scanners at the checkout counters will work.  Does anyone
know who I should call to get a barcode assigned?  Thanks for any
information.

Oh yeah, one other question:  Are the UPC barcodes only used in the
US/Canada, or are they international?

	-bob

Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: hinds@emf780.den.mmc.com (Bret Hinds)
Subject: Liability in small business.
Originator: hinds@emf780.den.mmc.com
Organization: Martin Marietta Astronautics, Denver
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 20:09:06 GMT


I am starting a business and am wondering whether there is a way to limit
the personal liability even though I am not incorporated. Should I 
incorporate or not ? I have read that it is better to wait until you are
larger before incorporating, but is there a way to protect my personal 
assets until that time ?
From: rc05@gte.com (Ramesh Chandak)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Sell Product with all the rights ???
Date: 10 Apr 92 23:12:13 GMT
Followup-To: poster
Organization: GTE Laboratories Incorporated, Waltham MA

i'm interested in getting some information on :
- how does one go about selling a product in its entirety ? this would
include the product (both executables and source code), all the supporting 
manual,documentation, and copyright as well.  briefly speaking, sell 
ownership rights. 
- how does one go about setting a price for such a deal ?

i understand a competent lawyer would be necessary to arrange the
written contract.  

are there any match-making services that try to help pair up the
product seller and the buyer ?

any information / pointers / suggestions / references would be much
appreciated.   Thank you well in advance.

- Ramesh 
rc05@gte.com
From: drs@cci632.cci.com (Dale R. Seim)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Finding potential competitors
Date: 8 Apr 92 22:14:38 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: [Computer Consoles, Inc., Rochester, NY


A relative of mine has an idea for a new product and 
considering creating a business to build and market it.
It is something that neither of us believes is currently
available from any other business, but it is not something
the average person may have heard of.

Here's the question: How can he find out if the product is unique?
Are there any catalogs or directories of products available?
Are there services that will locate a product, if its available somewhere?
The existence of any competitors would obviously alter the pricing, 
potential profits, etc.  Any comments anyone might have would be
appreciated.

If it helps to define the area of the product, here's some details:
It's not patentable, so patent searches are not an option.
It would probably be sold to individuals through direct marketing, 
although some sales may be to commercial/industrial firms.
It may be viewed by some as a service, the service being a different
method of manufacturing a comparable product.

Thanks for any suggestions you may offer.


Dale R. Seim			drs@cci.com
Computer Consoles Inc. (CCI)
Northern Telecom / Network Application System Group
97 Humboldt Street
Rochester,NY  14609	716-482-5000
UUCP: uupsi!cci632!drs
From: an314@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Timothy Golobic)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: pennies (why we will be stuck with) NOT!
Date: 7 Apr 92 17:03:27 GMT
Article-I.D.: usenet.1992Apr7.170327.14638
Reply-To: tgolobic@ucs.indiana.edu
Organization: Indiana University


In a previous article, oberland@vax.sonoma.edu () says:

>One quick thought on rounding prices up/down...
>works fine, until you try to figure out tax.
>Where I live, the tax rate is 8.5%
>so, THE ONLY WAY THIS WOULD WORK IS IF SALES TAX WAS INCREASED TO THE NEXT
>HIGHER FIVE-CENT LEVEL.
>So, this mean that local taxes would go to 10%
>Also, whatabout taxes on candy/cigarettes/beer/gas....?  Round them 
>up as well?  

didja ever think that the rounding would take place after taxes have been
added? then the rounding up/down would be an increase/decrease in sales
tax.

-- 
tgolobic@ucs.indiana.edu        Timothy Golobic             an314@po.cwru.edu
   Indiana University     "Keeper of the Beer Games"      The Cleveland Freenet

       "If you're going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance."
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs,ucb.general,ucb.wanted,ba.general
From: c162-av@danube.Berkeley.EDU (Neeraj Chaudhary)
Subject: THINK AND GROW RICH
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1992 00:36:05 GMT


I have just finished reading the above book, by Napoleon Hill, and I am interes-ted in finding individuals who have done the same, and would like to form a 
"Master Mind" alliance.  If you have not read the book, an explanation:

   A "Master Mind" alliance is a group of highly ambitious, like-minded people 
   who form a "support group" and help each other in their quest for success.

The above explanation is brief, but I think you get the idea.  This is not
"networking."  It is a group of people who intend to make it to the top.
You may liken it to an ***ETHICAL*** Billionaire Boys Club.  You needn't have
any money, nor formal education, nor any of the other self-proclaimed elements
of success.  All you need is 
		1.  to have read the book.
			     2.  to have understood its principles.
                3.  to have accepted the principles as truth wholeheartedly.

My area of interest is three-fold:
		1.  I would like to make a major dent in the automobile industry                    in the area of $100M.
		2.  I would like to foster the rebirth of the consumer 
		  electronics industry in the U.S.A.
                3.  I would like to leave future generations a decent country in                    which to live.  This would mean some kind of influence in
		    politics, either as a congressperson, or as an outside 
		    organization.


FYI:
     1. ior in computer science at UC Berkeley.
     2. duate in Dec92.
     3. I am very serious, and I am looking for like-minded individuals.
     4. I am a libertarian (NOT A LIBERAL! :-) ).


If you are seriously interested, please contact me at the above mail address or
at (510) 848-9567.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

-Neeraj Roy Chaudhary

 P.S.:
    1.  Perot for President
    2.  "[paraphrased] if we don't control the federal budget deficit, we will
	 be heading for a DEpression.  Not a REcession, a DEpression.  It will
	 make the current economic situation look like a picnic." - Retiring
	 Senator Warren Rudman R-New Hampshire, respected on both sides of the
         political isle for his integrity.
	   3.  "I believe we are well on our way to becoming a second-rate nation."  
         - Tom Peters, respected author and analyst on business in America on
	 the future of the United States.
From: spud@apple.com (Dave "Spud" Kalin)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Credit Cards (again)
Date: 8 Apr 92 18:10:28 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA

I'm interested in accepting Credit Cards for my startup (software)
business, and would like some information about setting up the proper
accounts, etc.  I realize that this topic has already been beaten to death
so many times on this board, so if anyone has a FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions) compilation, please e-mail it to spud@apple.com

Of course, we can always restart the conversation again here...  :-)

Thanks in advance.
From: c162-av@danube.Berkeley.EDU (Neeraj Chaudhary)
Subject: TAGR
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1992 01:18:28 GMT







Jack - 


Once again, having read Mr. Hill's Think and Grow Rich, he explicitly
states that the principles put forth in the book are in no way meant to
interfere with anyone's religious belief's, and they certainly do not 
interfere with mine.  Also, many of the men who have followed these 
principles were Christians.  

However, if it bothers you, I can understand.  Thanks for bringing
up the point.


- Neeraj Roy Chaudhary


"[paraphrased] if we don't control the federal budget deficit, we will be
 heading for a DEpression.  Not a REcession, a DEpression.  It will make
 the current economic situation look like a picnic." - Retiring Sen.
 Warren Rudman, R-New Hampshire, respected on both sides of the political
 isle for his integrity.



Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: chucksi@stc.comm.mot.com (DX504 Chuck Siu)
Subject: Re: setting up as a consultant.
Organization: none
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1992 18:16:47 GMT

>I have been doing some independent consulting here and there for
>pretty minimal money.  But now I am starting to get some real jobs,
>and some money is starting to flowing, and I am trying to figure out
>what I need to do to set myself up as a business, or if I need to
>even.  Before I just claimed it as unreported income and left it at
>that, but it looks like it will be my main source of income now.  
>
>Stephen R. Figgins           

If it is your main source of income, it's highly likely the companies
will issue you 1099-ES's at the end of the year. A couple of important
things in setting up a consulting business in the eyes of the IRS:

1) Get Incorporated as soon as you can afford to (Chapter S). This not only
   will limit your personal liablility for any jobs you do gone awry, but
   drops IRS scrutiny to a mere 7% (30-50% for those claiming sole 
   proprietorships).

2) Go to your insurance man (Farmer's has an excellent policy) and get commercial
   liability (1 Million is standard). Another liability safeguard, and required by
   MANY,MANY major companies you may get jobs from later on. Average per year for
   me is $250.

3) Set up manila envelopes for each category you can think of (Gas, Car, Restaurant,
   office expenses), and start tossing every receipt that is relevant to a job
   you do into an appropriate envelope. If you have a computer, set up a crude
   accounting spreadsheet for the business, or if you can afford it, get an
   accountant, ESPECIALLY if you are incorporated. Keep good records!

4) Figure out what your short term (the coming year) golas are. Do you want to
   expand? Just contract jobs...whatever. Get it down on paper.

		Good Luck. Those are the basics to start.

			



 



-- 
Chuck Siu                      |  Things that
CAS Systems Consulting, Ltd    |  go "Schwing!" in the night...
chucksi@comm.mot.com           | 
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: i1neal@exnet.iastate.edu (Neal Rauhauser -- )
Subject: Re: setting up as a consultant.
Reply-To: i1neal@exnet.iastate.edu (Neal Rauhauser -- )
Organization: Iowa State University Extension
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 04:27:21 GMT


>1) Get Incorporated as soon as you can afford to (Chapter S). This not only
>   will limit your personal liablility for any jobs you do gone awry, but
>   drops IRS scrutiny to a mere 7% (30-50% for those claiming sole 
>   proprietorships).
>


    If I remember right, this is absolutely bunk - tightly held sub chapter
S corporations protect your personal assets for about four tenths of
a second while some judge is reviewing the suit against you.


--
  Neal i1neal@exnet.iastate.edu
From: 70253.2621@CompuServe.COM (Chris Colvin)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: More: Amway Experience?
Date: 17 Apr 92 02:02:53 GMT
Article-I.D.: CompuSer.920417020253_70253.2621_CHC59-1

I am posting to alt.business.multi-level and misc.entrepreneurs via
Compuserve because my reader at work will not pick up alt.bus.multi.  
If anyone feels the desire to flame me for posting on
misc.entrepreneurs, please do so by E-Mail.

Thank you to all who answered my previous post.  Based on the
experiences of most people, AMWAY overall is a positive experience but
does have its problems, as with most businesses.

One concern I have is a respondor indicated when she needed some
training, her sponsor told her to purchase some motivational/training
tapes, and listen to them before re-approaching the sponsor.  Is this
prevelant throughout the program?

We are not in a great financial position to spend a lot of money on the
program at this time.  Perhaps after a tax return, we can see some
light at the end of the tunnel.  Many folks commented they spend a lot
on tapes and materials.  I'm very comfortable with sales (sold
houses), motivated, and not a quitter.  I wouldn't be afraid to speak
to a total stranger on the program, and will probably pass out flyers
as much as I pass out my real estate card.  Question, is there quite a
negetive cash flow in the beginning, or can it be offset by downline
activity or sales fairly quickly?

It was suggested one person had experienced a strain on a friendship
because their sponsor (friend) was very pushy with the training tapes, 
and to get her to make presentations.  We have a friend who is just
starting and is trying to sign us on, and we know some folks from our
church who are triple diamonds (Dennis & Sharon Delisle - their
parents' picture is in _The Possible Dream_ by C. Conn.).  I think
Dennis and Sharon have 35 directs under them and the organization is
built very deep.  Based on your experience, who would you recommend to
go with?  My feeling is the Delisles.

That's all for now.  I know the ediquette is to have flames and
responses posted to the discussion group, but I cannot read them from
my home computer, and I cannot read alt.bus.multi at all, so if you
post to the discussion group, or start a thread, please send a copy to
my Compuserve E-Mail.

Many thanks,

Chris Colvin

Internet:    70253.2621@Compuserve.com
         or  CCOLVIN@LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM

Again, thanks for your patience.
Xref: sparky misc.entrepreneurs:1538 ucb.general:254 ucb.wanted:286 ba.general:1738 alt.slack:1434
From: jbuck@forney.berkeley.edu (Joe Buck)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs,ucb.general,ucb.wanted,ba.general,alt.slack
Subject: Re: THINK AND GROW RICH
Date: 14 Apr 1992 20:12:56 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: forney.berkeley.edu

Someone posts about his plans to grow rich, and a couple of other people
post making fun of him.  Then, of course, we see a posting like this:

In article <1992Apr14.134147.810@linus.mitre.org>, sokay@cyclone.mitre.org
(Stephen J. Okay) writes:
|> "Welcome to the Politically Correct States of America. Please turn your mind
|> in to the nearest oppressed minority pressure group. It will be returned to
|> you once we've decided what you can think"

Now Stephen, exactly who is attempting "mind control" here?  Some people
poked fun at someone, and that's all.  I've seen a lot of people who confuse
their right to say what they want (which they have) with a hypothetical
right to say what they want without being disapproved of or made fun of
(which they don't have).  If people criticize you for being selfish, or
for being a bigot, or whatever, they aren't forcing you to think a certain
way.  They are simply exercising their free speech rights to voice disapproval
of what you said.  That is not censorship and it is not mind control.

If the original poster wants to start "an ethical version of the Billionaire
Boys Club" (they were thieving murderers; you'd think he'd pick a better
group of people to emulate), and he wants to post a bunch of foolish
stuff about it, of course he's going to get trashed.  As for me, it's
fine with me if he gets rich and makes a contribution to society.  It's
also fine with me if a lot of people make fun of him.

-- 
Joe Buck	jbuck@ohm.berkeley.edu
From: cslaby@bnr.ca
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Software distribution
Date: 15 Apr 92 18:47:38 GMT
Organization: Bell-Northern Research, Ottawa, Canada

I am curious how does the software distribution business work? I am thinking of
supplying locally some specialized software packages from several vendors.
How do you set yourself up for this? Do you contact each vendor and negotiate a
"blanket" deal or do you haggle each time you order something? As a re-seller
what sort of discount you typically get from vendors? What about sales tax - is
it paid twice?
From: proto@sparc61.hri.com (Rich Proto)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: How do you network?
Keywords: network
Date: 7 Apr 92 17:20:50 GMT
Article-I.D.: bigbird.6224
Reply-To: proto@sparc61.hri.com (Rich Proto)
Organization: Horizon Research, Inc.

I am doing some research on the topic of networking and the role of
networking in
starting/growing/running a new business. I'm interested in hearing about
how you,
as an entrepreneur, use or have used networking in your own business
ventures and
how it helped you get from point A to point B. Any information is
greatly appreciated.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rich Proto             |   INET: proto@hri.com  | 
Horizon Research       |Message: (617) 466-8300 |
1432 Main St.,         |  Voice: (617) 466-8321 |
Waltham MA 02154-1652  |    FAX: (617) 466-8323 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: drk@cs.washington.edu (Daniel Kerns)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: How to be a credit card merchant?
Date: 6 Apr 92 17:44:26 GMT
Organization: The University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA

In article <32010007@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com> johne@hp-vcd.vcd.hp.com (John Eaton) writes:
   <   On the rare occasion I have had to take
   < a credit card, I have found another local business (one which is not in a
   < competitive position with our firm) to handle the card transaction. 
   ----------
   Be careful. Somebody gets a charge from a company that they don't recognize
   then they may dispute it. If the card company figures out what you are doing
   then they may drop the other business.

I buy a lot of stuff mail order and quite often when the merchandise or
receipt comes in the mail there is a note saying that the credit card
billing went through some third company.  Sometimes thousands of miles from
the vendor.  Its my conclusion that this practice is pretty common and that
there might even be some sort of matchmaker services out there.
--
				Dan Kerns	drk@cs.washington.edu
				Univ. of Washington, Computer Science
From: jgd@dixie.com (John De Armond)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Midnight Engineering magazine
Date: 14 Apr 92 23:12:26 GMT
Organization: Dixie Communications Public Access.  The Mouth of the South.

hutch@bellman.lanl.gov (John Hutchinson) writes:

>Could someone give me the address and/or phone number of Midnight Engineering magazine?
>I'd like to subscribe to it.

Here is the blurb I send out to email queries.  This should save some
mail traffic.

-----------------------------------
Subscription and contact address:	

Midnight Engineering
111 E. Drake Road, Suite 7041
Ft. Collins, CO  80525

303 225 1410
303 225 1075 (fax)

By Email:

weg@dixie.com

This account has been set up for Bill Gates as an Internet access point for
people interested in the magazine or for subscriptions.  Either Bill
checks this account (infrequently) or I fax it to him.

Subscriptions are $19.95 for 6 bi-monthly issues.  If you pre-pay, you
receive another issue for a total of 7.  Prepayment may be in the form
of check or credit card and may be sent either to the address above,
or in the case of credit cards, FAXed to the number above or emailed
to the internet address above.

If you pay by credit card, be SURE to list the name exactly as it appears
on the face, the account number and the expiration date.  Also you must
include a daytime voice phone number.  

If you'd like to order by email but are concerned about the security
of the credit card information, simply encode the file using something
common (crypt, des from phil karn's tcp/ip package, zip, pretty good 
privacy, etc) and send me a separate message with the encoding method and 
password.  (Damn the public key patend bullsh*t.)  I or bill will acknowledge
the file and whether it decoded or not.

------------------------------------------

John
-- 
John De Armond, WD4OQC        | What's the difference between Jane Fonda
Rapid Deployment System, Inc. | and Bill Clinton?  Hanoi Jane went to 
Marietta, Ga                  | Viet Nam.              
jgd@dixie.com                 | Need public access in Atl?  Write me.