Results 1 to 13 of 13
Starting a business
A couple of years ago I tried to start my own business, which basically failed but in theory its still on hold. My question is whats the most responsible way to run a business from a leftist perspective? I decided against establishing it as a community interest company or social enterprise because it seemed to incorporate the worst aspects of charity versus business models, and not the best, but I'm still open to that possibility. The idea is for a street paper (like street sheet, the big issue etc) but with an emphasis on music. Each edition of the newspaper would come with a 'free' cd of local bands, who donated the tracks as an alternative to mixtapes and other such promotional tools. Each fortnight would be a different genre of music. The first was fairly mixed though, I had a lot of great bands, some local, some international, and everything from classic rock to indie to blues.
In the end, the ballot must decide, not bullets Jonas Savimbi
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers Aristotle
I was hesitant to answer this as fear it could break into a witch hunt but here goes
Id say the first and foremost value of a socially responsible business would be meritocracy. Give people a role not just because they are a friend or a relative but because they are capable and it is in the interests of team morale.
Secondly be fair when it comes to wages. Give everyone an equal share. That should be obvious.
If your gonna start your own buisiness, just start one and find a space in the market and fill it, buisiness is about making money, your not gonna last long with a socially conscious buisiness, unless there is a market for that.
I honestly think the street paper idea will loose money.
Some businesses do well BECAUSE of their socal conscience.
One that springs to mind is the body shop.
People like to feel good about where they shop. It is a market unto itself.
A lot of what the body shop did (and a lot of corporations do) with social consciousness was much more show than substance.
There might be something to that, but it depends who your selling to, their income stability and so on, if your competing with a bigger firm that can sell cheaper and claim social-consciousness (its very hard to find out if they are ACTUALLY socially-conscious) the bigger one will win out.
Sometimes cooperatives can win out due to the fact that their executive compensation is much lower.
It had potential but it was the wrong time to start. I had a little investment from the princes' scottish youth business trust but not enough to gain a premises, and thats where the problems began. So I was basically on my own in the middle of winter trying to sell stuff. I vastly underestimated how much money it actually takes to start a business, the idea of starting from a garage sale is a thing of the past now I believe.
It was not entirely a business, I was actually going to divide into a charity and business side, so essentially the music part was a charity helping musicians at no cost to them, and the business side would allow homeless and other vulnerable individuals to make some money.
In terms of wages they were free to pick and choose when they worked, and (unlike the big issue) could return the papers if they did not sell them and get their money back. I actually argued with the investment panel because they said I should give them a lower percentage than 50% (they bought the newspaper +cd for £1.50 and sold it for £3) when I actually felt that was too low considering the work they were putting in. Later of course as costs went down and the business expanded there would be more room for manouvre and they could earn a fair percentage, as well as taking more of an active role in the company. I thought of some type of co-operative as well to allow them a share of annual profits.
In the end, the ballot must decide, not bullets Jonas Savimbi
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers Aristotle
id say in loyal4lifes case his business might stand a chance if he can find a regular list of clients and regular buyers. People gain a sense of loyalty to their vendor, and are enfused with responsibility about helping local businesses stay open. That is something to play on.
I would also try to market through music magazines. Use internet forums and exploit free channels like facebook and twitter.
I have to say its a very noble idea, and a wonderful way to try and help your community, I sincerely hope it works out.
There was a definate element of people buying the product once I'd explained the reasons behind it. Which i now feel shit about because it never really helped anyone!Least of all me whose left with a few hundred in debt
(only to be expected when dealing with the devil of capitalism)
The real selling point would have been the amazing bands that gave me their tracks, there's so much talent out there but the capitalist rat race stifles them. And the personality of the potential vendors I'd spoken to, some of whom were musicians themselves and interested in recording etc.
In the end, the ballot must decide, not bullets Jonas Savimbi
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers Aristotle
Thanks man! I think part of it failing is due to my lack of commitment, I maybe got too disheartened over the lack of a property from which to operate (I had initially discussed using another charities premises to begin the project) But summers here again and I'm starting to think about resurecting it in some form..
In the end, the ballot must decide, not bullets Jonas Savimbi
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers Aristotle
man that sounds great. if you are ever down in london give me a shout! i will happily help you out for free.
There is alternatives to paying for a premises. You can 'rent' a virtual office or C/O address where you can pick your mail. That looks more professional than using your home address.
You can even get business phone numbers (08...) to which calls to your regular phone can be diverted to.
Secondly, get a decent website. That diminishes the need to have an 'IRL' shopfront if you at last have one on cyberspace.
These options are a mere fraction of the price of getting an office/shop.
Shit I totally forgot about this thread! Thanks for the advice folks. I hate the World of business but I dunno maybe I'll get rich enough to buy a tropical island and create my own socialist utopia somewhere
Thanks!If you're really interested I could mail you the business plan, it would be cool to see the project take off but without having to do any work!
My names down for a homeswap to London but nobody replies to my messages..
In the end, the ballot must decide, not bullets Jonas Savimbi
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers Aristotle
