Blog Post

Brainstorming a business plan

Laura Arbuckle • Nov 09, 2018

What are you waiting for?

Last weekend we spent a fantastic weekend in glorious autumn weather in Angus, Scotland. Capitalising on the weather and location we took our dog for a lovely long walk during which we walked through a farm that breeds dogs and guinea pigs.

My ten year old daughter, Molly announced immediately that when she grows up she would like to breed guinea pigs too. The walk continued but somehow the topic of conversation didn’t move on and a bit further round she piped up again, wondering how people would know that she had guinea pigs to sell. Having built my website when I started my business, I was able to explain all about setting up a website and how you would try and make your website stand out from from all the other guinea pig breeders online.

I thought that was the end of the topic but obviously Molly was deep in thought as she soon had another question for us. How much would I sell a guinea pig for? Although I didn’t know the answer this time, I pointed out that this question could be easily answered by a trip to the local pet shop.

The questions kept coming, one after the other and my 2 sons also joined in the conversation.

·What equipment do I need to do to look after the babies?

·What about when we're on holiday?

·How much money would it cost to buy the first ones and their accommodation?

·How much would their food and bedding cost?

·Where will I get that money from?

·Does anyone want to buy guinea pigs – what happens if I don’t sell them all?

Lo and behold over a morning walk my children have had a business idea, thrashed out the key questions to be answered and decided to research it. I shouldn’t think it’ll go anywhere but I love having this sort of conversation with them.

So what's stopping you from starting your business? Go for a walk and thrash out your business plan ideas with your family! You'll come back enthused and ready to go. Don't forget to get in touch and discuss the best start up options for you. What's your business idea?

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