Newbie Firm needs advice

[gazneale]

Starting up a design firm with a friend. He's just got a flat and with a room spare he's turning it into a studio. Just wondering if theres any advice such as pitfalls not to get trapped in, and things we should bear in mind.

[Toon]

Don't name yourself after any pink food types

[kip]

Make sure you put the hours in, 8 hours a day just won't cut it if you want to grow

[zumojuice]

Put in the hours you need to as Kip says, but don't go crazy or you'll break down.

Go on with a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and a plan of what you how you will do it, be realistic about it. With two of you, even using home space, you need to be generating a fair income to make it work. Realistically, can you sell those hours you need to make money from it. You can work all the hours god sends, but without the work to fill it, you won't make money...

Build you list of contacts both client and supplier.

Put it paperwork and constantly go back and look if it's still working best for you. Some people use timesheets, others huge time-tracking software (yes even with 2/3 people!(******* crazy I know))- you what works best for you and keeps you free to do what you love and what makes money: Design!!! - Obviously the admin/business side is the major part where you'll fall down so don't be afraid to talk to business link or other people and get those contacts - or any other networking events for young professionals in your area...