God help me, I've done it.

[Occhidiangela]

Pending approval, I am now a registered business owner in the state of Massachusetts in the trade of Retail Sales and Services, Custom Computer Systems Design (although I do a LOT more than just that). Man, that feels good. Now I just need to actually START.

I need to get some business cards (and flyers) printed up, not to mention get some office supplies to help me organize the legal paperwork. And, once I get my real certificate in the mail, along with my Form ST-1 (Sales & Use Tax Registration, which I think I need to still fill out), I can file Form ST-4 (Sales Tax Resale Certificate), and THEN I can contact my wholesale distributors and set up accounts to purchase goods for resale. :)

Of course, my OTHER services will include consultation, networking, and tech support, but custom-built solutions will be a big part of my business (or so I hope). Eventually, of course, I'll want to advertise in the phone book, set up a website, yadda yadda, but for right now I'd be happy with just getting some cards printed up and putting up a couple flyers locally. That would attract enough business to put some change in my pocket to further advance my business. It also helps that I work at a local automotive repair shop that's been established for 30 years (I'm the parts manager, and I sit in the front office, so I get to see all the customers), so word of mouth has already snagged me a couple jobs. :) If I get one customer a month I'll be happy for right now. Not that I have time for much more. ;)

Anyway, I just had to share. Laura, if you read this, I'm glad you finally made something of your dreams. I'm truly proud of you. Mayhap you'll congratulate me on doing the same. :) In fact, you were the final nail in the coffin for me - hell, if you could do it, why can't I (despite all the warnings I've receieved against it)? I've been dreaming about this for a long time, and I'm SO glad it's finally done. I think having so many people tell me not to bother, it's too hard, you'll probably fail, it's a waste of money, etc. really spurred me on, as I've only seriously considered doing this in the last couple months (i.e. taken steps into researching how to apply, what the costs and risks are, etc.). All the time before was just buying time up until this moment, and all that crap just made me want to do it all the more. And, like I said, seeing you do it gave me that final little tap to push me over the edge.

So, it's done. And I'm thrilled. I'm 23 years old and am now the owner of my own business. I don't expect it to take off even remotely for another 6 to 18 months, but I can live with that. I'm so excited and happy and proud right now, I feel so alive. And I'm going to celebrate by going out to see War of the Worlds with the g/f tonight. :) Later all.
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Go get'em, Tiger! Proud of you, Roland, for going out and having at it. :D

Occhi