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After operating a full-time sportscard business for the last 18 years, there is much I have learned that I am glad to share with other potential business owners who share the same passion for sportscards & collectibles that I do. I shall continue to update this guide in coming months as it is the framework for a potential upcoming magazine edition...

1. Learn the basics - Just because you know alot about sportscards does not mean you know anything about business. Regardless of any college experience, I highly recommend you take at least a few months of classes pertaining to these areas: Business Management, Marketing, Micro-Economics (Macro seems to be a waste for small business owners), and Accounting. I'm not saying you need a degree in any of these areas, but understanding the basics of each of these may be critical to your success.

2. Don't quit your day job - If you are already employed in a decent paying profession, DO NOT QUIT! Begin your side business on the side. You may say, I don't want to work 2 jobs. Trust me, if you become a business owner, you will often feel like you are working 3 jobs, especially in the formative years while you are getting things off the ground. Keeping your income from your other job will also help provide start up costs when and if you get ready to go full time with your dream career.

3. Establish your online presence first. Before you run out and rent a storefront, put time into growing your online business first. This can be through ebay, external websites, other portals, or all of the above.Your online business and exposure will grow depending on how much time you put into it. It is wise to have a foundation online before you delve into the retail storefront arena. 75-80% of our sales are through online channels with only 20-25% coming from our retail store.

4. Start Small - Our first store was only 500 square feet and rent was $450 per month. We now have 2 locations with nearly 8000 feet of space, monthly rent of $4000 and 10 employees. It's ok to start small. This limits your fixed expenses and allows you the ability to have some "down" months when the economy is slow.

5. Be prepared to do ALOT of work - as mentioned above, starting your own business is never simple, but can be very rewarding in the long run. There is much to be said about being your own boss, but the hours can be long and grueling, and the burdens of making payroll each week can take its toll. Accept the fact that you will have to do much of the leg work until the company can afford more help for you.

More to come... check back often!!