Well, it seems in the past, "bootstrapping" with your own credit lines were realtively normal. Had the economy not tanked- I would be in pretty great shape by now...however...
After developing a business plan- my change of business seemed like a really umet niche in the marketplace- and I was really over being an insurance broker/business consultant/accountant. No one is intrerested in loaning to a 1st time retailer- so either I used my strong credit history an reputation, or it wasn't going to happen- and -retail accessories are where the profit is.
I openned a boutique in a historic disrict which sells distinctive apparel accessories for women and men. Specializing in HATS. I am now a trained milliner and make ladies cusom hats, am able to design men's hat .in partnership with a men's hat manfacturer in Canada. I also now can design ladies italian handbags in partneship with acompany out of south FL.
Am developing a reputation of having the greatest jackets & hats (even for men!) in the region. Alot of tourist traffic, that is now returning after the season's cycle- happy to see I am still there. Once a local discovers my store- they are "mine"
www.t-hatfinaltouch.com bad web design- since I do everything, to save as much cash as possible- guess who did the site...but people are finding me on the web.
A little more history and info- also have D&B following me- paydex they say is 87? They still confuse me, except the part that they want more money all the time.
So I agree abou the IT solution- but the start-up cost/interest rates really have my cash flow in a "royal knot!" In spite of all- my blance sheet is showing that I am paying down the debt- and not incurring any new debt. I really need some more 'trained' bodies working before I colapse- another reason I need my cash flow freed up.- Monthly debt payments- around $2,500 per month.
Thanks for your suggestions.