Overview of the processes I used to start Fgmaker

• I believe in MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and constant improvement. 
  • So when I got started Fgmaker the idea was to get things set up on small scale make sure they work correctly and build off of that.
• Many of the decisions were based upon equipment and knowledge I already have 
  • I have previously started up and run businesses already so I knew a lot of things not to do. 
• I have all sorts of equipment in regards to computers, engineering, making and fixing things so I wanted to take advantage of the knowledge and equipment.
• One of the main concerns I had was scale start with what will be needed, easiest, and most cost-effective that way I could more easily scale things as needed and not overwhelm myself.
• Most of the initial setup of the business is going to focus on getting things right so it can grow quickly. getting the basics right.    

Accounting and legal things

• Setup accounting
  • I will be using wave for my accounting program because I know it and use it now and is easy to keep up with and track the things I will need to track between personnel and business
  • Get a separate checking account and credit card 
  • Setup something so I can issue myself payroll and take out correct taxes
  • Setup all the stuff so I can sell online
    • Paypal
    • Credit card
    • Taxes to the right states and etc 
• Setup legal 
  • Legal zoom to set up the company 
    • State and federal tax filing
    • Incorporation papers 
    • Etc
• If you have never set up or run a company before I recommend you go to an accountant and attorney. There are a lot of things you need to know and it can cost you a lot of money if you don’t know them and do something that will cost you a lot of money. For me, I don’t need it when I am starting but I definitely need it when is start making a good bit of money because at that time both of them can save me a lot of money. Because laws change all of the time and they keep up with them.

Website – Functions of the website

• The website was put on Hostgator and I used WordPress and WooCommerce because I had worked with both of them before and they worked great. I chose to have the below three things be the starting point for the website. 
  • Ecommerce 
  • Blog 
  • Email collection

Email List and campaign

• Start gathering emails and doing an email campaign from the very beginning. I had never worked with a mailing campaign system before but based on my research mail chimp seemed like an easy to learn and start off with

Sales and Marketing

• Sales – Sell on sites that are common, inexpensive, or free to sell (That can be automated so data won’t need to make for each one so it wouldn’t be too time-consuming.) The below order would be how I will bring each sales avenue up. Figure out one get it right and then move to the next. Integrating them all together to make the process efficient. Also, make sure you know how the analytics work on each platform so you can at least attempt to get to the top of search results
  • FGmaker website 
  • Etsy
  • Facebook
  • eBay
  • Amazon
• Marketing No paid advertising – Use social media 
  • Figure out each platform and what it takes to get to the top of search results.
  • Figure out what type of posting you need to put on each one so that you are relevant  
  • Figure out if you need to create or belong to any type any groups that would make the time worth the effort
  • You are looking for sales, not views so keep track of what you are doing to make sure the effort is worth it 
  • Use the blog on the website sort of like a rough draft area for the other social media that you are going to be posting to and as you complete. Add links to social media and change the posts so they match. 
  • To start with implement each platform working to the next making sure data can be integrated between each one. Get one working then go to the next  
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • Twitter 
    • Instagram
    • Linkedin

Stocking Levels, Packaging, and Shipping Processes 

• Selling on the internet requires speed. People want to get their product right away and all of the platforms you get up and running on the rate you by how quickly you can get your product to them.
  • So when creating a new product always make some extra so you have them available to ship right away. So if they start selling the customers don’t have to wait. 
• When the product is created I need to have some personalized stuff to put into the boxes so people remember and maybe join the email list. Things they can save 
  • Cards that say join the email list
  • Cards giving them a discount on the next order
  • Go packaging
• When creating a product make sure you have the packaging constraints in mind and you have appropriate packaging materials available

Product Creation

• Make sure you have themes and target markets for what you are selling. You can have general items but
  • Examples
    • Cookie cutters for bridal showers with a cookie recipe to match
    • Desk organizers for computer-based products
• Customized items can be its own specific target markets but keep in mind that things need to be similar or themed. 
• Order of machines and processes to design for. 
  • 3d printers 
  • Laser engraver/cutter 
  • Cnc router
• Design and make can be divided into different parts
  • Make items that are copy-write free but fit in with other products you have designed
    • Thes items many times can be customized
  • Design and make from an original idea.
  • Design and make from something else that is out there but you have an idea on how you can change and make something better.
  • Buy customize and resell 
    • This would mostly be for things like key chains with someone’s name on it 
• Sell the plans, processes, and electronic files that you used to make things