Starting the business...

 This past semester, I was juggling teaching high school full time, hosting an online class through SUNY, and working part time at the airport. In April, the idea for Travel LISTTIN, LLC formed on the commute to work. By the end of my lunch period, I had a rough business plan and three pages of notes. I scheduled a meeting with the Small Business Development Center and started doing my market research. By the end of April, I had filed my LLC - and published the notice in two newspapers (per NY state rules). I purchased the domain name (TravelLISTTIN.com), created my email address, and somehow had even more pages of notes!

My birthday trip to the Caribbean for some snorkeling coincided with the end of the college semester, and I was able to start a social media presence (Blogspot, Facebook, & Substack) in addition to my teaching duties. I attended more meetings with the SBDC, refined my business plan, and started telling people about my mission.

Thus far, in June, I found a graphic designer who fashioned my business cards to perfection, and I established a phone number for the business (315-399-8757). I am working through building the company's social media presence (adding Instagram) and outlining the look and function of the website. I have meetings with insurance and accounting over the coming weeks.

I am learning a lot - and I am still learning what I don't yet know. The concept of Travel LISTTIN is quite simple: I just get to know someone and use my knowledge of the travel industry to plan their bucket list adventure for them - and then cater my companionship to their needs and preferences. However, the creation of a company in a niche market is a new experience, and I am looking forward to the end of the final marking period, so that I can resolve these last few pending issues and begin marketing and spreading the word.

The adventure is just beginning!