I've had it with being micro managed in the corporate world. I really don't enjoy working for others and have dreamed about starting a cookie business. I have been baking mandelbrodt ( cookie similar to biscotti) and always give it away during the holidays. Everyone has been telling me for years to start a business and sell my mandelbrodt and biscotti.

I have looked at some of the web sites for cookies, and wonder how much business they actually do.

Does anyone have any great ideas? I am a marketing guru - so going out there and giving people samples in not a problem. I live in Chicago, and we a multitude of coffee shops other than Starbucks.

I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Chicago Cookie,

First, what an awesome location to start a business in! I would definitely recommend a Crawl, Walk, Run approach. First and foremost, protect yourself! Establish an LLC, or if you are going in with a partner, an LLP. There are some great resources in the library or bookstores on how to set one up. Because you are offering a food product, it will be easy for people to find an excuse to sue you once they know you are successful. While doing this, come up with a creative name and logo for your operation. The establishment of an LLC will involve establishing a relationship with government entities: http://www.sos.state.il.us/departmen...ness_services/

I don't know if you are in central Chicago or a smaller city outside of it, but see if your town hall has a website that will guide you on getting a business license.

Before you spend one dime toward this endeavor set up a separate business account for ease of accounting and tax filing. True, once you change anything from personal to business it usually means more money and fees. However, SunTrust bank, suntrust.com has a free business account

Once you have a license, it's time to make a presence. Rather than handing over a large amount of money up front on a brick and mortar establishment, start small and look up upcoming fairs and festivals to set up a booth selling your product. You can even get street carts and sell on a corner in the large city you live in. Once you are earning good money then start thinking and growing and definitely set up a web site as word gets around. Yes this is my first post, this is because I see a lot of potential for your idea. I see you enjoy marketing and you write pretty well; however, if you still need help I am at question2knowledge.com.