Business Dilemma

Hmm wouldn't say anything about it to anyone until you see if it pans out. But I think I'd want to get out of the house for the part time job.

I know the others are saying just go for it, but it is your sister. I would tell her. She probably won't be happy, but it's better than her finding out on her own. I think that would create a huge issue that may never fully resolve.

Your familial relationships are more important, IMO, especially since you don't necessarily need the money.

If you are going to be in any kind of competition with your sister in regards to idea, product or whatever Iyou should most definitely tell her. And if you think she will think you stole her idea you probably did. Would you have done this or even thought of it without her entry into it first?

Perhaps you could go to your sister one more time, and ask if she's thought about your offer. Then say something like "If you aren't interested in me working with you, I've decided to start my own business". That way, she'll be informed. If she takes offense, it's on her, not on you.

Maybe it's not your help they're lukewarm to - maybe it's your "offer" to take some of their profits.

Ask them what financial arrangement they would like - and get the discussion going.

Paid on profits when profits exceed X amount.
Paid hourly.
Paid salary.
Paid commission.

Or any combo thereof.

If you were my sibling - I might be a little taken aback by your offer. I'd have to swallow my first inclination - which is you're trying to horn in on my money. Get her past that inclination - and you'll likely have a very welcome reception!

It's hard to answer without knowing how similar the businesses are. If you're "stealing her idea" by starting any online business then I wouldn't worry. If she sells blue widgets that spin and you want to sell green widgets that turn, then she may indeed feel like you're stealing her idea or becoming the competition. She may not be pursuing as actively as you would, but it's her choice and I'm sure feeling pressure from her sister wouldn't help. If that were the case, I'd feel weird that my sister did it without telling me.

So the answer is to talk to her about it. "I have been really inspired by your business and would like to do something like it. I have been thinking of trying to sell green turning widgets, what do you think?" And proceed from there. Her response will dictate how you should handle it.

What about telling her what you told us? Let her know you'd still like to help her, but if she isn't comfortable with it you'll start your own business? That way you preserve the relationship but give her the choice. . . and give her a deadline for an answer. Good luck!

I am a mom in the same position, but after many hours/days looking at everything to be done from home, I have to admit I was discouraged. That said, I was just ready to pack it in, when I found a real business, that really isn't one of those MLM's that assist you in scaring your family and friends away. And its a genuine business that helps moms and families. If you would like to talk and compare notes, maybe we can help eachother. Good luck either way!
K.W.

If her idea is not patented, go for it!!

Take the knowledge and run with it. If you have the capital to make the product - DO IT!!! You will never know until you try!!!

Don't worry about what your sister thinks. If she just thinks the products will magically sell themselves, she's wrong. There are ONLY a few products that are like that.

So take the idea and run with it. Patent it. Get your business plan down. Get investors. Get marketing. Get going!!