I've been running a business with my brother since 2003. We're turning over well over a million every year now, but not as much of that as I'd like reaches my pocket. We're opening a shop in a swanky part of London soon though, so I'm hoping that will change this year. But there are other perks - car, computers, phone, I get to test and use the products and meet a lot of interesting people.
The Internet has been our friend, along with a few specialist magazines. Customer testimonials go a long way.
Press ads have been a waste of money, but a bit of national press editorial is golden.
Check references for anyone you employ.
Do you need a friend to take it to market, or is it something you could achieve yourself, with a little planning? And how is your friend looking to be rewarded for taking it to market if you agree to that?
I could have spent the last 7 years working for some other bastard and, though it's helped turn my hair grey and caused some sleepless nights when things have been tight, that alone has made it worth it.