States have different licensing requirements for auto repair business. Check your local motor vehicle department for information about the type of license that you will need to operate an auto repair shop in your state. To obtain a license in your state, you will need to:   Fill out an application. Your motor vehicle department can provide you with an application to apply for your license.  Meet eligibility requirements. In most states, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be allowed to apply. These requirements may include things like your age, credit, and criminal record.  Provide required documents and information.  You may need to include some other documents and information such as proof that the building you plan to use has been zoned for your business, your tax ID number, and color photographs of your facility.  Pay any fees required to process the application. The application fee may be as low as $20, but if approved, you may need to pay $300 or more to obtain the license. Before approving your application, most states require you to have a minimum amount of insurance for liability purposes. This amount may be as low as $50,000 or as high as $300,000. Check with your state's motor vehicle department to determine how much insurance you will need to obtain for your business. You will need a clear financial system in place in order to operate as a business and to anticipate potential pitfalls.  Consider hiring an accountant or a financial advisor to help you establish a budget for your expenses as a new business. An accountant can help you manage your taxes, your payroll system, and advise you on the best bookkeeping system to use in your business. You should also consider retaining a lawyer in case you face any suits or claims from your clients. Ask other mechanics in your area which lawyers they use and like. Your success as a business will depend on how you relate to your customers and potential customers   Define your core values as a brand. What are three words your customers should think of when they think of your business? You might think of words like "honest,""loyal," and "dependable."   Print eye-catching flyers. You can place them in places where lots of customers might congregate, such as gyms, civic centers, office parks, and the parking lots at universities and college campuses.  Establish a loyalty program. You might offer your customers a free oil change after they come to see you for another service (like an engine repair or heating/air conditioning repair). You can also send coupons in the mail to your neighbors or consider offering a digital discount through a service like Groupon.  Consider advertising on TV or on the radio. TV commercials and radio ads may also help you to reach a wider audience and gain new customers. Some car dealers have their own mechanical shops attached to their businesses, but others don't. You should consider approaching dealers and asking them if they could refer customers to your business. In return, you could also advertise for their business when your customers want to buy a new car.
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One-sentence summary -- Obtain a license to operate your business. Purchase insurance for your business. Fulfill your administrative needs. Implement a marketing strategy. Make alliances with car dealerships.


The best place to have a conversation is in a private, quiet area. Your loved one should feel secure and comfortable in this space. You might have the conversation while talking a walk, or you might sit them down in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Minimize distractions as much as possible. Turn off the TV and music. If there are other people in the room, ask them if they would mind giving you some privacy. The first question you ask should be about their emotional state. A simple and sincere “How are you?” can encourage them to start talking.  If that is too broad, or they respond with a one-word answer like "Fine," then you may want to be a bit more specific. You can say something like, “I've noticed that you've seem kind of anxious lately. Can you tell me what is concerning you?” If they have a diagnosed mental illness, you might say, “I just wanted to check in to see how you are doing. What kind of experiences have you been having at work/home/school?” If you suspect a mental illness but they have not been diagnosed, don't be afraid to engage them in conversation. Just make sure you are speaking from a place of compassion. If your loved one has demonstrated specific, troubling behaviors, such as increased substance use or anger issues, you might want to state these at the outset. Be gentle, and do not accuse the other person.  Some signs of mental illness include anxiety, detachment, changes in sleeping or eating habits, substance abuse, social withdrawal, self-harm, inability to concentrate, poor hygiene, lack of grooming, mood fluctuations, or an inability to complete basic daily tasks.  Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to soften what you are saying. Instead of saying, “You seem really anti-social lately,” you might say, “I have noticed that you’re not coming out of your room very often. Is everything ok?” It can be very difficult for people to discuss their mental illness. If they are not ready to talk, do not push them. Let them know that you are available to talk whenever they need it. Just by expressing your willingness to support them, you may be helping them already.  You can say, “You say that you have been really depressed lately. Do you want to talk about it?” If they say that they do not want to talk, you should say, “That’s ok. Just know that I am here for you when you need it. If you ever do want to talk, let me know.” Some people may deny that they have a problem. Others may resist your attempts to help. Do not argue with your loved one if they do not cooperate with your attempts to talk. Doing so will only drive them away. Instead, calmly reaffirm your commitment to them.  If they insist that there is not a problem, you might say, “I’m glad to hear it, but if there ever is a problem, you can come to me.” If they have a substance abuse problem, suicidal tendencies, or violent outbursts, you may need to contact a professional to intervene. If they are a possible threat to themselves or others, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department for a mental health evaluation.
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One-sentence summary --
Find a way to talk privately. Ask them how they are feeling. State your concerns. Ask if they want to talk. Avoid arguing.