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STARTING A PARATRANSIT BUSINESS

2010-11-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

You may find that you can combine your love of driving with serving the needs of the elderly and disabled when you start a paratransit business.

This venture involves picking up special-needs individuals from their homes or other locations, assisting them into the vehicle, and safely driving them to their destination. Of course, you will usually be required to provide them with a ride in the other direction as well.Urban Transit: The Private Challenge to Public Transportation

This sector of the population is expected to remain stable or grow as the average age of American citizens continues to increase. Because many of these customers can’t drive or afford handicap-enabled vehicles of their own, they will rely on your services for transportation.

WHAT TO DO FIRST

When you start a paratransit business, your office location will have little impact on your level of business. Take advantage of this by choosing a location that provides ample space for the price. You will need room to house several large vans as well as office space for your dispatcher.

At least one wheelchair-accessible van is required to start your new business. While it doesn’t have to be brand new, you should make sure that it is clean and in prime condition. It will need a wheelchair lift and equipment to safely secure the chair inside the van.Urban Transit: The Private Challenge to Public Transportation

Before you start a paratransit business, call your state’s division of motor vehicles (DMV) to find out if they have special requirements to transport handicapped people. At a very minimum, you will need a chauffeur’s license that allows you to drive passengers.

Depending on your area, you may also need a taxi license. Keep in mind that many areas regulate the rates of taxi drivers. If this is the case in your location , you should check to see if there is an exception for paratransit driving services.

You may be able to charge slightly higher rates as compensation for additional equipment and time requirements. Some of your customers may be able to claim their paratransit expenses on their health insurance. If this is a possibility, check with the major insurance providers in your area to make sure that you meet all the requirements to become an approved transit service.The economic impact of Section 16 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act on small businesses transporting the elderly and handicapped in New England (SuDoc SBA 1.20/3:53)

KEYS TO PARATRANSIT SUCCESSSearch Amazon.com for PARATRANSIT BUSINESS
Treat your clients with the utmost respect and care, while providing service at a fair price, to guarantee your success. Once a special-needs customer develops a relationship with a driver, they will be more likely to request their services in the future.

They will tell all of their friends and acquaintances about the great ride that they received from your company. On the other hand, if they are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they will dread a trip provided by your paratransit business and look for any other possible alternatives.

To find customers when you start a paratransit business, create flyers to distribute at local doctor’s offices, retirement homes, and hospitals. Remember that many of your potential customers may be strapped for cash. A healthy discount offer, or even a frequent-customer discount card, will attract many new riders.

Create your own website and make sure that you are included on any local sites that list taxi services. Because you are not in direct competition with local cab companies, get to know the owners and dispatchers. Let them know about your services. Ask them to refer customers to you when they can’t service a specific customer, and offer to return the favor. Many of your customers will only suffer temporary disabilities that can be corrected through treatment.

At some point in the future, you may be interested in expanding your paratransit business. The obvious choice is to purchase new vans and hire extra drivers. You could also open an additional office in a neighboring town. Alternative options include outfitting personal vehicles with wheelchair lifts or training paratransit drivers for other companies.Community Transport: Policy, Planning and Practice (Transportation Studies)

HOW TO HOST A DINNER PARTY

2010-11-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

Spending on a dinner party is no joke, and to get your money’s worth, you should prepare for it weeks in advance. Keep in mind that anything ordered rush is likely to add to your tab. You’ll have your own reasons for hosting one, as most people do.

Some don’t mind spending thousands of dollars on a one-night affair just to meet contacts for their business. Others simply want to be the talk of the town and try their best to beef up their guest list with society’s crème de la crème.How to Host a Murder: A Dinner Party Game for Eight

To come up with a successful event, secure the services of friends and family who’ve gone through the same thing and can guide you through the process, or hire a professional party planner. They just might be worth the added expense.

Check out lifestyle and society mags to have an idea about party themes, the hottest décor, and the latest on entertainment. Send out extraordinary invitations. You can even generate a lot of excitement over your dinner party days before the actual event by creating a website informing guests about the theme or giving teasers of what they can expect to experience on that day.

The secret to a successful dinner party is inviting the right kind of people. Include those who are gregarious and popular, those who can easily mingle, and guests who can enliven an otherwise lethargic crowd.

Whether you’re catering the entire shebang or preparing some dishes yourself, see to it that you’re free to entertain as soon as the guests start arriving. Without the help of professionals, expect to do everything from greeting people at the door to checking their coats to serving them postprandial coffee.

If you’re harried because of a lack of extra hands, guests would feel uneasy about arriving when they see that you’re running to and fro, even when they arrive on time. Leave the heating and the plating to someone else so you’ll be where you’re supposed to be – at the door, greeting your guests upon their arrival.

Introduce the new arrivals to other guests and get the conversations going. For instance, you can introduce your brother to a female guest and mention a hobby they have in common, just to jumpstart a conversation between them. Find some common ground for them to start with. This way, even guests who arrive alone won’t feel out of place.

As host of the dinner party, you have the prerogative of deciding on the seating arrangement. A memorable dinner would have men and women sitting alternately, with couples seated apart. This will allow for mingling and detracts from the usual conversations that groups of women and groups of men have.

After dinner, don’t jump into dish washing duty. You need to be visible as a host even after the meal, so recruit some help to do this job for you. Otherwise, wait until the last guest has left.Party Snacks!: 50 Simple, Stylish Recipes to Make You a Popular Party Host

One of your main objectives in hosting a dinner party is to impress. Take this opportunity to put your best foot forward. Hire professionals to clean your place up days before the event. Use the best dinnerware you can get your hands on. Keep the towels fresh in the washroom and have someone clean up after every guest. Get live entertainment if you must. If you do a good job, you’ll be the talk of the town until your next hosting gig.Esquire's Handbook for Hosts: A Time-Honored Guide to the Perfect Party

Health And Fitness Business Ideas

2010-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

As baby boomers age, they are more concerned than ever with staying fit – which is why the health and fitness business is a booming industry.

If you are considering opening a small business where you can use great interpersonal and motivational skills alongside knowledge of nutrition and health, this may be the right area for you.

Consider also that your number of potential customers is increasing each year, as even seniors are now getting in on the act of physical fitness.Critical Condition: How Health Care in America Became Big Business--and Bad Medicine

What Type of Health And Fitness Business Is Right For You?

Because this industry is vast – from personal trainers to registered dieticians to health food stores – the first step is to decide what area you will concentrate in.

This large group can be split into three smaller groups for easier consideration: nutrition, fitness, and care.

NUTRITION

There are a variety of ways to help clients improve their health through better nutrition Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition, and Health, Revised and Expanded Edition (California Studies in Food and Culture). To be a registered dietician (RD), you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics or Nutrition, complete an approved internship, and pass the national registered dietician exam. A registered dietetic technician (DTR) requires an Associate’s degree.Massage Therapy for Professionals v2.0

Another option for entering the nutrition business is to recommend and sell healthy food items and other health products. You can do this by developing your own recipes and packaging food for sale. Perhaps you might focus on eliminating allergens from your recipes or using organic ingredients?
Food and Health
Alternatively you could become a representative of a company that sells nutrition products. By becoming familiar with the products, you can then make a recommendation to interested customers.

If you are interested in even more sales opportunities, you could start your own health food store or become part of a franchise.

FITNESS

Many people don’t like to exercise or don’t know how to exercise effectively.Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training: An Illustrated Guide to Your Muscles in Action As a personal trainer, you can instruct and guide clients on achieving their best physical form.

Research the many personal training programs available to find the one that is right for you. Many offer certification which adds to your credibility.101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique

You may have clients train in your home, which would require you to invest in a variety of exercise equipment. Alternatively you could train in the client’s home – provided they have the necessary machines.

As a trainer, you have the flexibility to set your own hours, but marketing may be your most difficult task.

Another option is to be a trainer at a gym, where commercial fitness equipment is already provided. People who go to gyms are already interested in physical fitness, so up-selling them to the next level of personal training may be easier.

If you’d rather show than tell, consider being a group fitness instructor at a gym. You often have flexibility in designing your own routines, and you can make people sweat and get your own workout at the same time.

Care
The care category of health and fitness business ideas deals with providing healthcare services to those in need. These services could include home healthcare for the elderly, psychiatric services, counseling, and occupational therapy – to name just a few.

There are hundreds of opportunities to start a business providing some form of health care. Keep in mind, however, that these types of businesses often require substantial education, and ongoing certification and licensing. If you’re interested in this area of business, chances are you already have the educational foundation and experience upon which to build.Maximum Fitness Gear All-In-One Doorway Chin-Up Bar with Bonus Top 20 Exercises To Six Pack Abs Guide

The opportunities in the health and fitness business are waiting, so if you have the passion, interest and dedication to succeed you can really find yourself success in this field for the long-term.

HOW TO START A ROOFING BUSINESS

2010-11-10T08:11:00.001-08:00

You have experience in construction and you enjoy working outdoors; why not find out how to start a roofing business?

It’s the worst feeling in the world—after a heavy rain, a homeowner notices a damp patch on the living room ceiling.

And he knows there’s more rain in the forecast for tomorrow.

That hole in the roof needs to be repaired as soon as possible, so they call you–a respected roofer.

How To Start A Roofing Business – What a Roofer Does
A Roofer inspects the roof of a house or other type of building, looking for damage, leakage or mold. He can patch, replace, and waterproof the new material. He can also work on new homes, installing roofs.

He may work with a roofing contractor or independently.

What You’ll Need

The most important thing you’ll need as a roofer is experience. Since a bad roofing job can create damage throughout a house, most customers are looking for roofing professionals with proven records. So, if you’ve got experience as a roofer, you’re on your way.

If you don’t, it’s essential you acquire as much training and experience as you can before you strike out on your own.

You can apprentice with other roofing professionals or building contractors. Some organizations, such as the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (www.unionroofers.com) have apprenticeship programs to guide you on your way.Roofing Contractor Business Plan - MS Word/Excel

Part of your experience should be a thorough knowledge of different types of roofing materials and safety education.

You will need a truck for hauling roofing equipment, and an at-home office system for maintaining schedules, billing and planning.

State regulations vary, but most require you to have bonding, worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. You will also want to provide your customers with warranties for workmanship and materials.

When finding out how to start a roofing business, many states will also require that your business is licensed. The Business of Re-Roofing: An Owner's Manual

Challenges and Advantages of a Roofing Business
Compared to many other businesses, a roofing company is a low cost startup business, however, given that you’ll have to buy the materials you use before receiving payment from your customer, it’s important that you have some savings.

Roofing work is very physical, and very weather dependant. Work may be seasonal if you live in an area prone to iciness or rain.

On the positive side, the roofing business is growing faster than average. According to the Bureau of Labor, employment of roofers is expected to grow 16% in the next few years. Another good thing is that even when the housing market is slow—and therefore the need for new roof installation is slow—the demand for roof repairs continues.

Marketing Your Business

For local contractor type businesses, word of mouth is the most effective way to advertise. That means impressing your customers so that they will tell their friends and neighbors what a great job you did.

Continue networking by being active in your local chamber of commerce. Look into professional associations such as National Roofing Contractors Association (http://www.nrca.net).

Consider an online presence with a website, and get friendly with the manager of your local hardware store. He may be able to give you leads, or refer you to others. Building lasting relationships is key when learning how to start a roofing business.

With experience, planning and hard work, you can have as much business as you can handle.

BEEKEEPING AS A BUSINESS

2010-11-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

You can get people buzzing by treating your beekeeping as a business! Starting a new business with bees is a wonderful and rewarding way to work at home and be your very own boss.

Beekeeping is not a business that many people consider when thinking about working from home. Maybe you could be the first one to start in your area and enter a unique and satisfying niche.

Get people humming by starting a small business as a beekeeper. In this business you’ll raise honeybee colonies and sell the resulting honey and beeswax.

This is a fantastic business to start in your own home (assuming you can afford to spare the extra space for your bees!) with abundant opportunities to sell your products locally through retail or distribution channels and globally via the internet.

Sometimes it can be important to use the internet as a resource when starting your business. You may be able to find all the beekeeping supplies that you need without ever leaving your house! As your business grows, you might also want to consider starting your own website to sell your products.

Having a website will make it easier for people to find out all about your business and draw in customers that would have otherwise not noticed your business.

Successfully Turning Beekeeping As A Business

When it comes to taking care of your bees, beekeeping equipment is very important. Getting a hold of some bees and hives are, of course, the first steps. You will also need other supplies such as protective gear that will help protect you from bee stings.

Safety is one of your biggest keys to success when starting beekeeping as a business. Insure your business properly in the event someone is harmed by a bee sting from your colony. Protect your employees (if you have them) and yourself by always wearing the protective gear made especially for beekeeping. Always follow safe colony management practices.

Market your products creatively by using unique logos, colors and slogans. Expand your product sales quickly by selling to larger retail outlets such as health food stores.

In addition to selling honey and beeswax, outsource your colonies for crop pollination purposes. You may also consider selling some of your bees to other beekeepers.Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture

Offer a beekeeping workshop to teach others how to keep and harvest bee colonies. Carry a line of beekeeping equipment (or design your own) and sell via the internet.

Produce a line of soaps and moisturizers using your honey and beeswax as natural ingredients.

Other Product Ideas
Along with being able to sell soap and moisturizers, you could make products like beeswax candles! Beeswax candle making can be easy, too. First of all, make sure that you have all of the right candle making supplies.

When creating the candles, you might want to consider mixing the beeswax with paraffin. Beeswax has such high melting points that if the candle is made of beeswax alone, the wick may burn out before the beeswax can even melt.

Beekeeping as a business can be a very rewarding and successful endeavor. Owning bees can help the environment by providing insects useful in wildflower pollination. Beekeeping can also provide you with a great business opportunity to start from home.The Backyard Beekeeper - Revised and Updated: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden

Startup and Resource Guides

7 Days To Beekeeping Success: How To Own Your Own Business
First Lessons In Beekeeping
The Pro Beekeepers Guide
How To Start Beekeeping
Easy Beekeeping Methods
Discover Beekeeping

WINE MAKING BUSINESS

2010-11-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

If you’re one of the millions of people who enjoy a good glass of wine, you may be surprised to find out that you could make a good living from your passion as a winemaker.

Even those who do not live in traditional wine regions can get involved, so you need not worry if there isn’t a vine to be found for miles around!

How Can I Do This?

While in years gone by it was only those who lived in a warmer climate and had access to hundreds of acres of land and a full-time staff who could hope to start a business as a winemaker, nowadays there are opportunities for everyone.

By buying surplus harvests from larger vineyards you can get your hands on the raw material – grapes, that is – necessary to make your own wine. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can even avoid the entire process of wine making by buying up stocks of other peoples’ products and selling them under your own private label.

By simply renaming and repackaging low-end wine you can sell thousands of bottles at a tidy profit without so much as having to see a grape!

What Will I Need To Become A Winemaker?

So, what do you need to have to start a career as a winemaker? First and foremost is a close knowledge of the wine industry, so if your only acquaintance with it currently is a wine tasting or two, you may have to brush up a little before you can break in.

While the ancient practice of making wine may not seem too complicated, in modern times the process has changed somewhat with the many steps from growing to processing to packaging taking many months. Fortunately, there are countless books and websites which will help you gain the necessary expertise to make and sell your wine.

As in any industry, it is also essential to be familiar with the market. Even if you have a delicious wine which you’re willing to sell for a reasonable price, you’ll find yourself with a lot of surplus stock if you don’t have the proper channels of communication open with those to whom you can potentially sell.

You may also encounter difficulties from the authorities if you ignore the regional rules and regulations which govern the growing, packaging and selling of wine.

Expanding Your Business

There are a number of secondary opportunities for making money besides simply selling the wine itself. By offering customized labels or branded wine glasses for parties and corporate events, you can provide a service while promoting your wine to the demographic most likely to become your customers. Many wine makers will offer discounts on their wine (or even a number free bottles) for such events in exchange for exclusivity rights.

If you choose to sell your wine online, you may also draw more interest if you offer wine reviews which help your site visitors find something that suits their taste and budget. While it is difficult to make money directly from such services as a winemaker, you will find that you have far more repeat business from the satisfied customers you do manage to obtain.

Related Startup Resources

Check out the following related resources that can help you learn more and get started with this small business (will open in new window)...

Successful Winemaking - Craft Superb Table Wines At Home
The Home Winemaker's Inner Circle
Ultimate Fruit Winemakers Guide
Delicious Winemaking Made Easy
Home Winemaking: Step By Step
Homemade Wine Profit Secrets

HOW TO START A PROOFREADING BUSINESS

2010-11-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

Proofreaders read material and check it for mechanical, structural and grammatical errors.

Many times, proofreaders will find errors that a computer’s spell check will miss.

Did you catch the three errors in the first sentence that spell check didn’t? (Hint: “your” should be “you are”, “all ready” should be “already” and “write” should be “right.”)The McGraw-Hill Desk Reference for Editors, Writers, and Proofreaders(with CD-ROM)

Establishing proofreading as a legitimate home business can give you flexibility, a steady income, and access to as much reading material as you desire.

How to Become a Proofreader

Proofreaders by nature have a love of words and a keen eye for noticing mistakes. Still, more preparation is needed before seeking proofreading employment. As a proofreader, you will need to have a solid understanding of grammar and sentence mechanics.

It helps tremendously to be a native of the language you are proofreading. In addition, you’ll need to be well versed in proofreading methods and symbols.

If you’re interested in learning how to become a proofreader, consider taking a class at a local college or online. Universalclass.com and Mediabistro.com are two organizations that offer proofreading classes.

In the meantime, proofread everything you can—books, newspapers, websites—to train yourself to spot errors. Read stylebooks for a refresher on language usage.
What You Will Need To Become a Proofreader

Once you are ready to open your business, you’ll need a computer with high speed Internet (and spell check!), e-mail and a printer, a fax machine, and a phone.

In addition, you’ll need to set up a reference library with essentials including a dictionary, thesaurus and style books (The Chicago Manual of Style, New York Times Manual of Style, AP Stylebook are the major ones).You may also need specialized reference books such as a dictionary of medical or financial terms.Using Proofreaders' Marks

How to Market Your Business

As a proofreader, you can build your business locally, or online, or both. If you’re new to proofreading, the first step is to get experience. One way to do this is to volunteer to proofread documents for an organization or business. Often, that second pair of eyes are welcomed. You might also see if you can assist an editor of a local publication.

If you come across a brochure or magazine with errors, contact the writer/editor and delicately offer your services. You may be just the person they’re (not their!) looking for.The McGraw-Hill Desk Reference for Editors, Writers, and Proofreaders(with CD-ROM)

For online work, you may consider an online job site, such as elance.com. Some companies may ask you to take a test to check your proofreading ability.Facebook for Business: How To Market Your Business on Facebook® and Get More Sales, New Customers and Brand Awareness

Growing Your Business

As you gain experience, you may want to specialize in a specific type of proofreading, such as legal or financial. This usually requires a little more training on technical terms, but the financial rewards may be worth it.

Another option to consider is to begin copyediting along with proofreading. While a proofreader looks specifically for mistakes, a copyeditor also looks for issues such as appropriateness of language and cohesiveness of the layout.

In all of your work, your attention to detail, knowledge of language and quick turnaround time will help you build a good reputation.The Elements of Style

HOW TO START AND RUN YOUR OWN COMPUTER TRAINIG BUSINESS

2010-11-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Computer classes, software training, and Microsoft training are in constant demand today and make a business in computer training an adventure to follow.

You can use your computer skills to earn and income and be able to purchase and write off new equipment against your taxes.

You can have state of the art equipment, self employment, and enjoy the other benefits while you learn the latest technology and software.

There are a couple ways you can get going with a computer training business. You can teach using someone else’s equipment and classroom, you can run your own classes with your own equipment, you can rent a computer classroom and hold classes there, or you can do remote in house teaching.

Another business opportunity is creating your own beginner or advanced classes and selling them online.How to start and run your own computer repair business

Regardless of which path you take, you will need access to basic computer equipment and software and a vehicle for transportation. You will need software packages that are up to date and currently used in business or your training will be useless.

You should also have insurance to cover your equipment and any possible liabilities, especially if you are entering the customer’s home. You should have protective carry cases for the equipment. It will also be a lot easier to use laptops instead of desktop models, and this should not affect your training capabilities.
How To Conduct Computer Training

For beginner classes you should aim to communicate instructions simply so your students can understand you and the concepts involved. They will want to learn basic word processing, spreadsheets, and other productivity software like Microsoft Office programs that are commonly used in business.

If you work in a customer’s home, you may be able to teach a few people at once such as friends and family. If you are in a learning center with many computers you will be more like a traditional teacher teaching many people at once.

Public speaking is important, and you need to be organized in order to communicate the lessons in an understandable manner. Your computer training business is a teaching business, and confidence, patience and poise are great qualities for teachers to learn.

Making A Profit

With group lessons you can offer lower lesson prices but gain more income from the larger number of students. You need to consider any expenses for room and equipment rentals.

If you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to offer simple repairs and even classes in computer maintenance and troubleshooting to clients. You also can sell computer tools and software for commission and income. Another way to make money is to compose your own teaching lessons on disk and sell them at classes or over the internet.Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant

Whatever you choose, you can begin with simple classes and expand the business over time. A computer training business will not go out of style as computers are an essential part of living for almost everyone today – from young children to senior citizens.

EASY WAY TO START A PARTY RENTAL BUSINESS

2010-11-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Learning how to start a party rental business can be both fun and profitable.

The best thing about the party planning business is that you can get your entire family involved in it and work from home.

In this business, you can offer different types of party supplies for rent.

The items will generally include tablecloths, dinnerware, tables and chairs and entertainment items such as moon bounces, karaoke machines, air jumpers and other smaller inflatables or bounce-devices for backyard parties.How To Start a Linen Rental Business

How To Start A Party Rental Business – Start-Up Budget

The start-up budget to establish a party rental business will depend upon the type of rental services you are offering. In order to keep things smooth and easy, you are recommended to start with offering backyard party rental services. In this case, you will not have to invest more than $5000. In fact, you can even manage with an even smaller investment if absolutely necessary.

Profitability

Running a party rental business is highly profitable. With some good years of experience in the market, you can easily make somewhere around $20,000 a month. In fact, there are companies that are making millions every month. It all depends upon how much hard work and serious effort you put into it.

Most businesses have actually doubled their monthly income within the first five years of their establishment.

The scope for growth is virtually unlimited – you can get it as big as you want it to be.Available For Acquisition 73 -- Business Services PARTY EQUIPMENT RENTAL BUSINESS - (435).: An article from: Available For Acquisition: FirstList

Expansion Of The Business

Once you are an established name in the party rental business industry, you can further expand your business by offering other party-related services such as special photography, organizing a wedding event, or planning a church social. Since you are already a reputable party rental company, you will not have much difficulty in finding clients to ask you to manage their event for them.

This will give you the option to become an event planner later during your business career.

Home-Based Business

The great thing about the party rental business is that you can run it as a home-based business. In fact, most people start this business from home. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For example, you are recommended to have a second phone line, as this will make things much easier for you to work with. Do not let your kids attend these calls.

You can definitely get help from other family members who are mature enough to deal with clients, however.

Buy a couple of moon bounces and keep them in your garage. If you plan everything well, doing things like this will keep your overheads low and your profits high.

If you already have a decent job, you are recommended to start your party rental business as a part-time business. It is only after you are established and have started making a good profit that you should consider taking it up as a full time job. Once you know how to start a party rental business, though, it won’t be long before the dream of quitting your current job can become a reality.Health Furniture, Party Supplies & Other Rental in the US - Industry Market Research Report

HOW TO START AND OPERATE A MAIL ORDER BUSINESS

2010-11-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

With the explosive growth of online shopping, mail order businesses continue to thrive. Although mail order marketing has evolved because of the internet, the basic model for this business remains the same. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about how to start a mail order business.

As with any business venture, having a carefully constructed plan is vital for starting a mail order business. The more information that can be compiled and analyzed about the competition, the business plan, how to advertise, and how to grow and develop the business, the better the chances are for success.

Planning Ahead

Before starting a mail order business, it’s important to have an overview of how the business will work. What products will the business offer? How much inventory will be necessary to ensure timely delivery to customers? Will the business focus on specialty items, or be more general? From these basic facts, develop a business overview to work from as development moves forward.How to Start and Operate a Mail-Order Business

Another important element to consider when learning how to start a mail order business is administration. How much can be budgeted for advertising? How much insurance is required for the specific business? All business require accounting professionals to help calculate taxes and salary as well as profit margins. Personnel to drive sales is also important, though at the beginning, while the business is small, need for full-time employees might also remain small or non-existant.
Scoping out the Terrain

The existing climate of the market niche of a starting mail order business is also an important consideration. Some items to consider include:

* What is the existing competition?
* How can a new company find a sustainable niche in the existing market?
* Is the existing market currently growing, shrinking, or staying stable?
* What can a new company do to stand out from the existing field?
* What are the geographic boundaries for the business?

The more thought given to these elements, the more chance a new business has to stand out, attract attention, and build a large and loyal customer base. There will still be work to do to build the business, but having these elements mapped out ahead of time will provide a clear idea of possible directions and solutions to anticipated challenges.
Planning for the Future

As the mail order business grows, a road map for how to handle the additional challenges is also a vital element to keep the business on track. Sometimes, when a business grows too quickly without a well-built infrastructure, what looks like success can actually lead to failure.

Some things to consider as the business expands and the client base grows:

* Using online tools help reduce the need for additional personnel–for example, taking orders through an online store interface rather than on the phone or via mailed-in orders that need to be processed by hand.
* Using drop shipment or other order processing alternatives to reduce the need for a large warehouse.
* Outsourcing tasks as needed rather than hiring full-time employees to handle intermittent needs. A good example of this kind of approach would be outsourcing IT services rather than hiring an IT staff.

Though every eventuality can’t be addressed ahead of time, having a plan before starting a mail order businesses reduces the number of surprises that could derail the business’ success. A strong, sensible plan will lead to a strong business that can weather the ups and downs of getting underway and be able to sustain growth and change as it becomes larger and more successful.Building a Mail Order Business: A Complete Manual for Success

Start A Homebased Meal Business

2010-10-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

If cooking is your passion and you would love the opportunity to share your gourmet delights with the world, you need to know how to start a homebased meal business.

The dream of entrepreneurship is taking root in America: the growth rate is expounding and the search for healthy, home-cooked meals is on the rise.

Whether you focus your business on meal preparation for those customers who cannot get out, or catering to the crowd who simply have no time to prepare healthy meals, you’ll undoubtedly have a solid customer base.

America is taking a stand against chemicals in its food. Its citizens now want good, healthy food for its families. What better way to help your fellow man than by learning how to

How To Set Up Your Homebased Meal Business
Do you have a stove, refrigerator and microwave? Then you already have what it takes to go into community cookery. Eventually when your meal business takes off you may need to look at expanding your business by hiring employees and renting a larger kitchen or building, but these decisions can wait until you’ve established yourself.

There are also the usual business expenses to consider such as business insurance, meal delivery, and kitchen supplies.

If you can’t cook yourself, you will also need to hire a professional personal chef to prepare your meals. This isn’t a problem, as so long as you focus all your efforts on the business aspects of your enterprise, you should easily be able to afford this extra cost required to create prepared meals for your customers.

Advertising And Expanding Your Services
Word of mouth is the best way to become popular in the food industry, because if you can’t cook well enough to impress people nobody will buy your meals. Start with your friends and relatives – try new and old recipes with them and find out what they like and what they don’t. Their opinions will almost certainly be replicated in strangers, so doing this can really help you on your path to success.

You may want to consider adding dietary meal planning into your list of services. Many people are concerned with losing weight, eating healthily to avoid diabetes, or simply want to enhance their physical appearance.

You could also decide to just focus on a catering business for parties. This can earn well for you if you spend sufficient time researching the market before launching.

No matter your food focus, if you love to cook and you are creative in how you do it, a homebased meal business could very well be the perfect business for you.

How to Choose Your Ideal Partner

2010-10-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

How to Choose Your Ideal Partner
By: Robin Nicholson

It's interesting that people will spend a lot of thought and time on choosing a significant purchase - say a car or a house - but not give the same kind of thought when it comes to choosing a life partner. Sure they think about it at length and maybe have a dream that they will meet a perfect replica of George Clooney, Michelle Pfeiffer, or whatever is their taste. That aside, it is surprising how many people can't clearly define what they are looking for.

Maybe they feel that they will know it when they find it. A guy I know was in the tie section of a major store, when an assistant asked him what kind of tie he was looking for! So there are some times when it really is a case of 'I'll know it when I see it.'

So instead of just waiting and hoping, what about making a list of what is important to you, and how important it is? Yes this will sound a bit pedantic and clinical, but it is the only sound way to get a clear idea. And you could find you are in for a surprise or two along the way, with things you never really considered before you sat down to do this exercise.

Let's take as an example, choosing a house / flat / apartment etc. The method goes like this: firstly you take some time to list all the features you would like. For example: two bedrooms, facing South, adequate parking, cost less than £X, freehold or long lease, no neighbour problems, available within two months....we could go on and on. And that is the point - do list absolutely everything that is important to you. If it's not important, don't include it. The second and really important stage is to decide how important each thing is to you. Some would be deal-breakers (meaning if this isn't right, you'll walk away and look elsewhere). This feature, whatever it is, is a must-have. My dad for example, always said never buy anywhere that might flood. Yeah yeah, we thought, fine...but in recent years, sudden freak weather has rather proved he had a point. But the key thing is to decide on your deal-breakers, whatever they may be.

After listing your deal-breakers - you then need to rank how important each of the other things is to you. What other people think is irrelevant. It's what YOU want that matters. So maybe you give a score out of 5 to each item, where 5 is top importance and 1 is still important, but low priority. You can see how this will help you make an impartial decision when it comes to properties that you look at, because you have already decided on the factors that matter. You then just score each property according on each factor, and add up your totals.

This may sound rather unromantic and clinical, but you can apply this system to help understand what you are looking for in your prospective partner. Which in turn, may help you work out where is the best place to find that person. And how to write a profile for online dating sites that helps other members to decide if they fit or don't. Saving their time and yours. After all, this article is addressed to people who are looking for that 'life partner' and what could be more important than that?

Let's take a look at what you might want to put on your list. Keep in mind this is your list and my examples may be quite wrong for you, or may miss out things that are really important to you. Think first about 'core values'. The things that are fundamental about the person you're looking for. Because they really matter to you. For instance, religious belief (or lack of), views on fidelity, how sociable or private they are, career- minded or not, active and sporty or not. ...and so on. What we are getting at here, is what are your 'essentials' in terms of how your prospective partner lives their life and what is important to them. A friend of mine for example, feels strongly about environmental issues, and really couldn't be with someone unless they share that view. Someone else might be very active and sociable, wanting to be out a lot of the time. Or the opposite, enjoying quiet evenings at home. You get the picture.

Some other things may be to do with shared interests and hobbies. Or whether they like the same kind of films, books, TV programmes, music, how they spend their spare time and so on. Others may be more of a personal preference, such as hair colour, height, build and the like. You are writing the list and you should make it as complete as you can. Otherwise you run the risk of taking decisions just on the basis of one or two things. Yes it might be great that the other person is also a big fan of Cold Play (if you are, too) but what about all their other characteristics and preferences?

So let's say you've done your long list of desirable and essential things in your next partner and you have put it in order of importance. Now you need to take another look at the finished product and check you are not being so selective that almost nobody will fit. There is likely to be some room for compromise, so be realistic. If you are an overweight 45 year old guy, is it likely that a trim athletic blond of 32 will be interested in you? Great if it happens, but kind of unlikely. This exercise will really help you decide what you are looking for and how important some of the criteria are to you. It can help you know up front what you have to avoid because you know it will only lead to regrets later. But it can also be a help in getting you to remove or adjust some of the items on your 'wish list' that are limiting your choices too much.

It's interesting that people will spend a lot of thought and time on choosing a significant purchase - say a car or a house - but not give the same kind of thought when it comes to choosing a life partner. Sure they think about it at length and maybe have a dream that they will meet a perfect replica of George Clooney, Michelle Pfeiffer, or whatever is their taste. That aside, it is surprising how many people can't clearly define what they are looking for.

Maybe they feel that they will know it when they find it. A guy I know was in the tie section of a major store, when an assistant asked him what kind of tie he was looking for! So there are some times when it really is a case of 'I'll know it when I see it.'

So instead of just waiting and hoping, what about making a list of what is important to you, and how important it is? Yes this will sound a bit pedantic and clinical, but it is the only sound way to get a clear idea. And you could find you are in for a surprise or two along the way, with things you never really considered before you sat down to do this exercise.

Let's take as an example, choosing a house / flat / apartment etc. The method goes like this: firstly you take some time to list all the features you would like. For example: two bedrooms, facing South, adequate parking, cost less than £X, freehold or long lease, no neighbour problems, available within two months....we could go on and on. And that is the point - do list absolutely everything that is important to you. If it's not important, don't include it. The second and really important stage is to decide how important each thing is to you. Some would be deal-breakers (meaning if this isn't right, you'll walk away and look elsewhere). This feature, whatever it is, is a must-have. My dad for example, always said never buy anywhere that might flood. Yeah yeah, we thought, fine...but in recent years, sudden freak weather has rather proved he had a point. But the key thing is to decide on your deal-breakers, whatever they may be.

After listing your deal-breakers - you then need to rank how important each of the other things is to you. What other people think is irrelevant. It's what YOU want that matters. So maybe you give a score out of 5 to each item, where 5 is top importance and 1 is still important, but low priority. You can see how this will help you make an impartial decision when it comes to properties that you look at, because you have already decided on the factors that matter. You then just score each property according on each factor, and add up your totals.

This may sound rather unromantic and clinical, but you can apply this system to help understand what you are looking for in your prospective partner. Which in turn, may help you work out where is the best place to find that person. And how to write a profile for online dating sites that helps other members to decide if they fit or don't. Saving their time and yours. After all, this article is addressed to people who are looking for that 'life partner' and what could be more important than that?

Let's take a look at what you might want to put on your list. Keep in mind this is your list and my examples may be quite wrong for you, or may miss out things that are really important to you. Think first about 'core values'. The things that are fundamental about the person you're looking for. Because they really matter to you. For instance, religious belief (or lack of), views on fidelity, how sociable or private they are, career- minded or not, active and sporty or not. ...and so on. What we are getting at here, is what are your 'essentials' in terms of how your prospective partner lives their life and what is important to them. A friend of mine for example, feels strongly about environmental issues, and really couldn't be with someone unless they share that view. Someone else might be very active and sociable, wanting to be out a lot of the time. Or the opposite, enjoying quiet evenings at home. You get the picture.

Some other things may be to do with shared interests and hobbies. Or whether they like the same kind of films, books, TV programmes, music, how they spend their spare time and so on. Others may be more of a personal preference, such as hair colour, height, build and the like. You are writing the list and you should make it as complete as you can. Otherwise you run the risk of taking decisions just on the basis of one or two things. Yes it might be great that the other person is also a big fan of Cold Play (if you are, too) but what about all their other characteristics and preferences?

So let's say you've done your long list of desirable and essential things in your next partner and you have put it in order of importance. Now you need to take another look at the finished product and check you are not being so selective that almost nobody will fit. There is likely to be some room for compromise, so be realistic. If you are an overweight 45 year old guy, is it likely that a trim athletic blond of 32 will be interested in you? Great if it happens, but kind of unlikely. This exercise will really help you decide what you are looking for and how important some of the criteria are to you. It can help you know up front what you have to avoid because you know it will only lead to regrets later. But it can also be a help in getting you to remove or adjust some of the items on your 'wish list' that are limiting your choices too much.

BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER

2010-10-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Tailoring is a very old tradition, and to become a tailor requires a lot of stamina and patience. You need to stitch, alter, modify, and design clothing.

Tailors need to work on different parts of their items at once, which may include the initial stitching of the cloth to working on the side collars and sewing the pocket linings.

An apprenticeship, therefore, may be necessary to provide a basic lesson in getting all these things together.

Start-Up
Many new tailors find franchises attractive options. Before you start your own shop, make sure that you research the available franchises. These can save you a lot of money and provide much needed publicity.

You may want to specialize in wedding dresses, child wear, or even the stitching the soft toys. A niche has few competitors around it, and so helps you to focus on a specialist skill.

Employ a seamstress if you can, as this will help you to understand the design formalities of ladies’ garments. Interestingly, in developed countries menswear comprises the largest proportion of the tailoring industry – though this trend is reversed in the major minorities of the US and the United Kingdom.

Become A Tailor – Your Competition
It is a good idea to get an idea of your local competition. A new entrant to the market should locate and analyze every tailoring shop in the area to get an overview of the competitiveness around. You should talk to existing business owners about the industry.

A tailor in your area will never share their insider tips with a future competitor. If you really want the trade secrets of becoming a successful tailor, it is best to talk to set up an appointment outside of your area.

A good strategy is also to talk to your family and friends in a different locality, and get acquainted with one of their tailors.

Employment
Nowadays local authorities require professional degrees or licenses before letting you operate in major commercial areas. Reputable tailoring agencies require you to have an average of four to five years of apprenticeship experience before they even consider employing you.

Did you know that local dry cleaning services often employ people full-time to do alterations to clothes? You can get real, hands-on experience by working with them even if the tasks are mundane and require only basic skills.

A course in fashion design will help new entrants to the industry to understand technical drawings and diagrams. It will also give them an idea of how different colors and shapes are used in design.

Amongst other skills, they will also become accustomed to the different types of machines and sewing supplies available on the market. It is often a good idea to enroll in a fashion and design institute to get the modern view of resources available to tailors.

Work Environment
Tailors make custom suits and made-to-measure garments. Becoming a tailor will require you to think about the financial aspects of this, too.

Initially, tailors are paid on a piece-by-piece basis. Salaries for novice and master craftsmen can differ hugely: from $24,000 upwards each year. Employed tailors work an average of between 38 and 42 hours each week. During busy times, they may have to work overtime and evenings as well.

If you have an interest in making money from making clothes, it’s wise to want to become a tailor!

STARTING A CALL CENTER BUSINESS

2010-10-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

A call center is a centralized location that receives calls for one or more other businesses. You may receive standard customer service calls or ones that require specialized knowledge. Because phone systems and a staff to man them can be very expensive, many different types of businesses utilize the services of a call center to minimize their expenses.

This has allowed companies to expand their service hours from a traditional business day to a 24-hour, 7-day operation.

How To Start A Call Center – Getting Started
When deciding how to start a call center, choose a facility that’s large enough to comfortably house a staff of phone workers. If you would like to allow your workers to telecommute, you may be able to operate out of your home, but you will need a more sophisticated call-forwarding system and a method to monitor your employees so that you know when they’re working and when they’re off the clock.

On-site workers will need office equipment including desks, chairs, and computers. In addition to taking phone calls, many call centers also provide live chat services for web-based retailers and outgoing calls for telemarketing purposes.

To accommodate several customers, a number of high-speed phone lines and a reliable, high capacity internet connection are required. Before opening your doors, speak with both your local phone company and internet service providers about your needs.

When learning how to start a call center, training for the high-tech phone equipment will be necessary. Each of your customers will want to make sure that you’re knowledgeable about their products and operation as well.

The person on the other end of the phone should never be able to guess that you’re a third-party call center. For outbound calls, you’ll need to comply with all do-not-call registry regulations in order to avoid penalties.

You should also comply with all Federal and state regulations that dictate who you can call, when you can call, and why you can call. To stay on top of all new regulations, join a call center organization like Contact Center World North America, The Global Association for Contact Center Best Practices & Networking.

Keys To Success
To be successful when learning how to start a call center, keep both your client and their customers happy and do it for less than anyone else can. By keeping your rates low and everyone satisfied, you’ll gain a reputation for excellent service.

Continue to think of new ways that your services can solve your business partner’s problems. Make regular sales calls to prospective clients and ask for feedback about your call center’s performance. To beat your competition, you will have to constantly evolve and make sure that you’re always one step ahead of the next call center.

Finding Clients For Your Call Center
Unless you have a few customers in your pocket when you start a call center, call on local businesses to develop a client base. Be prepared to show that you can answer their calls better than their existing call center or that you can save them money.

Your best bet would be to show how you can do both at the same time. If the business owner has an internal staff that they are concerned about letting go, you can offer to hire a certain number of them if you have a true need for more employees. Like all other businesses today, you should also have a website that details the value that you can add to a potential client’s customer service and sales operations.

Expansion opportunities are limitless when you consider that almost every business is a potential client. However, if you would like to expand into other areas, that’s possible, too. You could start a training program for companies who would like to maintain an in-house call center, but need help with their processes. If your telemarketing skills are unparalleled, branch out into other sales and marketing areas.

BECOME A TOP WEDDING PLANNER

2010-10-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

Starting a Wedding Planning Business
In the movies, wedding planners work in big offices with rooms large enough to stage tabletops and do food tastings. Though this might be true of some wedding planners, many more work out of their homes. They meet with clients and vendors when they need to but much they accomplish most of their work over the phone or via fax and email.

Here are tips on setting up and running a wedding planning business from your home:

1) Designate a specific room or space in your home

It’s ideal to have a separate room set aside for your business. If you cannot spare a room, at least make sure you have a place which is private and quiet.

2) Set up your office

Equipment

Get a computer dedicated to your business with business software such as Microsoft Office and QuickBooks. You should not be sharing your computer with others who may accidentally alter or erase any information or bring in viruses. You also want to be able to keep client information private.

Get a printer that delivers high-quality, professional documents. Get a fax machine for sending and receiving contracts and signed agreements. And you should have high-speed Internet access, either DSL or cable, so you can quickly do research on the web and download large files.

Furniture

Get a desk with a comfortable, ergonomic office chair. A filing cabinet will help you organize your documents and a bookshelf will give you a place keep client binders and reference books.

If you do not have a separate room for an office, get an armoire that is meant to be used for a home office. It will have a place for your computer and printer and allow you to close the doors and keep everything out of the way when you are not working.

3) Get a business phone line with mail voice

Your business should have it’s own phone number and professional voice mail message. Do not have your home phone double as the office phone.

I also do not recommend using a cell phone as your only business line. Cell phone service is not always reliable and should only be used when you want to accept and place calls when you are out of your office.

4) Stick to a schedule

You can set your own hours but create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible, it will help you to be more productive.

5) Get the word out that you are working

Let family members, friends and neighbors know that even though you are at home, you are running a business. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by people who believe you have time to chat or run errands for them because you are home all day.

6) Determine where you will meet with clients

If your home office is separate from the rest of your house, you may consider meeting clients in your home. However, most planners find office space that they can rent for meetings and conferences or they meet their clients at their wedding venue.

7) Make sure you get out and network

You can accomplish a lot from your home office, you can even “meet” potential clients online. But you still will need to get out and network to meet people in person and generate business. The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day

ONLINE BUSINESS MAGAZINE START-UP

2010-10-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

This type of business will allow you to take advantage of creating a periodical without the printing and distribution headaches.

You will still need to create articles that will generate interest, layout the pages, sell advertising space, and attract readers. While you will be able to eliminate many of the expenses of a traditional magazine, attracting a customer base for an online magazine can be quite different.

After all, you won’t be able to take advantage of a captive audience of readers who like to browse the magazine racks for eye-catching headlines.

How To Start An Online Magazine – Where To Start
When deciding how to start an online magazine, one of your first decisions should be to choose a subject that you are passionate about. It would also help if you had expert knowledge in the topic.

Decide if you would like to write all of the material yourself or if you would like to hire writers. If your material is interesting, you may be able to find writers that are willing to contribute articles just for a byline. You’ll also need to choose a domain name and find a reliable hosting service.

Unless you have graphic design and web development skills, you should plan on working with professional consultants in those areas.

You won’t need any special training or certification to learn how to start an online magazine. However, experience in the publishing area would be helpful. You should investigate any legal ramifications of an online magazine as well.

Some professional advice in the legal area could prove invaluable, but you should plan on addressing plagiarism issues, slander claims, and false information problems at a minimum. If your online magazine is considered a niche interest, you should join any professional organizations that are related to the subject.

For example, if you start an online gardening magazine, you should join several national gardening groups.

Keys To Success
To become successful when learning how to start an online magazine, be prepared to offer frequent information that is relevant, usable, and interesting. If your readers can depend on being entertained while learning something of personal value, they will be hooked.

To make it even more interesting, interact with your readers. Allow them to leave comments about articles, and require the authors to reply. An even more attractive feature would be to create a forum that will forge a sense of community among your readers.

You may find that your new magazine could develop a community that takes on a life of its own.

Finding Customers And Growing Your Business
Finding customers could be a challenge. Make sure that the professional organizations that you joined make the other members aware of your magazine. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to obtain a good page ranking in Google and other search engines so that interested web searchers can find your magazine site.

Join Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to promote your new magazine. Find forums that are dedicated to your main topic and get to know the other members. Create a signature with a link to your magazine’s website and mention it when it fits casually into the conversation. Of course, if you’re charging a subscription fee, offer a special introductory rate or a free month’s access.

Once your online magazine is up and running, you may want to expand. You could always create another online magazine or venture into print publication. If your online community is extremely popular, you may want to sell additional advertising space within the thread pages. Other expansion opportunities could include eBooks, products related to your magazine topic, or training other people to start their own online magazine.

HOW TO START A DUMP TRUCK BUSINESS

2010-10-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Running a dump truck business can be highly profitable as long as you have the skills and plan sensibly.

There is more to learning how to start a dump truck business than knowing how to operate a dump truck. Experience in driving a dump truck is important, but there are business procedures that must be followed.

Contact your local business licensing agencies and Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what licenses and permits are required to legally run a dump truck business and get the application process started. Permits and licenses may take a few weeks to several months to obtain.

How To Start A Dump Truck Business – Getting Started
The dump truck you use for your business should be mechanically sound and properly maintained at all times. Paint your business name and phone number prominently on the truck so that potential customers can see it.

If you are starting with a single truck, be sure to have some kind of backup plan in case of a breakdown. You will also require a place to garage your truck when not in use.

In addition to the truck itself, equip yourself with the following:

Hardhat
Work gloves
Coveralls
Basic toolkit
Shovels
Keys to Success
When thinking about how to start a dump truck business, remember that nothing can take the place of being prompt, courteous, and efficient in every aspect of the job.

Building a reputation as a reliable, skillful, and capable dump truck operation should be your goal. Companies that require the services of a dump truck business place significant importance on dependability.

It makes sense that a dump truck business owner would target the construction industry when looking for work, however, there are other industries that might also be interested in your dump truck services. Don’t limit yourself to one industry.

Finding Customers
As you learn more about how to start a dump truck business, plan a targeted marketing campaign. Business cards, fliers, and yellow page listings are essential. Keep an eye out for industries that may use dump truck services, but are not generally thought of.

The following industries often require the use of dump trucks and should be considered when planning your marketing campaigns:

Construction
Landscape
Renovation
Home improvement
Nursery
Knocking on doors and meeting with business professionals is a great way to let people know about your services and it allows you to create a positive impression from the beginning.

Attend home and garden shows, construction events, and local business meetings. Freely hand out business cards. Actively promoting your business and maintaining a solid reputation will not only help you find customers, but will help you keep them.

Expanding Your Dump Truck Business
As your dump truck business grows, you may find that one truck is not enough to keep up with demand. Purchasing one or more additional trucks and hiring drivers would allow you to take on even more jobs. You might also consider branching out to the consumer market.

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts may require dump truck services to do anything from gardening to adding a room on their house.

Learning how to start a dump truck business, planning, and implementing the plan are important aspects of running a successful enterprise. Successful businesses all have one thing in common…

They all meet and exceed the demand of the customer time after time. If you, as a dump truck business owner, can do that, your chances of succeeding are excellent.

Starting A Clock Repair Business – Horology

2010-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ever thought about starting a clock repair business? If you love clocks and are fascinated by old and new timepieces, this will be the ideal business for you.

You can turn your hobby into a business, and can finally set your own hours for work.

If you have a family to look after but need a second income as well, this business will give you the flexibility and the income that you need.

An expert clock repair mechanic can earn a full time income working just a few hours per week. Sounds good? Read on to know more about starting a clock repair business.

Starting A Clock Repair Business – First Steps
Not too many schools in the US offer a course in clock repair. This has both pros and cons. The good thing is you will not need a formal degree or any certification to start the business. The bad thing is that you do not have too many places to turn to should you need more training.
History Of The American Clock Business For The Past Sixty Years; And Life Of Chauncey Jerome (1860)
Apprenticeship with an established horologist may be the compromise needed.

Joining the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will help you to find someone who can teach you the nuts and bolts of the business. You should also find out more about purchasing and selling clocks. Many refurbished antique clocks sell well and can fetch high prices.

Decide on a niche. You can repair clock pieces that are modern, or work at antique clock repair – you can even add watch repair to your services to attract more customers.

Other services such as selling parts to amateur horologists and hobbyists and making hard-to-source clocks available to collectors can be additional sidelines worthy of investigation. Other than repair, you may also be asked to provide regular maintenance for some of the older or more expensive clocks.

Learn as much as possible about different models of clocks Sligh, Howard Miller, Emperor, Colonial and Fugit are some key brands to begin with. Clocks can be of many types grandfather, cuckoo, wall, shelf, and banjo are all common ones.

Horologists can work out of their homes, and as long as they have a dedicated corner to work and interact with customers in, there is no need for expensive retail space rented at $2 per square foot. However, a good location on a main street helps provide credibility to the business.

Providing a warranty on service will further increase your credibility.

House calls may be a necessary part of the business, as bulky grandfather clocks, for example, are difficult to transport. Have a kit ready for house calls so that you do not have to waste time hunting around for your only appropriate screwdriver or lens when you have to visit a customer.

Be open to having an online presence. You can advertise your services through a website and also buy and sell parts and clocks online.

Sourcing Parts
It is not always easy to find parts for old or antique clocks which are no longer manufactured. You can build contacts with antique dealers, clock stores, and small collectors to help with this. Many clock repair businesses custom manufacture parts for clocks. If funding is not a constraint, you can take up this option as well.

If you prefer a quiet business that lets you indulge in your passion without making too many demands on your time, starting a clock repair business may be just the thing for you.

How to Become a General Contractor

2010-10-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

General contractors are the firms hired to manage and oversee the construction of a building. Historically, general contracting firms self-performed much of their own work. For instance, the general contractor might have a concrete team, an electrical and mechanical crew, and a group of skilled carpenters on staff to complete everything from drywall to door and hardware installation. These days, the role of the general contractor has changed. General contractors generally are responsible for lining up and managing subcontractors to complete each phase of the building's construction. Here we will give you the steps to follow to start you own general contracting company.
Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Experience in the construction industry
A source of capital
Knowledge of local subcontractors and suppliers
A business plan

1.Know your trade. If you're interested in starting a general contracting company, you must first work for one and see what kind of issues these types of companies face. Depending on your work history, it can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to get a simple overview of the general contracting process. Watch how the company you're working for operates, and decide what ideas you can take with you and which you want to do differently.

2.Build relationships. While you're working in the industry, you must focus on building relationships with clients, suppliers, and architects. The main key to achieving strong relationships in the general contracting world is to deliver what you say you will on time and at a high level of quality. Every phase of a construction process revolves around a schedule, and every delay can set off a domino effect that can cost thousands or even millions. If you keep your promises and help your clients keep their schedules, people will remember you and want to work with you.

3.Create a business plan. Most word processing programs have simple business plan templates available. Once you start your business plan, you'll begin to see areas where your plan is lacking, and you can decide how to fix these areas early on. You will need a business plan to secure financing at a later stage.

4.Take care of the legal stuff. Obtain any required business licenses from your state. General contracting firms may require specific additional licenses or permits, so be sure to check. During this stage, you should also set up your federal and state tax accounts, including income, sales and worker's compensation.

5.Get insured. General contracting companies are required to carry millions of dollars worth of liability, worker's compensation and vehicle insurance. Meet with an insurance company well before you secure any work to determine how much these insurance policies will cost.

6.Get financing. This is the most important step in forming a successful construction company. You'll need to apply for business loans, set up credit accounts and make sure you have access to any savings well before you actually need the money. The commercial construction industry is notoriously slow to pay, meaning that you should be able to finance the full value of any projects you take on, including all labor, materials, overhead and payments to subcontractors for up to ninety days.

7.Seek out clients. Here's where your good relationships in the industry will work for you. Start spreading the word about your new general contracting company to your previous clients and colleagues. If you've done quality work and kept your promises to people in the past, they will be willing to give you a chance to bid on any work they are involved in.

8.Expand your business. Sign up for bid lists, visit local plan rooms and keep an eye on any projects that are coming up. Be proactive about going after available work. If you continue to perform quality work, word of mouth will spread and your general contracting company will be a success.

Tips & Warnings
Join local trade groups. You will make many new contacts and get to know everything that's going on with construction in your area.Don't underestimate how much capital you'll need. The number one reason businesses fail is that they fail to have enough cash available.

WRITING A BUSINESS PROPOSAL

2010-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

You have a great idea for a new product or service. Before a bank or investment firm will lend you money to get off the ground, you'll need to craft a solid business proposal. Follow these relatively simple steps to get your foot in the door on getting enough mullah to survive the arduous task of developing your product and making your dream a reality.

Instructions
1.Talk with somebody who has written several successful business proposals. Ask what worked and what didn't.

2.Outline a two-part proposal. The first part will describe the business opportunity and your plans to take advantage of it. The second will present financial data - tax returns, a balance sheet and a summary of your operating plan.

3.Write the proposal. Limit the first part to 10 pages. Make it concise and clear. When describing the market opportunity, cite sources.

4.Explain what makes you and your company different from competitors. Perhaps you have special skills and experiences. You might have a new technology. Talk about your achievements in the industry.

5.Describe the segment of the market you will pursue. Discuss what you will do to take market share away from competitors.

6.Identify prospective customers. Explain why you are targeting them.

7.Summarize your marketing plan. Offer details, but be brief.

8.Discuss any regulatory issues your company might have to deal with.

9.Identify the management team. Who are the top three people in the company? Give brief biographical sketches.

10.Describe your expectations regarding revenue and cash flow for the first year. Discuss how much money you think you will need to get started, how it will be used, and where you plan to obtain it.

Handmade Greeting Card Business

2010-10-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

The question is how do you go from simply giving your fabulous cards, to getting people to buy them from you?

First, identify your strengths. Are your best cards intended for celebrations? Comforting? Getting a quick laugh?

Begin developing your card line from here, and create designs you can easily reproduce yourself, whether you are handcrafting the cards individually, or using a computer to produce them. Create half a dozen designs in each category, so that potential buyers choose their favorites.

Think about a name. Choose a name that says something about your greeting card business, or one that can pair well with a logo. If you’re stuck, brainstorm with friends and family as to what to call your card line, or what your logo should be.

If all else fails, find a graphic design or ad agency to help you out. Branding is a very strong selling point, leads to repeat sales, and distinguishes your cards from others’ lines.

Pricing and Packaging
Create pricing structures. If you plan to sell to retailers, you will have to create a wholesale price list, and have a suggested retail for each card. You may want to pre-print the retail price on the back of the cards so that you have control over the value of your work.

This will also establish a price for individual sales you may make yourself at craft show, or to friends and family.

Think about packaging. If you consider your cards individual works of art, invest in crystal clear envelopes to protect them from shop wear. You may decide at some point to package your cards in an assortment, or in a multi-card pack of the same design, so investigate boxes with clear covers for your packaging.

No matter how you furnish the cards, choose the best packaging you can for your greeting card business budget, as it will add perceived value to your card line.

Making Sales
When you are nearly ready to roll out your product line, identify shops and galleries in your area that may be interested in them, and make appointments with the owners or buyers. Also, search the internet for gift or stationery shows that serve retailers.

If you can afford to attend one, your line of cards will receive much more exposure than if you go door to door, as the shows are often regional or national. Have sales flyers with images of your cards, or a color catalog made up, so that people who don’t place show orders have something to refer to later.

Don’t rule out local craft shows, as nowadays the trend is to support local purveyors and craftsmen. This is one of the least expensive ways to get a lot of people to see your products, as well as purchase them.

Tell your story—how you started your greeting card business, what led you to begin selling your cards, how fulfilling it is for you. When a product comes with a story behind it, buyers remember the story, and pass it on. Word of mouth is free advertising.

Growing Your Greeting Card Business
As your business grows, you may have to learn to delegate responsibilities in order to expand your product line, increase sales, attend shows, and keep up with production. You may switch from printing out your line yourself, to jobbing it out to a high-quality printer. You may hire friends or family to package up and deliver your wares, while you work on new designs or make calls.

You may send your sister to work a show booth for you, while you stay home to fulfill an order. Choose what you absolutely have to have control over, and what you actually love to do—like designing the cards. Delegate the rest as you can afford to do it, and enjoy the ride to the top!

How To Start An Embroidery Business

2010-10-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Business of Computerized EmbroideryIf you are artistic and love to embroider, you may have wondered how to start an embroidery business.

Designs created with embroidery have become increasingly intricate and more complex with the advent of cutting edge embroidery machines.

The market for embroidered items continues to grow as schools, teams, clubs, and other organizations purchase customized designs. Embroidered items are also popular gifts.

As you think about how to start an embroidery business, first decide whether to work at home or from a retail shop. An embroidery business is an excellent choice for people who want to work from home, but embroidery can also be a viable retail enterprise. Much depends on how much money you have to work with and whether you can work at the business full-time or only on a part-time basis.

How To Start An Embroidery Business – Where To Start
Whether you run your business from home or lease a retail location, it is essential that you purchase the most dependable, feature-rich, and upgradeable embroidery machine you can afford. Your embroidery device is your livelihood, so the machine should come with a full warranty. Make sure you have an adequate backup plan in case your machine breaks down.

If you choose to run your embroidery business in a retail outlet, make sure there are no competitors nearby, but that plenty of shoppers already exist in the location you choose. Retail and home businesses both require business licenses and may require additional permits, so contact your local business licensing agencies.

Keys To A Successful Embroidery Business
The initial challenge for most small businesses is getting the word out. The same is true as you learn how to start an embroidery business. A strong marketing campaign using traditional and unique methods will be essential. An embroidery business’s ability to create highly customizable designs will be a key draw for customers. Make sure your marketing efforts emphasize this point.

Building a reputation as a talented artist who fills orders accurately and on time will be fundamental to your success. If you are consistently late with orders or make numerous errors, your reputation will suffer and so will your business.

Finding Customers And Growing Your Business

Advertise in local media outlets, distribute fliers, and take advantage of free advertising venues. Create a portfolio filled with examples of your work to show potential customers. If you have a retail store, display all types of embroidery work and designs where customers can see them.

Contact schools, bowling alleys, local sports teams, political organizations, and local clubs to let them know about your embroidery business. Offer first time customers a percentage off or something free. Organizations that work with you once will likely order from you again, so work on building long-term relationships.

Much of your business will initially come from groups, but another market to move into is the gift segment. Personalized baby items, family reunion t-shirts, and custom embroidered items for birthday, anniversary, and wedding parties are all possibilities. In addition to marketing to groups and consumers, approach local businesses about customized embroidery for company uniforms.

Expanding may also include moving a home-based business to a kiosk or retail outlet. A retail outlet might expand by purchasing additional embroidery machines to increase production.

Learning how to start an embroidery business can open the door for you to turn something you love into a successful business. Get started today!

How To Be a Financial Advisor

2010-10-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

If a strong financial background and good interpersonal skills are part of your background, consider finding out how to be a financial advisor and what opportunities this career holds.

Financial advisors provide information and guidance to businesses and individuals who want to manage their money to meet their goals.

If you want to become a financial planner, but want to work independently, you can start a home based business in this specialty.

What a Personal Financial Planner Does
Typically, a financial planner with a home based business works with individual clients. A planner may help a mother make investments so her elementary school student will have funds available to pay college tuition. Or he may help a seasoned employee plan his finances so he’ll maintain his lifestyle after retirement. He may also help a young couple save for their first house.

A financial planner meets with the client to discuss the client’s goals. The planner then provides suggestions to help the client meet that goal, and may offer other recommendations that add to the client’s long-term financial health. The planner helps the client implement the suggestions, and monitors the results.

A good financial planner maintains a long-term relationship with clients by establishing a sense of trust and credibility. He may check in on his clients periodically to find out if any circumstances have changed that may suggest a tweak in the financial plan. Is there a new baby in the house? Maybe the couple’s should update their will to designate guardians.

If the client has a high school student, maybe they should start planning for a third car. By understanding his clients, he can create a financial planning process which anticipates his clients’ needs.

How To Be a Financial Advisor
A financial advisor can have tremendous influence on how their client spends his life savings. Because of the importance of this job, a financial planner has to have knowledge, credibility and integrity.

If you have a strong background in accounting and an understanding of taxes and tax law, you’ve got a great beginning. Most financial planners have at least a college degree, often majoring in accounting or law. A foundation in mathematics, statistics, investments or real estate is also helpful.

Consider Certification
Professional financial planners often seek certification that indicates they have met high standards in their field. Many certification processes include education and training to help ensure the planners are knowledgeable in their field.

A financial advisor, such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a Certified Financial Advisor (CFA) receives certification from an official governing board for that specialty. Typically, in order to become certified, you must have a bachelor’s degree, three or more years of related full time work experience and pass a technical exam.

Thinking of Becoming an Event Planner? Learn How!

2010-10-25T08:17:00.001-07:00

If your own parties and celebrations are worthy of the “A” list, think about becoming an event planner.

As an event planner, you can help others plan and produce their special occasions while you make money. Event planning can even be started on a shoestring budget as a home based business.

The event planning business is a growing one. According to Dr. Joe Goldblatt, founder of the International Special Events Society, $500 billion dollars is spent on event planning worldwide each year.

So with your own planning and creativity, you can get a piece of that pie by becoming an event planner.

How an Event Planner Works
As an event planner, you may plan a special event, such as a grand opening, a fundraiser or a graduation. You may plan a party for a child or adult. You may plan a business event such as a corporate golf outing or a company holiday party. You may find yourself planning a wedding, making sure everything runs smoothly.

No matter what type of event you are planning, much of the preparation is similar. Your first step is to meet with the client and do a thorough interview so you have a clear idea of what he or she wants, and is willing to spend. Next, you can get your creative juices flowing as you come up with ideas to make their vision real, or to suggest even better ideas.

You’ll meet with the client again, finalize the project, firm up the budget, and then you’re ready to get going.

Depending on the scope of the project and the degree of decision-making your client entrusts in you, you may recommend restaurants and other party sites. You’ll also interview and hire caterers and entertainers. You will make sure all details of the party are planned and executed, with contingencies available for the inevitable hiccup.

Typically you’ll attend the event, making sure everything unfolds as planned. The event planning business requires flexibility, both in nature and in time. Many events are held in the evening and on weekends, so you’ll need to be available.

Becoming An Event Planner
It’s hard to trust a special event to a newcomer, so you may need to prove yourself on a smaller scale first. Volunteer to plan a few school or neighborhood events, making them such successes that people are asking for your business card (which you will have, of course).

Promote the events you are planning in your local newspaper, and send clippings to businesses with your brochure and a note letting them know about your services. Set up a website to promote your business, and include a blog with party planning tips, or funny stories of problems you’ve solved.

Networking will also help you build trust with others. Join local business and neighborhood organizations so people will get to know you.

Get to know your resources. Where are the party venues in your town? What about the best source for party rentals and party supplies? Read the business and announcement sections of your paper so you have a pulse on upcoming events.

For additional experience, take classes on event planning online or at schools. You can also receive certification as an event planning professional. The International Special Events Society (ises.com) offers a voluntary certification for experienced planners.

With a combination of creativity and practicality, you can be on your way building a great business by becoming an event planner.

How To Become A Cartoonist – Low Cost Business Ideas

2010-10-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Turn your doodling into something more by learning how to become a cartoonist.

You know who you are: you’re always making quick drawings of faces on napkins in restaurants or in notebooks of people in meetings.

You have a creative side that’s begging to come out.

Cartoonists draw comics and cartoons for a variety of sources: newspapers, magazines, books and even films.

While the competition is high, if you’ve got the passion and talent, you can see your work in print.

How to Become a Cartoonist
Learn How to Draw Cartoons

The very first step when learning how to become a cartoonist is to know how to draw cartoons. Although you may know how to draw, it is a very different thing to draw cartoons.

You have to be able to draw consistently and be creative consistently. You have to be able to tell an entire story visually, sometimes in just one frame.

If you haven’t taken art classes, now is a great time. Even if you are a terrific artist, it helps to get formal training.

You can take classes at your local technical or community colleges. If time or distance is an issue, you can also learn how to draw online through online art programs.

Read and Write

Many of your ideas will come from what is going on in your community or country. Read the newspaper (comics as well as business section) to see what themes and issues you can get ideas from.

While the artwork is important in a cartoon, the writing is even more so. Stick figures and a funny tag line will go much further than a great drawing with content that is supposed to be funny, but is not. Consider taking a creative writing class.

Draw, Draw, Draw
Once you decide to make this your small business idea, you will be drawing a lot, both for practice and for your portfolio. Find a good source for art supplies, either in your town or online, where you can get what you need when you need it.

Develop Your Cartoon

Every successful cartoon has a unique voice that resonates with the readers. Yours needs to do this too. It also needs to be based on an idea that is sustainable—you don’t want to run out of material, or get bored with the subject.

Decide on the format of your cartoon. Cartoons may be a single panel, or in strip form. They may be funny, like “Zits,” adventurous like “Prince Valiant,” or editorial, like “Doonesbury.”

Explore newer types of cartoon drawings like manga, which is the Japanese word for cartoon. Manga characters have a distinct look with large, doe-shaped eyes and spiky or long hair (think Pokemon). Also explore opportunities in animation and anime (Japanese TV cartoon series or movies.)

Continue to draw and develop your portfolio. Research newspapers and magazines to find potential buyers of your cartoon. Since very few cartoons reach national syndication, you may have better luck contacting independent publications. Contact film studios as well.

With a strong creative drive and perseverance, your drawing can go from a hobby to dream job – learn how to become a cartoonist today!

LET NOTHING HOLD YOU BACK

2010-10-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

What are your fears? What’s holding you back?

But yet, something has kept you held back…

Maybe it’s a fear of failure. The fear of not succeeding has simply paralyzed you. A lack of confidence has “frozen” any chance of your getting started.
Or maybe it’s a lack of capital. Not having enough money to fund a startup or sustain one’s family during the beginning phases of the business are concerns that keep many of us locked behind our desk in a nine-to-five grind. Or worse.
Or maybe you just don’t know where to start – you have limited business ideas. Believe it or not, many potential business owners never get started because they have trouble coming up with small business ideas. They lack that special creative spark that ignites the entrepreneurial flame.
While all three of the above startup concerns are valid (and need to all be addressed), the purpose of this website is to help you with the last point – coming up with profitable small business ideas.

You see, once you find the right business idea, the rest of your fears – the obstacles standing in your way – become much easier to conquer.

START A BUSINESS

2010-10-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Starting a business is an exciting journey. Succeeding in a business of your own requires the knowledge necessary to provide the service and or the product.

But more than anything it requires a mindset prepared for change.

When starting a business you need to consider your way of being. You need to know who you are not, so you can find a business that’s right for you.

The irony of the old adage “I’ve got to find myself” is that you never will. If you search long enough, what you will discover is you’ve been there all along. What you will find instead is what you’re not.

It seems to be deduction, not introspection that gets us closer to our true calling. Deduction from “being” not solely analyzing. Solving something doesn’t come from analyzing it. It comes from being with it.

You learn about you by being you. For me it just always “felt right” when I “found myself” helping people with business advice in starting a business and running their businesses.

Starting A Business – A Personal Perspective
A real life example would be years back as a cash strapped, stressed out entrepreneur, I took a job and within days of being there, I began feeling chest pains. I am convinced it was my body’s cry to run (not walk) to the nearest exit (and I did).

I was trying to be something I just wasn’t. I’ve been self employed since I was 18 and it was deadly to go the other way. Starting a business was part of who I was.

So consider that business success is measured by money usually by those that don’t really have it. Success is measured by athletic achievements usually by those that don’t wear the gold medal.

Business Success Is Defined By You
Recognize that success is when you have answered your passion doing what you were meant to do at this stage of your journey. Be careful to recognize what that truly is. Be careful to “do you” not someone else’s version of success.

Starting a business requires introspective focus. Business opportunities are there – you just need to see them in yourself.

At the end of the day you have to be good with what you’re sharing with the world. You have to be happy with that product or that service you offer because if you’re not, your customers will find a reason to be unhappy with it too.

Starting A Bookkeeping Business

2010-10-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

STARTING A WIRELESS PHONE STORE

2010-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Start A Wireless Phone Store

If you have ever wondered about tapping into the wireless phone market, learning how to start a wireless phone store may be the ideal business opportunity for you. Cellphones have become a way of life for most of us .

Wireless phone sales continue to skyrocket, making a cellphone shop an ideal business start-up, even during economic downturns.

When you first sit down to plan how to start a wireless phone store, be open to all of the options. If you have substantial business capital, you may choose to lease store space and run a retail outlet.

Wireless Phone Dealers. (2002 Book of Lists).(Utah, ranked by number of employees)(Directory)(Illustration): An article from: Utah Business

Retail Options
A retail operation will require inventory, staffing, liability insurance, and a strong local market.

An online wireless phone shop is an option for those who have limitedstartup capital or prefer to run a strictly online operation. A web site will be required where customers can purchase phones, calling plans, and accessories. Required financial backing will be minimal and, in most cases, no additional staff or inventory will be needed.

Either alternative requires forming partnerships with one or more wireless carriers. Many carriers offer programs that assist new wireless phone stores with start-up, training, and product inventory. Conduct extensive research before deciding which partnerships are right for you.

Another possible option is to buy an existing store. Before purchasing, carefully analyze the store’s current sales and income data. Do not buy a store that is losing money.

Contact your local government offices to apply for business permits and licenses.

How To Start A Wireless Phone Store – Keys to Success
As you learn more about how to start a wireless phone store, think about ways to make your products appealing to customers. Cellphone and wireless stores are plentiful, so in order to become profitable, your store must offer unique services and products.

Below are a few suggestions to consider:

Emphasize customer service.
Offer free accessories or discounts from time to time.
Offer generous customer loyalty rewards.
Find a niche market or under-served demographic and target those areas in your marketing. This business is competitive so you’ll need to find a way to differentiate your business.

Finding Customers
As you plan how to start a wireless phone store, remember that finding customers will be your greatest challenge. A retail store will require an all-out marketing campaign with print, radio, and television advertising. A professionally developed web site will be essential.

A large part of your marketing campaign should be dedicated to creating a strong web presence. Search engine rankings, readily available information, and social networking should all be fully utilized.

Freedom Pro Universal Bluetooth Portable Keyboard for Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Android-Based Smartphones

Create a positive impression of your wireless phone shop by donating cellphones to residents of homeless shelters, veterans, or active military personnel.

Marketing strategies are typically filled with campaigns that work and campaigns that don’t work. Smart marketers learn from their failures as much as they learn from their successes.

Growing Your Business
As your customer base grows, more products and services can be added. For example, consider adding other wireless devices, such as netbooks. Develop partnerships with more wireless providers to offer your customers a greater selection.

Learning how to start a wireless phone store, making a first sale, and building a successful business are all part of an exciting journey down the entrepreneurial path. With comprehensive planning and flexibility, a wireless phone store has the potential to become successful and profitable

WHEN TO START A BUSINESS

2010-10-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

When your friend decides to start a business

Etiquette books, as far as I know, will tell you how to behave when your friend gets married, buried, graduated, or hospitalized.

But let's say your friend, who always seemed sensible and predictable, tells you she's quitting her job. Sure, it's a good job, she says, but she dreads getting up for work and she's stressed. Her medical bills have risen along with her salary.

You suggest, as delicately as possible, that she get "professional help." She tells you she's hired a coach and a business consultant, and no, she isn't starting a baseball team. She has a new business. You don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Here are a few suggestions to maintain the friendship.

Do not call your friend after two weeks to ask, "So, made any money yet?" This will be a sore subject for the first six months or more.

Giving a gift to your friend? Best bets are gift certificates at mega-stores, preferably online, so your friend can buy anything from software to books. A gift certificate for coaching, computer maintenance or office supplies will be appreciated.

Dinner at a nice restaurant will go well if you can persuade your friend to leave her beeper and cell phone at home. Just one warning: The sight of a computer on the restaurant desktop may trigger the urge to check for email. Remind your friend firmly: the messages will still be waiting after dessert.

Your friend feels discouraged? "Well, you won't lose much if you pull out now" is about as insensitive as you can get. Friendly questions include, "Are you seeing signs of progress?" Better, take your friend to a movie and suggest he call his coach afterward.

Dollar amounts are relative. Your friend who previously earned ten thousand dollars a month will be ecstatic when he sees five hundred. Dollars, that is, not thousand.

You just got a call at eleven o'clock at night? Or five in the morning? Never fear, there's no emergency. Just routine business hours for the self-employed.

Whatever else, do not say anything like, "You might as well spend the money now. You won't have more later." Or, "I heard about a terrific job atŠ"

However, some people who start a business realize they miss corporate life. They may decide they want to take a job for awhile, to increase their stash of cash and gain some additional experience. That's when true friendship comes through. Saying, "I told you so" is a definite no-no. And, "I knew you wouldn't make it" will kill even the most solid friendship, as soon as the words are out.

TIME MANAGEMENT

2010-10-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Simple Steps For Time Management

Follow these eight simple steps for time management. You’ll find yourself more productive with more time to spend on growing your small business.

Every small business owner invariably lacks one thing: time.

Running all aspects of a business – production, sales, marketing, research, acquisitions, bookkeeping, accounting, human resources – consumes more time than most small business owners have in a day.

The result is that not everything gets done, and the small business suffers.

When you’re short on time and have too much to do, you (and your business) benefit when you follow these easy yet essential steps for time management.

Straightforward Steps For Time Management
Plan ahead. Look a week, a month, even a year into the future. Don’t let deadlines surprise you. Note them down and plan a strategy to deal with them.
Get organized. Install time management software or simply get a pen and paper and just make a good, old-fashioned to-do list. Include a do-by date for each item. Schedule each task on your daily calendar. Besides the date, include the time block you’ll need to accomplish the task. Learn how to organize your time.

Streamline your work flow. If a certain procedure, habit or circumstance is choking off your personal productivity, find the source of the bottleneck and make the necessary changes.

Resist the urge to focus exclusively on the tasks you’re best at. If you’re a sales guru, great. But don’t devote every moment of the day to sales. Give market research and production some of your time.

On the other hand, don’t expect to do everything yourself – people management is key. Hire an accountant if keeping books is not your strength. Determine which tasks you can delegate to someone else – ideally, those tasks you’re less suited to. Schedule the tasks with the appropriate consultant, agency, or employee as early as possible. As much as you delegate, it’s your business riding on the line if the work doesn’t get done, or gets done badly, so schedule a follow-up. The best steps for time management often result in working less, not more.

Know when to call it a day. Walking the line between thoroughness and efficiency is the most commonly neglected of the steps to better time management. Resist the temptation to give your all to everything, 100% of the time. While that’s a commendable attitude, it’s far better to figure out what you can’t afford to stint on, and what you can.

Organize your personal life. Let your family and friends know you’re working hard to build up a small business. Arrange with them any necessary changes to your routine so your personal relationships become a resource rather than a hindrance.

Get enough rest every night and maintain your good health. Take vacations and take weekends off whenever possible. No matter how well you plan, if you’re too tired or unwell to function, a hundred steps for time management won’t do you any good. Rejuvenate yourself so you can function at your best when you’re most needed. Ample rest is one of the best ways to improve memory – helping you keep track of your tasks and activities from step #2.
You can’t create extra hours in a day. But you can learn the steps for better time management, streamline your business processes, and increase your efficiency to help your small business thrive from the very beginning.

2010-10-22T11:04:00.001-07:00

About two weeks ago I took the plunge after almost a month of careful research, and bought into an internet marketing package (“starting an online business“) that made some lofty promises.

I can’t say that I am disappointed because I really did not expect it to be easy. I must admit that the “autopilot” aspect and (I love these catch-phrases) the automated income streams sure would come in handy right now.

Once you sift through all the fast cash hype and easy money jargon (most of which are online money making scams) you find several common elements in all of these starting an online business sales pitches. You don’t have to be very smart and it doesn’t take much computer savvy or know how to set up an online business.

I would like to deal with these two right off the top.

Starting An Online Business – The Honest Challenges
I consider myself pretty darn smart (and modest whether you believe it or not) and I have a reasonable amount of computer experience. I have learned more in the last week building a web site than I ever thought I would know about the internet.

I have become a stranger to my family lately as I have been at the computer from 4 pm until 11 or later every night, with short breaks for dinner and the calls of nature. My back aches and I have developed a nasty squint. I have made one very important discovery: I am in this for the long run.

If you want to be a success, you have to be. Starting an online business takes hard work.

Despite the fact that what I have already accomplished is not what anyone would consider easy, the hard part lies ahead. Getting traffic to my site is very obviously the key. The free methods include what I am doing right now. By writing articles I hope to create a presence and attract visitors.

I am hopeful that the free material I offer will be useful to others, and hopefully they will use the services of some of my affiliate partners. I can honestly say that I have not, nor will I, try to sell anything on my site that I have not personally used or tested.

I will hold on to that principle even at the expense of easy profits because being honorable and trustworthy in business means a lot more “in the long run”. In my mind, starting an online business is about earning trust (not becoming rich) with my visitors.

I am currently researching the online version of Multi-Level-Marketing. The email campaigns that I have been bombarded with are relentless. This is the chance you take when you enter your email. I haven’t unsubscribed yet because I am curious to see if they will change their tactics after the first hundred or so emails.

I am waiting for somebody to impress me with an original pitch. I would use myself, something that grabs my attention because I consider myself a skeptic and a hard sell. I will definitely let you know what happens the next time I write…

About the author: Mike Reid is an aspiring writer (which really means amateur) and founder of The Online Business Source, a resource for internet entrepreneurs loaded will valuable free content. I am chronicling my online business from its genesis, through its meteoric rise to the top, as a guide to other would-be internet entrepreneurs. Please visit my site at www.theonlinebusinesssource.com and learn more about my stories in starting an online business.

START A BUSINESS

2010-10-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

LET NOTHING HOLD YOU BACK

2010-10-22T10:42:00.003-07:00

ACHIEVING BUSINESS SUCCESS

2010-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Achieving Business Success

Have you ever surprised yourself by accomplishing something you didn’t think you could? Maybe the success was the outcome of sheer effort. Or did it almost seem effortless – like you were guided to success by an invisible coach who calmed all of your fears and doubts and allowed you to focus on the one thing that mattered…your success.

What we’re trying to say is that if you’re passionate about your small business ideas, there’s very little that can stand in your way. It’s the passion you have for your business that will help you conquer your fears and finally start the business you always wanted.