The Best Place to Sell Crafts Online?
Are you crafty? Do you know that more and more people are actually making a good living out of selling their crafts online? A new online marketplace, Etsy.com, has provided artisans with a 24/7 online craft fair for their work!
The mission of this website is to help people who make things by hand also make a living. They hope to connect, or reconnect, buyers and sellers! Most of the crafts people are in the USA, but they are distributed throughout the 150 countries.
What do people make by hand to sell on Etsy?
Well, they have dozens of categories from Accessories to Woodworking, and just about everything in between. Some of the featured items the day I wrote this include photography, jewelry, and furniture. If you have a passion for making things, you can probably find a place to sell it on Etsy!
Can You Make Money on Etsy?
Well, some sellers have exploded their business. Others make a handful of sales. The website, itself, can help you promote your goods, but you probably also need to promote it through other websites, word of mouth, press releases, etc. to really get your own Etsy Store to take off. You can find some Etsy Success Stories for inspiration.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
STARTING A PARATRANSIT BUSINESS
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)
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)
Monday, November 15, 2010
HOW TO HOST A DINNER PARTY
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
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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
What Kind of Home Business Can You Start?
5 Simple Home Businesses You Can Start Today
What Kind of Home Business Can You Start?
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Stay updated or Participate - Register or Login to the Homeworker Forum! The Forum is here!
I talk to a lot of people who would love to run their own business, and they would like to start as a small home based enterprise. But these people never really take the first step because they do not believe they are qualified. On the other hand, I have surveyed dozens of people, from many different backgrounds who took the plunge. What is the difference between the two groups of people? Really, the only difference I can see is that one group never got started, and the other group went ahead and took a risk!
Here are some ideas for some very simple home based businesses that require very little startup money, special skills, or time. They can be started out of a kitchen table, and can also be performed on a part-time or moonlighting basis. This list is not all-inclusive by any means but should give you some ideas for futher research.
* EBay Seller – If you read about many very successful online auction sellers, you will find that many started by selling the things they no longer wanted around their own home. Do you have obselete video games, outgrown clothes, or books you have already read around the house? If so, you already have some inventory to go ahead and test the waters as an EBay seller.
* Yard Care – Not all work-at-home jobs must be based upon the internet. The guy who mows my lawn started out because he was displaced during a hurricane. He borrowed an old truck and a lawn mower, and he started knocking on doors where he saw some unkept lawns. As luck would have it, one of my neighbors runs a property company, and she ended up hiring him for her business after using him on her own lawn. Now he is so busy it is hard to get him, and he ended up buying a new truck, new equipment, and hiring employees.
* Pet Sitting/Dog Walking – I met a lady on the beach who was relaxing because she could now hire employees to walk dogs and pet sit. She started out promoting herself in a neighborhood newspaper, and then expanded to regional ads.
* Mystery Shoppers – Again, I spoke with a woman who made $1,500 one summer, and also got some great goodies and free meals, by doing mystery shopping. I think it is hard to make a full time income, but it can be a fun and flexible way to earn some extra cash.
* Online Freelancers – The internet has generated a lot of demand for freelance work, which could be anything from article writing to programming. Visit some webmaster forums and find a buy/sell/trade section where you will see jobs for hire. You may need special technical skills for some of them, but you do not need much more than the ability to write or fill out forms for others.
* Professional Organizers – Are you organized? Well, it may not suprise you that many people and even businesses are not organized. And they will pay a person to help them get things in order. There is a growing demand for people who will come in and get things cleaned up, both at home and in an office.
No matter what you’re good at, you are sure to find a market for that skill. The only real thing that is holding you back from starting a home based business is your own fear.
What Kind of Home Business Can You Start?
-----
-----
Stay updated or Participate - Register or Login to the Homeworker Forum! The Forum is here!
I talk to a lot of people who would love to run their own business, and they would like to start as a small home based enterprise. But these people never really take the first step because they do not believe they are qualified. On the other hand, I have surveyed dozens of people, from many different backgrounds who took the plunge. What is the difference between the two groups of people? Really, the only difference I can see is that one group never got started, and the other group went ahead and took a risk!
Here are some ideas for some very simple home based businesses that require very little startup money, special skills, or time. They can be started out of a kitchen table, and can also be performed on a part-time or moonlighting basis. This list is not all-inclusive by any means but should give you some ideas for futher research.
* EBay Seller – If you read about many very successful online auction sellers, you will find that many started by selling the things they no longer wanted around their own home. Do you have obselete video games, outgrown clothes, or books you have already read around the house? If so, you already have some inventory to go ahead and test the waters as an EBay seller.
* Yard Care – Not all work-at-home jobs must be based upon the internet. The guy who mows my lawn started out because he was displaced during a hurricane. He borrowed an old truck and a lawn mower, and he started knocking on doors where he saw some unkept lawns. As luck would have it, one of my neighbors runs a property company, and she ended up hiring him for her business after using him on her own lawn. Now he is so busy it is hard to get him, and he ended up buying a new truck, new equipment, and hiring employees.
* Pet Sitting/Dog Walking – I met a lady on the beach who was relaxing because she could now hire employees to walk dogs and pet sit. She started out promoting herself in a neighborhood newspaper, and then expanded to regional ads.
* Mystery Shoppers – Again, I spoke with a woman who made $1,500 one summer, and also got some great goodies and free meals, by doing mystery shopping. I think it is hard to make a full time income, but it can be a fun and flexible way to earn some extra cash.
* Online Freelancers – The internet has generated a lot of demand for freelance work, which could be anything from article writing to programming. Visit some webmaster forums and find a buy/sell/trade section where you will see jobs for hire. You may need special technical skills for some of them, but you do not need much more than the ability to write or fill out forms for others.
* Professional Organizers – Are you organized? Well, it may not suprise you that many people and even businesses are not organized. And they will pay a person to help them get things in order. There is a growing demand for people who will come in and get things cleaned up, both at home and in an office.
No matter what you’re good at, you are sure to find a market for that skill. The only real thing that is holding you back from starting a home based business is your own fear.
How to Stay Motivated Working from Home Tips for making it through the tough times
How to Stay Motivated Working from Home
Tips for making it through the tough times
From Scott Allen, former About.com Guide
See More About:
* motivation
* working from home
* work-life balance
Sponsored Links
Nigeria Entrepreneur HelpFree Nigerian Business Forms & Software from The World Bank!Nigeria.SMEToolKit.org
Do you want to be incontrol of your financial future? What we can give you are the FACTS.www.actionunited.webprosperity.com
Make money from homeChange your income.Change your life JoinFree Limited time Watch it growwww.toplevelposition.com/wealthy
Business Ads
Work from Home Jobs Entrepreneurs Start Up Typing Working from Home Entrepreneurs Motivation
You're lucky. You work from home. You're your own boss and you answer to no one but yourself. You may have worked years or even decades at a regular job, but now you get to make your own rules and set your own hours. There's no need to fight the alarm clock every morning, nor is there any reason to go to bed early at night. Since you're your own boss, you don't have to worry about getting written up, laid off, or fired.
Since you're reaping all the benefits of working from home, you're also stuck with the responsibilities. You're in charge of every aspect of your home business, which means you have to handle the bad along with the good.
One of the biggest challenges you'll ever face is motivation. Many individuals working from home are content with just earning enough money to get by, and don't strive to take their small business to the next level. If you find yourself slacking from time to time, then you need a good motivation boost.
Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
Take some time to think about why you started working from home to begin with. Was it because you wanted freedom? Was it for the money? Were you having trouble finding a job anywhere else? In other words, what motivated you to start your own small business in the first place? Try invoking the same feelings again, and you will find yourself motivated once more.
Set goals for yourself. They don't necessarily have to be large goals—in fact, you will be better off setting small and easy goals. Try to get through one step at time. Plan to work an hour more every day. Try earning an extra $100 a week. What about $200? Just imagine what all you can do with that extra $100 or $200 each week!
Create a vision board. A vision board can be a wallpaper or collage of everything you want in life. It can include pictures of your dream car, dream home, yacht, land, famous places that you want to visit, and so forth. Anytime you need a boost of motivation, just look at your vision board! It will remind you of everything you can obtain if you work hard enough.
If you're not feeling very inspired and your creative juices aren't flowing, don't force yourself. The more aggravated you become, the less motivated you'll be. You also won't be able to produce quality content when you're feeling down. It's ok to take breaks. Sometimes lack of motivation doesn't necessarily mean that you're not doing any work—it could also mean that you're working TOO hard. Lie down to read a book or take a nap if you have to. Sometimes a bit of rest is all we need to stay motivated.
Working toward goals and taking breaks may seem contradictory, but they both play an important role in motivation. You can work and still rest. There is time enough to do both. Napping doesn't necessarily equate to laziness. Laziness is when you don't even try to motivate yourself.
If you work hard and find yourself stuck, then you need to rejuvenate yourself somehow. Once you're done resting, then you can get back to work again. You will more than likely have everything sorted out in your head after resting up, and before you know it, your work will be all done!
It doesn't matter how much money you earn by working at home. Nor does it matter how successful your small business is. At some point in time, you will find yourself needing motivation. You need to: think about why you wanted to work from home to begin with, evaluate your present situation, and make plans for the future.
Never let yourself forget why you're working from home. You are luckier than most people out there. You don't have to trudge to work every day slaving away for a thankless boss. Be thankful that you have freedom and independence that most people don't. As long as you can stay motivated and focused, your earning potential is unlimited and you can live a lifestyle most people only dream about.
Tips for making it through the tough times
From Scott Allen, former About.com Guide
See More About:
* motivation
* working from home
* work-life balance
Sponsored Links
Nigeria Entrepreneur HelpFree Nigerian Business Forms & Software from The World Bank!Nigeria.SMEToolKit.org
Do you want to be incontrol of your financial future? What we can give you are the FACTS.www.actionunited.webprosperity.com
Make money from homeChange your income.Change your life JoinFree Limited time Watch it growwww.toplevelposition.com/wealthy
Business Ads
Work from Home Jobs Entrepreneurs Start Up Typing Working from Home Entrepreneurs Motivation
You're lucky. You work from home. You're your own boss and you answer to no one but yourself. You may have worked years or even decades at a regular job, but now you get to make your own rules and set your own hours. There's no need to fight the alarm clock every morning, nor is there any reason to go to bed early at night. Since you're your own boss, you don't have to worry about getting written up, laid off, or fired.
Since you're reaping all the benefits of working from home, you're also stuck with the responsibilities. You're in charge of every aspect of your home business, which means you have to handle the bad along with the good.
One of the biggest challenges you'll ever face is motivation. Many individuals working from home are content with just earning enough money to get by, and don't strive to take their small business to the next level. If you find yourself slacking from time to time, then you need a good motivation boost.
Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
Take some time to think about why you started working from home to begin with. Was it because you wanted freedom? Was it for the money? Were you having trouble finding a job anywhere else? In other words, what motivated you to start your own small business in the first place? Try invoking the same feelings again, and you will find yourself motivated once more.
Set goals for yourself. They don't necessarily have to be large goals—in fact, you will be better off setting small and easy goals. Try to get through one step at time. Plan to work an hour more every day. Try earning an extra $100 a week. What about $200? Just imagine what all you can do with that extra $100 or $200 each week!
Create a vision board. A vision board can be a wallpaper or collage of everything you want in life. It can include pictures of your dream car, dream home, yacht, land, famous places that you want to visit, and so forth. Anytime you need a boost of motivation, just look at your vision board! It will remind you of everything you can obtain if you work hard enough.
If you're not feeling very inspired and your creative juices aren't flowing, don't force yourself. The more aggravated you become, the less motivated you'll be. You also won't be able to produce quality content when you're feeling down. It's ok to take breaks. Sometimes lack of motivation doesn't necessarily mean that you're not doing any work—it could also mean that you're working TOO hard. Lie down to read a book or take a nap if you have to. Sometimes a bit of rest is all we need to stay motivated.
Working toward goals and taking breaks may seem contradictory, but they both play an important role in motivation. You can work and still rest. There is time enough to do both. Napping doesn't necessarily equate to laziness. Laziness is when you don't even try to motivate yourself.
If you work hard and find yourself stuck, then you need to rejuvenate yourself somehow. Once you're done resting, then you can get back to work again. You will more than likely have everything sorted out in your head after resting up, and before you know it, your work will be all done!
It doesn't matter how much money you earn by working at home. Nor does it matter how successful your small business is. At some point in time, you will find yourself needing motivation. You need to: think about why you wanted to work from home to begin with, evaluate your present situation, and make plans for the future.
Never let yourself forget why you're working from home. You are luckier than most people out there. You don't have to trudge to work every day slaving away for a thankless boss. Be thankful that you have freedom and independence that most people don't. As long as you can stay motivated and focused, your earning potential is unlimited and you can live a lifestyle most people only dream about.
Three Real Businesses People Do From Home
Three Real Businesses People Do From Home
Are There Real Work At Home Businesses?
It is fairly easy to get cynical about work at home opportunities because we have heard about so many scams, or maybe even gotten involved in some fairly shady schemes that really did not work out very well. But there are many people who have either started, or continue to, run real legitimate and useful businesses from their homes. Sometimes they even hire other home workers, and so they provide work at home jobs.
Many of these opportunities can be started part-time with a very small investment. So they are the type of small businesses where a person can dip a toe in, as they say, to see how it works out. Then they could expand or contract as the individual owner requires.
Food Catering Business: The general term, food catering, actually covers a lot of niche businesses. They could range from specialized mobile catering or lunch trucks to preparing gourmet treats for business events and weddings to delivering healthy meals in the same way that a pizza man delivers, well, pizza!
This can be simple or complicated. Some areas may require a licensed kitchen in order to prepare food for sale. If you run a snack truck where you only sell pre-packaged food from wholesale distributors or if you prepare food at the customer’s house or location (personal chef), you will need much less paperwork than if you want to prepare the food on your own site and deliver it.
You may be able to cater from home, but in many locations you would need a seperate commercial kitchen. Legally, you probably cannot use your family kitchen. However, many flexible caterers have solved this problem by renting (or working out an agreement) with a local church or similar organization that does maintain a commercial kitchen.
Otherwise, the rest of the business like planning, meeting clients, or advertising for more clients, can be done from a home office.
Party Planner:Again, this could cover anything from planning a toddler’s first birthday part to a wedding with 300 guests. It all depends upon your own particular expertise, talents, and ambitions.
Virtual Assistant: This field is actually growing right now. As small businesses try to control costs, they are more willing to hire out certain tasks. Of course, the particular tasks you would be open for will depend upon your skills, abilities, and training.
You may work purely from home, over the Internet or a phone, setting appointments, filling out spreadsheets, handling social media (i.e. Facebook, etc.), or handling customer service. If you are mobile, small businesses may need somebody to run errands, hand out fliers, or man booths at local events.
Are There Real Work At Home Businesses?
It is fairly easy to get cynical about work at home opportunities because we have heard about so many scams, or maybe even gotten involved in some fairly shady schemes that really did not work out very well. But there are many people who have either started, or continue to, run real legitimate and useful businesses from their homes. Sometimes they even hire other home workers, and so they provide work at home jobs.
Many of these opportunities can be started part-time with a very small investment. So they are the type of small businesses where a person can dip a toe in, as they say, to see how it works out. Then they could expand or contract as the individual owner requires.
Food Catering Business: The general term, food catering, actually covers a lot of niche businesses. They could range from specialized mobile catering or lunch trucks to preparing gourmet treats for business events and weddings to delivering healthy meals in the same way that a pizza man delivers, well, pizza!
This can be simple or complicated. Some areas may require a licensed kitchen in order to prepare food for sale. If you run a snack truck where you only sell pre-packaged food from wholesale distributors or if you prepare food at the customer’s house or location (personal chef), you will need much less paperwork than if you want to prepare the food on your own site and deliver it.
You may be able to cater from home, but in many locations you would need a seperate commercial kitchen. Legally, you probably cannot use your family kitchen. However, many flexible caterers have solved this problem by renting (or working out an agreement) with a local church or similar organization that does maintain a commercial kitchen.
Otherwise, the rest of the business like planning, meeting clients, or advertising for more clients, can be done from a home office.
Party Planner:Again, this could cover anything from planning a toddler’s first birthday part to a wedding with 300 guests. It all depends upon your own particular expertise, talents, and ambitions.
Virtual Assistant: This field is actually growing right now. As small businesses try to control costs, they are more willing to hire out certain tasks. Of course, the particular tasks you would be open for will depend upon your skills, abilities, and training.
You may work purely from home, over the Internet or a phone, setting appointments, filling out spreadsheets, handling social media (i.e. Facebook, etc.), or handling customer service. If you are mobile, small businesses may need somebody to run errands, hand out fliers, or man booths at local events.
Health And Fitness Business Ideas
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.
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 v2.0Another 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.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
HOW TO START A ROOFING BUSINESS
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.
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.
HOW TO START A ROOFING BUSINESS
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.
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.
How To Start A Dog Training Business
How To Start A Dog Training Business
Business Idea
If your dogs always obey your every command, you may be able to turn this skill into a money-making opportunity by learning how to start a dog training business. This type of venture involves working with both dogs and their owners to teach obedience and behavior skills. Most of the time, you’ll be teaching the dog owner more than the actual dog.
While you’ll always come across one or two dogs who think that they’re in charge, most canines are eager to please. Once their owner understands how to be consistent and effectively communicate with their pet, the dog will usually fall right in line.
When first learning how to start a dog training business, decide where you will be conducting your classes. Many dog trainers operate in parks or pet stores. Some provide private instruction at the customer’s home. If this is your goal, you won’t need an formal office (other than a place for you to take care of administrative activities such as bookkeeping and sales calls).
If you plan on providing a climate-controlled indoor area for training classes, rent a large, open building if you don’t have a barn or something similar at home. In addition to space, you’ll only need a few additional supplies like treats and training aids to start.
How To Start A Dog Training Business – What You’ll Need
While learning how to start a dog training business doesn’t legally require any specific type of training, many of your customers will expect some type of certification. Because there aren’t any legal requirements, potential trainers can literally answer a few questions and basically purchase their certification.
Do yourself a favor and pursue a legitimate certification program that offers courses about animal behavior and various training methods. Even if your way is better than any of the known training approaches, it’s never a bad idea to develop a little well-rounded knowledge. Organizations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) can provide more information about reputable programs.
Keys To A Successful Dog Training Business
By gaining a reputation for transforming the most ill-mannered dog into an obedient companion animal, you can guarantee your success as dog trainer. This means more than teaching a puppy to shake hands or play dead. It will mean correcting troublesome behavior that includes anxiety, aggressiveness, or simply ignoring every command.
While understanding how dogs think will help you along your way, a little human psychology won’t hurt a bit. In most cases, a person who has a way with animals can completely turn a troubled animal around given enough time and consistency. This illustrates the fact that both the dog and the owner usually need to change behaviors and habits during the entire course of training.
Finding Clients For Your Business
As you learn how to start a dog training business, think about what you can do to attract customers. Once you’ve established yourself, word of mouth will do the rest, but finding those first customers can be a challenge.
Creating a website that describes your approach and various services is one way to find clients. Printing pamphlets and business cards that can be left at pet stores, veterinarian offices, and animal grooming shops is another way. If you can afford to do so, conducting a free class to generate a little buzz would be a great way to get your word-of-mouth advertising started.
Expansion Ideas
Once your dog training business is well-established, you may decide to expand. Consider training other potential trainers or creating an instructional book or DVD. If you like working with the animals better than the people, you could always train your own family of animals for a variety of purposes.
For example, trained dogs can be used in commercials and films or they can work as service animals. If one of your animals becomes a star, your services will be in high demand. At this point, you could consider training birds or exotic animals for other similar opportunities.
Business Idea
If your dogs always obey your every command, you may be able to turn this skill into a money-making opportunity by learning how to start a dog training business. This type of venture involves working with both dogs and their owners to teach obedience and behavior skills. Most of the time, you’ll be teaching the dog owner more than the actual dog.
While you’ll always come across one or two dogs who think that they’re in charge, most canines are eager to please. Once their owner understands how to be consistent and effectively communicate with their pet, the dog will usually fall right in line.
When first learning how to start a dog training business, decide where you will be conducting your classes. Many dog trainers operate in parks or pet stores. Some provide private instruction at the customer’s home. If this is your goal, you won’t need an formal office (other than a place for you to take care of administrative activities such as bookkeeping and sales calls).
If you plan on providing a climate-controlled indoor area for training classes, rent a large, open building if you don’t have a barn or something similar at home. In addition to space, you’ll only need a few additional supplies like treats and training aids to start.
How To Start A Dog Training Business – What You’ll Need
While learning how to start a dog training business doesn’t legally require any specific type of training, many of your customers will expect some type of certification. Because there aren’t any legal requirements, potential trainers can literally answer a few questions and basically purchase their certification.
Do yourself a favor and pursue a legitimate certification program that offers courses about animal behavior and various training methods. Even if your way is better than any of the known training approaches, it’s never a bad idea to develop a little well-rounded knowledge. Organizations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) can provide more information about reputable programs.
Keys To A Successful Dog Training Business
By gaining a reputation for transforming the most ill-mannered dog into an obedient companion animal, you can guarantee your success as dog trainer. This means more than teaching a puppy to shake hands or play dead. It will mean correcting troublesome behavior that includes anxiety, aggressiveness, or simply ignoring every command.
While understanding how dogs think will help you along your way, a little human psychology won’t hurt a bit. In most cases, a person who has a way with animals can completely turn a troubled animal around given enough time and consistency. This illustrates the fact that both the dog and the owner usually need to change behaviors and habits during the entire course of training.
Finding Clients For Your Business
As you learn how to start a dog training business, think about what you can do to attract customers. Once you’ve established yourself, word of mouth will do the rest, but finding those first customers can be a challenge.
Creating a website that describes your approach and various services is one way to find clients. Printing pamphlets and business cards that can be left at pet stores, veterinarian offices, and animal grooming shops is another way. If you can afford to do so, conducting a free class to generate a little buzz would be a great way to get your word-of-mouth advertising started.
Expansion Ideas
Once your dog training business is well-established, you may decide to expand. Consider training other potential trainers or creating an instructional book or DVD. If you like working with the animals better than the people, you could always train your own family of animals for a variety of purposes.
For example, trained dogs can be used in commercials and films or they can work as service animals. If one of your animals becomes a star, your services will be in high demand. At this point, you could consider training birds or exotic animals for other similar opportunities.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
BEEKEEPING AS A BUSINESS
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
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
Monday, November 8, 2010
How To Start A Farm
How To Start A Farm: Key Questions To Ask Yourself
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
Whether you want a career where you can work independently and spend more time outside, or just want to see tangible results for your hard work, you can fulfill your ambitions if you know how to start a farm.
Farming has certainly changed since the days of TV’s Green Acres’. While you can certainly have livestock on your farm, you can also now build a business around a number of other products.
These will depend on your interests, skills, and available resources including money, land and farm equipment.
Why Learn How To Start A Farm?
Why do you want to start a farm? Will it be your main source of income? If so, you’ll need to have a well researched business plan that lays out exactly how you’ll make your farm profitable.
Do you just want to make extra money from your current garden? Do you want to improve the environment through eco farming or organic farming? Your reasons for farming will help you determine the type of farm to pursue. If you’re starting purely for business, you’ll need the land necessary to house livestock or grow produce that will keep you going all the year round.
You’ll need help running the farm too, either from family or from employees. If you’re looking for a side business – maybe growing ornamental plants or vegetables – you can use much less space and run a business from items grown in your backyard or on your rooftop.
What Will You Need?
What skills do you have? A farmer needs to understand much more than how to milk a cow. Knowing how to take care of animals and plants is important, but being able to plan land use, estimate costs, and market your wares effectively are all essential skills for success.
If you don’t have enough farming experience, consider working on a farm for a year to be certain you want to be a farmer long term. Take business classes including accounting, financial planning, and marketing.
Do you have the money needed to start a farm? If not, you can look for help. Your state’s Department of Agriculture may have a Beginning Farmer Loan Program or other farm grants that can help you to get started.
Land And Equipment Required
Once you have the funds, it’s time to look for land. The type and amount of land you need depends on what you’re going to do with it. Certain land types, soil profiles, irrigation conditions, and climates lend themselves to support particular animals or vegetables. Are you able to relocate if necessary to ensure your land supports the type of farm you want to have?
Another consideration for land location is the community around the farm. If you want the farm to market to the community, your location needs to be strategic. Let’s say you want to grow gourmet vegetables and sell them to local restaurants: you’ll need enough restaurants with enough customers who want to dine on gourmet vegetables if you want to be sustainable.
Depending on the type of farm you have, you’ll also need various types of farming equipment. By renting this you can have more money available to purchase the other farm supplies you’ll need.
With desire, hard work, good planning, and a little help from Mother Nature, you may find that farming is indeed the life for you. Now that you know how to start a farm, what’s stopping you from giving it a go?
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)...
Organizations and Associations
International Farm Management Association
The Humane Farming Association
American Farmers Association
Business Plans and Financials
Research Reports For The Farm Management Svcs Industry
Industry Report - Crop Support Services In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
Whether you want a career where you can work independently and spend more time outside, or just want to see tangible results for your hard work, you can fulfill your ambitions if you know how to start a farm.
Farming has certainly changed since the days of TV’s Green Acres’. While you can certainly have livestock on your farm, you can also now build a business around a number of other products.
These will depend on your interests, skills, and available resources including money, land and farm equipment.
Why Learn How To Start A Farm?
Why do you want to start a farm? Will it be your main source of income? If so, you’ll need to have a well researched business plan that lays out exactly how you’ll make your farm profitable.
Do you just want to make extra money from your current garden? Do you want to improve the environment through eco farming or organic farming? Your reasons for farming will help you determine the type of farm to pursue. If you’re starting purely for business, you’ll need the land necessary to house livestock or grow produce that will keep you going all the year round.
You’ll need help running the farm too, either from family or from employees. If you’re looking for a side business – maybe growing ornamental plants or vegetables – you can use much less space and run a business from items grown in your backyard or on your rooftop.
What Will You Need?
What skills do you have? A farmer needs to understand much more than how to milk a cow. Knowing how to take care of animals and plants is important, but being able to plan land use, estimate costs, and market your wares effectively are all essential skills for success.
If you don’t have enough farming experience, consider working on a farm for a year to be certain you want to be a farmer long term. Take business classes including accounting, financial planning, and marketing.
Do you have the money needed to start a farm? If not, you can look for help. Your state’s Department of Agriculture may have a Beginning Farmer Loan Program or other farm grants that can help you to get started.
Land And Equipment Required
Once you have the funds, it’s time to look for land. The type and amount of land you need depends on what you’re going to do with it. Certain land types, soil profiles, irrigation conditions, and climates lend themselves to support particular animals or vegetables. Are you able to relocate if necessary to ensure your land supports the type of farm you want to have?
Another consideration for land location is the community around the farm. If you want the farm to market to the community, your location needs to be strategic. Let’s say you want to grow gourmet vegetables and sell them to local restaurants: you’ll need enough restaurants with enough customers who want to dine on gourmet vegetables if you want to be sustainable.
Depending on the type of farm you have, you’ll also need various types of farming equipment. By renting this you can have more money available to purchase the other farm supplies you’ll need.
With desire, hard work, good planning, and a little help from Mother Nature, you may find that farming is indeed the life for you. Now that you know how to start a farm, what’s stopping you from giving it a go?
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)...
Organizations and Associations
International Farm Management Association
The Humane Farming Association
American Farmers Association
Business Plans and Financials
Research Reports For The Farm Management Svcs Industry
Industry Report - Crop Support Services In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
Starting A Landscape Business
Starting A Landscape Business – Steps For Success
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
Ready to put your green thumb to work by starting a landscape business?
Look around you—most homes, businesses and schools, not to mention parks and recreational areas, and you’ll see potential business opportunities.
Landscapers can design and create walkways, paths, decks, patios, and gardens.
They can care for trees, grass, flowers and other vegetation. There are even indoor landscaping opportunities – jobs that design indoor fountains and lush atriums.
They can install sprinkler systems that use water efficiently while saving the owner time and effort.
What To Know When Starting A Landscape Business
In this, as in most businesses, you need a combination of technical knowledge and business skills. Not enough of either is a sure recipe to make your business shrivel.
Have you always been a gardener, or had a love of flowers? Enhance your education by reading as much as you can about plants. Working at a gardening center or on the crew of a landscape designer would be an excellent introduction.
Are you comfortable with all aspects of landscaping or will you need backup for some areas? For example, you may be a whiz at garden landscaping, but may need someone with more electrical expertise to help with landscape lighting. Know where you may need help, and get those resources lined up.
For more structured education, you can find classes at local colleges. You can even pursue a master’s degree in landscape design.
Once you have the technical background, you need to make sure you have the skills to run a business. Planning and budgeting will be essential as you estimate the costs of running your business, and how much you will charge your customers.
As you plan your investment, you’ll need to factor in lawn equipment. You will need a truck or trailer for your landscape equipment. Experienced lawn professionals caution against buying every possible tool right away. You may end up with too much debt. Instead, buy used tools when you can, and rent tools needed for short-term jobs.
Because landscaping is a service business, treating your customers well is especially important. It is much easier and cheaper to keep a current customer than to find a new one.
Advertising Your Business
You’ve got the experience and the equipment, now it’s time to find some customers. Experts suggest that new small businesses target residential versus commercial customers. Why? Residential customers pay upon delivery of service, while commercial customers pay on a cycle, up to 120 days after the job is completed.
To advertise to residential owners, place ads in local newspapers and upscale community magazines. When starting a landscape business, keep in mind that word of mouth is actually the most effective form of advertising. Maintaining a friendly, professional and proactive relationship with your customers will keep them coming back and telling their friends.
If you are interested in attracting the commercial crowd, advertise in the Yellow Pages, local business magazines and by sending out direct mailings to businesses.
For all of your jobs, take good digital pictures of before and after. Create a design book that you can show customers, as well as one on your website.
Thorough preparation for both the technical and business aspects will help when starting a landscape business.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
How To Start Your Own Lawn Care Business A Whole New Way
How To Start And Grow A Profitable Lawn Care Business
Mastering The Art Of Professional Lawn Care
How To Start A Lawn Care Business
Lawn Business Success Course
Organizations and Associations
American Nursery And Landscape Association
Ecological Landscaping Association
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Landscape Design & Planning Services In The US
Research Reports For The Landscape Architectural Svcs Industry
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
Ready to put your green thumb to work by starting a landscape business?
Look around you—most homes, businesses and schools, not to mention parks and recreational areas, and you’ll see potential business opportunities.
Landscapers can design and create walkways, paths, decks, patios, and gardens.
They can care for trees, grass, flowers and other vegetation. There are even indoor landscaping opportunities – jobs that design indoor fountains and lush atriums.
They can install sprinkler systems that use water efficiently while saving the owner time and effort.
What To Know When Starting A Landscape Business
In this, as in most businesses, you need a combination of technical knowledge and business skills. Not enough of either is a sure recipe to make your business shrivel.
Have you always been a gardener, or had a love of flowers? Enhance your education by reading as much as you can about plants. Working at a gardening center or on the crew of a landscape designer would be an excellent introduction.
Are you comfortable with all aspects of landscaping or will you need backup for some areas? For example, you may be a whiz at garden landscaping, but may need someone with more electrical expertise to help with landscape lighting. Know where you may need help, and get those resources lined up.
For more structured education, you can find classes at local colleges. You can even pursue a master’s degree in landscape design.
Once you have the technical background, you need to make sure you have the skills to run a business. Planning and budgeting will be essential as you estimate the costs of running your business, and how much you will charge your customers.
As you plan your investment, you’ll need to factor in lawn equipment. You will need a truck or trailer for your landscape equipment. Experienced lawn professionals caution against buying every possible tool right away. You may end up with too much debt. Instead, buy used tools when you can, and rent tools needed for short-term jobs.
Because landscaping is a service business, treating your customers well is especially important. It is much easier and cheaper to keep a current customer than to find a new one.
Advertising Your Business
You’ve got the experience and the equipment, now it’s time to find some customers. Experts suggest that new small businesses target residential versus commercial customers. Why? Residential customers pay upon delivery of service, while commercial customers pay on a cycle, up to 120 days after the job is completed.
To advertise to residential owners, place ads in local newspapers and upscale community magazines. When starting a landscape business, keep in mind that word of mouth is actually the most effective form of advertising. Maintaining a friendly, professional and proactive relationship with your customers will keep them coming back and telling their friends.
If you are interested in attracting the commercial crowd, advertise in the Yellow Pages, local business magazines and by sending out direct mailings to businesses.
For all of your jobs, take good digital pictures of before and after. Create a design book that you can show customers, as well as one on your website.
Thorough preparation for both the technical and business aspects will help when starting a landscape business.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
How To Start Your Own Lawn Care Business A Whole New Way
How To Start And Grow A Profitable Lawn Care Business
Mastering The Art Of Professional Lawn Care
How To Start A Lawn Care Business
Lawn Business Success Course
Organizations and Associations
American Nursery And Landscape Association
Ecological Landscaping Association
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Landscape Design & Planning Services In The US
Research Reports For The Landscape Architectural Svcs Industry
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
WINE MAKING BUSINESS
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
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
Start A Campground Business
Start A Campground Business
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
With a recent surge in interest in camping, many people are looking to start a campground in their area as a small business.
People who live in rural areas, especially those known for natural beauty, often find that they can make good money if they start a business in this sector and run it properly.
Many people think that all they need to start in this business is to clear off an area and let people know they can camp there.
While this may work to some degree, truly successful campgrounds require a good location and high quality services as well.
They should be located near to local parks and also need to be well drained and away from streams or rivers so they do not flood in the event of heavy rain.
Additionally, many persons have become accustomed to campsites which are more than just a spot of clean ground. Depending on the nature of campers that frequent the area, it may be important to set up facilities for RVs and trailers.
Not all campers are rustic backpackers, after all, and anyone looking to start a camping site may want to look into providing electricity and water at each site.
Luxury campsites cost more to build but may be able to charge more and attract more customers. Depending on the area, selling or renting out camping equipment or hiking gear may also be a good way to generate a little extra revenue.
Finding A Site To Start A Campground
Because of the difficulties inherent in locating campgrounds, people wishing to start a camping business may want to look into local campgrounds for sale. Because camping is generally a summer activity and campgrounds are closed for much of the year, there are often campsites for sale.
Anyone buying a used campground should take pains to preserve the camp’s reputation if it is good, or change its name and reputation if it is bad. Additionally, used campgrounds should be refurbished and remodeled – especially if they have been left unused for an extended period.
If you are new to the business, you may want to look into a campsite franchise, as franchises often have access to tips and equipment necessary to run a good campground.
Running Your Campground
Running a campground is generally easy and low maintenance, but it is not a work-free sort of job. It is important to pick up any trash left by campers and repair any equipment as soon as it breaks. Adequate tap water should be available to all campers, and toilets of some sort should be made available. Indoor, heated toilets are always the best kind.
Additionally, it is important to keep someone on staff at all times in case of an emergency. A phone of some sort should be set up nearby. Even in the day and age of cell phones, at least one payphone or camp phone should be sited.
Starting a campground is a relatively easy way to make money, since the initial cost and upkeep is so low- but it is still important to know about the business locally and ensure your customers have what they need to have a good time.
It is important to make sure the campsite is clean and safe, and that someone is always watching the grounds. It is also important to understand that camping is generally an activity reserved for the warmer months, so consider how you will stay afloat in the winter if you do decide to start a campground.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
Easy Software Guide To Making Reservations Stress Free
Beginner Camping Tips: 12 Steps To Camping Bliss
Get Paid To Camp
Organizations and Associations
National Association Of Rv Parks & Campgrounds
American Camp Association
Business Plans and Financials
Research Reports For The Rv Parks & Campgrounds Industry
Industry Report - Rv Parks & Campgrounds In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
With a recent surge in interest in camping, many people are looking to start a campground in their area as a small business.
People who live in rural areas, especially those known for natural beauty, often find that they can make good money if they start a business in this sector and run it properly.
Many people think that all they need to start in this business is to clear off an area and let people know they can camp there.
While this may work to some degree, truly successful campgrounds require a good location and high quality services as well.
They should be located near to local parks and also need to be well drained and away from streams or rivers so they do not flood in the event of heavy rain.
Additionally, many persons have become accustomed to campsites which are more than just a spot of clean ground. Depending on the nature of campers that frequent the area, it may be important to set up facilities for RVs and trailers.
Not all campers are rustic backpackers, after all, and anyone looking to start a camping site may want to look into providing electricity and water at each site.
Luxury campsites cost more to build but may be able to charge more and attract more customers. Depending on the area, selling or renting out camping equipment or hiking gear may also be a good way to generate a little extra revenue.
Finding A Site To Start A Campground
Because of the difficulties inherent in locating campgrounds, people wishing to start a camping business may want to look into local campgrounds for sale. Because camping is generally a summer activity and campgrounds are closed for much of the year, there are often campsites for sale.
Anyone buying a used campground should take pains to preserve the camp’s reputation if it is good, or change its name and reputation if it is bad. Additionally, used campgrounds should be refurbished and remodeled – especially if they have been left unused for an extended period.
If you are new to the business, you may want to look into a campsite franchise, as franchises often have access to tips and equipment necessary to run a good campground.
Running Your Campground
Running a campground is generally easy and low maintenance, but it is not a work-free sort of job. It is important to pick up any trash left by campers and repair any equipment as soon as it breaks. Adequate tap water should be available to all campers, and toilets of some sort should be made available. Indoor, heated toilets are always the best kind.
Additionally, it is important to keep someone on staff at all times in case of an emergency. A phone of some sort should be set up nearby. Even in the day and age of cell phones, at least one payphone or camp phone should be sited.
Starting a campground is a relatively easy way to make money, since the initial cost and upkeep is so low- but it is still important to know about the business locally and ensure your customers have what they need to have a good time.
It is important to make sure the campsite is clean and safe, and that someone is always watching the grounds. It is also important to understand that camping is generally an activity reserved for the warmer months, so consider how you will stay afloat in the winter if you do decide to start a campground.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
Easy Software Guide To Making Reservations Stress Free
Beginner Camping Tips: 12 Steps To Camping Bliss
Get Paid To Camp
Organizations and Associations
National Association Of Rv Parks & Campgrounds
American Camp Association
Business Plans and Financials
Research Reports For The Rv Parks & Campgrounds Industry
Industry Report - Rv Parks & Campgrounds In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Leave a Reply
Starting A Sand Sculpture Business
Starting A Sand Sculpture Business
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
While most people are content to make simple sand castles when visiting the beach, truly talented people can make elaborate (if temporary) works of sand sculpture art.
These fine works of sand art are for contests, exhibitions, and festivals. They are often well compensated for all this hard work, and many even make it a business.
Sand sculpture as a business is a difficult and fickle thing. It is largely popularized as a hobby, and so only the most talented and dedicated sand sculptors can make it a business.
It is generally not a business which can support a person entirely.
It is, however, a good seasonal or part-time job for those who enjoy working with sand, and is a great way to bring in additional income when someone else is already bringing home the majority of a family’s income.
It’s also a good way to have regular beach vacations which are also business trips.
Learning The Art
This art is something which takes time and dedication to learn as opposed to formal training. Anyone looking to make it a business should be familiar with the techniques and materials necessary, as well as how to work with varying sorts of sand.
Not all types of sand are ideal for construction, and not all sands can be used to create massive sculptures. Additionally, as sculptures increase in size, more and more intricate and complicated equipment is required as well as advanced techniques. Various sprays, foams and adhesives may be required in order to create more elaborate or complicated sculptures.
Sand sculpture takes less time to master than working with more permanent materials such as marble, but it still requires many years of effort to become masterful enough to be commissioned for various events.
Advertising Your Sand Sculpture Abilities
Anyone who has demonstrable skill in sand art and wishes to profit from it should build up a good portfolio consisting of photographs of their work. They should seek out sand castle and sand building competitions and enter themselves, as the best way to attract business is to win competitions and get attention.
They should also seek out festivals and events which center around sand castles and sculptures in order to pick up techniques and get their name out.
Ensuring that people who might want a sculpture know who they might hire and why they should select a specific artist is key for the financial success of that artist. It’s also a good idea for the artist to live in a sandy area where impressive sculptures are regularly made.
Gaining Success
This is a difficult business, but someone with true talent and dedication can make good money creating sculptures for promotional events. The ability to work well with sand and get your name out to potential customers is the key, and work will of course come in stops and starts with the vast majority of commissions arriving in the summer months.
Many sand sculptors have become famous for their ability, and the quality of their works brings them demand and requests to create sand sculpture from famous beach resorts the world over.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
How To Cast A Small Bronze Sculpture Of Yourself In Just One Week
Organizations and Associations
World Sand Sculptors Association
World Sand Sculpting Academy
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Independent Performers & Creative Artists In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Find related startup resources at the end of this article
While most people are content to make simple sand castles when visiting the beach, truly talented people can make elaborate (if temporary) works of sand sculpture art.
These fine works of sand art are for contests, exhibitions, and festivals. They are often well compensated for all this hard work, and many even make it a business.
Sand sculpture as a business is a difficult and fickle thing. It is largely popularized as a hobby, and so only the most talented and dedicated sand sculptors can make it a business.
It is generally not a business which can support a person entirely.
It is, however, a good seasonal or part-time job for those who enjoy working with sand, and is a great way to bring in additional income when someone else is already bringing home the majority of a family’s income.
It’s also a good way to have regular beach vacations which are also business trips.
Learning The Art
This art is something which takes time and dedication to learn as opposed to formal training. Anyone looking to make it a business should be familiar with the techniques and materials necessary, as well as how to work with varying sorts of sand.
Not all types of sand are ideal for construction, and not all sands can be used to create massive sculptures. Additionally, as sculptures increase in size, more and more intricate and complicated equipment is required as well as advanced techniques. Various sprays, foams and adhesives may be required in order to create more elaborate or complicated sculptures.
Sand sculpture takes less time to master than working with more permanent materials such as marble, but it still requires many years of effort to become masterful enough to be commissioned for various events.
Advertising Your Sand Sculpture Abilities
Anyone who has demonstrable skill in sand art and wishes to profit from it should build up a good portfolio consisting of photographs of their work. They should seek out sand castle and sand building competitions and enter themselves, as the best way to attract business is to win competitions and get attention.
They should also seek out festivals and events which center around sand castles and sculptures in order to pick up techniques and get their name out.
Ensuring that people who might want a sculpture know who they might hire and why they should select a specific artist is key for the financial success of that artist. It’s also a good idea for the artist to live in a sandy area where impressive sculptures are regularly made.
Gaining Success
This is a difficult business, but someone with true talent and dedication can make good money creating sculptures for promotional events. The ability to work well with sand and get your name out to potential customers is the key, and work will of course come in stops and starts with the vast majority of commissions arriving in the summer months.
Many sand sculptors have become famous for their ability, and the quality of their works brings them demand and requests to create sand sculpture from famous beach resorts the world over.
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)...
Startup and Resource Guides
How To Cast A Small Bronze Sculpture Of Yourself In Just One Week
Organizations and Associations
World Sand Sculptors Association
World Sand Sculpting Academy
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Independent Performers & Creative Artists In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Starting a gift wrapping business
Starting a gift wrapping business can be a rewarding experience if you are looking to start a small business.
You will help to add to the seasonal cheer by assisting people in creating wonderful surprises for their loved ones.
You will put your craft ideas to good use, earn good money doing so, and – best of all – you can begin this business with very little investment.
Your gift wrapping ideas can earn you a pretty good income – particularly during the gift-giving seasons.
People who are short of time yet need to have their gifts wrapped can leave their items with you to be wrapped while they continue with their holiday errands.
Starting A Gift Wrapping Business – Location
A large worktable is all you need for starting a gift wrapping business. Any corner of your home, such as space set aside in your living room, will do nicely.
You can also turn your garage or attic into a work area during peak holiday seasons.
If your home is too cramped, you can travel to your customers’ homes to do up their gifts there. You can even hire a van and set it up as a mobile work area. This way you can travel to the location and still have an organized work area for business.
Some enterprising gift wrappers get into an agreement with local gift stores and malls to set up their businesses there on a temporary basis. This way you will be getting a steady stream of customers who will be loaded with gifts of all kinds. They will only be too happy to have someone at the store wrap their gifts for them.
Promoting The Business
While you can wrap gifts for occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays all year round, the peak season is during holidays and festival times. By promoting your business, you can ensure that you do not miss customers at these times of year. The gift wrapper should advertise well before the seasons start.
Use geo-based (i.e. local) internet advertising where available and stick handmade posters in shop windows to let people know that they can get their tedious wrapping done by your business for a small fee.
Supplies
The nice part about gift packaging is that you can start out with little money – gift wrapping supplies are not too expensive. Obtain a variety of gift wrapping paper, as you will need to wrap gifts for people with different kinds of tastes.
Have children wrapping paper, a business gifts wrapper, wrappers with religious motifs, and wrappers with cute designs. Variety is key!
Source supplies from a crafts store or gift corner, as you will find a good range of packaging at these places. Also be sure to have a stick of glue, a pair of sharp scissors, and plenty of tape handy. Gift boxes are also necessary, because many people will hand you an item that needs to be boxed before you can wrap it. Don’t forget the name tags!
If you want to stand out from your competition, use special supplies to stand out above other gift-wrapping services. You can consider using some of the following:
Place card holders
Handmade paper
Fancy ribbons and textiles
Handmade gift bags
Acrylic papers
Handmade tags
Embossed papers
Starting a gift wrapping business is fairly easy. Creativity and hard work during the peak seasons will see your business booming in no time at all.
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)...
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Packaging & Labeling Services In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
You will help to add to the seasonal cheer by assisting people in creating wonderful surprises for their loved ones.
You will put your craft ideas to good use, earn good money doing so, and – best of all – you can begin this business with very little investment.
Your gift wrapping ideas can earn you a pretty good income – particularly during the gift-giving seasons.
People who are short of time yet need to have their gifts wrapped can leave their items with you to be wrapped while they continue with their holiday errands.
Starting A Gift Wrapping Business – Location
A large worktable is all you need for starting a gift wrapping business. Any corner of your home, such as space set aside in your living room, will do nicely.
You can also turn your garage or attic into a work area during peak holiday seasons.
If your home is too cramped, you can travel to your customers’ homes to do up their gifts there. You can even hire a van and set it up as a mobile work area. This way you can travel to the location and still have an organized work area for business.
Some enterprising gift wrappers get into an agreement with local gift stores and malls to set up their businesses there on a temporary basis. This way you will be getting a steady stream of customers who will be loaded with gifts of all kinds. They will only be too happy to have someone at the store wrap their gifts for them.
Promoting The Business
While you can wrap gifts for occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays all year round, the peak season is during holidays and festival times. By promoting your business, you can ensure that you do not miss customers at these times of year. The gift wrapper should advertise well before the seasons start.
Use geo-based (i.e. local) internet advertising where available and stick handmade posters in shop windows to let people know that they can get their tedious wrapping done by your business for a small fee.
Supplies
The nice part about gift packaging is that you can start out with little money – gift wrapping supplies are not too expensive. Obtain a variety of gift wrapping paper, as you will need to wrap gifts for people with different kinds of tastes.
Have children wrapping paper, a business gifts wrapper, wrappers with religious motifs, and wrappers with cute designs. Variety is key!
Source supplies from a crafts store or gift corner, as you will find a good range of packaging at these places. Also be sure to have a stick of glue, a pair of sharp scissors, and plenty of tape handy. Gift boxes are also necessary, because many people will hand you an item that needs to be boxed before you can wrap it. Don’t forget the name tags!
If you want to stand out from your competition, use special supplies to stand out above other gift-wrapping services. You can consider using some of the following:
Place card holders
Handmade paper
Fancy ribbons and textiles
Handmade gift bags
Acrylic papers
Handmade tags
Embossed papers
Starting a gift wrapping business is fairly easy. Creativity and hard work during the peak seasons will see your business booming in no time at all.
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)...
Business Plans and Financials
Industry Report - Packaging & Labeling Services In The US
Need help creating your business plans? Our planning software can help.
BizMiner Industry Financial, Market, and Competitive Analysis
Small Business Bookshelf (powered by Amazon)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
MERGER AND ACQUISITION BUSINESS
Business Executives will pay good money to a merger and acquisition consultant if they can simplify the merger and acquisition process.
If you’ve ever been through a merger or acquisition, you know how complex it can be.
If you haven’t been through a merger or acquisition, simply understand that emotionally, financially, logistically, and professionally it’s a huge change.
Thankfully, a merger or acquisition can be a smooth and seamless process if done right.Consultant considers agency M&A activities. (Catherine Oak, mergers and acquisitions): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
A Successful Merger and Acquisition Consultant Business
The basic concept behind the role is that you help manage the steps involved in business integration – be it a merger or an acquisition. You’ll be a project manager of sorts, and also a coach and a friend. You must be firmly prepared for the challenges you’re going to face.M & A activity will drive future telecom investment in the MENA region.(MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS): An article from: Africa & The Middle East Telecom
A business acquisition or merger often involves millions of dollars, dozens of personnel, years of accounting and record keeping, and tons of meetings. You need to have a business mind to understand and analyze the data that will be coming your way.
You have to understand how much each company is worth and communicate that effectively. You have to be able to forecast income and potential earnings. You have to do more than just pat someone on the back and say, "you can do it." You must understand the way business works.
It’s important that you get involved in the nuts-and-bolts of each industry, and deliver informed advice on how the parties should proceed.
As usual, this business is a people business. Now is the time to put your best foot forward to effectively deal with frayed nerves and nervous executives. A personable approach really pays off.
Getting Started
You’ll need a proven, repeatable methodology for helping deliver a successful outcome. This should be carefully crafted before you begin your first merger. Follow this methodology to ensure that you’re not leaving anything out, and so as to ensure that you can do what you’ve done again for your next client.
You’ll also need to be good at networking and communication. This will help you to establish a reputation for yourself within the industry. Businesses are acquiring and merging every day, but may help to find a niche industry in which you can become the master. True success will when one business professional says to another, "Why don’t you call this guy? He did a great job when we merged with X company last year…"
Expanding Your Business
While every merger is slightly different, you can quite easily document most every step involved. Formalize your methodology into a printed or electronic guide and sell to businesses. Provide organizational change management services to support the human factor of change involved in any merger or acquisition as well.
As your business grows, you may want to consider hiring personnel. If not, you will probably still need some professional help of some sort. First off, it will pay to have an accountant, as this can greatly help the financial aspects of your company management.
Secondly, you may need a business lawyer or business broker. This is someone who’s done what you’re doing before, and so can go into a company, look at the documents, read and write legalese, and perform due-diligence studies.
Investment advisors can also help to streamline your decision making for hefty financial maneuvers.Mergers, Acquisitions, and Other Restructuring Activities: An Integrated Approach to Process, Tools, Cases, and Solutions
With the right commitment to self-education and business organization, you should be able to establish a reputation for yourself as THE merger and acquisition consultant in your area in no time at all.
If you’ve ever been through a merger or acquisition, you know how complex it can be.
If you haven’t been through a merger or acquisition, simply understand that emotionally, financially, logistically, and professionally it’s a huge change.
Thankfully, a merger or acquisition can be a smooth and seamless process if done right.Consultant considers agency M&A activities. (Catherine Oak, mergers and acquisitions): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
A Successful Merger and Acquisition Consultant Business
The basic concept behind the role is that you help manage the steps involved in business integration – be it a merger or an acquisition. You’ll be a project manager of sorts, and also a coach and a friend. You must be firmly prepared for the challenges you’re going to face.M & A activity will drive future telecom investment in the MENA region.(MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS): An article from: Africa & The Middle East Telecom
A business acquisition or merger often involves millions of dollars, dozens of personnel, years of accounting and record keeping, and tons of meetings. You need to have a business mind to understand and analyze the data that will be coming your way.
You have to understand how much each company is worth and communicate that effectively. You have to be able to forecast income and potential earnings. You have to do more than just pat someone on the back and say, "you can do it." You must understand the way business works.
It’s important that you get involved in the nuts-and-bolts of each industry, and deliver informed advice on how the parties should proceed.
As usual, this business is a people business. Now is the time to put your best foot forward to effectively deal with frayed nerves and nervous executives. A personable approach really pays off.
Getting Started
You’ll need a proven, repeatable methodology for helping deliver a successful outcome. This should be carefully crafted before you begin your first merger. Follow this methodology to ensure that you’re not leaving anything out, and so as to ensure that you can do what you’ve done again for your next client.
You’ll also need to be good at networking and communication. This will help you to establish a reputation for yourself within the industry. Businesses are acquiring and merging every day, but may help to find a niche industry in which you can become the master. True success will when one business professional says to another, "Why don’t you call this guy? He did a great job when we merged with X company last year…"
Expanding Your Business
While every merger is slightly different, you can quite easily document most every step involved. Formalize your methodology into a printed or electronic guide and sell to businesses. Provide organizational change management services to support the human factor of change involved in any merger or acquisition as well.
As your business grows, you may want to consider hiring personnel. If not, you will probably still need some professional help of some sort. First off, it will pay to have an accountant, as this can greatly help the financial aspects of your company management.
Secondly, you may need a business lawyer or business broker. This is someone who’s done what you’re doing before, and so can go into a company, look at the documents, read and write legalese, and perform due-diligence studies.
Investment advisors can also help to streamline your decision making for hefty financial maneuvers.Mergers, Acquisitions, and Other Restructuring Activities: An Integrated Approach to Process, Tools, Cases, and Solutions
With the right commitment to self-education and business organization, you should be able to establish a reputation for yourself as THE merger and acquisition consultant in your area in no time at all.
HOW TO START A PROOFREADING BUSINESS
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
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
Friday, November 5, 2010
HOW TO START AND RUN YOUR OWN COMPUTER TRAINIG BUSINESS
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.
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.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
EASY WAY TO START A PARTY RENTAL BUSINESS
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
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
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