My name is Laketia I'm a 31 yr. old mother that is so interested in opening up her own businesses. My only problem is that I don't have perfect credit so I can't get a loan, I'm taking the steps needed to correct my credit history but I really do not want to wait until my credit is consider well over good to get a loan & start my business, & I don't have the capital myself to get started. So I guess I wanted to know is, if any successful ladies that were in my shoes, what was the steps that they took & the tools that they use to get their business of the ground & running. I was thinking about opening up a homebase business first since I am so low on funds & when things start looking up for me taking the needed steps to finding a location & serve my clients/customers that way. Any & all advice is needed & welcomed, postive or negative-Thank you.
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Laketia, you have received some great advice. I, too, are in a similar situation as you. One of my big goals is to own a loan-type bank for women where good credit is not a factor. But, aside from that, I have a long list of things that I am going to accomplish as finally in my 30s I realize what my purpose is. To help me fund it, I have chosed to partner with World Ventures as it ties in with some of my dreams. I have just started but I am in it for the long haul. My website is Social Butterfly Group Travel.
Someone mentions something about going with your passion. I am finding more advice on the opposite. I went to my fb page b/c I swore I posted a great article on the subject but I couldn't find here. Here is a link to what I just researched: Business-Purpose---Dont-Follow-Your-Passion,-Find-a-Purpose
I think one problem is the way in which people look at passion and purpose. What I mean by this is that say you have a passion to help women achieve financial independence. Because this is such a strong desire you make it your mission to accomplish this thereby finding your purpose. Your purpose can change day by day, there are lots of ways to achieve this goal, but if you know your passion is to help your fellow man, this basic need often stays with you.
Another misconception is that we only have one passion when we are multi-faceted individuals with different needs, desires and passions. Just because we are passionate about swimming doesn't mean we should become lifeguards.
Anyone can start a business just to earn extra income and become successful at it, there is nothing wrong with that. If you are looking for more, say you want something to satisfy your soul, then you need to find your passion.
Finding your passion is about delving inside of yourself and knowing what's there. What you value, this is your source of strength, what keeps you going when the going gets tough. I truly don't know how one can know their purpose without it.
Good Comment Angie, and I agree, When one start a business it should be something that you are passionate about, We often don't realize our purpose in that until we actually start building that business. I don't think that there is anyway of knowing exactly what our true purpose will be until we dive in and swim around a bit ( sorry for the swimming reference... it's hot...need a swim) but anyway.. We are ever changing human beings. As we grow, we become moved by different things. New things affect us in new ways, creating a new purpose. Its only mean we take our passion and add a new niche to it to serve that purpose.
For example, when I started my purpose was because I wanted to provide a better lifestyle for me and my 4 boys, two will be starting college soon. But, as I got more and more involved in my niche and started seeing results, I started noticing that my friends were asking me how I was doing this. They start sharing their desire to own their own business one day and I was like "why not now?" It was because they didn't know. So now my purpose is to share what I know with other single mothers who want to find a way to create a lifestyle for their family. And who knows, tomorrow God may show me something different and then I will add that niche and purpose.
But as far as your staying power, in whatever business venture, it is going to depend on your WHY? why are you doing what you are doing and it has to go way beyond just.."I need money". Your WHY should be tied into your passion and your passion will determine your purpose once you get started. Just get started.
These ARE great posts! I'm really enjoying the conversation. Learning some new things. I guess my response is partially based on the fact that this is My Passion. My companies focus is on providing tools and training to young women in choosing future career goals, be it college or career related. Passion based of course! Thanks for the exchange of ideas here.
Jenise Bradshaw > Angie@sparklepassionJune 27, 2010 at 11:44am
Hey Laketia! I think you're on the right track by wanting to go into business for yourself! Especially a home based business because this industry is going to be pumping out the next wave of multi-millionaires! I'm currently involved a home based business because I literally want to "fire" my boss in the next six months! It didn't require a huge investment and the business currently is capitalizing a billion dollar industry. I would love to share more with you. Email me at godsdaughter76@yahoo.com and we'll talk some more.
These replies have been WONDERFUL! I love seeing this on networking sites! Stay encouraged Laketia and don't get discouraged! Money to start a business should NEVER deter you as there are always a "ram in the bush" Like most of the responses to you blogging is a GREAT way to get started. People respond to passion and if you first start off writing about your passion and driving traffic that way you're on the right track.
Next I say think big but start small. Meaning, have a big vision for what you want to do, but take small little steps EVERYDAY towards it. Continue to build your network, start a group for women in your local church or library to get started and blog about it.
Get creative! I have found that the internet is a great tool to finding "free" or near free tools for your business.
For your basket business, again there are many tools out there many free. check out Etsy. they give a free marketplace for people selling goods. sistasense I agree is a WONDERFUL way to get info on how to market yourself online. and so much more.
Start local, and build...google Lisa Price from Carols Daughter to hear her story, she started making body butters and selling them at flea markets out of old baby food bottles, she didn't get a loan or investor until AFTER she started making it. Use what you have TODAY to get started.
Write down the tools you think you need to get started on the business ideas, assess what you currently have and google to see if there are any web-based tools or services available to help you with the rest. Many businesses like mine and Sistasense offer FREE tools and recources and coaching to help you. This still is invaluable. Look to your local Women Business Center if your area has one and get resources from them and to start building your local network.
I can go on and on. Keep ALL OF US posted on your progress! And keep coming back if you have more questions!
1. Build (strategic) relationships with people that can help you at some point (maybe not now but maybe down the line). For instance I'm a bookkeeper, you may not think you need a bookkeeper now, but I would encourage you to create a list of people you think you'd need at some point and when you're networking, build (sincere)relationships with them.
2. I like direct selling and MLM, I used to do it. The ONLY issue I have about it is that it's more a way to generate cash flow than it is a true entrepreneurial endeavor like the ones you speak of. Some may disagree, it's wonderful and I was passionate when I did it, but I realized it wasn't entrepreneurship, it was a way to bring in income. If you are going to do it it would be a AWESOME way to help you increase your immediate cash flow to fund your business.
3. Find a FREE class on business or get a book about the subject. I recommend E-myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It's like a must read for ALL entrepreneurs. I say a free class b/c there is so much info out there that is free to help you get started.
Thank you Katrina for all the good advice! I was just on the internet looking for a free business course that I could take to help me get the knowledge that I need to help me along with my businesses. I will check out E-myth & I just brought some business books. Thank you
Replies
Someone mentions something about going with your passion. I am finding more advice on the opposite. I went to my fb page b/c I swore I posted a great article on the subject but I couldn't find here. Here is a link to what I just researched: Business-Purpose---Dont-Follow-Your-Passion,-Find-a-Purpose
Another misconception is that we only have one passion when we are multi-faceted individuals with different needs, desires and passions. Just because we are passionate about swimming doesn't mean we should become lifeguards.
Anyone can start a business just to earn extra income and become successful at it, there is nothing wrong with that. If you are looking for more, say you want something to satisfy your soul, then you need to find your passion.
Finding your passion is about delving inside of yourself and knowing what's there. What you value, this is your source of strength, what keeps you going when the going gets tough. I truly don't know how one can know their purpose without it.
For example, when I started my purpose was because I wanted to provide a better lifestyle for me and my 4 boys, two will be starting college soon. But, as I got more and more involved in my niche and started seeing results, I started noticing that my friends were asking me how I was doing this. They start sharing their desire to own their own business one day and I was like "why not now?" It was because they didn't know. So now my purpose is to share what I know with other single mothers who want to find a way to create a lifestyle for their family. And who knows, tomorrow God may show me something different and then I will add that niche and purpose.
But as far as your staying power, in whatever business venture, it is going to depend on your WHY? why are you doing what you are doing and it has to go way beyond just.."I need money". Your WHY should be tied into your passion and your passion will determine your purpose once you get started. Just get started.
Next I say think big but start small. Meaning, have a big vision for what you want to do, but take small little steps EVERYDAY towards it. Continue to build your network, start a group for women in your local church or library to get started and blog about it.
Get creative! I have found that the internet is a great tool to finding "free" or near free tools for your business.
For your basket business, again there are many tools out there many free. check out Etsy. they give a free marketplace for people selling goods. sistasense I agree is a WONDERFUL way to get info on how to market yourself online. and so much more.
Start local, and build...google Lisa Price from Carols Daughter to hear her story, she started making body butters and selling them at flea markets out of old baby food bottles, she didn't get a loan or investor until AFTER she started making it. Use what you have TODAY to get started.
Write down the tools you think you need to get started on the business ideas, assess what you currently have and google to see if there are any web-based tools or services available to help you with the rest. Many businesses like mine and Sistasense offer FREE tools and recources and coaching to help you. This still is invaluable. Look to your local Women Business Center if your area has one and get resources from them and to start building your local network.
I can go on and on. Keep ALL OF US posted on your progress! And keep coming back if you have more questions!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR VISION.
Katrina
1. Build (strategic) relationships with people that can help you at some point (maybe not now but maybe down the line). For instance I'm a bookkeeper, you may not think you need a bookkeeper now, but I would encourage you to create a list of people you think you'd need at some point and when you're networking, build (sincere)relationships with them.
2. I like direct selling and MLM, I used to do it. The ONLY issue I have about it is that it's more a way to generate cash flow than it is a true entrepreneurial endeavor like the ones you speak of. Some may disagree, it's wonderful and I was passionate when I did it, but I realized it wasn't entrepreneurship, it was a way to bring in income. If you are going to do it it would be a AWESOME way to help you increase your immediate cash flow to fund your business.
3. Find a FREE class on business or get a book about the subject. I recommend E-myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It's like a must read for ALL entrepreneurs. I say a free class b/c there is so much info out there that is free to help you get started.
Be blessed.
Much Blessings & Prosperity
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