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More people are getting downsized, terminated or just plain fired all the time. And because of the state of the economy, finding another job can be difficult. Creating a job of your own by starting a business looks attractive when you can't find a job - or just can't stand the job you have.
But "How do I start a business?" is not the first question you should be asking if you're in this situation; the first question you should be asking is "Should I start a business?" Before you start thinking about the different types of businesses you might start, you have to do some thinking about you.
Starting a business is not for everyone. Being self-employed is very different than being an employee. And some people find it impossible to adjust to the differences. Let's see if you have the necessary entrepreneurial mindset to become self-employed. These are the six traits that I think encapsulate the ways you have to think and behave if you want to make a successful transition from being employed in some one else's business to starting a business of your own.
1) You have to be flexible to be self-employed.
If you start a business, you no longer have "one" job with clearly defined duties and responsibilities. You'll suddenly have multiple jobs, which will be often interrupted by unforeseen crises (particularly in the startup phase). Many employees are used to having days filled with predictable activities; many self-employed people don't.
And once you start a business, there's nowhere to pass the buck. As an employee, you may be used to passing problems up along the food chain or not be very involved in decision making. As a self-employed business owner, you're the one who will have to deal with whatever the crisis is and solve the problem. You're the one who will have to make the decisions.
2) You have to be a self-motivated initiator.
When you're an employee, other people tell you what to do, either directly or indirectly. You get used to having your actions directed by others. But you have to direct your own actions as a small business owner. You can't just sit there and hope that maybe some clients stroll in or that someone will drop by out of the blue with inventory for your retail store. No one's going to drop work on your desk or point out what needs to be done. For many people who try to become self-employed and start businesses after having a long-term full-time job, this is the hardest adjustment to make.
3) You have to be able to recognize opportunities and go after them.
Most employees do what they're assigned to do. There's someone else who's "assigned" to look out for opportunities, either a boss in a small business, or perhaps a sales department or a managerial team in a large corporation. If you start a business, you need to be the one constantly watching for opportunities - and be able to recognize them when you see them. It might be a small opportunity, such as the chance to pick up a new client, or a large one, such as getting your product on the shelves in a large retail chain, but as a small business owner, you have to keep scanning the horizon yourself and positioning yourself to benefit from the opportunities that you find. As an employee, you may be used to operating in a "head-down" position; if you're going to start a business and become successfully self-employed, you need to start operating in the "head-up" position.
Being self-employed is very different than being an employee and can be a difficult transition. Here are three more traits you must have if you're going to move from being an employee to being successfully self-employed.
4) When you're self-employed, you have to be able to plan ahead.
Your last job may have involved no planning at all, as that was someone else's job. Or perhaps your job involved planning on a localized level, such as planning a particular project. If you want to start a business, you need to develop expertise in both short-term and long-range planning; it's about to become a big part of your life.
When you start a business, one of your first tasks will be to work through a business plan. As your business becomes operational, you'll find that this plan (however detailed) needs to be revised and that other plans need to be created, as you work towards the long-range goals that you've set for your business. From following someone else's plan as an employee, you have to learn how to create the plans yourself - and adapt the plans to changing circumstances.
5) You need to be prepared to put in a constant and consistent effort.
We've all seen employees who are just going through the motions, or who were just "putting in the time" until retirement. You don't need to be a co-worker to know who these people are. As a customer or client you can tell, too. Bluntly, starting a business takes energy, and you need to be able to give it 100 percent. You can't afford to just coast along, or go through the motions, if you're running a business. Your customer and/or clients need to know that you are devoting 100 percent of your talent or skill or attention to them - and will go elsewhere if they don't feel this is the case.
Worse, you need to deliver this constant and consistent effort without the employee safety net. Many employees are used to being able to "call in sick" and have someone else cover their job, for instance. As a self-employed business owner, you'll have to go in and give it your best effort no matter how you feel or close up shop if you don't have employees who can fill in. You can also say goodbye to the holidays that many employees enjoy, both the annual x number of weeks and the statutory holidays, at least until your business is established to the point that you can manage your own time.
6) You have to be able to deal with uncertainty.
As a self-employed entrepreneur, there's no guarantee that the products or services you offer will be in demand six months from now. There's no guarantee that your customers will pay their bills on time or even pay them at all. There's no guarantee that your current big client, who seems to be perfectly happy with your work, won't drop you next week. There's actually no guarantee that you will make any income this month or the month after. For many ex-employees who are used to having a pay cheque arrive regularly every two weeks, the uncertainty of being self-employed is very difficult to deal with.
Are you still asking, "How do I start a business?" Good! Because the point of this article is not to scare you off, but to make you aware of how you have to readjust your thinking to make the transition from employee to self-employed business owner. Hopefully as you read through this list of traits you need to become successfully self-employed, you were saying to yourself, "I can do this". Because every one of the traits I've listed here is an attitude or behavior that can be learned, and when it comes to being self-employed, awareness is more than half the battle.
Now that you know that you're the kind of person who can start a business and run it successfully, where do you go from here?
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More to come! -LaShanda Henry
p.s. If you have your own videos and social links to share, join our networking session on Facebook happening right now.
From A Writer's POV will be spotlighing these ladies all over the internet. Get to know them personally! Read the articles of the ladies featured here: http://www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com/springsummercampaign.htm
Get your literary career started. Are you trying to write a book? Need help finishing it? Have questions? Get your literary career started today!
As an Author Mentor and Consultant, I can help you get through writing your book and get it published and in the public's hands. I'm giving away a 50% discount to your next service when you refer a friend. Details are on my website: www.literarycareermovesonline.com
I'm now taking clients!
Thanks, Dominique
Let me start with a disclaimer. Tacky photos are my pet peeve, so I'm going to be really blunt about this subject. So here it is in a nutshell, if you want to be taken seriously then present yourself seriously! Honestly, if you don't care enough to invest in professional photos, then don't expect potential clients to invest in your product/ service.
Every week I get at least a dozen so called professionals that want to elevate their personal brand. When I look at their marketing materials I am often appalled at the quality of the personal photos. I see pictures that were clearly taken by 'cousin alex' at a birthday party, then cropped to only show their face. I witness images that are grainy, hazy or at least 15 years old. Did I mention photos taken with a cell phone? All I can say is TACKY , TACKY, TACKY!! If you want to establish yourself as a brand to be reckoned with, then start simply with professional photos.Now I know what you are thinking...the last thing you want is to have some high fa looting photographer slap a bunch of make-up on you and take some pictures that look NOTHING like you. Don't worry your little head about that, there are many ways to showcase yourself in a flattering and authentic light. So here are the rules for choosing a photographer.
1. Choose your style: By this I mean style of photography. Do you want Glamor Head Shots, Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots, Editorial Photos (don't worry I will describe the difference a little later in this post)? Being clear about how you want to be showcased is very important.
2. Personal referral: Only use a photographer that has photographed someone you know. Just because they showcase good photos on their website, doesn't mean they are a good photographer. It is easier to judge a photographer if he has photographed someone you know. It gives you a gauge for how well he/ she can capture authenticity.
3. Its ALL about the makeup: Many photographers like to work with specific make up artists. Try to have a conversation with the makeup artist in advance. Explain the look you are trying to accomplish, even show photos of yourself or others that you like. NOTE: its important to know that you will most certainly look like a drag queen after the makeup is applied, but photo lights are harsh, the make up helps with deflecting the light correctly.
4. RELAX: Its important to be relaxed when you take your photos. Don't be so preoccupied with posing. Just be yourself and let the photographer do the rest.
Types of Photos
- Glamour Head Shots: Ideal for presenting a professional presence. Great for bios, personal appearances and media photos.
- Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots: Perfect to communicate your personal brand. These images are not staged (unlike Glamor and Editorial), and they should reflect you in your natural habitat doing what comes naturally.
- Editorial Photos: Usually reserved for appearances in media where you are a feature story. Should have a personal touch with a professional flare.
Happy Branding Everyone...
Photo Credits: Jai Stone Glamor (pic by Reggie Anderson/ Makeup by Linda Dupree); Jai Stone Editorial (pic by Derek Blanks/ Makeup by Saisha Beechum); Jai Stone Lifestyle (pic by MilesCoaltrain)
You can continue this conversation on Twitter @brandcoachllc or on Facebook.com/TheBrandCoach
If you have a website, blog, ezine, or newsletter, I'm sure you consider your content valuable to your readers and potential customers. So, why not get paid for it in the meantime? If you're new to this idea, then this article will help you. There are several ways to go about monetizing your website or blog:
Google Adsense
This is one of the most popular and best ways to monetize your website or blog. Google Adsense will put advertisements on your site that has to do with your content. So, how do you get paid? You get paid when someone clicks on the advertisement. Here are some resource sites that will help you better understand Google Adsense and help you sign up.
More information on Google Adsense
Clickbank
This is a program that offers several different types of products you can promote on your website and get as much as 75% commission on them. You can choose any product and as many products as you would like to promote or advertise. This is another lucrative way to make money from your website or blog.
Text Link Ads
Text-link-ads.com brings targeted traffic to your website or blog. Similar to Clickbank.com, you make money from potential clients clicking on text-based ads inserted on your site. You receive 50% commissions on everything and they also have an affiliate program which gives you $25 for every person you refer to their company. Read more here:
Here are some additional sources for making money on your website or blog:
Keep in mind that just because you create a website, doesn't mean people want to see it or work with you. Give them a reason to , by enriching your website or blog. Make some extra money!
How do you make money on your website or blog? Share ideas with us.
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com
follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/tamarargarrison
follow me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Who-Prosper/125968110792129
I know, I know. Sounds like something illegal, but I'm not talking about anything like that. Whether you have a 9 to 5 job, own a business, or are a domestic diva, I believe everyone should have a source of additional income or as I like to say -side hustle-. Below, I have listed a few -side hustle- ideas that have made people a good amount of extra income. Hope you find something you like:
Affiliate Marketing
This is probably one of the best ways to make extra money online. Affiliate Marketing allows you to sell certain products from your website on commission usually via advertisement or referral. It's an excellent way to make extra money, even in your sleep! Some great affiliate programs are right in from of you, you just have to look. Here are some of my suggestions:
BBWO: Black Business Women Online
Read Emails
Now, you won't make thousands of dollars doing this, but it is a good option to make an extra few hundred dollars a month. Here is a company you can sign up with:
Social Networks
Yes! You can get paid to socialize with people. I know we have facebook, twitter, and myspace but these social networks actually pay you for visiting the site, getting friends, and even clicking on advertisements. Of course you want to choose the best one. From my research here are two that I thought were the best:
These are all great ways to create additional income for yourself. If you need help deciding which one would be the best, or need more information, contact me. BUT you should do something. If you would like to work with me and my team as your -side hustle- contact us today! garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com .
If you already have a -side hustle-, please comment to this post and share it with us! You never know who could be interested.
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
Updated 6/4/11
http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/
garrisonprosperitysolutions@gmail.com
follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/tamarargarrison
follow us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Who-Prosper/125968110792129
Get your business listed on From A Writer's POV the month of July for only $5. You can place your business name, info, link & banner on our Top Business List of the Month. Then in July we advertise you and your business.
Take advantage!!!
http://www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com/apps/blog/show/7297455-happy-monday-
Thanks,
Dominique Watson
CEO/From a Writer's POV
Most of us think of celebs in terms of entertainers. But the category is far more vast. A celeb is anyone who has notoriety with the general public or a select group of people. So the range of celebrity talent goes from famous actors, dancers and writers to hair stylists, inventors or maybe even an industry expert. What determines brandability can be summed up with two questions. WHO would be interested? WHY would they care?
My determination process may seem a bit crass, but it cuts to the chase and saves loads of time. Once we determine theWHO, the WHY is almost as important. Its the WHY that dictates longevity and level of success. A fly-by-night sensation will lose its shine once the 15 minutes of fame or over, that is unless we keep giving them more WHYs.
EXAMPLE: Last year we were all singing the "Pants On the Ground" song courtesy of General Larry Platt. The General appeared on the season 9 auditions of American Idol. Platt then embarked on a whirlwind media tour that included appearances on The View and Ellen and even spawned his own You Tube Channel (click here to visit). There were posters and t-shirts and even an attempt at a iTunes single. Let's face it, General Platt became an epidemic.
Now fast forward one year. We could care less about the "Pants" (on the ground or otherwise). So what made the excitement fizzle? No rocket science required here, the reason WHY the General WAS famous, but ceased to be current or interesting. Of course there are other factors that contribute to brandability, I made a quick list below.
Here are the key factors to be BRANDABLE:
- Be Clear - clearly determine your fan base
- Be Interesting - can you keep the fans interested long term
- Be Personable - can you connect to your audience on a personal and emotional level
- Be Authentic - fans don't care if you are an angel or an ass, they just want it real
Remember Branding is all about 'promise of value'. Determine your value, and you determine your brand.
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We all know that Social Media is the hottest thing today. If you're not making money using Twitter, you're loosing out. Imagine all the Twitter users and your followers and making money from them.
Don't miss out! What's great about it, this information is FREE!! Have fun making money using Twitter!!
Here's a great way to help businesses lower their debit and credit card processing costs and earn a percentage of every single transaction.
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To SignUp, contact me to get Started TODAY!!
Owning your own business can be hard and finding ways to decrease costs while increasing profits can be even harder. Do you find yourself trying to compare services from a number of different vendors just to cover your essential business needs? Trying to arrange separate contracts for multiple services can be tedious and time-consuming. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could get all of your external business services from a single, trusted provider?
Learn more about The Essential Business Toolkit! http://bit.ly/kBbq5Y
Affiliate Marketing is a great way to make some additional income outside of your primary business? Here's A "Done-For-You" Prospecting and Booking Service that can earn you $800 each time you refer other network marketers, stay at home moms or anyone looking to make some extra monthly income.
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Most network marketers do not like calling their prospects due to fear or simply don't like talking to them. As we know, it's important to build relationships once we connect with a prospect, but equally important to contact them. How would you like to build relationships, and begin training them once their in your business?
How would you like to continue your daily tasks and have a system on auto-pilot and never have to pick of the phone to call your prospects? More importantly, how would you like to have someone call your prospects, put them in front of your primary business, introduce them to your products and services, then close the deal for you?
Imagine how this could grow and build your business exponentially plus add prospects on a daily basis. Could you use an additional 10 to 20 or more prospects in your business without ever having to call them? Sounds hard to believe?
Click on the link below to learn how all of this is possible.
It’s that time of year again!!! From A Writer’s POV will be celebrating its 5th birthday all of July! Of course when we celebrate, our readers, followers and subscribers receive the gifts!
This year our birthday event is
“From A Writer’s POV MVP-Most Valuable Participant”
We are looking for the person who feels they are the most popular member, reader, retweeter, commenter, subscriber etc
In order to be considered as From A Writer’s POV MVP you must complete at least three of the tasks below
- If you are a poet, submit at least three poems to Open Poetry Café at www.fromawriterspov.webs.com throughout the month of June.
- Have purchased or purchase the Battle of the Sexes book. (You will need to take a picture of yourself and the book and email it to us to qualify for this task) http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/battle-of-the-sexes-poetry-edition/14956000
- Attend at least one Author and Writer meeting in June. www.authorswritersmeeting.webs.com
- Advertise with From A Writer’s POV. http://www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com/apps/webstore
- Inquire about getting featured. http://www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com/interviewsfeatures.htm
- Shout us out on twitter and facebook @fromawriterspov @thecafevibe @thepovlounge @awweeklymeeting
- Recommend us to a friend (they must mention your name when contacting us)
- Purchase one of The Literary Career Moves Books to help your literary career. http://www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com/apps/webstore/products/category/605542
While completing your tasks, have your friends and family vote for you via email. Simply have them email your first and last name to inquiries@fromawriterspovmagazine.com
(One vote per email) All Persons Participating in this event MUST have people vote for them! This is a required task!
The person with the most votes and completes at least three tasks, will win:
An interview on our Authors and Writers Meeting and a week of free self promotion on our magazine, café vibe facebook group, and sister sites. That week will be ALL ABOUT YOU as our Most Valued Participant!
The event starts June 1st and ends June 24th 2011
Good Luck
From A Writer’s POV Staff
