What You Should Know Before Starting a Business - The Exhausted Entrepreneur

"You own your own business!" is a frequent response when I meet new people. The perception is that business owners make tons of money, get the flexibility with work schedules and are not in danger of being fired or laid off. I can tell you from personal experience, owning your own business equates to a lot of responsibility and many sleepless nights. The following are a few concepts to consider before starting out on your own.

1. Examine your work ethic. If you like to sleep in until 10:00 am, wear your pajamas all day and then go out with friends for dinner and entertainment every night, you may need to stick to working for others. I keep a daily task log - some days are 3 pages in length. I wake up at 6:00 am and begin to prioritize my work load. I am responsible for meeting my deadlines. I do not have a secretary to keep track of these things. I will wrap up in the evenings with tying up loose ends and sending e-mails.

2. You need to love people. I am not kidding here. We have a service industry where the customer can fire us at any time. We work hard to treat others with dignity and respect. We need to be friendly and find a common ground with others. If you are in the business to help others and you are unkind and unfriendly, your business will dry up and wither away.

3. Budgeting is key. I use QuickBooks but other accounting software is available. If labor costs are too high, or you are working on a contract and losing money, you need to be aware of this early so that you can make adjustments. Often, in the early stages, the owner may have to defer a salary. If you hire folks, you have to be sure you can pay them a living wage. Your employees and their families are dependent on that salary and you need to take that seriously.

4. Look for new ways to grow and expand. The dynamics of business is changing. One example is the big box stores are losing revenue to the convenience of on-line shopping. You have to adjust and adapt to market trends. We offer various services, so that we have different kinds of revenue streams. We have also automated a lot of our services for the convenience of the customer. People are busy and appreciate when businesses respect their time.

5. Network with those that are successful. Look for an organization that will help you keep updated on innovations and regulations affecting your business. I have been enriched by my continued association with the Independent Water & Sewer Companies of Texas. I am able to learn from others about the trends in the water industry and the regulations impacting our industry.

6. Keep learning. Don't assume that you know everything. Take time to read trade journals, updates in state and federal regulations and attend seminars. The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality presents an annual 2-day drinking water conference in Austin and it is free to the public, but fills up quickly. I have been for six years and each time have learned new and better ways to run our water operations company.

7. Have a positive mental attitude. Everything is not going to go smoothly. There are issues that arise that have to be dealt with. If you have a difficult time managing stress and you take your temper out on others, it is crucial that you work on that before it damages your business relationships and those that work and live with you. It is difficult not to carry stress with you as a little black cloud always ready to rain on your parade. It is important that you manage the stress so that you are better equipped to deal with business operations.

8. Keep an open door to your customers and your employees. Don't hide from difficult customers or keep your head in the sand regarding negative situations in the office. Communication is key. If you are approachable and allow others to have a "safe zone" with you where they can talk about difficulties relating to the business, there is a lot you can learn. Be aware of those that are toxic, meaning, always being negative, talking about others behind their backs and being disloyal. If the opportunity comes to separate yourself from these types of people or limit your contact, it will be better for the business (and your mental health) to make the change.

9. Stay focused. When you are on your own schedule, it is easy to get side-tracked. Some interruptions are opportunities to let your business shine. Be able to discern what the unnecessary distractions are. When I was studying in law school, I had to find the bottom floor of the library in a study carrel far away from talking or footsteps. It was so important for me to laser focus on my studies that I had to remove all distractions. In the business world, it can be just putting your phone on silent and letting it go to voice mail and returning those e-mails and phone calls after the important task at hand is completed.

10. Stay professional. It may be tempting to show up to work in pajamas and a "man-bun"- but that might be the day your biggest potential client walks in and needs to be impressed. There are a few days that I need to be "in the field" with a warm jacket, boots and jeans. In the office, I keep it business casual. In meetings, I am in more business formal. You can set the tone for the work place. If others in the office have a more casual approach, just collaborate with them on an office dress code policy that is professional.

For those in the business world, this list may seem obvious. For the younger generation wanting to start out on your own, this list may not be intuitive. There are rewards from working hard as a business owner, but not without setting goals and a lot of hard work.

Heather Nehila is the owner of Aggregate Water. To learn more about having a customer service inspection, well operation servicing, or utility billing services please visit http://www.aggregatewater.com/contact-us/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Heather_Nehila/2381739

Don't Stop When You Are Tired - Stop When You Are Finished!

Work ethic has lost some of its importance in the 21st century. If you ask must employees when they work they will respond with very specific parameters. A typical response might be that the work on weekdays only, Monday through Friday, weekends, or some combination and that they work for a specific time, such as nine to five, second shift, or a swing shift.

The benefit of being an employee is that you know exactly when, where, and how long to work. Once the limit is met you can stop working and let the business fend for itself.

This is the opposite work ethic required by the Entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur there will come a time when you get tired of working. Over a period of time the entrepreneur may even experience some burn-out. This will be especially true when the business is not going as successfully as planned.

The reality is that if you are going to be an entrepreneur it does not matter how exhausted you feel. It does not matter how many hours you worked today, or what time the clock says. If there is important work to be finished the entrepreneur must go beyond traditional quitting standards and get the work done.

One of the best strategies to improving work ethic is to do the hardest and most difficult tasks early in your work day. Most entrepreneurs are at the peak when first getting back to work. Entrepreneurs just can't wait for the night to get over so that they can get back to doing something they truly enjoy.

Once the difficult and pressing tasks are completed then work on the items that have to be accomplished to keep the business open. Develop a checklist of things that have to be completed each day. Prioritize the list and then mark items off as they have been completed. Draw a line between all of the items that have to be finished today and those that could be finished if possible.

To be successful the entrepreneur must be dedicated to developing their work ethic. Sometimes this may mean "grunting" through dreaded or tedious tasks. It could mean always being the first in and last out of the office. A strong work ethic means never stopping until the important things are completed.

The moment you lose your work ethic is the moment your business fails. As long as you are able to keep plugging along, you will accomplish your goals.

American Grant Writers Association http://www.agwa.us

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Porter/2296801

Why Do Individuals Go for Self Employment?

Self employment can be categorized within the form of the status in the labor market that can cover a vast range of activities. There are various reasons as to why individuals may go for the option of self employment and this is why the group might be heterogeneous. On the one end, the self employed individual can be seen as a single, entrepreneurial employee having micro businesses whereas, on the other end, a possible spectrum is that a group may comprise those people who tend to fail in finding an appropriate paid employment prevailing within the current market conditions. For instance, those who require working in flexible hours might rightly select it as way of earning an income in case a paid contract of employment that is offering enough flexibility is unavailable. There are others who consider this idea as the only alternative to unemployment.

In order to gain an insight of all the positive reasons that are attributed to those individuals who go for self employment, there is a vast range of motivations that requires consideration. These motivational factors might include the desire of self expression, for status, for independence or for any financial benefit.

Broadly speaking, this concept can be categorized within two sections:

· Individuals who go for self employment for voluntarily purposes such as to attain job satisfaction, independence as well as to earn higher returns, and;

· Individual who have been forced to enter into self employment simply because they do not find any other attractive opportunity.

In case, the motivation behind self employment of an individual is the former one, than the entire scenario can be viewed positively as it will offer the individuals an opportunity to increase the quality of living along with exploring different entrepreneurial opportunities. On the other hand, if an individual enters for any negative reasons or is forced within self employment then there are chances that the individual will be unwittingly encouraged to launch work opportunities or business ventures that are not only poorly resourced but, are ill-prepared as well. Such a situation might also result in a delayed transition towards unemployment.

Why is self employment growing?

There are many reasons to which the growth of self employment can be attributed to and below mentioned are some of the most common reasons:

· The number of people seeking full time employment jobs are quite higher as compared to the number of jobs available in the in the industry.

· Outsourcing of labor cuts a great deal of costs of the employers.

· Improved level of productivity as well as rapid increment in technological advancements tends to replace many jobs.

· The requirement to have flexible working time can be found in many working parents as well as in other individuals.

· The stripping of a whole management layer now holds very less opportunities for advancements.

· The advancement of the internet technology has made the idea of self employment accessible as well as low cost area to enter.

· Younger generation requires more freedom in their work and this is abundantly present in being self employed.

· It can be a part of your portfolio career in addition to your part time job.

Should you try self employment? What to consider?

It is the dream of many people to become a boss one day - by being self employed. But, the question is as to whether self employment is the right option for you or not?

Talking about the positive side, opting to this concept will allow you to be more flexible as well as freedom in your work through which you will be able to make your own decisions. Moreover, if your self employment plan is home based or if you are working from near your home, than it is considered to be a better commute. In addition to the positives, there are negative factors as well which might include the risk of extra stress risk, unpredictable income and most importantly the challenge to attain benefits on your own. You can consider about its pros and cons in a way that if you fall in this category, you go plan a vacation at anytime you want being its pros whereas, the con side will be that no one will be paying you for that trip.

If you want to work for yourself, discussing the topic with other people who are ether willing to start one of their own businesses or are conducting the affairs of a business similar to the one you are planning will be a good idea. Moreover, making a good amount of research of the market in which you are planning to enter along with its related matters such as tax obligations and record keeping will make the task easier.

On the other hand, even if you are planning to start a one-man business such as a graphic designer or a handyman after you have sought some experience in the field; there is still lot to be learnt about the practicalities of being self employed. Following mentioned are some points to consider when one is opted to this concept:

· How much flexibility you can show and what level of comfort you can show when dealing with an uncertain situation. What are your thoughts about the fact when you ought to have various tasks within your work?

· What is the amount of your fixed expenses and what type of resources as well as financial safety you have in your household (household income or savings)?

· What is the growth rate of the market segment in which you are deciding to enter?

· What are your thoughts about marketing and selling yourself as well as your business?

· Do you have the qualities of being self disciplined and self motivated?

· What is your competitive advantage and who will be the rivals in the market?

· Do you hold enough knowledge and information about business topics and market resources?

· How can you test your business plan? Are there any ways through which your business model can be tested initially so as to know whether the plan will work or not?

· Have you prepared an estimate as to what amount of capital will be required to start your business and whether you will be able to pay living expenses of you and your family during the launching phase of your work? Do you have that required amount of capital? If no, then how will you obtain it? Have you drafted any plan about what will you do if your expenses exceed your income than was forecasted?

Why Should I Be Self Employed?

Are you looking for an opportunity to become self employed and be your own boss? Being a boss to own can be a very big decision especially if your routine has been to work for someone else and have a steady amount of salary every month. The question as to why should I be self employed is supported with many reasons or you can also refer them to be the pros of being self employed.

· You have your fate in your hand. You have the freedom to make your decisions as this opportunity is absent in a regular 9 to 5 job in which you really cannot select what to do, why and when.

· You have the opportunity to do what you have been dreaming of. Since all the affairs are in your own hand, you are free to make those decisions to which you have always wished for your own.

· Your earnings depend upon your performance and there is an opportunity to earn as much or as little as possible. There is more freedom to work as well as rest depending on what you feel.

· You will be able to spend quality time with your family members and friends.

· Your work schedule is flexible and can be designed to adjust with your needs and requirements.

· You can control your level of development. For instance, you can learn and work on aspects which you have interest in rather in those areas in which your boss is interested in.

· A successful setup of your own can bring you pride.

· You have the opportunity to follow your dreams.

· The working hours are quite flexible however, remember that the more you work the more you can earn.

Facts to remember

· Motivation is the key towards opting a successful self employment plan. If you want to become successful, you will have to put in some extra hard work.

· You will be held responsible for all your actions and its consequences unless you go for a partnership concern in which all the partners will be held liable.

· Networking on both online and offline courses will be important.

Self employment is considered to be a life changing decision, so, it is very important that you look into every aspect and then start your work so as to become successfully self employed.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Atif_Mumtaz_Khan/2161611

Avoiding Business Abortion - Yikes!

"O God! Can I not grasp

Them with a tighter clasp?"

-Edgar Allan Poe, A Dream Within a Dream

In keeping with the theme from my last article, this week I wanted to discuss another important aspect of starting your own business. This one, however, may be even more controversial than last week's post because it will probably feel like I am attacking your family; particularly, I am about to attack your baby and it's not gonna feel good.

Being an entrepreneur myself, I know the pride that comes with starting your business or creating your product: seeing your logo on a sign, seeing reviews on social media, reading your awesome title on a business card out loud. Owner. President. It's as good a feeling as having your kid become POTUS.

BUT I am about to take that business card and rip it into hundreds of little pieces right in front of your face. Well, not me but I'm gonna ask you to do it. Go ahead - try it.

How did that feel? I bet it was a devastating feeling. But as an entrepreneur, you're gonna need to get used to it, but not always for negative reasons. Let me explain.

My first business was a tanning salon. Yes, I actually sold sunshine in the Sunshine State. I planned for over a year, researching the industry, trends, viability in my market, competition, location, and much much more. I wrote a 65-page business plan, and I was very proud of that. Even the bank loan specialists were impressed with the plan and many asked for copies to keep, even after denying me a loan. I'll get into more details on that in another post, but there are two important points here. First, I opened the business with my fiancée at the time (again, a future post will focus on starting a business with friends and family). My second problem was actually related to the first: my fiancée felt all those giddy things I mentioned in the second paragraph above, and she wanted to avoid feeling what I mentioned in the third.

When the business grew to a point where I felt it was time to expand (i.e., a second location, franchising the brand, etc.) she did not want anyone else to have a controlling interest in the company. Not even 5%. And to avoid a lengthy discussion or fight, I went along with it.

Then, about a year later, our relationship came to an end. We had a brief discussion about the business, and I told her to keep it. Most of my family and friends believe that was a mistake. But, an entrepreneur needs to be able to see when a decision or product or service is going to create a hemorrhage that could prove to be his or her own personal extinction asteroid. I had cut my losses and moved on; I knew I could open another tanning salon if I wanted to, and eventually buy her out - but I never cared for the tanning business.

Had I tried to fight for a share of that business, I'd probably still be fighting for it ten years later, and only the lawyers would be making any money off of it. Thing is, I had planned for this (and many other crazy scenarios) in my business plan. I'd even planned for an often-missed "best case scenario" (in which the business grows too quickly to be sustainable). The tanning salon is still afloat, but it's not making my ex a millionaire by any means.

So, learn to kill that baby. I recommend giving away a precious possession or buying a graphics tablet like the Buddha, Adesso, or Crayola, then write or draw something amazing every day or every week, and wipe it clean (or let it clear itself). You can even get a dry-erase board and do this on a budget. If you get a sweetheart deal from a "White Knight" investor like those on TV, weigh the options objectively and do it. It's usually for the best.

For more entrepreneurial advice and tips on helping your business succeed, visit [http://headlesshammerhead.com]. You'll be glad you did!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Giovanni_V_Crisan/2309270

How to Gather Information for a Proposed Business

Sufficient Information is needed for business success. An organization or economic structure where goods and services are exchanged for one another or for money is referred to as business.

Most businesses requires ample form of investment and adequate customers to whom its products can be sold on a steady basis in order to regulate constant profit flow.

Businesses can be confidentially owned, not-for-profit or Government owned. A typical example of a commercial business is Goodneeed, whereas Jaykool foodies business is a private project. In order to gather information for a proposed business, the following steps must be followed according in no particular order.

1. Conduct market studies and surveys. You can do this yourself, either formally or informally to obtain feedback on your product or service, and if you have the money you can pay someone to do it for you.
2. Spy! That's perfectly right. If you want to know about prices/performance ratio at another store, outlets or the number of customers a competitor has, simply visit his visit empire/blog or store and walk around to know more about the tools your competitor is applying or using.
3. Attend trade shows, events, conference, expos and business fairs. These are excellent sources of information and personal contacts that can propel your business to a level of unconditional success.
4. Network with colleagues, friends, or associates. Everyone knows someone else who can help them with some aspects of their intended business. Use these friends, associates and their knowledge to the best of your possible advantage. some will be glad to give advice or help
5. Follow the local and National news. Keep abreast of trends and fads. Often, newspaper and online journals contain a wealth of small business information and possible ideas that can make the difference.
6. Don't be silent; silent kills.Talk to members of your local chamber of commerce or NGOs that are into employment issues. Again, they will probably be open to help you along since they were once in your situation.
7. The internet is always and readily available for access. Use the internet to open the door to business websites. The beauty of the internet is that one site often leads to another in terms of connected resources. There is virtually nothing that can't be located online. Make use of the internet and gather useful data's needed.
8. Do you know any successful entrepreneur within your community? Talk to entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses for advice, information, and even encouragement. Many small business owners will gladly tell what they went through. Their experiences matters a lot. Words of encouragement from their successes can catalyze your footsteps and guide you towards achieving success. Make friends with them and learn from their mistakes.
9. Write to companies and request information on how they started out. Most companies will help you out here. They have detailed information about their startups and how to achieve success faster.
10. Ensure to buy your competitors goods/products to compare with yours and make notes on how they advertise. Most of them have their key secrets. For you to achieve success and surpass them you need to carry out products comparison and possible ways of improvement. This can be achieved purely by effective business research.
11. Talk to competitors, friends, colleagues, your former employers, if you know any. They may give you insight into how your competitors operate. This is very important.
12. Use your own noggin and that of a business partner/investor, friend, or spouse to come up with your own unique answers and information.
13. Listen to radio and television shows and talks on business and attend business events. Never walk alone. Always enhance connection by interacting with the speakers on radios.

Final Word 
According to Collin Powell," There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure". Honestly comprehend that even after gathering useful information about your proposed business, you might discover that you still need more facts or answers. If ask why? You will realize that your research will inevitably raise fresh questions that requires adequate answers. My candid advice is not to be dispirited, this is normal. Starting a business can bring lots of headache and can also be time consuming as well, so you have to be flexible for maximum success.

Research Chemist and Tech blogger who makes money online from his blog and other investments. He runs his own Science and Tech website http://www.jaysciencetech.com and Teaches/Inspire Newbie Bloggers on how to Create & Make money Online at http://www.akwaonline.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ofonimeh_J_Joseph/2407179

How Content Marketing Can Help Build Your Business

It's no secret that the internet has become the #1 source for information. The Web is the largest market for seekers of information and providers of information. No matter what your business, everyone must have a website. If you don't, you can be assured that you are a step behind your competition.

What should be included on your site? At a minimum, you must state who you are (About Us Page) and what you do (Home & Product/Services Page). This is all fine and dandy. But how do potential customers find you?

Two simple words can answer this question: "Content Marketing". The second word is easy to describe. Marketing is simply promoting/advertising your product or service. However, the traditional methods (brochures, TV ads, fliers) are being replaced by more cost effective methods. That leads us to the first word: content. Many of us have heard the term before. But what exactly does it mean?

According to the Content Marketing Institute, content marketing is defined as "a marketing technique of creating and distributing relevant, consistent, and valuable information to a defined audience." The key word here is valuable, meaning it is something the end user wants and would pay for. Compare that to and advertisement or junk mail (spam) that someone either turns off immediately or throws in the garbage because they find no value in it. Content marketing doesn't explicitly promote a brand like a commercial for Nike or Coke does. The information is targeted to a specific group who wants it or seeks it out. Thus you are building a long term, personal relationship with your (potential) customers versus treating them like a sale. No one likes to feel like they are being sold to. They want to feel like they are part of a story, and people love stories.

The next question is why would a business create content in the first place? The main answer is to build their BRAND. Your brand is your #1 asset. It can take years to build, but only minutes to destroy. Your brand shows you are an expert in your field. You also raise awareness to consumers about issues they may not have considered previously. Traditional marketing is only effective after the consumer has made the decision to buy. Content marketing moves them along the buying process.

Creating content is much more cost effective than traditional marketing, thus resulting in a greater ROI. What are some key characteristics of good content?

· It's FREE: users don't have to pay for it

· Attracts and retains audiences who will eventually become customers. Your typical :30 radio or TV add is forgotten almost immediately

· Contains backlinks to your website, thus creating a compound effect as your content is shared with your user's users and their user's users.

· Must be mobile friendly as many internet users browse on smartphones and tablets

· Must be keyword oriented for SEO algorithms used by Google and other search engines (a keyword is something you type in your browser when you want to look for something specific. I'm a writer so hopefully I'll show up when someone types in "freelance writer, copywriter, or simply writer"

· Finally, it must contain a call-to-action (prompt the user to do something)

What are some examples of content marketing?

· Blogs

· Success Stories

· Podcasts

· YouTube videos

· Whitepapers

· Articles

· Social Media posts

· E-books

· Newsletters

I hope you found this information useful, as I expect content marketing to replace traditional marketing in the not-to-distant future. I'm sure all of you will now become expert marketers and see your visitors multiply exponentially, thus resulting in more conversions.

Partner Dave is a freelance writer in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in content marketing, business plans, web copy, and building brand awareness. He is the author of the white paper "The Transaction Tax: Has the IRS Finally Met Its Match?", which discusses replacing the income tax with a transaction tax. Visit his website at http://www.partnerdavethewriter.com or email him at info@partnerdavethewriter.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Bialecki/2255361

5 Steps To Take To Ensure Your Degree Certificate Does Not Block Your Financial Success In Life

I strongly believe that you are going to find this article both eye-opening, refreshing, challenging and true because practical research and facts have been considered to ensure that you get to receive help from it.

You will get an epiphany.

Between the lines you will have a revelation like no other and most certainly you can thank me later. If you don't get the revelation, read this post again and again then come and thank me or send a postal mail or email or call using the details provided on this article.

Now to the 5 steps...

But before that, I would love to bring to your attention a true story that will prove useful now and in years to come.

A story is told of a certain African farmer who had 5 acres of land that had a stream at the lower side of the farm full of clean water. Sometime later, this farmer heard of people getting massive amounts of wealth from selling diamonds that they found on their pieces of land and he decided to sell his acres of land to go in search of those precious jewels and become rich.

Several months later, his body was found hanging on a tree because he searched with no luck and he became frustrated which made him decide to take his life.

Back in the farm that this farmer sold, the friend of the new owner came to visit him and upon close scrutiny of his fireplace he saw a large rock that this new owner had put to decorate his fireplace. He looked closer and noticed that this rock was in real sense a diamond in its natural form and in amazement he told the farmer that it was the largest diamond that he had ever seen.

Curious to know how he had come across such a large diamond, this friend asked him where he had found it. The farmer said that he had found it at the stream that was at the lower side of the farm and that there were thousands of other such stones smaller in size strewn all over the bottom of the stream.

True to what the farmer said, they went to the stream and saw them which made them dig up more. They discovered that the diamonds were occupying a whole acre of land, free and clear.

The land originally sold to this new owner was full of the same precious jewels that the previous owner went looking for after selling his land for so cheap a price.

You see, the now dead original owner made a mistake of not first doing his research to know how diamonds looked like when natural and went blindly in search of the elusive jewels whereas his own land had a whole acre of diamonds that would have made him rich beyond his expectations.

This story illustrates how today in the modern world people go in search of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow without knowing that there is no gold there.

Many look at the wrong places instead of first focusing on one thing...

The resourcefulness of their mind that has been given to them for free at no charge.

The mind of man when properly harnessed and equipped can create so much for the owner but it has become the least used resource when people want to get solutions to their problems or situations that are affecting the community.

However, it will no longer be like this to whoever takes action and follows every of the steps outlined in this article and every other resource made available here.

You see, we are in an age of what I would term as learned helplessness whereby many look to jobs and bosses as their only source of provision whereas there would be much more reward if they chose to look beyond the jobs and make use of their freely given minds to get more out of life.

The time of telling children to go to school, get a degree, get a good job, marry, get children, retire and then die is far outdated than the stone age and it is time that those who want more out of life learnt to know that opportunities exist all around us just waiting for that soul that is ready and willing to live beyond the comfort zone of just paying the bills and into a zone of leaning on your edges to do all that you can to create an impact in your environment and beyond.

And so to help you get started on being the best version of yourself and not be hindered from the success that you deserve, below you will find five simple steps that you can take today and come out of learned helplessness which may kill the spark in you.

Step 1: Think Outside The Box

This is a common term and today it will make a different meaning than what you may have ever thought it meant.

You have heard it said that good things come to those who wait?

WRONG!!

Good things come to those who show up and take massive action.

Good things come to those who dare to take action even when everything within them says no.

Good things come to those who invest in themselves without counting cost.

Good things come to those who keep moving on even when the present

circumstances do not give them the motivation or reason to keep moving on.

Good things come to those who have the mentality of an eagle and not that of an oyster. An eagle soars to go look for whatever it wants whereas an oyster is tossed to and fro by the sea waves and eats whatever the ocean brings on its way.

For you to think outside the box, it means that you are willing to keep moving on when everything within you shouts to you to stop.

To think outside the box means you have to be uncomfortable with average.

To think outside the box means that you don't want to forever be chained to a job rather you have in place the strategy to become your own boss before old age starts showing signs of approaching.

There is so much we can say about thinking outside the box but for now let's go to the next step...

Step 2: Increase Your Skills Outside Your Field of Expertise

I will not say much in this but if you ever want to go far in life equip yourself with practical knowledge that is able to inspire you to action.

There are lots of free online courses that are far much better than a university degree that you can take advantage of and learn a skill that is able to finally pay you more than your job.

And if you dare look more keenly, you will find what you seek...

Step 3: Get Entrepreneurial Genes

Most education systems have put millions of people in learned helplessness and made them stick to one line of thinking without knowing that there is so much more outside the comfort zone of a job.

To put it in plain language, never depend on a single source of income: JOB

Leverage your earnings and pocket money to start a side business using part of the little that you get.

Some side businesses need zero capital and others need very little capital.

Learn business skills like market research which will help you know how to identify the needs in the community which you can solve and cash in on them.

Step 4: Don't wait for retirement

A research has been carried out and it has been confirmed that 70% of people are in jobs they hate or work for bosses they hate which in turn has led to poor service and inferior products.

Whoever is reading this article ought not to be in that category because you will get a blueprint of how you can come out or avoid getting into the chains of a job or a boss you loathe.

You need to set goals to retire early and start your own corporation before your strength is gone.

You need to consider getting your hands dirty and start cultivating your own plantation as early as in your 20s or 30s or 40s.

Simply put, don't work for 40 years in a job just to pay the bills, desire much more than that!!

Step 5: Get a Mentor or Mentors

The final step in all this is to ensure that you model somebody who is doing what you desire to be doing.

Mentors make your success come faster than you had anticipated because you learn from their mistakes which saves you time so that you don't make the same mistakes that they made.

Mentors don't need to be meeting you face to face. You can have a mentor who you have never met or will ever meet by interacting with them virtually. Read their books, watch their videos, listen to their audios, follow them on social media and study their thought patterns through their words. And then think as they think.

In conclusion, being just an employee never gave anyone financial freedom and there is need to learn new ways to create your own economy in such a way that despite tough economic times, you can always have various skills and opportunities that you can leverage.

There is so much more within you and you need to activate your success genes by investing in yourself and buying what is able to expand your mind and grow you into a better, more knowledgeable version of yourself.

We would not want you to miss on the chance to have faith in your ability to take action and it is of great importance that you do whatever it takes to ensure that the next 90 days are going to be far much better than the last 90 days.

Life's too short for ordinary.

It is known that 99% of Being a Multimillionaire is Deciding To BE ONE. It's not what you do. It's not how hard you work. It's not even what your "job" is. I have sought to open up a lot of what could otherwise have remained hidden to millions of people and through a step by step guide, there is a blueprint that has been made available for those who want to bet on themselves and take massive action.

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http://www.financiallyfreebeforegraduation.com/the-book/

Organization: One Vital Key to Handling Growth Within Small Businesses

Once you have a clear picture of your priorities - that is your values, goals and high leverage activities, organize around them."--Stephen Covey

Being an entrepreneur is part of the hustle. Small businesses now want a bigger piece of the "pie," and wealth isn't in short supply. But one of the challenges that small businesses face is handling the growth of the business. One reason is that not all entrepreneurs were business majors in college where one would have learned to develop, oversee, and organize operations.

The thought process usually goes from: idea, to operating, to profiting as the end result. And then one day it all becomes a reality, making one's way from off the ground to up and running while during the planning stages- - growth wasn't a considering factor.

Understand that just starting out with little to no employees doesn't require having structured systems in place because the owner usually does all the work. He or she acts as the sales person, producer of goods or services, technical support, help desk, customer service, bookkeeper and a host of other roles as the demand calls for it.

This demand is actually the growth of the business, where now it's time to bring on employees or outsource to virtual assistants the mundane tasks that can be handled by skilled workers. Many business owners will go over job duties and specific tasks that need to be handled to make the business operate as smoothly as possible. This can certainly work for a time being. But as work orders increase and customers desire more and varied types of products and services, those responsibilities need updated, improved upon, or even changed.

Eventually, by keeping things the same, even though the business is evolving can slow up the processes of the business. Not everyone will continue to understand their specific roles and how things should be operating. Money can be mishandled; customers may not be serviced in a timely manner or at all, and pending issues can go unresolved. Things can really slip through the cracks and constituencies can question the owner's credibility.

This can lead to an increased amount of stress on the owner as well as causing the business to suffer; ultimately leading to the owner cutting back on production or closing down the business because it has become too much to handle; especially if the money has been misappropriated and cannot be recovered.

"To be in hell is to drift; to be in heaven is to steer." George Bernard Shaw

It doesn't have to be that way. If you are a new business owner, or if you perceive that your business is about to take off exponentially, it may be time for you to implement proven organization to your business. Do so by documenting how tasks are to be performed. This means that you will have to develop training materials, an employee handbook, a handbook of policies and procedures. All of these organizational tools can keep your employees or virtual assistants accountable, so that everyone is held to the professional standard that you have set for your business. And if your business requires everyone to have a laptop, specific software geared toward your industry, printers, and filing cabinets, then go ahead and invest in these tools to handle the growth of your business. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of your business.

If the growth of your business happens before the big profits come in, then don't sweat it. Just apply for business credit. It can cover your costs without affecting your credit file negatively. A personal can qualify for up to $75,000 for a new start-up and $150,000 for a seasoned business. One of the great benefits of using business credit as compared to personal credit is that it doesn't report to personal credit reporting agencies and the credit can be converted to cash to pay those new employees. It can pay the outsourcing costs of any virtual assistance and it can be used to purchase the tools needed to keep up with the growth of your business.

Business credit cards are based on a personal guarantee. So, there are several criteria that must be met to be approved: 720 credit score, 30% debt-to-credit ratio, no bankruptcies, no foreclosures, no missing payments in the past 24 months of making application, one or more credit cards with a $5,000 maximum limit and a 10 year personal credit history. And if you are short on any of these criteria mentioned, you can receive mentorship from business credit card consultants on how to meet those must-haves.

Why wait and watch your baby unravel at the seams after putting in your hard-earned efforts just because you didn't anticipate the growth and didn't make the concessions for it. It could actually be bursting at the seams with profits; wealth is only one decision away. Getting a bigger piece of the pie begins right here right now and right today.

Apply today and you will receive a funding estimate within 24 hours:

https://mwcc.wufoo.com/forms/janine-herrera-prequalification-form/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janine_Herrera/2328775

Business Vision Check-Up

In this highly-charged, energetic world, we're constantly evolving and changing, and our businesses change as a result. And sometimes we're working visions and plans that have become outdated.

Yet, here we are... in the midst of taking action for a plan that no longer fits. Our vision has changed.

In order to make sure your actions are in alignment with your Current Vision, you need to do a periodic Business Vision Check-up. This is a way to check in with what you want to do, what you want to be offering, and then how all that plays out in the next 6-12 months of your business planning, marketing, and promotional calendar.

First, sit quietly. This isn't a quick exercise to go through during the commercial break of your favorite show, or in between scrolling on Facebook. Get yourself ready to hear what your soul has to say. Don't worry if the answers scare you. That's okay. You don't actually have to DO anything right now.

But your soul does want you to listen.

Next, ask yourself the following Business Soul questions. Feel into the answers. Write them down.

• What do you want to be known for? As in, "Oh, you should talk to [YOUR NAME]! She is awesome at _____________."
• Why is that important?
• And why is THAT important? (The idea is to keep going deeper until you come up with something that makes you go, "That's it!!!")
• What is your greater purpose and mission?
• If money, current obligations, contracts, what people might say or think, etc. were no object, what kind of work would you be doing?
• If you could work with ANYONE, who would that be?
• Why?
• Jump ahead to five years. In your wildest dreams, what would you be doing?

You have some very interesting answers, I bet.

Now, answer these questions.

• What can you let go of that is part of your Old Vision? Can it be tweaked, as opposed to thrown completely out the window? (And, by the way, sometimes throwing an idea or project or even a service offering out the window is absolutely what's needed.)
• What kind of products, programs, workshops, retreats, consulting, teaching, mentoring, and other services are more in alignment with the answers from your Business Soul check-in?
• When could you start offering or promoting those? What do you need to make it happen?

You now have the basis for your Current Vision that is in alignment with your Soul Business. This is where things can really be scary, but don't let the fear keep you down. Just note all this, and breathe. You can implement this at any time... today, tomorrow, next year.

Just make sure your vision is as clear as it can be.

Want to see how systems can actually give you freedom, get you more clients, and grow a business that knocks your socks off? Of course, you do! Download your free Business Tree of Life and Sacred Systems Guide at http://www.SmartBusinessFromYourSoul.com.

Why Is There a Need for Brands to Tech-Innovate?

Technology is affecting consumers' lives by changing the way they live and interact with brands. A recent study by consulting firm Kantar TNS, found that that 47 percent of India's consumers with access to basic Internet feel constantly followed by online advertising, about 13 percent more than the global average. But what is more interesting is the fact that 21 percent of those responded that they ignore social posts or content from brands. This brings us to the question: Can publishers and business owners still find success to win customers?

Problem is in the roots

One of the biggest hurdles that still hinders the brand-consumer conversation is the lack of personalization. The traditional methods of web marketing included mainly Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing (SEO and SEM) and paid search. In those days, 'more visibility' of the product was the primary motive of online marketing. The directive was pretty straightforward - find a product and promote it digitally. It took a while for brand managers to realize that mere visibility is not effective - the results were more often linked with how the message engaged the consumer.

That is when the marketers understood the value of 'Unified Consumer View' and 'Customer Journey Mapping'. Thus, with the advent of data analytics the shift of focus from 'push marketing' to 'pull marketing' began. These changes also gave rise to marketing technology or MarTech, slowly crediting it to become a critical part of the brand strategy. The question is: Is enough being done? Perhaps, not!

Marketers today are looking at something more than just marketing messaging gateway. Brands today are capable to track their consumer behaviour through their digital footprint by means of analytics and MarTech tools to help customize product offerings depending upon the consumers' individual interest. A paradigm shift in this direction has already begun - from finding a product to promote to eventually becoming marketing relevant products basis consumer needs.

The workflow of visual-based marketing has made way for marketing automation tools to help brand managers to engage consumers with the right message on the right platform. This often means that companies need to tech-innovate (innovate using technology) to craft engaging conversation points across channels such as web mail, SMS and social media, etc. This habit of innovation using technology has to be based on the understanding of the customer's preference. For instance, if a consumer prefers email as source of information from brands, data analytics will process and assimilate the data and automate personalized email messages can be directed to the consumer.

The most important aspect of marketing automation is that it enables brands to strategize and manage their Marketing campaigns well in advance. Therefore, in case of festive season, which is peak time for brands in terms of sales, marketing automation helps brands to manage their messaging and strategize promotions well in advance, which leaves no space for chaos during heavy traffic on their websites.

The benefit that a consumer gets is access to all the information of various products and services on relevant platforms and engage real-time with brands while browsing or shopping online.

The adoption rate of marketing technology is extremely high with brands to gauge better customer data integration, and mapping customer experiences to a company's vision of omni-channel customer service.

Therefore, the data analytics embedded at the core of MarTech helps to improve customer service. Currently, ecommerce, retail and BFSI have been taking the lead in this. But opportunities are galore for other industries too. There are innumerable things that a brand can do with MarTech more efficiently and get into the next level of customer integration.

Digital media and technology in marketing has become omnipresent and there is no longer complete divide in perception amongst "digital marketing activities" and is simply considered as part of marketing. This thinking is partially driven by changes in consumer media consumption where they continue to consume content in different formats such as mobile, web, social media, etc. basis their preferences without consciously thinking about the channels. Real-time engagement in digital platform has emerged to be the most significant tool to drive improved outcome for brands to engage directly with consumers in a more coordinated and efficient approach.

Often, building in-house capabilities to nurture and implement MarTech best practices poses a challenge. In such circumstances, it is best to associate with a marketing technology consultancy that not only understands the ecosystem, but also has the wherewithal to execute plans across channels, which is imperative.

For more visit: http://www.netcore.in

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Winay_Bari/2352790

Getting a Mindset to Work

How many times have you heard motivational speakers, personal development gurus and life coaches talk about creating a "positive mindset"? You may have heard it so many times before that if you don't know, you question what does that actually mean. Still, in your lifetime you may've never heard that adage before! So, for many, the first step is understanding what does having a mindset mean?

We all have a mind. A place where our thoughts, ideas, feelings, perceptions and concepts are formed and the mind is in a place, the greatest computer ever known to man - the brain - and according to Wikipedia: "In a human, the cerebral cortex contains approximately 15-33 billion neurons, each connected by synapses to several thousand other neurons. These neurons communicate with one another by means of long protoplasmic fibres called axons, which carry trains of signal pulses called action potentials to distant parts of the brain or body targeting specific recipient cells."

How magnificent is that?

So, based on what we are facing or feeling, the neurons in our brain enables our 'mind' to perceive the situation that's in front of us. And when the events around us are negative and stressful, the resulting perception of a negative-leaning mindset can be misleading as once influenced in this way, it may manifest in ill-health, misinformation, internalising the negative energy and displaying or demonstrating impolite and uncivil behaviour. Thus the trick is to create a positive mindset by feeding the mind with positive thoughts and images and there are a number of ways of how to do this:

• Listen to motivational speakers and self-development gurus;
• Create a quiet space or place where the mind can sift through the rubbish it is fed on a daily basis from the mediums around it;
• Listen to uplifting music;
• Read positive quotes, affirmations and books;
• Move around positive people, dispelling anyone with any negativity;

Once our mind has been trained to focus on positivity, it becomes easier to discern when it is in a negative space (since we're only human and imperfect!) and what needs to change in order to be in that place.

As an individual, entrepreneur, marketer, CEOs or even an employee, having a positive mindset is crucial and critical in how we achieve our goals since, as with everything in life, there are challenges. The question is, how do we overcome those challenges when the going seems tough or the trial looks never ending? Like being on a boat or ship in a raging storm, on a rough and undulating sea, buffeted by wave upon wave, higher than the boat or ship itself; the captain must reassure his crew and passengers that everything will be fine. It's his duty to provide stability and a secure outlook, and he can only do so with a positive mindset, backed by his confidence and competency. Otherwise, if he fails to have one, he'd have more trouble on his hands than just with the weather.

I've had my share of challenging moments and continually do but I never ever give up or throw in the white towel. Contrary, I savour the test since this will take me out of my comfort zone and dare me to face the challenge. It can be scary. It can be unnerving but I never ever stop believing in myself and my abilities. I never stop to think I'm not capable or unworthy. At the end of the day, having a positive mindset helps to overcome the smallest of problems and I say to you, if you haven't got it already, cultivate one.

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Why the Mindset of an Entrepreneur Is Important

Various emotions and thoughts cross your mind when engaging in the idea of owning your own business. Many entrepreneurs get a sense of excitement while also feeling overwhelmed. You then relish in the idea that you can be your own boss that writes and cashes your own checks. However, shortly after all the initial excitement has passed, you begin to wonder will my product or service work, will it sell, or will I be able to take care of myself? With so many questions that you establish a great response for, doubts and uncertainty often formulate an antithesis in the shadows of our mind. Preparing and reframing your mindset about yourself and your business will determine how you operate and make your business successful.

I once heard Bishop T. D. Jakes say in his sermon entitled "A Changed Mind," you can never change your reality without first changing your mind. This statement has stuck with me ever since. It sounds so simple, but when you think about it, it is powerful. How often have you had preconceived notions about someone or something until you interacted with it or them and all a sudden, your perception is no longer the same from before your encounter? For instance, getting on a roller-coaster is frightening (especially the Fury 325 at Carowinds) but once you get on and scream to the top of your lungs when it stops most people want to ride it again. It wasn't that the ride got less scary it's just your mindset changed. What you believe will determine how you respond. If you're constantly thinking, I cannot do this or I know "it" will fail, it is more likely that you will not be successful. It's not because you did not have a good idea, or you weren't capable, but you could not see past your doubt to see the success that could have been.

When starting a business, you must understand that there will be natural deterrents that may arise, whether it be capital, office or storage space, or even market potential if you are trying to create a demand. Nevertheless, how you view these obstacles makes all the difference. Having limited capital may require you to utilize every possible resource you may have. Do not be afraid or too prideful to ask for help. Not having enough office or storage space will make you strengthen your organization skills. Creating a demand for your product or service will cause you to be more creative than you ever been. It's all how you perceive a challenge to be. Even with the unknowns do not allow fear to cripple you, instead let it be a motivator. We have an innate ability to fight or flight in any given situation. Choose to fight! Refuse to give up because of your past mistakes. In fact, reframe those mistakes as learning opportunities and never doubt your ability to break bad habits.

I would also like to stress the importance of having confidence in yourself. Think of it this way, if you had to buy a product or service from Eeyore or Tigger (characters from Christopher Robbin's Winnie the Pooh) who would you patronize? Eeyore, the humdrum individual who was not sure of himself and found every opportunity to tell you how miserable his life was or Tigger the jovial, outgoing, charismatic who loved to laugh and have fun even when working? I would go for a Tigger every time. How you view yourself is how others will view you. Be your own motivator and surround yourself with cheerleaders. Having a good support system is very integral in the pursuit of turning your dream into a reality.

Finally, as the adage goes, birds of a feather flock together. Surround yourself with successful entrepreneurs. Glean from their past business mistakes and triumphs. Read entrepreneurial magazines and books, network by joining professional groups or clubs, and engage and talk with potential customers about the product or service you are trying to offer. Be unyielding in your pursuit of changing your mindset when it comes to yourself and your business. What you believe is how you will succeed. Believe the best, speak life into your business, and shut down the voice of your insecurities. After all of that take the leap of faith and fly.

Tosh R. Comer is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, presently working at Fayetteville State University, and actively building EPICS Small Business Consulting. She is also currently enrolled in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Degree Program at Western Carolina University. Webmasters and other article publishers are hereby granted article reproduction permission as long as this article in its entirety, author's information, and any links remain intact. Copyright 2017 by Tosh R. Comer. You can reach her via email at epicssbc@gmail.com or her website http://www.epicssbc.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tosh_R_Comer/2388972

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Why Entrepreneurship Is the Ideal Career Choice for Millennials

If you have ever taken a second to look at the founders and creators of your favorite businesses and brands, you will find that many are under the age of 34. Even in my local community, the entrepreneurial landscape is thriving with twenty and thirty-somethings all out to create a future for themselves. I plan to join the ranks of being an entrepreneur. When asked why I wish to do so, I have realized it was never really a choice for me, but a notion that was always there, a trait that was embedded within in somehow long before I knew it was there. This, then, begs the question; why are so many Millennials flocking to entrepreneurship as a career choice?

What is a Millennial?

To answer why Millennials are choosing a life in entrepreneurship, you first have to know what a Millennial is. There aren't set start and end years for this generation, but the consensus typically places this group at being born in the 1980's and 1990's, coming to early adulthood in the early 2000's. Business dictionary defines Millennials (or Generation Y) as such, adding that it consists of the offspring of the Baby boomers (Generation X, and that having access to technology at an early age has not only forced businesses to incorporate use and updates of technology at a faster rate, but also to update hiring strategies. So, how Millennials view the workplace and a career?

Millennials Behavior Towards Careers

Needy, entitled, arrogant, overly relaxed, are many of the terms you'll find used to describe the Millennial generation, and in all fairness, they can be true, but what I think the more seasoned workforce veterans perceive as negative attributes could be a misunderstanding of what each generation is looking for in their lives and a career.

Jeff Fromm, Forbes contributor and author of "Millennials in the Workplace: They do not Need Trophies, but They Want Reinforcement" learned the average tenure for Millennials was only two years, while the average for Baby Boomers was seven, with Generation X decreasing that to about five years. In the same article, Fromm explains the cause for this low retention rate to Millennials putting the focus on growth. If growth does not seem evident to a Millennial, they have no problems changing jobs to get it.

Why Millennials Rather Forge Their Own Path

Fromm shares that Millennials growing up in an era where resources are virtually infinite, have gained and embraced an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to always be on the hunt for opportunities. MindTickle, exploring the "10 Millennial Personality Traits HR Managers Can't Ignore", listed number one on their list millennials' need to find a job or career that has "meaning", with a Fast Company article uncovering that to include: having the ability to share their gifts, making an impact on other's lives, and living a life they desire. Millennials have also had the privilege of growing up with role models who are entrepreneurs, allowing the idea of starting a business the expected logical thing to do, rather than an exception. ( https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/269995 ).

Millennials Traits

So, what traits do Millennials have that makes entrepreneurship an appealing career choice and a successful one?

For starters Millennials are an open and collaborative bunch. I believe this is primarily from growth into adulthood with social media. Being willing to share and receive feedback from peers allows Millennials to naturally transition into a transformational leadership style that is key to successful innovation, a skill needed for corporations and entrepreneurs alike to thrive.

Jim Moffat, Chairman and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, in his article "The Seven Positive Qualities of Millennials That Can Help You Improve Your Business" found Millennials to be motivated, natural leaders and innovators, thinking of innovation as a science, while also noting our inherited entrepreneurial spirit aiding in our ability to build a business.

Will Millennials be the Best Entrepreneurs Yet?

It is hard to determine, but the tools and mindset of a Millennial might make it possible. With the focus being placed on growth and opportunity, and business role models fashioned after entrepreneurs the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs. Big ideas coupled with the impatience of a career to reach them is what drives a Millennial and what makes a career in entrepreneurship a perfect choice.

Darius Thompson is an aspiring entrepreneur, and one of the needy millennials described above. He is currently enrolled in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Degree Program at Western Carolina University. Webmasters and other article publishers are hereby granted article reproduction permission as long as this article in its entirety, author's information, and any links remain intact. Copyright 2017 by Darius S. Thompson

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Darius_S_Thompson/2391081

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