Turning a Hobby into a Business
Posted on 2 May 2011 | No responses
Many of us dream of being our own independent bosses by going into business for ourselves. And most of us would jump at the chance to do what we enjoy, as a vocation. Realizing that kind of dream may be easier than it sounds, and people do it all the time by doing to a business that keeps them involved in the hobby or pastime they are most passionate about in life.
If you think this is a path you want to take, make an inventory list of your favorite hobbies and areas of interest. You may have a talent that can be sold as a service, or you may have a hobby that will allow you to turn it into a business supplying products to others who share the same hobby.
For example, if you are a mountain biking enthusiast, you may notice the need for a book bike shop in your town. You could open one and put your interest in biking to good use, providing a valuable service to others who needs accessories, bikes, and bike repairs. Or if you live in a place where the biking attracts tourists and other visitors, you could start a guide service, and lead people on organized bike excursions for a fee. Many athletes parlay their talents into businesses this way, by becoming coaches, by sponsoring lines of sports products, or by participating in the sport in ways that involve the kinds of things we mentioned opening a store, a guide service, or a repair shop.
There are retired law enforcement officers who start their own private security businesses, providing services like body guard work for VIPs or security patrols for industrial facilities. Sometimes artists open art supply stores, or musicians open music shops where they also charge a fee for teaching people how to play instruments. The possibilities are endless, and are limited only by your own enthusiasm and expertise in a particular subject. Do you enjoy gardening? You may be a perfect candidate for starting a landscaping business in your community.
But others make money by simply acting as consultants. For example, many retired firefighters become consultants to businesses that need advice on fire prevention, or to companies that make firefighting products. Some people who are tired of working in corporate America leave their jobs, and then consult about the same kind of work they used to do. Maybe you are tired of working as a number cruncher in the back office of a big company, but you could leave that job and make just as much or more money by helping small businesses with their accounting systems.
The skys the limit, and if you have a hobby that you convert into a job, chances are you will enjoy a high rate of worker satisfaction. Thats a huge perk for any kind of job.
Three Situations When Presenting Business Gifts is Appropriate
Posted on 25 April 2011 | No responses
When it comes to giving business gifts, you have to be careful not to offend anyone or give them the wrong message. Giving business gifts is a tricky thing to do because though its a wonderful thing, there are many ways in which things could go wrong.
On the brighter side, there are plenty of things to do right when giving business gifts and great relationships can be formed through this simple practice. So when is it appropriate to give a business gift? Here are three times when its appropriate: somebody has made a big accomplishment or promotion at work, its their employment anniversary, or to thank someone for something nice they did for you.
So someone at work, whether its a colleague, and employee, or a client, has accomplished something big at work. Maybe theyve just finished that report that theyve been working on for the past year, or they just landed the largest account in the history of the business. This definitely calls for a celebration in the form of a gift. If youre close with the person or you work with them regularly then it would be appropriate for you to give them a gift. Even if you dont know someone very well but would like to get to know them better, giving a gift is the perfect way to start a relationship (assuming you have no hidden motive of course).
Another instance thats closely related is if someone in the office got a promotion. Whether they worked hard at it or if the promotion was unexpected, a gift is a perfect way to congratulate someone. If you dont really know that person then of course the whole gift-giving thing would be a little awkward. So make sure youre not stepping too far out on a limb when deciding who you should and should not give a gift to.
Employment anniversaries are important as well. These anniversaries, whether its one year or twenty years, are important. They signify dedication and stability. If you look around today there are a lot of people that jump around from job to job on a constant basis. If somebody can stay in one place long-term then they should be recognized. And it doesnt call for anything large but just something small to say, hey keep up the great work or congratulations. The person receiving the gift will definitely feel appreciated and be motivated to keep it up.
Business gifts are also appropriate when youre thanking somebody for doing something nice for you. Maybe they helped you land that last big account, or theyre always doing the grunt work of the company (the work that really holds it all together). Giving a gift to this person is a great way to show your appreciation or say thanks. And it just goes to show that hard work does pay off, even in little ways.
In addition, you dont want to offend anyone so stick to a few guidelines when picking out business gifts. Dont get too personal. Never give clothing or perfume/cologne. These are things that would be given to them by a loved one not someone they work with. Making gifts this personal would send the wrong message and you dont want to do that.
Its better to give less personal gifts like food, a gift card or certificate, or a gift basket filled with little goodies. These are gifts that most people would enjoy and there would no mixed messages given or received. This is the perfect way to notice somebody without it becoming awkward.
Follow these simple guidelines and your business gift will definitely be a hit.
Taking Business Phone for Granted
Posted on 18 April 2011 | No responses
Located in Manhattan, my company occupies a small space in the basement of a upper east side brownstone. Because the space is so limited, we store our servers and phone equipment in the boiler room. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re absolutely right. It’s not a good idea to put your most expensive equipment in a tiny room that feels like the foyer to hell.
When we set up shop over a year ago, we thought the same thing. Unfortunately, the rental price of a property in Manhattan that was actually large enough for our business scared us much more than the possibility of losing our equipment. Within a week of the boiler being turned on for winter the first year we were there, we started to have problems with the servers. They were going down quite often and we all knew it was a result of them of overheating from being cramped up in that inferno of a room. After a while, we decided to move them out into the office space, which was no easy task as we were practically on top of each other as it was. This solved the problem, however, so we decided to keep our phone equipment in the boiler room as it seemed to operate fine despite the circumstances. That was a huge mistake.
One January day, when the boiler had been running nonstop, our phone system went down. It never occurred to me how important a business phone system could be before that day. Losing the computers for an hour or so was rough, but since we deal with our clientele over the phone, losing our ability to communicate made doing business practically impossible. It took three days to get our equipment up and running, some of which needed to be replaced. We lost a lot of business over the three days, as you might imagine. Now our tiny space is even more cramped as the phone system equipment has been removed from the boiler room, but believe me…it sure beats the alternative.
Staying Safe And Relaxed On Your Business Trip
Posted on 11 April 2011 | No responses
A business professional can lead a pretty hectic life if they are constantly on the go, from one business trip to the next, to the next, to the…you get the point! Companies rely on their businessmen to represent them on the road, whether pitching new products or enticing potential clients. One big concern however is the safety of these business professionals. Since they are going to unfamiliar territory, sometimes in other countries, it is especially important to keep a few safety precautions in mind. Here are some tips for a business traveler when traveling!
Know the area! Sure, you are probably in a place youve never been before but you can still do a little research and find out enough information to keep you safe. There are always places you will want to stay away from and places that you should visit to stay safe. Know what you can expect from each place that you go!
Dont dress up! Sure, you are probably going to be wearing business suits and dress clothes on your business trips but make sure you dress down your accessories such as watches, necklaces and rings. There is nothing more that will attract a thief in a foreign city then expensive flash!
Act like you know the area! If you want to do your best to keep the bad guys away from you when youre on a business trip just try to act like you are a local. Tourists and travelers are often the first hit targets by criminals so if you pretend like you know the area and live around town you wont have as high of a chance of getting mugged or getting in trouble.
Avoid bad areas! Every city, in the United States and overseas, has their bad areas. Whether this means certain streets or corners or different restaurants, you should stay away from them when on a business trip. Bad areas can get you in bad trouble and you cant guarantee your safety! Plus, your company would rather have you safe then sorry!
Business professionals can have safer business trips if they can just concentrate on staying safe while on the road. They are often labeled road warriors but in order for these warriors to stay safe they need to follow these important reminders! Business trips can be fun, interesting and most importantly, effective- but only if you are safe!
Perpetuate Your Company Name with Marketable Business Gifts
Posted on 4 April 2011 | No responses
All companies want their names to be remembered and to live on into perpetuity in the minds of their clients as this helps to encourage repeat business. One of the best ways to do this is to give out marketable business gifts when it is called for. Do not go overboard or get too lavish, as you don’t want to seem showy or overly pretentious but think elegant and simple with a touch of class. The Internet has made it possible to purchase business gifts that say exactly what you wish them to say. Of course sometimes too much selection is not a good thing because it makes it harder and harder to narrow down your choice to just one or a couple.
Always aim for quality in the gift itself as well as the packaging. If you are sending office supplies, for example, or a new electronic gadget, the wrapping and the card speak volumes to the recipient. Buy the best quality wrapping paper, gift bags, boxes, cards, ribbons and bows without going outside of the company’s budget.
Being marketable means standing out from the crowd and this means being unique and innovative in your gift giving. One way to do this is to pay close attention to a client and he or she likes to determine an excellent choice of gift. If you have occasion to visit the office of a client take note of what is in the office. Does the person love vases, knick-knacks or anything that helps to organize their desk? What about plants? Is he or she a plant lover or not? You might want to send your client for example a small Bonsai tree. If the client has a flare for the Oriental, you might want to find something related to Feng Shui to present to him or her as a business gift. Not only will your gift be much appreciated, it is likely to become a conversation piece to whoever drops by your client’s office!
Always bear in mind that whatever gift you choose to send a client reflects back on your company and because you represent your company, it reflects back on you too. Whatever you do, resist the urge to bypass the personal route. In other words do not order something from a catalogue or over the Internet and have it gift wrapped by someone else and then send a form letter version of a card to accompany it. This says impersonal with a capital “I” and is not what you are striving for at all. This is not the way to be marketable and it is not likely to make the best impression. People like it when they receive a gift that another person put thought and effort into and little personal touches are just as important as how aesthetically attractive the outside of the gift looks.
Put yourself in the place of the client and try to envision what his or her personality would enjoy in a gift. If the gift is to be sent to someone who is from a different culture than your own, make sure you are aware of the customs of that culture so you will not offend the recipient. For example, the Chinese do not believe in using white gift-wrap for any occasion because to them it symbolizes death. Death and business gifts do not mix!
Handwritten cards are the way to go and if you have a business greeting card you might want to send just that or include it with the handwritten card. Christmas is an excellent time to send along both. Do not just sign the card but instead write the person’s name on it, say a few carefully chosen words related to the occasion for sending the gift and then sign the card. Nothing could be more marketable then the personal approach to business gift giving!
One Size Does Not Fit All When Giving Business Gifts
Posted on 28 March 2011 | No responses
One Size Does Not Fit All When Giving Business Gifts
Do what you have to in order to avoid the misconception that one size fits all when it comes to giving business gifts. Though many people may still give out gifts using this rule, its considered impersonal and rude by many. So dont get yourself stuck in this rut.
Instead, break away from the mold and give the people on your list something more personal. You never want to give something too personal like clothing, or perfume; people may get the wrong message. But a small personal touch is sure to make anyone feel good and appreciated this holiday season.
Each business relationship that you have is important for a different reason. If youre buying for co-workers, a boss, or your employees, the gifts are going to be different than if you were buying for clients. Depending on how well you know each person your gift can be a little more personalized.
If youve talked about hobbies or sports with the person youre buying for, thats great. Now you have a hint about what they might like to receive as a gift. So, you know they go golfing with their buddies every Friday; you cant go wrong by buying them a round of golf at their favorite course.
In addition, if you are trying to stick to a budget, a small token of appreciation that involves something they enjoy is also acceptable. For the golfer, you could give them a coffee mug with a golf-related theme and fill it with some candy. Wrapped in a nice package, perhaps colored cellophane, this present will make a lasting impression.
For those on your gift list in which youre not sure of their lives outside the office, there are still plenty of options for gift giving. Some people consider money, but this could easily be taken offensively. Only give a monetary gift if you are sure the person really needs it and will not be offended by it.
Gift certificates can be a wonderful gift if youre sure the person shops at the designated place. Many gift certificates go unused or get lost, so make sure that the person will use it so that your money doesnt end up getting thrown away.
Food is a gift that many people like to receive. A small gift-basket filled with tasty treats is always appreciated. Maybe you notice that the person often brings chocolate to work; fill their basket with chocolate. If someones a coffee drinker, choose some mini flavored coffees or creams. There are so many merchants out there to choose from, you can find something for everybodys personal liking.
When doing your shopping, remember that a gift doesnt have to be large or expensive in order to make a great impression on somebody. The most important thing is that you make it as personal as you can without crossing any boundaries. This shows that you put time and effort into picking out the gift and that the person isnt just another face around the office.
While its important to buy personalized gifts for clients as well, these gifts are usually a smaller token of appreciation and a little less personal than those for employees. Ideally you would know your co-workers, boss, or employees on a little more personal level than you would a client. You want to be careful not to offend the client.
If you have just the right amount of personal touch, the gift is sure to strengthen the business relationship. Food baskets are always acceptable for a gift to a client.
When you know some of their interests, again go ahead and include that theme into the gift you choose. If youre having a hard time deciding how to personalize the gift, consider delivering the gift yourself. If the gift doesnt reflect personalization your time and effort in delivering it definitely will.
Whoever you are buying gifts for, going that extra mile will benefit you in more ways than one. Gift-giving shows that you care, that you pay attention to detail, that youd like to keep the relationship going, and that the person is noticed. Its wonderful to receive a gift and the warm feelings that come along with it.
Making Your Business Credit Card Work Smarter
Posted on 21 March 2011 | No responses
Credit cards are convenient financial means for hundreds of millions of people all over the world. However, personal use is not the only way credit cards come in handy. Credit cards can also be a major benefit for covering business expenses. If you own your own business, you may want to consider applying for a business credit card. Most credit card companies offer a number of options for companies interested in opening a business credit card. The type of business credit card your business applies for may depend on the size, age, income and financial needs of your company.
Business credit cards typically have larger credit limits than personal credit cards. This is because businesses typically have a larger budget than an individual person or family would. Businesses can handle larger credit lines because they can keep up with larger payments. Many credit card companies offer business credit card customers a variety of rewards programs that can help their company appeal to businesses trying to select which of the many credit card companies to do business with. Larger companies may have more leeway than smaller companies in shopping around, doing research and selecting which company has the right program for them.
Most credit card companies are quick to sign on large companies as customers because they know they will be able to keep good credit and most likely be able to stay on as long term, loyal customers. Most credit card companies also offer business customers low interest rates and in some cases a 0 APR credit card. Even though most of the time the 0 APR applies only for an initial period of six months to a year, this can be a huge selling point for any size business.
Large companies and corporations are not the only businesses that use credit cards though. Small businesses can find it extremely convenient to apply and receive a small business credit card. Small business credit cards are ideal for small businesses that need a way to manage the many finances that a small business can face. For small businesses just starting out, a small business credit card can be a great way of getting the business on its feet. Handling initial expenses with a small business credit card will allow a small business owner to begin business, make a profit, and pay for expenses in monthly payment increments rather than having to foot huge bills all at once during a time where expenses will surely be high.
No matter what the size of your business, a business credit card can be a great choice for you. Business credit cards help companies manage finances, cover expenses and survive in the competitive business world.
Making Time For Your Family and a New Internet Home
Posted on 14 March 2011 | No responses
Making Time For Your Family and a New Internet Home Business
Starting your own internet home business can be a very fulfilling experience. It offers many new and exciting challenges, with the hopes of providing financial security for you and your family. To this end, a home business also requires a serious commitment and can easily consume a large portion of your time if you dont plan properly.
While searching the internet for business opportunities, youve undoubtedly encountered claims of how working only a few hours per week can result in a successful home business. Although it is true that after your business is established you could potentially devote less time towards it, this is not normally the case in the beginning.
If youre new to internet marketing or the home business industry, you should initially plan on spending at least 2-3 hours per day researching your products and developing your website. You should try committing even more time if youre not working a day job or have other obligations prohibiting you from doing so.
Believe it or not, one trap to avoid is spending too much time on your business Its very easy to become immersed in your business because there is always something to do–a new product to review, updating your website, responding to emails, etc. Before you know it, you wont have time for anything else.
This can be especially problematic when you have a family. For many of us, the benefit of spending more quality time with our family was the reason we started our home business to begin with! Because so many new home business owners struggle between spending time with their families while trying to get their business off the ground, I offer the following tips.
1. Take one entire day off per week. Yes, this means NO WORK. Spend time with your family and friends and as far away from your business as possible. Believe me, the business wont go anywhere. Plus, the day off will help to alleviate burn out. If youve worked more hours than usual in a particular week, take two days off.
2. Set aside 1-2 hours every evening for family time. From 5:30-7:00, for example, you could have dinner with the family, help the kids with their homework and squeeze in time for walking the dog. If possible, try to choose this same time everyday. A structured schedule will allow you to better plan your time.
3. Stop working at a specific time every evening and stick to it. For example, you can turn off your computer every night at 10:00 p.m. You can use this time to catch up on the news and tend to other personal matters. This is also your time to relax and unwind from a hard days work.
Learning to manage your time is critical to a successful business and living a full and happy life. Theres nothing wrong with being dedicated to your business, but your family should be your first commitment. Make time for your spouse, children, parents and friends now, because before you know it, youll be wondering where the time went.
Make Money With A Home Based Business
Posted on 7 March 2011 | No responses
Would you like to make money by starting your own home-based business? People choose to work from home for several reasons including the desire to stay home with their children, the need for extra income, or simply being dissatisfied with their current job. A home-based business will provide you with an exciting way to make money and be your own boss. Numerous opportunities are available to internet marketers.
When starting your home-based business you should develop a business plan and research your options thoroughly. Making wise decisions and following your business plan each step of the way can help you in creating a steady stream of income. Operating a home-based business will require hard work and effort. You will not become wealthy over night. It will take determination to succeed as an internet marketer. The amount of money you make will be directly related to the amount of work you are willing to do.
When making your business plan, include both short and long term goals. Determine how you will achieve those goals and put your plan into action. Affiliate programs are excellent home-based business programs and there are numerous other internet marketing offers that will create steady income if you are willing to make the effort. Some of these opportunities may require an initial investment from you and others are advertised as free. Research all internet marketing opportunities carefully to make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
As an internet marketer, you will have to distinguish yourself from the competition if you want to succeed. You should know your target audience and know your competition even better. Do not let self-doubt stop you from accomplishing your goals. Every successful internet marketer gives their business the very best effort possible. Hard work and determination will make your home-based business a success and provide you with a steady stream of income.
Starting a home-based business is one of the most exciting and challenging endeavors you will ever undertake. A sound business plan and the will to succeed will set you apart from the competition. Choose the products or services you provide carefully. Make certain your services will be needed over the long term and make customer service your top priority. A loyal customer base is the key to the success or failure of your home-based business. A home-based business is an excellent way to gain independence and financial freedom. A sound business plan and a strong work ethic are all it takes to succeed.
Make Money This Easter With Your Own Personalized Letter Writing
Posted on 28 February 2011 | No responses
Make Money This Easter With Your Own Personalized Letter Writing Business
Most likely youve heard about the business of selling personalized letters from Santa during Christmas time, but did you know this business could actually be run throughout the year?
Spring is going to be on us before we know it and we all know that means Easter is on its way. The Easter Bunny is usually a pretty quiet guy, but thanks to the letter writing business, we can help him break his silence.
Can you imagine how excited a child will be when they get a letter from the Easter Bunny? Kids love Easter! The candy, colored eggs, Easter egg hunts – most kids are very familiar with the Easter Bunny who secretly drops off their Easter Basket each year.
However you can create any type of letters for spring; they dont have to be just from the Easter Bunny. You can pick any type of characters you want that you think kids are going to want to get a letter from.
Daycares
Selling these letters can be a lot of fun. Visit your local daycare centers and see if you can send home a flyer with the kids. To help them to decide that this is a great idea, you can tell them the daycare will get 1 for each letter sold.
This is also a great way to advertise your business. A few children get letters from the Easter Bunny and of course theyre going to want to bring those letters to daycare to show all their friends. Those friends will go home and say how wonderful this was and how much they wish they had received a letter. You get the picture?
Hospitals
Is there a childrens hospital in your local area? One idea would be to start an Easter letter program where people pay for a letter to be donated to a child in the hospital. Hospital stays can be very long. Just imagine how nice it would be for hospitalized children to get a letter like this? Not only will the child feel good, but the person who donated a letter is going to feel very good too.
A great way to promote this idea would be to send out press releases to your local newspaper and TV news stations. You might even think about contacting your local talk radio shows about doing a show on this idea.
Churches
Some Churches publish a monthly newsletter. Advertising your Easter Letter to kids and Adults would be a wonderful idea. Here you could offer Easter Bunny, Angel letters, or a general Easter Religious letter. This might even be something that could be put in the weekly bulletin.
A Fun And Rewarding Business
Making money with Easter Letters can really be a lot of fun and very rewarding too. Its a great feeling when that first parent calls you to tell you how happy their son or daughter is because of the special letter they received in the mail.
Easter is just one of the Holidays you can use to promote your letters. Halloween has pumpkins and witches. Letters from the tooth fairy, or a general letter to say Hey, good job being helpful around the house and being nice to your sister, are also great letter ideas for this business.
If you market your letters all year, when Christmas comes around you will have a list of people who have already purchased from you. Then, when they want to buy that Santa letter, who else would they think of buying it from but you?!
Writing specialty letters is a wonderful business for moms to start. If you want further information on how to start this type of business visit:
http:www.bizymoms.comcartcareersbizyletters_join2.html