13/05/2008 by admin.

Hi,

It’s been a while since I posted something here and I admit that the headline is a little provocative. Though a little true.

You see, there are so many people out there either stuck in dead end jobs or can’t wait for 5 o’clock to roll around it’s untrue. Many even fantasize about owning or running their own business but never take action on the initial thoughts.

As the headline says “stop thinking about it and do it”. What I really mean is, You’re a least some of the way there if you’re even thinking about. All you need to do is research what you passionate about and what gets you exited, and that’s the start of what you could possibly do to start your own business.

When I first started my cleaning businesses, I gave it about a week’s thought and then took action. Don’t get me wrong, it was a calculated risk where the market was there, I just needed to tweek the service side of things to steal business from the competition. If I’d had just thought about it, I’d be in exactly the same position for the next x amount of years.

If you can, at least try and research what business you’d like to start and believe it or not, you’ll be one step ahead than you were before your initial thoughts!

As always, I welcome your comments.

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23/01/2008 by admin.

Moms - So You Want To Start Your Own Business?

Whether you are currently working outside the home, or are a stay at home mom, many moms have the desire to start their own business and make am extra income for their family.

If you have spent some time looking into starting your own business from the ground up, you have probably seen it is very costly, and oftentimes takes many years of hard work to see (if any) profits.

But before you give up your dream all together, there is another option, and that is direct sales.

Most women still think of Avon, Tupperware, and Mary Kay when they hear the term direct sales. They also still assume door to door sales and home parties are about the only ways to build their business. How this can be farther from the truth.

Direct sales is probably the fastest, most inexpensive way to start your own business. While the products you offer are not your own, every other aspect of your business is.

There are many benefits of joining a direct sales company versus starting your own business from scratch.

1. Cost - Some direct sales companies have zero startup cost ranging up to around $500. There are some companies that do cost more, but it is clearly stated before you join. The cost to start a business from scratch is in the tens of thousands of dollars for a small mom owned brick and mortar business.

2. Instant Business - From the day you sign up and get your materials you can start selling and running your business. A start up business will take months and often years of planning before it gets off the ground and starts making sales.

3. In direct sales you don’t have to produce and ship your products. This in itself is one of the greatest features of a direct sales business. Think of all the time, energy, and money you will save by not having to make your own products.

4. No rental space. A direct sales business can be ran from home unlike businesses that require a brick and mortar store to sell products locally.

5. Home parties and door to door sales are not the only way to make money in direct sales. In fact, door to door sales are totally a thing from the past. Most moms in direct sales build their business solely online through their own websites.

6. There is a direct sales company suited for everyone, no matter what your interest. Today you can buy and sell practically every product or service imaginable through a network marketing company. It is easy to find something you love and are passionate about.

7. Satisfaction - You get the same satisfaction when you make a sale, or recruit a new team member as you would if you had built your business on your own. Success is still success, and it always feels good.

A direct sales business will still take a lot of hard work before you are making real money. However, it will not take nearly as much time, or funds to get going as a startup business.

So Moms, the next time you get that urge to start a business, take a look into direct sales. You may be pleasantly surprised at the time and money you will save, while still making an income.

Stefanie Fauquet is the owner of http://www.workathomemomonline.com, a website devoted to helping moms make more money in direct sales. For more tips on choosing a direct sales company visit http://www.workathomemomonline.com/choosing-a-direct-sales-company.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stefanie_Fauquet

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13/01/2008 by admin.

The Basics Needed In Restaurant Equipment

In order to have a restaurant business you are going to need to invest in various types of equipment. What you will need depends on the type of operation you wish to be involve with. Should you decide to invest in a franchise restaurant you will be told what equipment you need and the cost of it.

With your own type of business you do have more options than with a franchise. This is because you get to set it up your way instead of having to model what they have in place at all the others in the chain. Even the types of foods you serve though are going to affect what pieces of equipment you need to get it done. You also have the choice of investing in either new or used equipment.

Used equipment for your restaurant can be reliable but you need to make sure. Carefully inspect all of it so you will know for sure. You don’t want to be in the middle of a lunch rush and your grill goes out. You also don’t want to continually invest in paying for expensive repairs.

The equipment for a restaurant is one of the biggest investments you will have in it. New equipment will likely come with a good warranty on it. While you will get used equipment for a lower price you aren’t going to get any type of warranty with it. This means when it breaks down you are on your own to repair or replace it.

Check with your local health department and fire department before you buy any equipment for your restaurants. They may have some codes in place that prohibit the use of certain types of it. Don’t assume things are going to work in your favor and just buy them. You could end up losing money when they don’t pass an inspection and there is very little chance that other people will buy it from you.

Your budget may play a vital role in what restaurant equipment you are able to purchase. Focus on the main items you have to have first. You can get the other items as you are able to. You may decide to buy some new equipment and to get used equipment for the rest of it. As long as you are able to meet the needs of your customers you will be able to buy newer items later.

Most restaurant owners don’t have an unlimited budget for equipment to accept such losses. The money you do have needs to be used for the most essential equipment first. Optional items can be added later as you have the money for them. You can alternate between new and used equipment too if you can get the most out of your budget this way. Make sure the kitchen is set up to accept that type of power source as well so you don’t have to invest in the cost of changing them.

With some attention to details, your plans for purchasing restaurant equipment can be very successful. Knowing what it is that you need and evaluating your options for getting it is important. You need to know you have reliable equipment to help you have a successful restaurant business. You also need to be able to do this within a reasonable budget.

Patricia Farnham is well known for her insight on creating a successful restaurant. Learn from this veteran restaurateur with real life examples of restaurant failure and success. She’s uncovered many methods of starting a restaurant for very little money, and keeping it open. Check out her website for how to start a restaurant information, opinions and resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Farnham

The Basics Needed In Restaurant Equipment

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12/01/2008 by admin.

How to Start a Successful Online Business And Make Money

Are you making money with your online business? Have you spent hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on money making schemes only to meet with failure time and again? Over 20,000 people start a home-based Internet business each and every day. And only a very small fraction of them will ever make any significant amount of money.

Why is it that so few people make money? Most people rush into an Internet business ill-equipped to be successful. They have neither the knowledge nor the resources to run a money making operation. Unfortunately, most people fall prey to get rich quick schemes that promise millions for little or no work. These types of programs are almost always destined for failure.

Running a successful business, on the Internet or otherwise, requires a substantial commitment of time and effort. Do not fall prey to programs that make outrageous promises. Regardless of what the sales page says, it is EXTREMELY unlikely that you can make millions by sitting on your duff eating chips and watching TV. It isn’t going to happen. Remember the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you are considering starting your own business, start out by doing some research. Disregard any program that promises to make you millions overnight. Run from any program that says you will make money without doing any work. Ignore any programs that require a large upfront payment before providing you training, a website, or a detailed business model.

Look for programs that offer realistic expectations and are related to your field of expertise. If you are good at writing, seek out programs in that field; writing articles or ebooks may be perfect for you. If you are interested in a business where you have no experience, make sure that you can learn the money making skills and techniques required before you commit your hard earned money. Seek out free resources first. Do not commit large sums of money upfront. Do your research and find out if you like the business and can commit the required time and effort to be successful.

Have realistic expectations for your business. Expect to start out making a small amount of money, but insist that your business grow each month. If your growth rate is stagnant, find out why. What do you need to do to make more money next month and the month after that?

By following these rules, you can develop a money making business on the Internet. And, if you are willing to work hard, you can join that small fraction of entrepreneurs who make significant amounts of money day in and day out!

Do you want to know how I make money? Get my free ebook, Make Money Every Day!

Make Money Every Day - Free! http://www.milliondollararticle.com

Write And Make Money! http://www.WriteEbooksAndMakeMoney.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Mark

How to Start a Successful Online Business And Make Money

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09/01/2008 by admin.

Work from home programs are in great demand with the coming of another year. Some people are looking to replace their day job, while others are looking to simply make some extra money to pay bills. After the holidays it’s no surprise as many people have been forced to use their credit cards to pay for gifts, trips and normal bills.Some are looking to create additional income so they can buy back some time. Many have a great desire to spend more time with friends and family. I can say that it is very enjoyable to be able to work from the comfort of your home.

Well, you might be wondering what types of work at home programs you could do. Well if you have minimal typing skills, a computer and access to the Internet you can more than likely do the following programs:

1. Data Entry
2. Type At Home
3. Rebate Processing
4. Online Paid Surveys
5. Home Phone Jobs
6. Chat room support

There are also programs whereby you can save money on the things you already buy monthly, which leaves more money for other things. You can share these programs with others and be paid a small affiliate fee. You would be surprised how many different ways there are to free up or create more income monthly. You have to be willing to try. Some people are not willing to change their buying habits. For those people the programs listed from 1- 6 are probably a better fit.

Many people tend to do multiple programs. The reason is, they can create multiple income streams and focus on the types of programs they enjoy the most.

Whatever you reasons or goals are, you can find at home work that will meet your needs. It takes some time and research. I recommend either using a web site like mine, but not necessarily mine, that has done the research or be prepared to do it yourself. It must be done, as there are plenty of companies that will take your time and money giving you nothing in return.

Give yourself a chance; pick a good program, join and start working from the comfort of your home. Who knows you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was and continue to be.

The time requirements for most work at home programs are very flexible and I found that you can normally do them at your own pace. The important thing to remember is that you will have to have the self-discipline to make sure you put in the work at home. Some people have to have a day job, but many do not. Please feel free to read both this article or one of my many others by visiting my link in the resource box below. I always enjoy getting emails pertaining to my articles or my site. Your feedback is important to me.

If you have a computer, printer, word processor and access to the Internet you more than likely have all the equipment necessary to work from home.

Michael Comeau has been owner of many successful businesses over the years including his current online business which can be viewed at http://www.workfromhome4dollars.com/ArticleWorkFromHome21.php You may also find more articles by Michael Comeau at http://www.workfromhome4dollars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Comeau

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05/12/2007 by admin.

Free Window Cleaning Tips

Traditional Window Cleaning Tips
 
1. Use The Right Tools - First of all, use the right tools. Seems like a silly point to start off with. Trust me, there are so many people that start out and use the wrong tools in this business. If you can, use a professional squeegees, soap and applicators.

2. A Clean Scrubber – There are many window cleaners that start the job off with a dirty scrubber. Make sure it’s a clean scrubber or lamb’s wool applicator, sponge and/or porcupine cleaner. Put it this way - a dirty applicator can leave dirt behind on the window and a very unhappy client. All you need to do is rinse the scrubber frequently, if you are cleaning several windows - especially the really dirty windows.

3. Holding the Squeegee Correctly – Try and hold the squeegee at an angle so the water runs down the glass; I’d say a 45 degree angle. You don’t want water flowing from both ends of the squeegee.

4. Have A Selection Of Channel Sizes or Squeegees – Throughout your window cleaning round, you’re going to tackle many different types of windows coming in all shapes and sizes. Having a wide selection of channels or squeegees will help you no end.

5.Wipe the Blade - After each squeegee stroke, always wipe the rubber blade with your lint free cloth. Placing a wet squeegee on the glass will leave a blade mark. You will get good at quickly wiping the blade.

6. Don’t Cut It In Too Close – Try to overlap each squeegee stroke by about 1½ inches if you can. Angle your squeegee so the water flows towards the wet window surface on the window, don’t cut in on the clean and dry area.

7. Be Conservative With The Water – What does that mean? Try not to use too much water when you’re applying the scrubber to the surface. I know it’s easier said than done, try practicing at home or on a friend’s window to get this technique just right. You actually want the dirt to come off the window with this solution, but not too much that you’ve got your own water shower going on leaving water on the sills!

8. Shake The Mop/Scrubber – When you’re cleaning windows outside, get rid of the excess water by shaking the scrubber in an upward/downward motion away from any windows. This will ensure the right amount of solution being applied to the surface.

9. Use Less Water Inside – If you’ve got a window cleaning job inside, use even less water than you would outside for obvious reasons.

10. Remove The Clutter – If you are cleaning inside, always remember to clear all items and clutter from the window sills (better still, ask your clients to do it). This makes your job ten times easier and allows a better clean.

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/Window_Cleaning_Tips.html who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html.

He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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02/12/2007 by admin.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR WINDOW CLEANERS

1. Always call the client the day before the clean. This also helps as most people will have a lock on their gate. Calling them the night before enables them to remove the lock for you.

2. Always be kind and courteous when speaking to your clients. These people represent your bread and butter and will more than likely refer you to friends and family.

3. Try to close all gates or garages after you’ve finished cleaning. If there’s one thing that upsets people more is this. Not only that, you’re prospective client across the road will be watching. You leaving the gate open isn’t going to impress them.

4. If you find the back gate is locked. Don’t worry. Just clean the front of the house and charge them half the clean price. Your client will not only be embarrassed, they’ll send you your money fast to try to paper over their embarrassment. This will allow you some revenue, even though it only half what you normally get. Better than nothing!

5. If the back door has a small pane of glass and is filthy. Take time out to clean it with your window cleaning spray. This will take you seconds, but your client will certainly notice it and you’ll be in their good books.Note: Throughout my EBook you’ll probably be amazed and surprised just how many things I do for FREE. Trust me. This will pay you dividends in the long run. It’s nice to take on new clients. It’s even better to be referred by your clients costing you nothing in the process. Studies show that referred clients are more than likely to pay more for your service and will more than likely refer you again and again and again. This is the key to growing your window cleaning without spending £000’s on advertising.

6. Unfortunately, you’re going to get a few cancellations. Don’t worry; this is normal and nothing to fear. However, for each cancellation you receive. Call the client and ask them why they want to cancel. Some of you out there may be a little scared in calling clients that want to cancel. In my experience it is normally a misunderstanding and something that can be put right. Sometimes clients don’t understand why their windows are still wet, even though you explained it to them. Simply use the letter provided in my “Stationary Kit” which explains the use of the water fed pole. This has saved my bacon more than once!I once had a client ring and cancel my services because she only wanted her windows cleaned every 3 months. Now, instead of telling me this she just cancelled. I rang her back and after getting out of her the reason for the cancellation, agreed to do them every 3 months. If I had just accepted the cancellation I would have lost 4 x £18. In my book you can actually gain clients by keeping the ones that may have cancelled. It’s much easier and cheaper to keep an existing client than spend money on marketing for new ones.

7. On the odd occasion, a client will ask you to clean the fascia at the front of the property. Use your common sense with this one. If it is relatively small, agree to clean this one time for free and let them know you’ll have to charge next time. If you charge for this service straight away, you may alienate your client and upset them. They don’t really want to pay for the first clean, but are more than happy to pay for further cleans. If it’s going to take you longer than a couple of minutes then I would charge. (Water fed pole users).

8. There a few porches or upvc fascias that are located at the front of the house and are quite small. If you have the time, just clean these at the same time you’re cleaning the windows for FREE and let your client know. This will only add 10 minutes onto your time, but your client will really appreciate it. Why should you do it for free and not charge them? Referrals referrals referrals. This again, is your choice. You can charge them if you like, but what you’re trying to do is build a solid business based on your existing clients referring you.

9. Clean and polish outside letter boxes for FREE. You’ve those external post boxes on a house (basically so the dog doesn’t chew letters and papers). Same principle. This will take you seconds and your client will appreciate it. People love getting things for FREE that they didn’t ask for. If you’re regular and offer a good service you’ll have these clients for years.

10. If you are window cleaning with a water fed pole, why not offer conservatory cleaning too! I know I mentioned it in an earlier chapter. At least 10% of your client base must have conservatories. Offer to give them a free trial by cleaning a section of it! I guarantee they’ll want it clean after your demonstration. (Water fed pole users).

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html. He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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