The high costs of starting up even a small business discourages most people and keeps them working for a low salary or a boss that is never satisfied with their performance. It is hard to blame them when most small businesses require a minimal investment of twenty thousand dollars. That is a lot of money to the average person that is heavily in debt. Even if they had the money to make that kind of investment there is no guarantee of success. Investing in a new small business is a big gamble when statistics show that most of them are out of existence before five years. But there is still a great small business that is available where the startup costs are less than one hundred dollars. It sounds like a wonderful dream but it is true.
There is no better office than a kitchen and its table. If there is something that customers want they will be ready to receive it even in a kitchen or at its table. There are countless things that a knowledgeable business person can offer a customer that is sitting comfortably across the kitchen table sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But before they can be helped it is important that they be interviewed to discover their needs. Most people require a series of interviews. But in a short time they will be helped by a talented "Life Skills Coach" that possesses wisdom and insight.
The best way of helping customers is by give them the information that will help them help themselves. People are very complex and have a variety of needs that are unique. That is why it might take weeks or even months before a "Life Skills Coach" can clearly understand what a person truly needs. There are countless ways of helping a person, some of them might be very simple like directing them to the right government agency. But the more complex problems require much thought and analysis. The customer then becomes a patient that requires compassion, understanding, and good guidance. They can be sure to get it from their talented and hard working coach.
Possessing the experience and talent to help others is best served by going into business as a "Life Skills Coach". The start up expenses are less than one hundred dollars because all that is needed is a card and a small ad in the local newspaper. Having a cell phone is a big help but a land based home telephone will also work if it can be hooked up to take messages. The office expenses will only be the costs of burning a kitchen light and the cup of coffee that is offered to customers.
The added beauty of being a "Life Skills Coach" Is that success will be gauged only on the ability to help others. If just one person can be helped to give up smoking the word will be spread. The kitchen table will once again be used only for food. A large desk will be next to it where hundreds of customers will be interviewed and helped. This small business idea can be successful, because there are over forty thousand people that call themselves a "Life Skills Coach" and they are making money.
melpol
www.associatedcontent.com/melpol
April 13, 2008
Trustworthy Support for Your Small Business
Small business owners wear all the hats required by their operation, and for many, that's part of the fun. Who wants to do the same thing every day? Besides, you're a holistic thinker, you like to keep your attention on the big picture, your finger in every pie.
Because you're excited about your product or service, and even more importantly because you're a wide-angle thinker, your business is doing okay, maybe even well. If you've been at it a while, perhaps you really take pride in its smooth operation; and when you hit any bumps in the road, you're ready for them. You may even venture to say that you feel fulfilled, connected, and satisfied.
On the other hand, perhaps you're just starting a new business, or you've been struggling to get one off the ground, or maybe you've been noticing declining sales, not to mention your own declining energy in a business you've had for some time. For just about everyone, there comes a point in your career when you're working hard at something and you're dedicated to it, but somehow you do not feel fulfilled, connected, or satisfied.
You could use some support. How ridiculous that this is not everyone's first thought when personally perplexed in any way. We carry some ancient taboo against asking for help. Rather than seek assistance, people will assume tons of guilt over the fear that they're not capable of doing it all themselves. If this describes you, here's a news flash for you: No Man or Woman is an Island! You may feel like one, but that's an illusion.
Finally - or better, right in synch with your business plan timeline - you decide to get that support. You think about hiring employees. The logic appears to be seamless: I will pay people to be at my place of business and do work for me. This will reduce my work load and support the health and growth of my business.
This system has been in place from time immemorial, although there's always been an inherent flaw. The business owner replaces his/her previous work load with new tasks associated with staff management; and though the return on your hiring investment can benefit your bottom line, is it by a convincing margin?
The problem is that an employee's self-image differs so widely from the business owner's that there's little realistic hope of shared conviction about the business. An employee is supported by you; it is not a situation in which, technically speaking, you are supported by them. Your employees may like you, be respectful and skilled, and fulfill your work needs well, and still not be a support to you beyond the specifics of their job description.
Nor should you, the business owner, expect any more. As one who has endured the rigors of business start-up, you should know that what it takes to own the operation is entirely removed from what it takes to be an employee. Your fundamental motivations and personality types are very different.
Instead of hiring a traditional employee, think about the merits of working with a virtual assistant (VA) for your small business. A VA is a business owner just like you, and understands what it is to be self-employed.
Though many VAs specialize, for the most part a VA is not a coach, or consultant, or therapist. But because you and the VA are collegial small business owners, you may well come to rely on this relationship for the motivational, organizational, and even emotional support it can provide.
A VA accomplishes administrative tasks for you through an independent B2B contract; and if you work over time with one, not only will your work get done professionally, but the VA will likely also become a virtual partner in your business! You can turn to him/her for advice, friendship, and peer feedback almost as you would with an honest-to-goodness partner.
VAs often declare: My success is your success. VAs encourage a cooperative market, where everyone wins. Go ahead, get online and find a virtual assistant company that looks right for you. The internet connects islands to one another!
Mary H. Ruth operates Virtual Writing & Communications Solutions, supporting businesses and professionals. Please visit her website at www.asthemoonclimbs.com and her blog at maryhruth.wordpress.com.
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Because you're excited about your product or service, and even more importantly because you're a wide-angle thinker, your business is doing okay, maybe even well. If you've been at it a while, perhaps you really take pride in its smooth operation; and when you hit any bumps in the road, you're ready for them. You may even venture to say that you feel fulfilled, connected, and satisfied.
On the other hand, perhaps you're just starting a new business, or you've been struggling to get one off the ground, or maybe you've been noticing declining sales, not to mention your own declining energy in a business you've had for some time. For just about everyone, there comes a point in your career when you're working hard at something and you're dedicated to it, but somehow you do not feel fulfilled, connected, or satisfied.
You could use some support. How ridiculous that this is not everyone's first thought when personally perplexed in any way. We carry some ancient taboo against asking for help. Rather than seek assistance, people will assume tons of guilt over the fear that they're not capable of doing it all themselves. If this describes you, here's a news flash for you: No Man or Woman is an Island! You may feel like one, but that's an illusion.
Finally - or better, right in synch with your business plan timeline - you decide to get that support. You think about hiring employees. The logic appears to be seamless: I will pay people to be at my place of business and do work for me. This will reduce my work load and support the health and growth of my business.
This system has been in place from time immemorial, although there's always been an inherent flaw. The business owner replaces his/her previous work load with new tasks associated with staff management; and though the return on your hiring investment can benefit your bottom line, is it by a convincing margin?
The problem is that an employee's self-image differs so widely from the business owner's that there's little realistic hope of shared conviction about the business. An employee is supported by you; it is not a situation in which, technically speaking, you are supported by them. Your employees may like you, be respectful and skilled, and fulfill your work needs well, and still not be a support to you beyond the specifics of their job description.
Nor should you, the business owner, expect any more. As one who has endured the rigors of business start-up, you should know that what it takes to own the operation is entirely removed from what it takes to be an employee. Your fundamental motivations and personality types are very different.
Instead of hiring a traditional employee, think about the merits of working with a virtual assistant (VA) for your small business. A VA is a business owner just like you, and understands what it is to be self-employed.
Though many VAs specialize, for the most part a VA is not a coach, or consultant, or therapist. But because you and the VA are collegial small business owners, you may well come to rely on this relationship for the motivational, organizational, and even emotional support it can provide.
A VA accomplishes administrative tasks for you through an independent B2B contract; and if you work over time with one, not only will your work get done professionally, but the VA will likely also become a virtual partner in your business! You can turn to him/her for advice, friendship, and peer feedback almost as you would with an honest-to-goodness partner.
VAs often declare: My success is your success. VAs encourage a cooperative market, where everyone wins. Go ahead, get online and find a virtual assistant company that looks right for you. The internet connects islands to one another!
Mary H. Ruth operates Virtual Writing & Communications Solutions, supporting businesses and professionals. Please visit her website at www.asthemoonclimbs.com and her blog at maryhruth.wordpress.com.
Get notified of new articles:
Link exchange
Exchange links with our website
Why people like to advertise online?
Till a few years ago, every body used to advertise his products / business / services, either requir...
Newsletters that Work
If you subscribe to newsletters, you may find that some get a bit overwhelming. In other words, you ...
What Happens When Your Brand Yourself On The Internet? Posted By :
It is the same thing that happens when you brand yourself. When you learn something thoroughly, I do...
Tips For Online Shopping Safety
If you would dearly love to purchase goods online, but are concerned about safety, there are some things you can do to minimise the dangers. For a start, always make sure that the URL address starts with https, rather than just http. If the page has a padlock icon on the page, click on that to check that their security certificate is actually registered to the name of the business.
If you use a credit card rather than a debit card to pay the transaction, you can contest any transactions that you think are fraudulent before paying your monthly account. If you must use a debit card, it could pay you to link it to a special bank account that you keep only a small amount of money in.
Never give unnecessary information online. You should only need your card number, the expiry date and the code on the back of it. You name and address will also be needed of course, but only supply your phone number and email address if you trust the site. Never give your card PIN, or your social security number.
Some sites are specially designed to install malware on your computer, so if the site you are on is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, be suspicious and leave. And never click on an unknown link from your email box.
Find great bargains and discounted merchandise in your next online shopping expedition with Deals Direct (www.dealsdirect.com.au). Find bargains and discount prices on thousands of hot products in over 27 categories - everything from Baby to electronics, from Perfume to Tools, from Jewellery to CDs.
If you use a credit card rather than a debit card to pay the transaction, you can contest any transactions that you think are fraudulent before paying your monthly account. If you must use a debit card, it could pay you to link it to a special bank account that you keep only a small amount of money in.
Never give unnecessary information online. You should only need your card number, the expiry date and the code on the back of it. You name and address will also be needed of course, but only supply your phone number and email address if you trust the site. Never give your card PIN, or your social security number.
Some sites are specially designed to install malware on your computer, so if the site you are on is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, be suspicious and leave. And never click on an unknown link from your email box.
Find great bargains and discounted merchandise in your next online shopping expedition with Deals Direct (www.dealsdirect.com.au). Find bargains and discount prices on thousands of hot products in over 27 categories - everything from Baby to electronics, from Perfume to Tools, from Jewellery to CDs.
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