My columns often talk to people who are looking to get out of their 9-5 jobs and start their own business, but if you are one of the millions people who enjoy their professions and who actually do not mind working for someone else, there are work at home options for you as well.
Sure, the American Dream has always been to set out for yourself into the world of
business, make a name for yourself with a product or service that only you
have thought of, and then turn your life from rags to riches.
Considering that many Americans have families, mortgages, and bills to pay,
the number of people who manage to successfully quit their jobs and become
self employed is small. Some would say the risks are high.
Many try it and quite a few have moderate successes, but a far greater number will go through their life’s savings, and in the end stand to lose their homes in order to meet financial obligations that went by the wayside and suddenly seem to pile up.
As I always say, you need a plan to ensure you are protecting your lifestyle when embarking on any business opportunity.
Perhaps you have sat in traffic time and again, bemoaning the fact that you
are wasting two or more hours of your time each day simply getting to your
job – the kind of time that could be put to good use! This is probably also
the time that you remember the many articles you have read on telecommuting,
and you are wondering if you have what it takes to take this step. After
all, if you were to approach your boss with a well thought out plan, she or he would might give you a chance to prove yourself.
Yet telecommuting is not for everyone who wants to do it. You need discipline.
First and foremost you will have to still consider yourself employed and thus bound by a schedule. While it is tempting to procrastinate on work until you finish that last load of laundry, mow the yard, or groom the dog, you do have to remember that you are on the clock.
Additionally, you will still need to meet deadlines and work to accommodate the work schedules of others in your company. This means that working in the middle of the night so that you can accompany the kids on a field trip the next day might not work.
Secondly, you will need to have adequate equipment. While almost everyone
owns a personal computer, there are a myriad of software programs out there
that may not be compatible, and you need to ensure you can easily connect to your corporate servers, databases and programs from home. Some business security prevents this kind of access so test it out before you go to bat with your boss!
There are a few more things you will need to have at home to replace your office. Will you need a fax machine or a scanner? Maybe you need to change your long distance plan to accommodate long distance calls?
It is important to have all your ducks in a row before you start! Do you see a theme here: have a plan and telecommuting is a work at home option that may work for you.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
Forget The Daily Grind: Work At Home (cont)
Are you tired of the shuffle of the every day grind at work?
Are you stressed and tired when you come home
Do you hate the thought of having to do it all again tomorrow?
It might be time for you to make a change. Thousands of people are deciding that they want to work from home, and they are making it work for them.
Maybe it can work for you as well.
The first step is to figure out what you are doing with your life now and see if there is any way that you can do that at home. For example, if you work in an office, is there a way to move most of your work home. This is often called Telecommuting.
Of you are providing a service that you can do from home, perhaps you can do it from home as a freelancer or consultant. Many bosses today are helping their employees find ways that they can do much of their work from their home offices both as employees as well as self employed contractors. With advances in technology, this is getting easier and easier.
If what you are currently doing cannot be done from home, don’t despair. There are still some options for you when it comes to working from home. If you are willing to take the chance of quitting your job, and you are good at what you do, there's a pretty good chance you can connect with an online company that will need your services.
If you want to completely change what you are doing for a living, you are also going to be able to find online work, whether or not it is in the field that you currently work in. Start looking into different businesses or companies that strike your interest. You could even start it part time before quitting your job to see if it is really something you want to do.
Here are a few tips on how to start building your business.
1. Go get your portfolio and your resume online. This might mean setting up a website for yourself, so that you have a link you can send to potential employers. In a few mouse clicks they can look at what you do, and how you do it.
2. Sit down and make a list of the types of work that you would be willing to do. Then, you can begin your job hunt! You should be able to find several jobs that can match your desires and your needs and wants, as you go through life.
3. Set a schedule. Working from home takes dedication. You need to treat it like a job and work at it diligently. If you are easily distracted or have little internal drive, working from home will be a daily struggle to actually do the work you want (and earn the money you desire).
Remember that in the end working form home shouldn’t make you more stressed and more hateful of your job.
If you can’t find something that you can do at home to make money that will make you happy, maybe working from home isn’t what you should be doing.
Always keep your mind open for new possibilities.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Working from home shouldn't be a distant dream. Make it a reality:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Are you stressed and tired when you come home
Do you hate the thought of having to do it all again tomorrow?
It might be time for you to make a change. Thousands of people are deciding that they want to work from home, and they are making it work for them.
Maybe it can work for you as well.
The first step is to figure out what you are doing with your life now and see if there is any way that you can do that at home. For example, if you work in an office, is there a way to move most of your work home. This is often called Telecommuting.
Of you are providing a service that you can do from home, perhaps you can do it from home as a freelancer or consultant. Many bosses today are helping their employees find ways that they can do much of their work from their home offices both as employees as well as self employed contractors. With advances in technology, this is getting easier and easier.
If what you are currently doing cannot be done from home, don’t despair. There are still some options for you when it comes to working from home. If you are willing to take the chance of quitting your job, and you are good at what you do, there's a pretty good chance you can connect with an online company that will need your services.
If you want to completely change what you are doing for a living, you are also going to be able to find online work, whether or not it is in the field that you currently work in. Start looking into different businesses or companies that strike your interest. You could even start it part time before quitting your job to see if it is really something you want to do.
Here are a few tips on how to start building your business.
1. Go get your portfolio and your resume online. This might mean setting up a website for yourself, so that you have a link you can send to potential employers. In a few mouse clicks they can look at what you do, and how you do it.
2. Sit down and make a list of the types of work that you would be willing to do. Then, you can begin your job hunt! You should be able to find several jobs that can match your desires and your needs and wants, as you go through life.
3. Set a schedule. Working from home takes dedication. You need to treat it like a job and work at it diligently. If you are easily distracted or have little internal drive, working from home will be a daily struggle to actually do the work you want (and earn the money you desire).
Remember that in the end working form home shouldn’t make you more stressed and more hateful of your job.
If you can’t find something that you can do at home to make money that will make you happy, maybe working from home isn’t what you should be doing.
Always keep your mind open for new possibilities.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Working from home shouldn't be a distant dream. Make it a reality:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Path to Freedom - Self Employment
Want To Work At Home? One of the most natural ideas if to become self employed.
Do you dream of skipping the endless commute to work every day ... I know that giving up the 2 hour each way commute to work every day was a dream come true!
Do wish you did not have to put up with your boss who would be
lost without you ... don't even ask me about this one.
If you answered yes, you might have what it takes to become self employed.
Consider the ultimate perk of being at home with your family during the
times they might need you, such as after school and at meal time. You can use big chunks of time for your work when all have flown the nest during the day to go to school.
If all this sounds appealing, then you simply owe it to yourself to look into the possibility of self employment.
There are different ways to go about achieving your goal. The road to self employment may be less traveled but it is nonetheless enticing. Yet before you bid your boss farewell, make sure you have what it takes to turn a dream into a profitable reality.
First and foremost, you must remember that you will no longer be able to look to a second party to hand you a guaranteed check every other week. Also remember it takes time to build up a business so you might be waiting for contracts or checks to come in.
Take a hard look at your current financial situation before making a leap. If you are heavily bogged down with credit cards bills, mortgage and car payments, and if your children attend private school, you will need to make sure you have enough money in savings to support yourself for at least year, so that you can give yourself ample time to pursue your dream while keeping up with your obligations.
Secondly, remember that you are setting yourself up as a business. As a result, you are not only the provider of the service or products, but you yourself are the figurehead, spokesperson, and image of the very business upon which you are embarking. That means, if an issue of liability arises, the customer or client will look to you for help and – if needed – compensation or a refund. You need to be very clear with customers about what you are providing and what the return policies are (in the event of a sales position.)
Depending on your business and the industry you are in, you should examine the possibilities of incorporating the business. This protects you, and your family from any legal threats that could be leveled against you (either rightly or wrongly) by a client.
For anyone desiring self-employment it is a good idea to invest a bit of money in one or two hours of a small business lawyer’s time to find out exactly where you stand. This step may save you a lot of money and grief in the long run.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Do you dream of skipping the endless commute to work every day ... I know that giving up the 2 hour each way commute to work every day was a dream come true!
Do wish you did not have to put up with your boss who would be
lost without you ... don't even ask me about this one.
If you answered yes, you might have what it takes to become self employed.
Consider the ultimate perk of being at home with your family during the
times they might need you, such as after school and at meal time. You can use big chunks of time for your work when all have flown the nest during the day to go to school.
If all this sounds appealing, then you simply owe it to yourself to look into the possibility of self employment.
There are different ways to go about achieving your goal. The road to self employment may be less traveled but it is nonetheless enticing. Yet before you bid your boss farewell, make sure you have what it takes to turn a dream into a profitable reality.
First and foremost, you must remember that you will no longer be able to look to a second party to hand you a guaranteed check every other week. Also remember it takes time to build up a business so you might be waiting for contracts or checks to come in.
Take a hard look at your current financial situation before making a leap. If you are heavily bogged down with credit cards bills, mortgage and car payments, and if your children attend private school, you will need to make sure you have enough money in savings to support yourself for at least year, so that you can give yourself ample time to pursue your dream while keeping up with your obligations.
Secondly, remember that you are setting yourself up as a business. As a result, you are not only the provider of the service or products, but you yourself are the figurehead, spokesperson, and image of the very business upon which you are embarking. That means, if an issue of liability arises, the customer or client will look to you for help and – if needed – compensation or a refund. You need to be very clear with customers about what you are providing and what the return policies are (in the event of a sales position.)
Depending on your business and the industry you are in, you should examine the possibilities of incorporating the business. This protects you, and your family from any legal threats that could be leveled against you (either rightly or wrongly) by a client.
For anyone desiring self-employment it is a good idea to invest a bit of money in one or two hours of a small business lawyer’s time to find out exactly where you stand. This step may save you a lot of money and grief in the long run.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Tips to Avoid Being Scammed
No matter where you on in the world, there are countless online and work from home jobs to choose from. But, just like anything else online, there are also things available to you that might seem too good to be true - and often, they are.
Here's the good news, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you don’t end up beings scammed out of your hard work or money.
1. Do your research.
If you are offered a paying position or even a temporary job by someone online, do a search on their name or email address and see if anything fishy comes up. Try to deal with people who have good reputations, or at the very least who don’t have bad reputations. You should try to avoid people who send you emails from a free email accounts, unless they include a lot of business information that you can check and verify. Remember that you should always be on the look out for potential scammers, and this includes in the job market.
2. Ask Questions.
Try to ask as many questions of the person who is hiring you before you begin work. Make sure there is a work contract that you can sign and keep for your own records, so that you will have written proof if anything goes wrong or if you do work that you aren’t paid for. The more information you are getting on the person who is offering you work, the better chance you have of staying clear of scammers, because often scammers will not give you very much information.
3. Keep Records.
It goes without saying that you need to keep track of your own work, and everything you are doing. Track what you have done and how much you need to be paid for it. Be sure to keep track of when that payment has been received. And, if you can, try to keep records of all of the communications that you have with the people who are recruiting you to work. Make sure that they are always answering your questions.
4. Trust Your Instincts.
Feel out a person before you take work for them. Make sure that you are able to trust this person, and that they have given you enough information so that you feel they are trustworthy. You should be able to know if you can really trust someone or not by the time you begin to work with them. Avoid the places and the people who you simply don’t trust. If you don’t trust someone, you shouldn’t take work from that person. That is just a good rule of thumb to keep in mind. Don't work for those that you do not trust, and this should go for all types of work, whether it is from home or not.
There are lots of good opportunities out there for entrepreneurs. You need to go into them with your eyes open and your radar on. There is a rule of thumb that always works: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do you homework and you will find success not scams.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the good news, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you don’t end up beings scammed out of your hard work or money.
1. Do your research.
If you are offered a paying position or even a temporary job by someone online, do a search on their name or email address and see if anything fishy comes up. Try to deal with people who have good reputations, or at the very least who don’t have bad reputations. You should try to avoid people who send you emails from a free email accounts, unless they include a lot of business information that you can check and verify. Remember that you should always be on the look out for potential scammers, and this includes in the job market.
2. Ask Questions.
Try to ask as many questions of the person who is hiring you before you begin work. Make sure there is a work contract that you can sign and keep for your own records, so that you will have written proof if anything goes wrong or if you do work that you aren’t paid for. The more information you are getting on the person who is offering you work, the better chance you have of staying clear of scammers, because often scammers will not give you very much information.
3. Keep Records.
It goes without saying that you need to keep track of your own work, and everything you are doing. Track what you have done and how much you need to be paid for it. Be sure to keep track of when that payment has been received. And, if you can, try to keep records of all of the communications that you have with the people who are recruiting you to work. Make sure that they are always answering your questions.
4. Trust Your Instincts.
Feel out a person before you take work for them. Make sure that you are able to trust this person, and that they have given you enough information so that you feel they are trustworthy. You should be able to know if you can really trust someone or not by the time you begin to work with them. Avoid the places and the people who you simply don’t trust. If you don’t trust someone, you shouldn’t take work from that person. That is just a good rule of thumb to keep in mind. Don't work for those that you do not trust, and this should go for all types of work, whether it is from home or not.
There are lots of good opportunities out there for entrepreneurs. You need to go into them with your eyes open and your radar on. There is a rule of thumb that always works: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do you homework and you will find success not scams.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Break Out of Your Cocoon - Eliminate Social Isolation In Your Home Business
We've all heard about “cocooning”, which sociologists have been monitoring very carefully since the explosion of the Web. Cocooning is the process of social isolation where a society withdraws from physical interaction with each other. This “hermit-like” behavior can lead to the decline of many cultural and social traditions. Cocooning also affects the way we interact with other when do finally leave the house and meet face to face.
The Internet has changed the way that humans communicate and interact. We can spend hours in chat rooms pretending to be beautiful, successful and brilliant when in fact we are average looking, overweight and unemployed. The person at the other end of the keyboard has no way of verifying our claims or disproving them.
Internet chat removes an essential aspect of communication: body language. Such things as posturing, fidgeting and eye contact all are unconscious transmitters of our true intentions. We learn as small children not to make eye contact when telling a lie and to cross our arms to distance ourselves from unpleasant people or situations. But the computer screen has no way of converting these communication skills into data that can be observed as overtones in the written text of a conversation.
Cocooning may impact the communication skills of future generations. While excelling at expressing themselves through the written word, our children may lack the skills to give a convincing speech in public or carry on a comfortable conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store. Some youth even use text messaging to communicate when they are in the same room ... let's not even get into the challenges with spelling and normal communication this is causing.
Some people argue that the growth of the home business industry is accelerating this trend. As more and more people work for themselves, from home, and communicate with colleagues over the Internet, face to face meetings and more traditional forms of meetings are dropping.
Add to this trend the fact that many parents are home schooling children, you can email your mother and fax your clients. You can even order a pizza, shop for a birthday gift and have your groceries delivered: all without any verbal communication.
As in everything in life, a balance is needed. If you email your mother today, call her tomorrow and visit her on the weekend. If you work from home, make time to visit the park. Join social groups rather that Internet message forums.
For your children, limit the amount of time that your children use the Internet and cell phone for text messaging. Encourage teens to take a speech or debate class along with that computer programming class when signing up for college courses. They may not like speaking in public (after all it is one of the top fears) but it will go a long way in helping expand their communications skills ... which are vital for future business success.
Social interaction has another valuable role for the home based business owner ... it extends your network and builds a support net for you. Find outlets where you can talk, share and interact with others in person. It gets you away from the screen, and out into the world. It can also help spark creativity and a drive to keep going when the going gets tough.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Working at home doesn't have to be a dream. Make it a reality at:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Internet has changed the way that humans communicate and interact. We can spend hours in chat rooms pretending to be beautiful, successful and brilliant when in fact we are average looking, overweight and unemployed. The person at the other end of the keyboard has no way of verifying our claims or disproving them.
Internet chat removes an essential aspect of communication: body language. Such things as posturing, fidgeting and eye contact all are unconscious transmitters of our true intentions. We learn as small children not to make eye contact when telling a lie and to cross our arms to distance ourselves from unpleasant people or situations. But the computer screen has no way of converting these communication skills into data that can be observed as overtones in the written text of a conversation.
Cocooning may impact the communication skills of future generations. While excelling at expressing themselves through the written word, our children may lack the skills to give a convincing speech in public or carry on a comfortable conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store. Some youth even use text messaging to communicate when they are in the same room ... let's not even get into the challenges with spelling and normal communication this is causing.
Some people argue that the growth of the home business industry is accelerating this trend. As more and more people work for themselves, from home, and communicate with colleagues over the Internet, face to face meetings and more traditional forms of meetings are dropping.
Add to this trend the fact that many parents are home schooling children, you can email your mother and fax your clients. You can even order a pizza, shop for a birthday gift and have your groceries delivered: all without any verbal communication.
As in everything in life, a balance is needed. If you email your mother today, call her tomorrow and visit her on the weekend. If you work from home, make time to visit the park. Join social groups rather that Internet message forums.
For your children, limit the amount of time that your children use the Internet and cell phone for text messaging. Encourage teens to take a speech or debate class along with that computer programming class when signing up for college courses. They may not like speaking in public (after all it is one of the top fears) but it will go a long way in helping expand their communications skills ... which are vital for future business success.
Social interaction has another valuable role for the home based business owner ... it extends your network and builds a support net for you. Find outlets where you can talk, share and interact with others in person. It gets you away from the screen, and out into the world. It can also help spark creativity and a drive to keep going when the going gets tough.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Working at home doesn't have to be a dream. Make it a reality at:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Promotion 101 - Money in the bank
Marketing is an important aspect of any business. Home based businesses are no exception. Here are a few tips on promoting your home business.
1. Personalize your business cards with a company logo. Be sure to include email addresses and website URL on the front.
2. If you sell a product, carry several samples with you. Attach a business card to the front. You’ll be prepared the next time someone asks you “ What do you do for a living?”. Hand them a sample along with your contact information so they know how to get more.
3.Collect email addresses from everyone. Contact information can be as good as money in the bank.
4. Start a monthly newsletter filled with updates and special promotions for your products and services. Snail mail it and email it out to every address in your data base.
5. Learn to write good copy. If you don’t have time to educate yourself, hire an exceptional copy writer to assist you. Good copy makes a difference between booming business and lost sales.
6.Request testimonials form experts in your line of work, than use them to promote your business.
7.Publish your business in every available marketing directory in your area.
8. Word of mouth can make or break a business. Talk up your business when in public and enlist friends and family members to do the same.
9. If you don’t have one already, get a website. Keep it low key, professional, easy to navigate and full of quality content. Don’t overuse graphics and flashy plug ins that slow down the time it takes for your page to load. Spend some time creating a catchy headline or slogan for your business. Now would be the time to use the copy writer again. List your web site with directories like Google , Yahoo and Inktomi. Make sure you read the webmaster’s guidelines and ensure that your website conforms to the search engines terms of service.
10. Get the word out about your business online by joining discussion forums related to your area of business. Post links back to your website and exchange links with other businesses that compliment your service. Avoid associating your site with fly-by-night or shady businesses. Only allow your links to be posted on high quality, reputable sites. Only post links on your site to businesses or websites that you have researched thoroughly. This can improve your page ranking and help you move up on the search engine results page.
11.Purchase advertising. While this is more expensive, it gains attention. You can even promote the business on radio but you might want a professional speaker to read the script promoting your business to listeners in prime listening times.
Don't rely solely on one marketing initiative. It takes a campaign to successfully promote your business. Remember PR, marketing and advertising will help bring money into the bank.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Personalize your business cards with a company logo. Be sure to include email addresses and website URL on the front.
2. If you sell a product, carry several samples with you. Attach a business card to the front. You’ll be prepared the next time someone asks you “ What do you do for a living?”. Hand them a sample along with your contact information so they know how to get more.
3.Collect email addresses from everyone. Contact information can be as good as money in the bank.
4. Start a monthly newsletter filled with updates and special promotions for your products and services. Snail mail it and email it out to every address in your data base.
5. Learn to write good copy. If you don’t have time to educate yourself, hire an exceptional copy writer to assist you. Good copy makes a difference between booming business and lost sales.
6.Request testimonials form experts in your line of work, than use them to promote your business.
7.Publish your business in every available marketing directory in your area.
8. Word of mouth can make or break a business. Talk up your business when in public and enlist friends and family members to do the same.
9. If you don’t have one already, get a website. Keep it low key, professional, easy to navigate and full of quality content. Don’t overuse graphics and flashy plug ins that slow down the time it takes for your page to load. Spend some time creating a catchy headline or slogan for your business. Now would be the time to use the copy writer again. List your web site with directories like Google , Yahoo and Inktomi. Make sure you read the webmaster’s guidelines and ensure that your website conforms to the search engines terms of service.
10. Get the word out about your business online by joining discussion forums related to your area of business. Post links back to your website and exchange links with other businesses that compliment your service. Avoid associating your site with fly-by-night or shady businesses. Only allow your links to be posted on high quality, reputable sites. Only post links on your site to businesses or websites that you have researched thoroughly. This can improve your page ranking and help you move up on the search engine results page.
11.Purchase advertising. While this is more expensive, it gains attention. You can even promote the business on radio but you might want a professional speaker to read the script promoting your business to listeners in prime listening times.
Don't rely solely on one marketing initiative. It takes a campaign to successfully promote your business. Remember PR, marketing and advertising will help bring money into the bank.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 26, 2007
Marketing Your Home Business
So you've decided to open a home business.
Good for you!
Who knew that you could actually get started and that you’d be able to follow through with it – well you have!
Give yourself a pat on the back, and take a breather.
But only a quick one, because one you have started up a home business, the hard part is just beginning.
As soon as you have started up your home business, you need to begin to market it.
This is something that you might not have even thought of, but it is something that needs to be done right away because this is where you are going to get your key clients from. Remember that this isn’t as hard as you might think it is. In fact, marketing your home business can be a snap, if you follow some key ideas.
1. Know your market. Determine who your key audience is. Are you going to be marketing to kids, to adults, or to another age bracket? Are you going to market more to men or women or both? Is there anything else about your clientele that separates them from the world at large?
2. Start marketing. There are many ways to market a business. If your business is based in a large city or somewhere that has a lot of traffic, you can do other kinds or marketing like flyers, signs, and other print media. However, if you are running a business that is mostly online, and you hope that most of your clients will come from the internet, here are things you should do to make sure that marketing is a success.
* Place adds on web pages that you know will get seen by your key demographic. Find some popular sites for the group of people that you have to target and try to get some advertising on those sites. Also look for pages that everyone will see, and try to get as many links out there as possible that have your name and your businesses name on them.
* Make sure that you are posting blogs and other articles all over the internet that somehow relate back to you.
* Get your name out there, do some surfing of your own. If you are in a certain type of business, go to some boards that deal with that business, and post on them with your internet address in your signature.
Remember the success of any business relies on the ability for your customers to find you. The more advertising that you can do, the more people are going to see your website and hopefully click on the link to visit your page.
Get out there and start talking. Customers are waiting
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Good for you!
Who knew that you could actually get started and that you’d be able to follow through with it – well you have!
Give yourself a pat on the back, and take a breather.
But only a quick one, because one you have started up a home business, the hard part is just beginning.
As soon as you have started up your home business, you need to begin to market it.
This is something that you might not have even thought of, but it is something that needs to be done right away because this is where you are going to get your key clients from. Remember that this isn’t as hard as you might think it is. In fact, marketing your home business can be a snap, if you follow some key ideas.
1. Know your market. Determine who your key audience is. Are you going to be marketing to kids, to adults, or to another age bracket? Are you going to market more to men or women or both? Is there anything else about your clientele that separates them from the world at large?
2. Start marketing. There are many ways to market a business. If your business is based in a large city or somewhere that has a lot of traffic, you can do other kinds or marketing like flyers, signs, and other print media. However, if you are running a business that is mostly online, and you hope that most of your clients will come from the internet, here are things you should do to make sure that marketing is a success.
* Place adds on web pages that you know will get seen by your key demographic. Find some popular sites for the group of people that you have to target and try to get some advertising on those sites. Also look for pages that everyone will see, and try to get as many links out there as possible that have your name and your businesses name on them.
* Make sure that you are posting blogs and other articles all over the internet that somehow relate back to you.
* Get your name out there, do some surfing of your own. If you are in a certain type of business, go to some boards that deal with that business, and post on them with your internet address in your signature.
Remember the success of any business relies on the ability for your customers to find you. The more advertising that you can do, the more people are going to see your website and hopefully click on the link to visit your page.
Get out there and start talking. Customers are waiting
About the Author:
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To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
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Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Giving a gift
People sometimes wonder why when they are working hard to build a business, they should give away their hard earned money to someone else.
For me, the reason is easy to figure out. For others, the concept of giving is a little harder to swallow.
Let me tell you one reason, I think its important for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors to give ... by giving, you receive. Sometimes the receiving is monetary, sometimes it is not. All times, the giving sends a signal out to the world that you are looking out for someone other than yourself and guess what, little by little, good things will start to come your way from a bunch of strange sources.
Here's an example. My Rich Dad club was playing last week and a new player landed on charity. She was looking at the square as a lost opportunity ... she hadn't landed one something that would allow her to make a purchase.
I took the opportunity to share some of Robert Kiyosaki's views on tithing and the importance he places on investing in three areas: savings, investing and tithing. It is so important to give back, he suggests giving an equal amount away to charity, as you would put into saving and investing.
The player took up the charity option and .... because of it, was able to make her first deal faster than anyone else on the board.
With the holiday season upon us, why not look at your tithing. Do you have a favourite charity? Do you give regularly to others? If the answer is no, you might want to wrap up some holiday cheer and give to someone less fortunate. The payback will be huge.
All the best to you this holiday season!
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
For me, the reason is easy to figure out. For others, the concept of giving is a little harder to swallow.
Let me tell you one reason, I think its important for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors to give ... by giving, you receive. Sometimes the receiving is monetary, sometimes it is not. All times, the giving sends a signal out to the world that you are looking out for someone other than yourself and guess what, little by little, good things will start to come your way from a bunch of strange sources.
Here's an example. My Rich Dad club was playing last week and a new player landed on charity. She was looking at the square as a lost opportunity ... she hadn't landed one something that would allow her to make a purchase.
I took the opportunity to share some of Robert Kiyosaki's views on tithing and the importance he places on investing in three areas: savings, investing and tithing. It is so important to give back, he suggests giving an equal amount away to charity, as you would put into saving and investing.
The player took up the charity option and .... because of it, was able to make her first deal faster than anyone else on the board.
With the holiday season upon us, why not look at your tithing. Do you have a favourite charity? Do you give regularly to others? If the answer is no, you might want to wrap up some holiday cheer and give to someone less fortunate. The payback will be huge.
All the best to you this holiday season!
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Walk like a leader
At Success University (http://jenniferlavoie1.successuniversity.com), there are several courses that you can take to enhace a range of areas in your life. One of them is leadership.
Why is leadership so important to an entrepreneur? Well, if you are in a people business like MLM or network marketing, you need to be a leader in order to have people willing or lining up to follow you.
When you look at the leaders in history, there are some untangeable characteristics they possess. It's almost like they resonate at a slightly different level which draws people to them. Some describe it as magnetism, others charisma.
Here's a checklist that Success University created on leadership. An important point: like many skills, leadership can be learned. Invest in your education and build up skills in a range of areas to achieve the success you want.
1. The Leader must have a dream larger than those he/she leads.
2. The Leader must have an attitude superior to those he/she leads.
3. The Leader is responsible and admits when he/she has made a mistake.
4. The Leader is a decision maker.
5. The Leader puts those he/she leads first.
6. The Leader sets the example by being in the front of the pack.
7. The Leader displays a commitment to integrity and character.
8. The Leader strives for excellence in all things.
9. The Leader displays a commitment to personal growth.
10. The Leader has the highest level of persistence and determination.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Why is leadership so important to an entrepreneur? Well, if you are in a people business like MLM or network marketing, you need to be a leader in order to have people willing or lining up to follow you.
When you look at the leaders in history, there are some untangeable characteristics they possess. It's almost like they resonate at a slightly different level which draws people to them. Some describe it as magnetism, others charisma.
Here's a checklist that Success University created on leadership. An important point: like many skills, leadership can be learned. Invest in your education and build up skills in a range of areas to achieve the success you want.
1. The Leader must have a dream larger than those he/she leads.
2. The Leader must have an attitude superior to those he/she leads.
3. The Leader is responsible and admits when he/she has made a mistake.
4. The Leader is a decision maker.
5. The Leader puts those he/she leads first.
6. The Leader sets the example by being in the front of the pack.
7. The Leader displays a commitment to integrity and character.
8. The Leader strives for excellence in all things.
9. The Leader displays a commitment to personal growth.
10. The Leader has the highest level of persistence and determination.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
It's Impossible To Fail
Read the headline. Do you believe it?
Failure is a state of mind not a state of your reality. If you are focused on not failing, trust me when I tell you, you won't succeed.
Consider:
"Fear, uncertainty, and doubt are, and always have been, the greatest enemies of success and happiness." Brian Tracy
"If you do not do the thing you fear, then the fear controls your life."
Glenn Ford
Many, many people go through life trying to avoid failure and guess what, they are so focused on that result, it often comes to them. Scary thought. Focus too hard on failure and you are bringing it to you.
When you change your mindset to focus on success not avoiding failure, the results are spectacular. Achievement, wealth and all of your dreams start to be realized. It really does work. If you are focusing on what you want, not what you are trying to avoid.
The movie The Secret explains this concept in greater detail. It is interesting once you start to think more about what you want and less about what you don't want, doors start to open up for you.
A speaker from success University, Michelle Blood, further explained this concept in her course Be A Magnet for success. When you focus on what you want, your thoughts turn into feeling then action and results. And, when you are focusing on what you really want, the universe will start to deliver. Interestingly, it might not come from the source you are focused on. For example, if you are seeking infinite wealth, and working on building a business, the wealth might come from an unexpected source not the business you are focused on ... but rest assured it will come.
When you are thinking about want you want, turning thoughts into feelings and actions, it is impossible to fail. Brian Tracy says: When you make a consistent effort to say to yourself, "I can do it! I can!" you will replace fear with self-confidence.
And guess what, if you act like you can't fail, not only will you find success but you will be living a more powerful, positive life. Do it today.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Failure is a state of mind not a state of your reality. If you are focused on not failing, trust me when I tell you, you won't succeed.
Consider:
"Fear, uncertainty, and doubt are, and always have been, the greatest enemies of success and happiness." Brian Tracy
"If you do not do the thing you fear, then the fear controls your life."
Glenn Ford
Many, many people go through life trying to avoid failure and guess what, they are so focused on that result, it often comes to them. Scary thought. Focus too hard on failure and you are bringing it to you.
When you change your mindset to focus on success not avoiding failure, the results are spectacular. Achievement, wealth and all of your dreams start to be realized. It really does work. If you are focusing on what you want, not what you are trying to avoid.
The movie The Secret explains this concept in greater detail. It is interesting once you start to think more about what you want and less about what you don't want, doors start to open up for you.
A speaker from success University, Michelle Blood, further explained this concept in her course Be A Magnet for success. When you focus on what you want, your thoughts turn into feeling then action and results. And, when you are focusing on what you really want, the universe will start to deliver. Interestingly, it might not come from the source you are focused on. For example, if you are seeking infinite wealth, and working on building a business, the wealth might come from an unexpected source not the business you are focused on ... but rest assured it will come.
When you are thinking about want you want, turning thoughts into feelings and actions, it is impossible to fail. Brian Tracy says: When you make a consistent effort to say to yourself, "I can do it! I can!" you will replace fear with self-confidence.
And guess what, if you act like you can't fail, not only will you find success but you will be living a more powerful, positive life. Do it today.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Opportunity In Disguise
This morning I was listening to a fantastic speaker. A native of Ghana, this man very early in his life set a course to come to America .... what he calls the land of opportunity. Being raised in a home with no running water, no shoes to wear and disease abundant, he learned about America and set a goal to get there. It took hard work persistence and dedication. Today, he has realized his goal, and is using his wealth to give back to the community that raised him.
I wanted to give you the quick background because he opened my eyes, especially when he shared some stats (mroe than 30% of millionnaires in America are immigrants). Wonder why? We live with abundance and yet can't see opportunity. Many of these immigrants come from nothing and see opportunity everywhere.
He talked about taking a job at university where his roommates would wait for a cheque from mom and dad. He talked about the classified job sections, which immigrants see as listings for opportunities. Pages and pages of opportunities.
How many times has opportunity come knocking and you've closed the door with a polite no thank you.
How often do you see a big problem, not a huge opportunity. When you are facing obstacles or challenges do you run from it ... rather than standing up and facing the fear. When you face a fear, you have conquered it forever.
Today, there are so many opportunities for abundance and yet so many people have their eyes closed to it.
Resolve something: resolve to see opportunity where before you might have seen a problem. Take a fresh look at the world around you and revel in your abundance. The world has now, more than ever, so much to offer if you are willing to open the door and answer the call.
Your true opportunity might be in disguise ... disguised as a big problem ... see it for what it is and grab hold, don't run away. You might be very surprised by the outcome.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude. That's the difference between immigrants and us ... we take everything around us for granted. They see it as abundance. Maybe we can learn to see our own opportunities through the eyes of those around us.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to give you the quick background because he opened my eyes, especially when he shared some stats (mroe than 30% of millionnaires in America are immigrants). Wonder why? We live with abundance and yet can't see opportunity. Many of these immigrants come from nothing and see opportunity everywhere.
He talked about taking a job at university where his roommates would wait for a cheque from mom and dad. He talked about the classified job sections, which immigrants see as listings for opportunities. Pages and pages of opportunities.
How many times has opportunity come knocking and you've closed the door with a polite no thank you.
How often do you see a big problem, not a huge opportunity. When you are facing obstacles or challenges do you run from it ... rather than standing up and facing the fear. When you face a fear, you have conquered it forever.
Today, there are so many opportunities for abundance and yet so many people have their eyes closed to it.
Resolve something: resolve to see opportunity where before you might have seen a problem. Take a fresh look at the world around you and revel in your abundance. The world has now, more than ever, so much to offer if you are willing to open the door and answer the call.
Your true opportunity might be in disguise ... disguised as a big problem ... see it for what it is and grab hold, don't run away. You might be very surprised by the outcome.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude. That's the difference between immigrants and us ... we take everything around us for granted. They see it as abundance. Maybe we can learn to see our own opportunities through the eyes of those around us.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Want them to beg?
I was enjoying re-reading some articles by Kurt Mortensen, the master of persuasion. I was thinking today about how to turn prospects into recruits. I enjoy this one, as we all want people to beg us to join our business.
Here's Kurt's article:
GET YOUR PROSPECTS TO BEG: USE EXTERNAL DISSONANCE!
Have you ever dealt with a prospect and had them suddenly interject and say something like, "uhm...this all sounds great. How do I get started?"
If not, you're really missing out. If so, you probably got lucky...
Or you just know how to use external dissonance.
For you to understand this exactly, it's important to know what dissonance is in the first place. For more information, go to www.magneticpersuasion.com and click on free reports. Scroll down to the "what is dissonance" link. After you've done this, you're ready.
The more somebody commits to or participates in something, the more likely they are to be persuaded. Simple enough, right? There are some great ways to use this to your advantage as a persuader. You know that your prospects have some basic things they want and need, right? Let's say you are a real estate investor. You know that it is important to your clients to close on their property quickly. So you ask them something like this: "Bob, a lot of people I deal with in this situation want to be able to close quickly. Is that something you want?" Well, what's Bob going to say? Duh!
So, here's a big surprise: when you write up you real estate purchase contract will you have a "quick close date?" Absolutely. When you apply this technique while knowing your prospects core wants and beliefs, you achieve tremendous persuasive power! In a roundabout way, your prospects will have said "I want your product." As you close, make sure you let your prospect know that your prospect includes all of the features they "said they wanted." This creates a tremendous amount of dissonance. The easiest way for your prospects to relieve this psychological tension will be to purchase your product!
*Remember: only ask this kind of question if you know what the answer will be. If you were to get a "no" in this situation the technique would have the opposite effect.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here's Kurt's article:
GET YOUR PROSPECTS TO BEG: USE EXTERNAL DISSONANCE!
Have you ever dealt with a prospect and had them suddenly interject and say something like, "uhm...this all sounds great. How do I get started?"
If not, you're really missing out. If so, you probably got lucky...
Or you just know how to use external dissonance.
For you to understand this exactly, it's important to know what dissonance is in the first place. For more information, go to www.magneticpersuasion.com and click on free reports. Scroll down to the "what is dissonance" link. After you've done this, you're ready.
The more somebody commits to or participates in something, the more likely they are to be persuaded. Simple enough, right? There are some great ways to use this to your advantage as a persuader. You know that your prospects have some basic things they want and need, right? Let's say you are a real estate investor. You know that it is important to your clients to close on their property quickly. So you ask them something like this: "Bob, a lot of people I deal with in this situation want to be able to close quickly. Is that something you want?" Well, what's Bob going to say? Duh!
So, here's a big surprise: when you write up you real estate purchase contract will you have a "quick close date?" Absolutely. When you apply this technique while knowing your prospects core wants and beliefs, you achieve tremendous persuasive power! In a roundabout way, your prospects will have said "I want your product." As you close, make sure you let your prospect know that your prospect includes all of the features they "said they wanted." This creates a tremendous amount of dissonance. The easiest way for your prospects to relieve this psychological tension will be to purchase your product!
*Remember: only ask this kind of question if you know what the answer will be. If you were to get a "no" in this situation the technique would have the opposite effect.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Environments for Winning
This is part of the Why we want you to be rich series but I felt it merited additional discussion.
Robert Kiyosaki talks about winning environments ... and noted these environments are ones where you need to be exceptionally talented, driven and tenacious to succeed. He notes that sometimes the fastest way to change and improve yourself is to change your environment.
For many years, I have been active in community groups, investment groups and always investing in my education through courses, night school and even online training. Through these groups and education, I have consistently expanded my context and allowed my reality to expand beyond my up bringing. I was raised in a middle class family. I was taught to value my university education, strive for a good job that would look after me into my retirement at 65. From a very early stage in my career, I had other ideas but I was uncertain how to go about it. Everyone around me were in traditional careers and roles so ideas I bounced off people sank like a lead balloon!
So what changed: I kept talking to people and networking. Eventually, I started connecting with people who, like me, believed that the old 9-5 sucked. More than that, they wanted early retirement and more time freedom to enjoy while they were young enough to have fun.
What's the message: For me, persistence is the key. Not talking "you can't do that" for an answer and rather constantly look for the how to do something. Many people will think you are nuts but who cares ... they'll still be working for someone else while you are enjoying the good life. Looking back, who was really nuts ... certainly not you!
From the book here are some ideas to create powerful environments:
* for your intelligence to grow, go to a library, bookstore or school
* for your health to grow, go to the gym, ride a bike, walk or play more
* for your spirit to grow, find a quiet spot to meditate or go to church
* for your wealth to grow, go places where people are getting rich (real estate office, stockbrokers' office, join an investment group and meet new friends who want to be rich as well
* for your world to expand, visit new places and do things you've never done.
"In other words, sometimes the fastest way to change and improve yourself is simply to change your environment."
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Kiyosaki talks about winning environments ... and noted these environments are ones where you need to be exceptionally talented, driven and tenacious to succeed. He notes that sometimes the fastest way to change and improve yourself is to change your environment.
For many years, I have been active in community groups, investment groups and always investing in my education through courses, night school and even online training. Through these groups and education, I have consistently expanded my context and allowed my reality to expand beyond my up bringing. I was raised in a middle class family. I was taught to value my university education, strive for a good job that would look after me into my retirement at 65. From a very early stage in my career, I had other ideas but I was uncertain how to go about it. Everyone around me were in traditional careers and roles so ideas I bounced off people sank like a lead balloon!
So what changed: I kept talking to people and networking. Eventually, I started connecting with people who, like me, believed that the old 9-5 sucked. More than that, they wanted early retirement and more time freedom to enjoy while they were young enough to have fun.
What's the message: For me, persistence is the key. Not talking "you can't do that" for an answer and rather constantly look for the how to do something. Many people will think you are nuts but who cares ... they'll still be working for someone else while you are enjoying the good life. Looking back, who was really nuts ... certainly not you!
From the book here are some ideas to create powerful environments:
* for your intelligence to grow, go to a library, bookstore or school
* for your health to grow, go to the gym, ride a bike, walk or play more
* for your spirit to grow, find a quiet spot to meditate or go to church
* for your wealth to grow, go places where people are getting rich (real estate office, stockbrokers' office, join an investment group and meet new friends who want to be rich as well
* for your world to expand, visit new places and do things you've never done.
"In other words, sometimes the fastest way to change and improve yourself is simply to change your environment."
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, November 03, 2006
Why We Want You To Be Rich ... Part 5
Many who read Robert Kyiosaki's books thinks he tells people not to "go to school and get a good job". In this latest book, he clarifies what he means and I think it is an important clarification.
In fact, I think there has been such a misunderstanding about Robert's perception on school that he felt it was important to clarify it in this book. RK didn't like school and didn't do well at school, but he still recommends that all young people complete their education (which means at least 4 years of college).
Here's the rationale:
1. It gives you a time to grown up. "All I found out after I left school was how much I didn't know"
2. " A college degree is a ticket." There are still many things out there that require a college or university degree.
3. You are given the opportunity to explore many different subjects at school and you can learn different skills that will be useful later in life.
I agree wholeheartedly with this argument.
First, people are growing up way to fast. High school and university are times for fun, experimentation, and learning important life lessons, but often people are so focused on the next step in their career and life they miss it. Don't miss it.
Number 2, while I am not working as a journalist (I have a university degree in journalism), the skills I learned at university including writing skills, and management skills (honed as the production manager of our local university paper) were very useful later in my life.
One regret from my university experience was my narrow course focus. I studied journalism and history. I didn't stray into the areas of politics or economics (two subjects that would be helpful on my financial path.) Kiyosaki says that if there are two subjects he recommends, it is accounting and business law. Not because he thinks everyone should be accountants or lawyers but because they will help you see what others cannot ... Xray vision into investments. I have had to learn accounting and law on the ground and it's a big learning curve. I have a good team helping but it would have helped to have some fundamentals.
So, when you are told by people to go to school and get a good job, perhaps hear it in a different way ... go to school and get the education that will lead to riches. That sounds better to me.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In fact, I think there has been such a misunderstanding about Robert's perception on school that he felt it was important to clarify it in this book. RK didn't like school and didn't do well at school, but he still recommends that all young people complete their education (which means at least 4 years of college).
Here's the rationale:
1. It gives you a time to grown up. "All I found out after I left school was how much I didn't know"
2. " A college degree is a ticket." There are still many things out there that require a college or university degree.
3. You are given the opportunity to explore many different subjects at school and you can learn different skills that will be useful later in life.
I agree wholeheartedly with this argument.
First, people are growing up way to fast. High school and university are times for fun, experimentation, and learning important life lessons, but often people are so focused on the next step in their career and life they miss it. Don't miss it.
Number 2, while I am not working as a journalist (I have a university degree in journalism), the skills I learned at university including writing skills, and management skills (honed as the production manager of our local university paper) were very useful later in my life.
One regret from my university experience was my narrow course focus. I studied journalism and history. I didn't stray into the areas of politics or economics (two subjects that would be helpful on my financial path.) Kiyosaki says that if there are two subjects he recommends, it is accounting and business law. Not because he thinks everyone should be accountants or lawyers but because they will help you see what others cannot ... Xray vision into investments. I have had to learn accounting and law on the ground and it's a big learning curve. I have a good team helping but it would have helped to have some fundamentals.
So, when you are told by people to go to school and get a good job, perhaps hear it in a different way ... go to school and get the education that will lead to riches. That sounds better to me.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Why We Want You To Be Rich Part 4
A subtext to the book Why We Want You To Be Rich highlights the importance of picking your battles, battlefields and the terrain in which you will achieve success.
What does this mean? If you go back to the cashflow quadrant, there are people who fit exceptionally well in the E quadrant and are happy there. Does that mean they should quit and become a B? No, but perhaps they can be and E and an I ... and through the I quadrant achieve freedom.
You need to really think about the characteristics of each quadrant. After all, this is your future that you are charting. No one can tell you where to focus your energies. It has to come from you. (Note earlier posts where each of the quadrants is described).
When considering the question of quadrants, you might want to also consider the question of Why you want to be rich? Is it for security? Freedom? For me, and in case you can't tell from the name of this blog, money brings me freedom ... freedom to choose what I spend time on, how I spend my days and what I buy. It is a lifestyle choice that goes beyond security.
What do you value and why. Think about that for a while.
Trump suggests writing the script to your life ... then producing it yourself and find yourself living the way you want. Writing a script of your life is a lot like manifestations. If you haven't done it already, stop now and do it. It's hard to find yourself living the life of your dreams if you can't articulate that dream!
An interesting sidebar to the discussion: Did you know that both Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki had military training? Both attribute some of their success to their military training because it taught them leadership, how to follow orders and how to get people to follow them.
That's all for now. There is so much in this book, I'll bring you another snapshot next post.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
What does this mean? If you go back to the cashflow quadrant, there are people who fit exceptionally well in the E quadrant and are happy there. Does that mean they should quit and become a B? No, but perhaps they can be and E and an I ... and through the I quadrant achieve freedom.
You need to really think about the characteristics of each quadrant. After all, this is your future that you are charting. No one can tell you where to focus your energies. It has to come from you. (Note earlier posts where each of the quadrants is described).
When considering the question of quadrants, you might want to also consider the question of Why you want to be rich? Is it for security? Freedom? For me, and in case you can't tell from the name of this blog, money brings me freedom ... freedom to choose what I spend time on, how I spend my days and what I buy. It is a lifestyle choice that goes beyond security.
What do you value and why. Think about that for a while.
Trump suggests writing the script to your life ... then producing it yourself and find yourself living the way you want. Writing a script of your life is a lot like manifestations. If you haven't done it already, stop now and do it. It's hard to find yourself living the life of your dreams if you can't articulate that dream!
An interesting sidebar to the discussion: Did you know that both Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki had military training? Both attribute some of their success to their military training because it taught them leadership, how to follow orders and how to get people to follow them.
That's all for now. There is so much in this book, I'll bring you another snapshot next post.
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Friday, October 27, 2006
A nation that's MAXED OUT!
I'm taking a break from the review of Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki's book because I stumbled across an article today that warrants discussion. It's scary. Has anyone noticed the proliferation of television shows, businesses and articles being written about debt? As a nation, we are raking up the debt on what Kiyosaki calls bad debt or doodads. The scary part about it is that most people don't even know they are doing it.
Here's an excerpt of the article from Motley Fool, as well as a link to the whole piece: http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2006/commentary06102702.htm?source=eptyholnk303100&logvisit=y&npu=y
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ad Council, who are working together in this project, hope the dose of nostalgia will get more young consumers to skip the plasma TV purchases and become young savers ... (paints) a bleak picture of his targeted age group:
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Here's an excerpt of the article from Motley Fool, as well as a link to the whole piece: http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2006/commentary06102702.htm?source=eptyholnk303100&logvisit=y&npu=y
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ad Council, who are working together in this project, hope the dose of nostalgia will get more young consumers to skip the plasma TV purchases and become young savers ... (paints) a bleak picture of his targeted age group:
- Their average credit card debt is $4,088.
- Their average student loan debt is $20,000.
- They spend 24% of their income on debt payments.
- They have the nation's second-highest rate of personal bankruptcy.
A study commissioned by the accountants' group also showed that the proportion of young adults with a simple savings account fell from 61% to 48% from 1985 to 2004. Over the same time period, the median net worth of adults in that age group has fallen dramatically, from $6,788 to $3,746. This means lots of young adults are missing out on one of the biggest advantages of saving while they're still young -- the advantage of time. Several thousand dollars put away early will grow exponentially greater than several thousand stashed away a decade later.
When I was in my late teens, my parents gave me a copy of the Wealthy Barber. While I don't follow all of the advice outlined in the book, it gave me a start on the path I'm currently following. It also sparked an interest in wealth creation that has lived on to this day.
In a RichDad CD, Robert Kiyosaki says that the only problem with keeping up with the Jones is that the Jones are going broke. I believe this is true. With the mentality of instant gratification, need it now, don't pay a cent, people are racking up debt they can't get out from under. It's truly frightening and what is worse is that most people aren't aware of what they are doing to themselves until its too late.
Take some time to review your personal budget (manage your household like a business). Look at the expenses and income. If you are red-lining, take action now before you are in so deep you can't get out.
Now let me be clear on one thing: I'm not talking about becoming cheap. If you become rich by being cheap you are still cheap. I am talking about being responsible with your income and your expenses. A trick I was taught by Kiyosaki is to have passive income businesses pay for my doodads, that way you have the doodad you want, and you have the passive stream of income for life.
Next time: More on Why We Want You To Be Rich
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Why We Want You To Be Rich ... Part 3
I can't put this book down. The two styles of Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are so different, yet complimentary. And, the message they deliver hits home.
Those who have been reading RD for a while, know that Robert advises learning one thing, mastering it, then moving on to the next area of expertise. In this book, he calls it FOCUS.
F = Follow
O = One
C = Course
U = Until
S = Successful
If we think about how we bounce about life, trying a few things, giving up and moving on to the next, it's no wonder there's such a big difference between playing to survive and playing to win ... those playing to win continue to focus on one thing at a time until successful. They overcome the challenges in front of them and continue forward.
Many people ascribe to the concept of diversification, but if you really look at this strategy it runs contrary to the concept of focus. It's a strategy that many financial planners use to convince people not to keep all their eggs in one basket. That through diversification, they can weather the ups and downs of a marketplace and protect themselves for major market shifts. It is, as Robert points out, a defensive strategy. These are the same advisors who tell people to work hard, get out of debt and save for the long term.
People like Robert and Donald believe in debt ... or using other people's money ... but they don't load up on bad debt which the poor and the middle class do. They use debt to buy assets that put more and more money into their pockets. And, the leverage those assets to buy more assets ... mastering one investment strategy after the next.
Now, I can already hear the protests and excuses that inevitably come up when I talk with people about this concept. The excuses will disapear if you conquer your fear, and set your mind to mastering one area of wealth creation, then moving on to another. Do you want to use your mind to make excuses or lever your mind to make money. I'll take the latter thanks!
We are all born rich. We all have been given the most powerful lever on earth, our minds ... so use your mind for leverage to make you richer rather than making excuses.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Those who have been reading RD for a while, know that Robert advises learning one thing, mastering it, then moving on to the next area of expertise. In this book, he calls it FOCUS.
F = Follow
O = One
C = Course
U = Until
S = Successful
If we think about how we bounce about life, trying a few things, giving up and moving on to the next, it's no wonder there's such a big difference between playing to survive and playing to win ... those playing to win continue to focus on one thing at a time until successful. They overcome the challenges in front of them and continue forward.
Many people ascribe to the concept of diversification, but if you really look at this strategy it runs contrary to the concept of focus. It's a strategy that many financial planners use to convince people not to keep all their eggs in one basket. That through diversification, they can weather the ups and downs of a marketplace and protect themselves for major market shifts. It is, as Robert points out, a defensive strategy. These are the same advisors who tell people to work hard, get out of debt and save for the long term.
People like Robert and Donald believe in debt ... or using other people's money ... but they don't load up on bad debt which the poor and the middle class do. They use debt to buy assets that put more and more money into their pockets. And, the leverage those assets to buy more assets ... mastering one investment strategy after the next.
Now, I can already hear the protests and excuses that inevitably come up when I talk with people about this concept. The excuses will disapear if you conquer your fear, and set your mind to mastering one area of wealth creation, then moving on to another. Do you want to use your mind to make excuses or lever your mind to make money. I'll take the latter thanks!
We are all born rich. We all have been given the most powerful lever on earth, our minds ... so use your mind for leverage to make you richer rather than making excuses.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Why We Want You To Be Rich Part 2
Before I continue with today's post, I want to underscore that I am not summarizing Why We Want You to Be Rich. I am simply sharing aspects of the book I find interesting or thought provoking. I think every book of this kind should be read more than once to truly grasp all the concepts being presented. I have found that going back and re-reading Prophecy, Rich Dad and other books, there were different elements that strike a chord because of the differing stages in my life.
3 Types of Investors: See if you can recognize yourself and the people around you in these three investors.
1. People who don't invest at all (and expect family, the government or their company to look after them ... see previous info on entitlement)
2. People who invest not to lose (safe investments and a saver mentality)
3. People who invest to win (those who invest in education, higher returns and greater control).
When Pete and I started RD Coaching this year, our goal was to further our education. We had set a goal to win ... within three years ... but knew we needed more education and experience to get there. So, we invested in the education we knew we needed to win.
Interestingly, Investing to Win, is a large section of this new book. Both Robert and Donald underscore that those who are investing not to lose will. Financial experts (who as Donald explains takes the subway to work and advise those driving BMWs) teach people to play it safe. "Those experts aren't focussed on winning. They are focussed on not losing. "
When you look at the so called safe investments, Robert and Donald say they are actually very risky. People socking their money away into these vehicles will get a rude awakening when retirement hits ... all the while they cling to job security ... and we all know there is no such thing as job security.
The majority of people are playing the game of life not to lose ... people like Robert and Donald are playing to win.
I found it very interesting that, in an interview with a reporter Robert confessed he hadn't set any goals for this year. When asked why (it goes against his teachings), he said he doesn't know what else to ask for ... then in the next breathe said: I think I need to dream wilder dreams.
Robert is not satisfied to stay in one place but is already looking beyond to see what else is possible. He reminds me of another business person I recently interviewed who said: I think I need to dream harder dreams because I keep reaching mine.
Living life beyond our dreams seems like a wonderful goal ... if you dare to take it on, but I fear few are up to the challenge. Are you?
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
3 Types of Investors: See if you can recognize yourself and the people around you in these three investors.
1. People who don't invest at all (and expect family, the government or their company to look after them ... see previous info on entitlement)
2. People who invest not to lose (safe investments and a saver mentality)
3. People who invest to win (those who invest in education, higher returns and greater control).
When Pete and I started RD Coaching this year, our goal was to further our education. We had set a goal to win ... within three years ... but knew we needed more education and experience to get there. So, we invested in the education we knew we needed to win.
Interestingly, Investing to Win, is a large section of this new book. Both Robert and Donald underscore that those who are investing not to lose will. Financial experts (who as Donald explains takes the subway to work and advise those driving BMWs) teach people to play it safe. "Those experts aren't focussed on winning. They are focussed on not losing. "
When you look at the so called safe investments, Robert and Donald say they are actually very risky. People socking their money away into these vehicles will get a rude awakening when retirement hits ... all the while they cling to job security ... and we all know there is no such thing as job security.
The majority of people are playing the game of life not to lose ... people like Robert and Donald are playing to win.
I found it very interesting that, in an interview with a reporter Robert confessed he hadn't set any goals for this year. When asked why (it goes against his teachings), he said he doesn't know what else to ask for ... then in the next breathe said: I think I need to dream wilder dreams.
Robert is not satisfied to stay in one place but is already looking beyond to see what else is possible. He reminds me of another business person I recently interviewed who said: I think I need to dream harder dreams because I keep reaching mine.
Living life beyond our dreams seems like a wonderful goal ... if you dare to take it on, but I fear few are up to the challenge. Are you?
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, October 23, 2006
Why We Want You To Be Rich Part 1
Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump's new book is now on bookshelves, and its title is Why we want you to be rich. A compelling title that has some shocking reasons behind it: The book is about the shrinking middle class and how the future shows a widening gap between the rich and the poor, the have and the have nots. These two financial powerhouses, or as they call themselves, the millionaire and the billionaire met during a Learning Annex seminar and discovered they had a lot in common. That commonality lead to the creation of a book that I would suggest you read if you are serious about becoming rich.
As a side note, some of the proceeds from this book are donated to financial education charities ... a sign of the importance of tithing.
Get the book here
The book opens with both Robert and Donald writing about their first meeting and their concepts for a new book. They both talk about WHY this book is important to write and why they are so concerned about the state of the US and global economy. As they state, if there's one why for becoming rich, it's so you aren't poor. A pretty compelling reason to strive for financial freedom.
The eye opening part of the introductory chapters is that the shrinking middle class and the collapse that awaits us as baby boomers retire is something we've done to ourselves. Robert and Donald want us "to let go of our entitlement mentality and become rich so we can solve our own problems." In quoting Mark Twain they say: Don't go around saying the world owes you a living, the world was here first.
Donald shows the changes in economic powerhouses in the world and how China and India are emerging as major economic forces. They are viable competition for countries who believe they are the global economic engine. Today's a wake up call.
Why we want you to be rich starts where every successful project should ... with the why. It doesn't need to be complicated. The why for this book as written by Robert Kiyosaki is:
"We want to encourage you to become rich because American and many other countries are becoming two class societies - rich or poor ... One reason: If you do not decide to become rich, the chances are you will become poor"
I can't think of a better reason to strive for wealth, can you.
Get the book here
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
As a side note, some of the proceeds from this book are donated to financial education charities ... a sign of the importance of tithing.
Get the book here
The book opens with both Robert and Donald writing about their first meeting and their concepts for a new book. They both talk about WHY this book is important to write and why they are so concerned about the state of the US and global economy. As they state, if there's one why for becoming rich, it's so you aren't poor. A pretty compelling reason to strive for financial freedom.
The eye opening part of the introductory chapters is that the shrinking middle class and the collapse that awaits us as baby boomers retire is something we've done to ourselves. Robert and Donald want us "to let go of our entitlement mentality and become rich so we can solve our own problems." In quoting Mark Twain they say: Don't go around saying the world owes you a living, the world was here first.
Donald shows the changes in economic powerhouses in the world and how China and India are emerging as major economic forces. They are viable competition for countries who believe they are the global economic engine. Today's a wake up call.
Why we want you to be rich starts where every successful project should ... with the why. It doesn't need to be complicated. The why for this book as written by Robert Kiyosaki is:
"We want to encourage you to become rich because American and many other countries are becoming two class societies - rich or poor ... One reason: If you do not decide to become rich, the chances are you will become poor"
I can't think of a better reason to strive for wealth, can you.
Get the book here
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://jenniferlavoie.payitforward4profits.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, October 20, 2006
Lemmings & Crowds
The road less travelled will sometimes take you past some interesting landmarks. All too often, some of the most beautiful sites are a short walk from the highway, or a hike up the mountain.
I recently moved from Ontario to BC and one of my favourite pastimes is hiking. I take Kayley on awesome walks that often take us to peaks in the area where we can look over a stunning vista. It is worth the sweat-equity.
When we are walking, we pass few people along the pass. There are few cars in the parking lots and even fewer hikers on trails. The herd hasn't wandered off the road yet.
The same can be said for business and investing. Quite often, those who are willing to take the road less travelled, investigate options that the herd hasn't found yet, have greater chances of return. Even more often, by the time the herd tunes into the opportunity, it's too late.
I see the same thing every day in the stock market, particularly around people who think the market is "risky". They watch and watch a particular company until everyone is talking it about it and the share price goes through the roof. That's when the inevitable person will buy only to find the company can't sustain the high price and starts to fall ... and guess what happens to the followers who waited and watched.
The same is very true when you are in business, particularly when you select a business that might be considered by many to be "risky" or leading edge. You will get all kinds of people happy to tell you that you are nuts for doing it, and watch you succeed from the sidelines. It is at that point, they'll try something quietly on the side, likely fail, and then blame the system.
What can you do? Have faith in what you are doing and keep focussed on the end result. The herd could be running for a cliff and I doubt you want to be with them.
About the Author:
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To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I recently moved from Ontario to BC and one of my favourite pastimes is hiking. I take Kayley on awesome walks that often take us to peaks in the area where we can look over a stunning vista. It is worth the sweat-equity.
When we are walking, we pass few people along the pass. There are few cars in the parking lots and even fewer hikers on trails. The herd hasn't wandered off the road yet.
The same can be said for business and investing. Quite often, those who are willing to take the road less travelled, investigate options that the herd hasn't found yet, have greater chances of return. Even more often, by the time the herd tunes into the opportunity, it's too late.
I see the same thing every day in the stock market, particularly around people who think the market is "risky". They watch and watch a particular company until everyone is talking it about it and the share price goes through the roof. That's when the inevitable person will buy only to find the company can't sustain the high price and starts to fall ... and guess what happens to the followers who waited and watched.
The same is very true when you are in business, particularly when you select a business that might be considered by many to be "risky" or leading edge. You will get all kinds of people happy to tell you that you are nuts for doing it, and watch you succeed from the sidelines. It is at that point, they'll try something quietly on the side, likely fail, and then blame the system.
What can you do? Have faith in what you are doing and keep focussed on the end result. The herd could be running for a cliff and I doubt you want to be with them.
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home visit:
http://www.retirefree.ws
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