BUSINESS BLOG

Business cards are a great way for your business to get it's name out into the world. Small, and convenient, these little cards provide your customers with your name and all your contact information, and because they're portable, your customers will be able to take your name with them wherever they go (an advantage over online advertising). Many companies provide fully customizable cards, allowing you to choose from font size and color to a unique logo. A good business card company will even let you choose the paper thickness and finish For those of you who do not wish to customize, many providers come with pre-designed templates where you only have to insert your information for a quick and easy card ready to be shipped. For those of you who wish to exercise your creative muscle, here are a few tips to follow: 1. Less is More: It is pretty easy to get carried away with all the bells and whistles offered, but it usually doesn't take much for that little wallet size...

The topic of productivity comes up a lot. How do you increase your productivity? The answer is simple: Be productive. However, being productive isn't just about working with maximum efficiency and effectiveness, although that's a big part of it. Here are some other suggestions to help you get more out of your day. Create a designated workspace Set up a workspace that is separate from your living area to help maintain focus and concentration. Establish a routine Create a schedule that includes specific work hours and breaks to help you stay on track and avoid distractions. Prioritize your tasks Start your day by identifying the most essential tasks and prioritizing them to ensure that you are making the most of your time. Dress for work Although it may be tempting to stay in your pajamas, dressing like you're about to leave the house can help put you in the right mindset for productivity. Stay connected Stay connected with colleagues and coworkers through regular check-ins a...

One of the best things I ever did was quit my day job and become self-employed. I’m so happy with it that I’m recommending it to everyone: my kids, my friends, my sisters. One sister has already started her own fitness business and I’m strongly urging the other to go out on her own as well. And while being your own boss can be scary and a little risky, it’s not as difficult as people think. You do have to be someone who loves his freedom, likes to be able to set his own schedule, likes to work on things he’s excited about. I know, that’s a tall order. Is that all there is to it? No, it takes a ton of hard work, and an ability to learn from your mistakes, and an ability to  try . Let’s briefly look at some of the things I’ve learned, in hopes that it’ll help you on your journey to freedom. First: Can Anyone Be Self-Employed? Not everyone should, because some people just love working where they’re working, they love the people they’re working with, and they absolutely love what they...

One of the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the reason many dread to venture into it is, "delayed gratification". The entrepreneur is like a Lone Ranger who is walking through a lonely part. Initially, he's never noticed. As he's grinding and working smart towards his goal, people don't take note of him. He's laughed at. He's jeered at. He's called a fool. But he perseveres with the knowledge that anything good does not come easy. And then somewhere along the line, his efforts begin to yield results. People now begin to take note of him. Those who thought him foolhardy will now come to him to seek his advice. "How did you do it? They will ask. They wish to be like him. But the question is, how many can pay the price that he has had to pay? The life of an entrepreneur is not easy but it pays to be one. In your journey of entrepreneurship, focus is key. You need to stay focused in order to keep your desire for success burning. Sadly, though, ...

Many people are now looking for ways to get out of today's corporate business world, and to become their own boss. One way that some have been successful is by opening up and running their own day care center. More moms than ever before now have to return to work after their baby is born. Few families are able to make ends meet on one income. So, why not start your own center that caters to these busy moms, and open up a loving and safe place where they can leave their young babes and go to work knowing that will be well cared for? When you first decide to open up your own daycare, you need to check with your state and government agencies to find out what rules and regulations you need to follow. For example, you are only allowed to have a certain number of children per square foot of space your building has, so you need to know this right off the bat. You will need to locate a site that is large enough to house the number of children that you plan to care for. Many have been suc...

One of the challenges of working from home is how to draw the line between your personal and professional life. Family members (especially young children) may not understand that you're "busy" when you're just in the house, and may distract you right in the middle of an important call or letter. It may also be near impossible to stay organized and focused when your "work station" also happens to be the kitchen table, your bedroom, or the living room. The most important thing to remember is that you are still working. Like all office environments, you need structure and space. Find a room (preferably with a lock) and equip it with a desk, a comfortable chair, appropriate lighting, a phone, and computer equipment. You may also need a printer, fax, and depending on your business, a scanner. There are some hybrid products that combine these functions, and you can install software that will allow you to receive faxes on your printer. Be sure to invest in cable ...

The only true business that can be run from your 'home' is a Bed and Breakfast Venture. Taking a decision to run a Bed and Breakfast establishment involves much careful consideration, planning and financial calculations. Not only will it take up a large part of your life - although with careful planning this can be kept under control, but such a venture also holds out the prospect of making a very good income for you. Location, location, location. This is the prime consideration in any business venture, more so in the Bed and Breakfast industry. A location can vary enormously from being right in the heart of a busy town to being a remote farmhouse. There is a demand for both. Your location will probably define the type of clientele you will attract and the level of your operation, the amount you may charge per room, the number of bookings you are likely to receive etc. Planning means - do you already have a house that can be easily adapted to cope with a business of thi...