OT/Business Start-up 101
(deactivated member)
on 11/30/09 11:58 pm, edited 12/1/09 12:19 am - Sweet Dreams lives in , PA
on 11/30/09 11:58 pm, edited 12/1/09 12:19 am - Sweet Dreams lives in , PA
Hi Family,
Listen I thought I would start a series of posts to share the information I have learned along the way to starting my own business. I know that some of you all dream about starting one as well. Perhaps you were like me and just keep putting it off in hopes that you would one day find the time and energy to follow through. I have had the privilege of seeing many start up businesses develop...seeing the folks behind them and what they did to make happen. The main thing that I came to realize is that there is no time like the present. I realized that if Mr. and Mrs. A could make it happen so could I. I am sure the same can be said for you.
Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement and a few resources to help us along the way. Since I have received quite a bit of interest yesterday regarding my post (on front street and the backline), I just think it would be a good thing to do...not only will it help keep me motivated and encouraged but perhaps it will help some of you as well. There are folks out there that already have businesses....perhaps they can share useful keys to increase our chances at success. Lets face it ....the reality is that not all businesses survive past the first year.
I am just tired of seeing "other folks" reaping the benefits of doing business in our communities while we don't. Who better to serve our needs then us. While I hope to have a large target market for my business....the ultimate goal is to give back to our community.
So let’s begin....I will do my best to post daily but I am not really expecting replies unless you want to start a dialogue about something you might read. I imagine the number of views will give me enough of an indicator whether in the long run...it’s something I should expend the energy to post.
*Disclaimer - I am new at this too...so please do your own research as well; however, I will be posting most resources that I have found on the web and consider them to be beneficial. Please feel free to share your own. I am sure I will learn more along the way as I encounter obstacles, resources and the like.
My plan is to invest part-time effort into my business in the development stage. I don't have the resources to make a large financial investment for the start-up. So it’s best for me to keep my day job...lol or else I might find my arse homeless!
The BEST WEB BASED RESOURCE TO START WITH IS THE:
U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/index.html
Step One - Take this Small Business Readiness Assessment:
http://web.sba.gov/sbtn/sbat/index.cfm?Tool=4
Step Two - Get a piece of paper and write down all possible business ideas that come to mind. Some people have found out that they can actually make their current hobbies profitable.
Possible Home Based Businesses (Lets face it...not all of us can start out with a Store Front or separate place of business)
The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas
(While I think these are good ideas....you need to find a way to add an interesting and catchy twist...try to make yours stand out as different and more worthwhile than the rest...I have added a few of my own highlights *in pink* to give you an example of what I mean..plus you know me...I am just being silly)
If you are thinking about starting your own home-based business, the available options can be overwhelming. Here’s a look at some tried-and-true home-based business ideas that have growth potential, now and in the future.
1. Personal trainer: If you are fitness-minded, you can start your own business as a personal trainer, visiting clients in their homes. Check out the National Federation of Professional Trainers for information about the certification process. (After a long hard work out.
..what better way to relax your client then to offer a nice Protein
Rum
Shaker Smoothy....get him or her a little tipsy,...so they dont focus on the fact that it feel like their arse is about to fall off!
~how many fingers do you see~ )
2. Yoga instructor: You don’t need a studio to teach yoga; just like a personal trainer, you can visit clients at their homes or offices. The Yoga Alliance Web site provides information on yoga schools, certification, insurance, and more. (Not....dont know too many black folks that do that....if you do decide to go out on a limb....jazz it up with just that NICE Jazz offerings AND Uncle Bootsies incense to relax the mind)
3. Tutoring: You can start a business tutoring students in their homes, at schools, or at local YMCAs or other child-care organizations. Talk to your local school district officials and school principals to determine their needs. (ummmmm....just make sure you are teaching them the right math.....you know how we do sometimes....*If I give you $5 and you go to the store to buy me a newspaper for $1.75....how much will you bring me back. Ahhhhhhhh $3.25. Wrong!!! $.25 cause...you know you are suppose to get my scratch off on the way out tha door!
4. Business coaching: Do you have experience in management or some other specialized business skill? Share it with others by becoming a business coach. The International Coach Federation provides certification and a coach referral service for its members.
5. Consulting: If you are an expert in a specific industry, such as finance, marketing, or mediation, consider beginning your own consulting business.
6. Medical and legal transcription: If you have transcription skills and the necessary equipment, you can easily work from home for a variety of different companies. Check local community colleges or search online for transcription training courses.
7. Medical claims billing: This industry is one of the most popular work-from-home businesses. eLearners.com can help you locate legitimate transcription training courses online.
8. Accounting: There are many opportunities available for certified public accountants. If you are interested in getting certified, take a look at the Web site of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for information on specific state requirements.
9. Web design: If you can design quality Web sites, consider turning your skills into a home-based business. Because this industry is constantly changing, good Web designers are always in demand.
10. Senior care services: The rising number of senior citizens who want to stay in their own homes means big opportunity for nonmedical home care providers, who help seniors with tasks of daily living.
11. Photography: If you are skilled with a camera, you can open your own photography business. You can visit clients at their homes or, if you have space, set up a small studio in your home.
12. Home inspection: The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Web site provides information on becoming certified to inspect homes.
13. Remodeling: If you are a gifted carpenter or contractor, you can turn your passion into your own business. Find a niche that’s in demand in your area and target it.
14. Interior design: If you have a flair for the creative, consider interior design. The American Society of Interior Designers Web site provides resources for aspiring interior designers, including a list of each state's requirements for licensing.
15. Catering or personal chef: Consider starting your own catering or personal chef business. Target a niche by providing specialized services such as low-carb or vegetarian menus. (Catering requires a food establishment license and a commercially equipped kitchen that meets state and federal health requirements. Contact your local city or county health department for more information.)
16. Gift baskets: Gift basket creation is a popular and creative home-based business. You can sell your baskets online and target both individuals and businesses to increase potential sales.
17. Wedding or event planner: If you are an ace at organizing important events and have a lot of contacts, consider becoming a wedding or event planner. There are numerous certification courses online, including one from Weddings Beautiful.
18. Personal shopper: If you love to shop and have an eye for people's personal styles, you can offer your services to people too busy to shop for themselves. Increase your profit potential by providing a gift-shopping service as well.
19. Concierge service: If you have a lot of energy, great organization skills, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks, consider providing a personal concierge service to busy businesspeople or upscale clients.
20. Custom jewelry creation: Designing your own custom design jewelry can be fun and lucrative. You can sell it online at your own sites or at crafters’ sites such as Etsy.
21. Computer repair: Are you the person everyone calls when they have a computer problem? Turn this into a business and start getting paid for fixing fatal errors. You can target small businesses, consumers, or both.
22. Cleaning service: If you are good at cleaning, consider offering your services to others. Both residential and commercial cleaning operations can easily be run from home.
23. Carpet cleaning service: A variation on cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning services are well-suited to operate from home.
24. Mobile pet grooming: If you love animals, offer consumers convenience by equipping a van and visiting clients at their homes to bathe and groom their pets.
25. Child-care services: Turn your expertise with children into a home-based day-care center. Be sure to stay abreast of your state’s regulations and insurance requirements for this type of business. To learn more about franchises, visit the Franchise Center of AllBusiness.com. And for ongoing advice, see Frank Ross' Home-Based Business Blog.
African American Entrepreneurs
Listen I thought I would start a series of posts to share the information I have learned along the way to starting my own business. I know that some of you all dream about starting one as well. Perhaps you were like me and just keep putting it off in hopes that you would one day find the time and energy to follow through. I have had the privilege of seeing many start up businesses develop...seeing the folks behind them and what they did to make happen. The main thing that I came to realize is that there is no time like the present. I realized that if Mr. and Mrs. A could make it happen so could I. I am sure the same can be said for you.
Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement and a few resources to help us along the way. Since I have received quite a bit of interest yesterday regarding my post (on front street and the backline), I just think it would be a good thing to do...not only will it help keep me motivated and encouraged but perhaps it will help some of you as well. There are folks out there that already have businesses....perhaps they can share useful keys to increase our chances at success. Lets face it ....the reality is that not all businesses survive past the first year.
I am just tired of seeing "other folks" reaping the benefits of doing business in our communities while we don't. Who better to serve our needs then us. While I hope to have a large target market for my business....the ultimate goal is to give back to our community.
So let’s begin....I will do my best to post daily but I am not really expecting replies unless you want to start a dialogue about something you might read. I imagine the number of views will give me enough of an indicator whether in the long run...it’s something I should expend the energy to post.
*Disclaimer - I am new at this too...so please do your own research as well; however, I will be posting most resources that I have found on the web and consider them to be beneficial. Please feel free to share your own. I am sure I will learn more along the way as I encounter obstacles, resources and the like.
My plan is to invest part-time effort into my business in the development stage. I don't have the resources to make a large financial investment for the start-up. So it’s best for me to keep my day job...lol or else I might find my arse homeless!
The BEST WEB BASED RESOURCE TO START WITH IS THE:
U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/index.html
Step One - Take this Small Business Readiness Assessment:
http://web.sba.gov/sbtn/sbat/index.cfm?Tool=4
Step Two - Get a piece of paper and write down all possible business ideas that come to mind. Some people have found out that they can actually make their current hobbies profitable.
Possible Home Based Businesses (Lets face it...not all of us can start out with a Store Front or separate place of business)
The Top 25 Home-Based Business Ideas
(While I think these are good ideas....you need to find a way to add an interesting and catchy twist...try to make yours stand out as different and more worthwhile than the rest...I have added a few of my own highlights *in pink* to give you an example of what I mean..plus you know me...I am just being silly)
If you are thinking about starting your own home-based business, the available options can be overwhelming. Here’s a look at some tried-and-true home-based business ideas that have growth potential, now and in the future.
1. Personal trainer: If you are fitness-minded, you can start your own business as a personal trainer, visiting clients in their homes. Check out the National Federation of Professional Trainers for information about the certification process. (After a long hard work out.
..what better way to relax your client then to offer a nice ProteinRum
Shaker Smoothy....get him or her a little tipsy,...so they dont focus on the fact that it feel like their arse is about to fall off!~how many fingers do you see~ ) 2. Yoga instructor: You don’t need a studio to teach yoga; just like a personal trainer, you can visit clients at their homes or offices. The Yoga Alliance Web site provides information on yoga schools, certification, insurance, and more. (Not....dont know too many black folks that do that....if you do decide to go out on a limb....jazz it up with just that NICE Jazz offerings AND Uncle Bootsies incense to relax the mind)
3. Tutoring: You can start a business tutoring students in their homes, at schools, or at local YMCAs or other child-care organizations. Talk to your local school district officials and school principals to determine their needs. (ummmmm....just make sure you are teaching them the right math.....you know how we do sometimes....*If I give you $5 and you go to the store to buy me a newspaper for $1.75....how much will you bring me back. Ahhhhhhhh $3.25. Wrong!!! $.25 cause...you know you are suppose to get my scratch off on the way out tha door!
4. Business coaching: Do you have experience in management or some other specialized business skill? Share it with others by becoming a business coach. The International Coach Federation provides certification and a coach referral service for its members.
5. Consulting: If you are an expert in a specific industry, such as finance, marketing, or mediation, consider beginning your own consulting business.
6. Medical and legal transcription: If you have transcription skills and the necessary equipment, you can easily work from home for a variety of different companies. Check local community colleges or search online for transcription training courses.
7. Medical claims billing: This industry is one of the most popular work-from-home businesses. eLearners.com can help you locate legitimate transcription training courses online.
8. Accounting: There are many opportunities available for certified public accountants. If you are interested in getting certified, take a look at the Web site of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for information on specific state requirements.
9. Web design: If you can design quality Web sites, consider turning your skills into a home-based business. Because this industry is constantly changing, good Web designers are always in demand.
10. Senior care services: The rising number of senior citizens who want to stay in their own homes means big opportunity for nonmedical home care providers, who help seniors with tasks of daily living.
11. Photography: If you are skilled with a camera, you can open your own photography business. You can visit clients at their homes or, if you have space, set up a small studio in your home.
12. Home inspection: The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Web site provides information on becoming certified to inspect homes.
13. Remodeling: If you are a gifted carpenter or contractor, you can turn your passion into your own business. Find a niche that’s in demand in your area and target it.
14. Interior design: If you have a flair for the creative, consider interior design. The American Society of Interior Designers Web site provides resources for aspiring interior designers, including a list of each state's requirements for licensing.
15. Catering or personal chef: Consider starting your own catering or personal chef business. Target a niche by providing specialized services such as low-carb or vegetarian menus. (Catering requires a food establishment license and a commercially equipped kitchen that meets state and federal health requirements. Contact your local city or county health department for more information.)
16. Gift baskets: Gift basket creation is a popular and creative home-based business. You can sell your baskets online and target both individuals and businesses to increase potential sales.
17. Wedding or event planner: If you are an ace at organizing important events and have a lot of contacts, consider becoming a wedding or event planner. There are numerous certification courses online, including one from Weddings Beautiful.
18. Personal shopper: If you love to shop and have an eye for people's personal styles, you can offer your services to people too busy to shop for themselves. Increase your profit potential by providing a gift-shopping service as well.
19. Concierge service: If you have a lot of energy, great organization skills, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks, consider providing a personal concierge service to busy businesspeople or upscale clients.
20. Custom jewelry creation: Designing your own custom design jewelry can be fun and lucrative. You can sell it online at your own sites or at crafters’ sites such as Etsy.
21. Computer repair: Are you the person everyone calls when they have a computer problem? Turn this into a business and start getting paid for fixing fatal errors. You can target small businesses, consumers, or both.
22. Cleaning service: If you are good at cleaning, consider offering your services to others. Both residential and commercial cleaning operations can easily be run from home.
23. Carpet cleaning service: A variation on cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning services are well-suited to operate from home.
24. Mobile pet grooming: If you love animals, offer consumers convenience by equipping a van and visiting clients at their homes to bathe and groom their pets.
25. Child-care services: Turn your expertise with children into a home-based day-care center. Be sure to stay abreast of your state’s regulations and insurance requirements for this type of business. To learn more about franchises, visit the Franchise Center of AllBusiness.com. And for ongoing advice, see Frank Ross' Home-Based Business Blog.
African American Entrepreneurs
Populations Trends. There are an estimated 38.7 million U.S. residents who were either black or black and at least one other race, making up 13.3 % of the total U.S. population. The African American population is expected to grow by 30.6% by 2008, compared to a 24.8% increase for total U.S. population.
Business Owners. There are 1 million African American owned businesses in the United States, which account for over $100 billion in annual sales. Traditionally, the most common form of African American-owned business has been in the service sector, (e.g., barber or beauty shops, transportation, etc.). Now the fastest growing sectors are business services, legal services, insurance and real estate.
Entrepreneurial Growth. Entrepreneurship in the African American community alive and well.
- African Americans are 50% more likely than whites to start their own businesses, and 86% of African American teens polled by Junior Achievement expressed interest in starting a business.
- Twenty-six percent of black men with some graduate school education are trying to start a business, vs. just 10% of white men
- 16% of black men making more than $76,000 a year are trying to start a business, vs. 10% of whites.
African American Women. African American women are making great strides in entrepreneurship.
- Two in five of all African American owned firms are owned by women. These firms employ 31.5% of the workers in African American owned firms and generate 20.4% of the sales.
- There are an estimated 414,472 firms owned by African American women in the U.S., employing nearly 254,000 people and generating $19.5 billion in sales.
- The number of African American women-owned firms has increased by 32.5%, employment has grown by 50.1, and sales have risen by 43.9%.
Sources: Center for Women’s Business Research, National Black Chamber of Commerce, Blacksonville.com, U.S. Census Bureau.
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