Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
9 Ways to Start Earning Extra Money on the Side
Since job security is almost as hard to find as well-rested new parents, we have to create our own financial stability by building multiple sources of incomes. That can mean taking on freelance work, starting up our own businesses, or pursuing a potentially lucrative hobby. With the average worker now holding 10 different jobs before age 36, the only way to guarantee a little bit of continuity is to take matters into our own hands. Here are some ways to get started:
Brainstorm. Ask a friend or family member to engage in some quick back-and-forth to gin up some ideas. What are your talents? Do you daydream about any potential money-making schemes? Have you stopped pursuing a hobby that you used to love? What did you enjoy making or doing as a kid? Write down all the ideas, even the crazy ones, and review the list for any potential pursuits.
Brainstorm. Ask a friend or family member to engage in some quick back-and-forth to gin up some ideas. What are your talents? Do you daydream about any potential money-making schemes? Have you stopped pursuing a hobby that you used to love? What did you enjoy making or doing as a kid? Write down all the ideas, even the crazy ones, and review the list for any potential pursuits.
Take small steps. Maybe you first need to purchase a domain name before launching your small business. Or perhaps you need to have coffee with an editor before pitching a few magazine ideas his way. The first step might also be as small as buying a how-to book on your chosen field. Whatever it is, take it – it will be easier to take the next ones.
Check out Craigslist.org. Craigslist isn’t just a great way to find secondhand furniture; the postings can also be a source of entrepreneurial inspiration. People offer all kinds of services, from woodworking lessons to French tutorials. The postings might give you some ideas for what kind of services you could offer yourself. You can always test the market by posting an ad and seeing who responds.
Start a small business. If you’re serious about launching a gardening service, or a dogwalking business, get the word out with a website and begin offering key clients free coupons for the work. Then, post their endorsements on your site. Consider advertising in web forums, including Craigslist.org. In Generation Earn, I profile Anne and Tim Bradley, a married couple in their twenties who launched an online pet store after noticing an unfilled niche in the market. During the first month of operation, they made $1,000.
Market your mind. If you prefer to work from the comfort of your home, then consider opening up an account at Cafepress.com, where you can create T-shirts with art or witty expressions and then sell them through the site. You keep 10 percent of all sales. Follow pop culture and politics closely, and you could have a winner: After health care reform passed, Vice President Biden’s quote about the reform being “a big #@%*! deal” took off.
Get paid to talk. If you have expertise in something – anything – then organizations are probably willing to pay you to talk to them. You might have to offer a few freebies at first, but soon, you can start lining up the paying gigs. A local or national speakers association (check out the National Speakers Association at nsaspeaker.org) can help.
Teach your passion. Maybe it’s yoga, or perhaps art: Whatever it is, find out where you can teach it. Local community centers, gyms, and colleges are often looking for new teachers.
Get crafty. Websites such as etsy.com make it easy to sell your handmade jewelry, soap, or other items directly to new customers.
Blog. Bloggers don’t usually get rich through their writing, but they can often promote their other businesses or services effectively through their blogs. So once you set up shop, don’t forget to write about it.
To learn more about Generation Earn, visit www.generationearn.com.
A Hot Trend: Home-Based Businesses - A Hot Trend
More than half of all small businesses are now run from owners’ homes. And they’re not just hobbies: 6.6 million of them supply 50% or more of household income. Two-fifths employ two to five people. Ten percent have more than five employees.
Helping spark the trend are fast home Internet service, smart phones and so on. Also, a high rate of joblessness and growing frustrations over balancing personal and work time make working full time from home appealing to many people.
The flexibility to run a franchise based around your hours and needs -- be it a part-time or full-time venture -- is part of what makes it an attractive option to many entrepreneurs, says Kelly Sweeny, vice president of U.S. sales at Jazzercise, a home-based franchisor. “It allows you the option to work on both ends of the spectrum and offers you the flexibility to have your franchise grow with you as your life changes,” she adds.
Several firms offer home-based franchises -- some for minimal investment -- though start-up costs can vary widely. A Jazzercise franchise, for example, can be had for $3,000. A cruise-planning agency – under $2,000. But Lawn Doctor -- a lawn care service -- requires franchisees to have at least $40,000 in liquid assets.
The range of investment costs in starting up any franchise typically depends on what services you choose to offer, the work needed to prepare a home workspace and any home-business permit costs that may be required by your community.
Laws pertaining to permits for home-based businesses differ depending on where you live. Some of the variables focus on whether you’ll have employees working in your home, the amount of client traffic to your home and neighborhood and whether you’ll have a sign on the outside your house.
Profits vary wildly, too, depending on the number of clients, hours of service and variety of services offered. While some owner-operators can make six-figures, others make decidedly less.
Companies that offer home-based franchises are prepared to train clients, putting them through business development classes and other educational programs. Relationships with the parent company often remain strong after franchisees are up and running -- with regional support groups, toll-free hotlines, newsletters and field evaluations. Rooter-Man, for example, provides its franchisees with advertising and Internet services plus a helping hand for grand openings.
A caveat: Keep an eye out for “make money fast” scams that promise high levels of return quickly from the comfort of your living room. These scams usually come in the form of flyers or e-mails and have become increasingly more common as people struggle to make ends meet in tough economic times. Common ploys often involve envelope stuffing, assembly or craft work, rebate processing or online searching, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This FTC site has information on avoiding unscrupulous operators.
There are also business opportunities in serving “homepreneurs,” catering to their needs for technology, specialized tax assistance, office equipment, etc. Tax preparation, for example, for home-based businesses can be tricky, so start-ups should consider getting expert advice.
Source: Internet
Several firms offer home-based franchises -- some for minimal investment -- though start-up costs can vary widely. A Jazzercise franchise, for example, can be had for $3,000. A cruise-planning agency – under $2,000. But Lawn Doctor -- a lawn care service -- requires franchisees to have at least $40,000 in liquid assets.
The range of investment costs in starting up any franchise typically depends on what services you choose to offer, the work needed to prepare a home workspace and any home-business permit costs that may be required by your community.
Laws pertaining to permits for home-based businesses differ depending on where you live. Some of the variables focus on whether you’ll have employees working in your home, the amount of client traffic to your home and neighborhood and whether you’ll have a sign on the outside your house.
Profits vary wildly, too, depending on the number of clients, hours of service and variety of services offered. While some owner-operators can make six-figures, others make decidedly less.
Companies that offer home-based franchises are prepared to train clients, putting them through business development classes and other educational programs. Relationships with the parent company often remain strong after franchisees are up and running -- with regional support groups, toll-free hotlines, newsletters and field evaluations. Rooter-Man, for example, provides its franchisees with advertising and Internet services plus a helping hand for grand openings.
A caveat: Keep an eye out for “make money fast” scams that promise high levels of return quickly from the comfort of your living room. These scams usually come in the form of flyers or e-mails and have become increasingly more common as people struggle to make ends meet in tough economic times. Common ploys often involve envelope stuffing, assembly or craft work, rebate processing or online searching, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This FTC site has information on avoiding unscrupulous operators.
There are also business opportunities in serving “homepreneurs,” catering to their needs for technology, specialized tax assistance, office equipment, etc. Tax preparation, for example, for home-based businesses can be tricky, so start-ups should consider getting expert advice.
Source: Internet
How to Be a Millionaire by Age 25
Wish you were as wealthy as this guy? He's Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, and his super-geek-to-billionaire story is the basis of the hit movie The Social Network. "Young people are just smarter," he told a Stanford University audience in 2007. He started Facebook from his Harvard dorm in 2004 as a sophomore. Now he's a 26-year-old philanthropist, recently donating $100 million to the Newark, N.J., school district.
Zuckerberg's youthful fame and fortune makes for a riveting tale. But across America every year, plenty of entrepreneurs make their first million under the age of 25, some in high school. It takes vision, smarts, determination and a little luck. Here are eight of them, along with their advice for achieving prosperity.
Michael Dell
Age now: 45
Title/Company: Founder and CEO, Dell Computers
Made his first million by age: 19
Dell launched his computer company in 1984, just before dropping out of the University of Texas. By selling direct, Dell lowered prices and won over customers. At 24, the company had revenues of $258 million. At last check, his estimated net worth was $13.5 billion.
Title/Company: Founder and CEO, Dell Computers
Made his first million by age: 19
Dell launched his computer company in 1984, just before dropping out of the University of Texas. By selling direct, Dell lowered prices and won over customers. At 24, the company had revenues of $258 million. At last check, his estimated net worth was $13.5 billion.
His advice for young entrepreneurs: "You've got to be passionate about it," he said in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. "I think people that look for great ideas to make money aren't nearly as successful as those who say, 'Okay, what do I really love to do? What am I excited about?' "
Catherine Cook
Age now: 20
Title/Company: Founder, myyearbook.com
Made her first million by age: 18
In 2005, Catherine and her brother founded the social-networking site, which functions like a digital yearbook with pictures, friends and virtual currency called "lunch money." Today, it boasts 20 million members and is one of the 25 most-trafficked Web sites in the U.S.
Title/Company: Founder, myyearbook.com
Made her first million by age: 18
In 2005, Catherine and her brother founded the social-networking site, which functions like a digital yearbook with pictures, friends and virtual currency called "lunch money." Today, it boasts 20 million members and is one of the 25 most-trafficked Web sites in the U.S.
Her advice for young entrepreneurs: "Stop just thinking about it, and make it happen. When you’re young is the best time to start your own business, as you do not have the responsibilities you will have when you're older. The worst that can happen if you fail now is that you have firsthand experience to make your next venture a success."
Sean Belnick
Age now: 23
Title/Company: Founder, BizChair.com
Made his first million by age: 16
Belnick's been selling business furnishings online for nearly a decade now, but the recent B.A. graduate of Emory University's Goizueta School of Business still saw value in a college education.
Title/Company: Founder, BizChair.com
Made his first million by age: 16
Belnick's been selling business furnishings online for nearly a decade now, but the recent B.A. graduate of Emory University's Goizueta School of Business still saw value in a college education.
His advice for young entrepreneurs: "It is never too early to start. I started when I was 14. There was a lot of great information on the Internet. Just do the research and find a way to do what you want to do."
Jermaine Griggs
Age now: 27
Title/Company: Founder, Hear and Play Music Group
Made his first million by age: 23
Griggs' passion for teaching music evolved into a site that teaches piano, drums and guitar by ear. More than 2 million students download online lessons each year. Griggs' plans include the launch of brick-and-mortar learning centers, a TV network and a magazine.
Title/Company: Founder, Hear and Play Music Group
Made his first million by age: 23
Griggs' passion for teaching music evolved into a site that teaches piano, drums and guitar by ear. More than 2 million students download online lessons each year. Griggs' plans include the launch of brick-and-mortar learning centers, a TV network and a magazine.
His advice for young entrepreneurs: "Understand the power of selling, not just things, but yourself and your ideas. Study business. Study those who have come before you, and find people with the same dreams and aspirations as you."
Matt Mickiewicz
Age now: 27
Title/Companies: Founder, Sitepoint, 99designs and Flippa
Made his first million by age: 22
Mickiewicz, who launched his first company in 1998, points out that the Internet enables immediate customer feedback, making it relatively inexpensive to test and launch new ideas.
Title/Companies: Founder, Sitepoint, 99designs and Flippa
Made his first million by age: 22
Mickiewicz, who launched his first company in 1998, points out that the Internet enables immediate customer feedback, making it relatively inexpensive to test and launch new ideas.
His advice for young entrepreneurs: "People who say it takes money to make money are using the worst excuse ever. . . Create massive value for others by providing a solution where no other exists."
Juliette Brindak
Age now: 21
Title/Company: Cofounder/CEO, MissOandFriends.com
Made her first million by age: 19 (Brindak won’t divulge when she earned her first million, but says that her company was valued at $15 million when she was 19)
At 10, Brindak started drawing the "cool girls" cartoon figures who became stars in 2005 of her online community for tween girls. Today, she is seeking investors and preparing to take the site public as she attends Washington University in St. Louis.
Title/Company: Cofounder/CEO, MissOandFriends.com
Made her first million by age: 19 (Brindak won’t divulge when she earned her first million, but says that her company was valued at $15 million when she was 19)
At 10, Brindak started drawing the "cool girls" cartoon figures who became stars in 2005 of her online community for tween girls. Today, she is seeking investors and preparing to take the site public as she attends Washington University in St. Louis.
Her advice for young entrepreneurs: Find a solid support team who believe in your idea. "If someone starts to doubt your company and what you’re doing, you need to get rid of them."
David Hauser & Siamak Taghaddos
Age now: 28 and 29, respectively
Titles/Company: Co-founder (Hauser, right); Co-founder, CEO (Taghaddos, left) -- Grasshopper Group
Made their first million by ages: 24 and 25, respectively
Hauser and Taghaddos met at Babson College, where they developed a virtual phone system designed to serve mobile entreprenuers. Hauser built the technology; Taghaddos led the marketing and sales.
Titles/Company: Co-founder (Hauser, right); Co-founder, CEO (Taghaddos, left) -- Grasshopper Group
Made their first million by ages: 24 and 25, respectively
Hauser and Taghaddos met at Babson College, where they developed a virtual phone system designed to serve mobile entreprenuers. Hauser built the technology; Taghaddos led the marketing and sales.
Taghaddos' advice for young entrepreneurs: "Education helped polish the inherent entrepreneurs within us. Always be on the lookout for new venture opportunities from the voids and challenges you experience in your life. Success is finding solutions in challenges that help others; money is secondary."
Cameron Johnson
Age now: 25
Title/company: Launched more than a dozen Web sites between 1998 and 2004, before he was 20 years old
Made his first million: before graduating high school
At 9, Johnson started a printing company making greeting cards from his home. At 12, he made $50,000 selling his sister's Beanie Baby collection (with her permission, of course). Regarded as an entrepreneurial icon in Japan, Johnson hosted a BBC television show last year called "Beat the Boss." He now focuses on writing and guest lectures.
Title/company: Launched more than a dozen Web sites between 1998 and 2004, before he was 20 years old
Made his first million: before graduating high school
At 9, Johnson started a printing company making greeting cards from his home. At 12, he made $50,000 selling his sister's Beanie Baby collection (with her permission, of course). Regarded as an entrepreneurial icon in Japan, Johnson hosted a BBC television show last year called "Beat the Boss." He now focuses on writing and guest lectures.
His advice for young entrepreneurs: "Put yourself out there. Get started, do something and start small -- the lower your startup costs, the easier it is to find profitability. Create value for others, and you’ll be rewarded."
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Open Door Organization
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The Organization is always committed and very ready to contribute its quota to the development of Africa’s Leadership and Socio-economic strides hence it strongly believes in open door policy, Justice and fairness to all its Clients.
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