Having a Business can give you FREEDOM like no other. This is a Salute to those with the courage to break out of the cubicle ratrace and to make their own future.
It takes courage to break out of the mold beaten in to us in public schools and go on our own. When you aren't an employee, you seem to lose your security... but if you think about it, you are gaining a whole 'nuther form of security. With certain kinds of business in particular, your security becomes that which is in your own hands. You no longer have to fear being laid off or fired. You no longer have to grovel and beg for time off to see a sick or dying relative or to take a long-needed break or vacation. If your business either creates residual streams of income (such that you aren't always needed to be present to generate the sales or cash flow), you really have achieved the ultimate freedom.
This Squidoo lens is a Salute to those who have decided to take this challenge. I admire their courage. You'll notice that not all of them have the same kind of business--but that they HAVE a business. Whether it's a commuter coffee service, or an online or physical rare-and-used bookstore, or facial care products, or a scrapbook and family-history-making business, these folks are pursuing the dream of financial independence from the 8-to-5 routine.
Your Own Piece of the American Dream -- A Business of Your Own -- Doesn't Have to Be Very Large!
Small Business Support on eBay... or even *through* eBay!
You Need a Plan-B!
Are You Ready? Do You Have a Plan 'B'?
A good way to start a business is to get into one of the *many* multi-level-marketing businesses out there (or what is called a network marketing business). Why? Because they operate with a system. These businesses also usually have a low start-up cost and a product that is so good that you yourself like to use it. And the way you market this great product or service is through using it. Folks notice the difference in your appearance, your attitude, or health... and when they ask about what you are doing, that gives you the chance to tell them-- and you offer them either the opportunity to do what you are doing or the opportunity to get the great product. That's really all there is to ANY MLM or network marketing company.
So... you have a *LOW* initial investment of cash and time with a *HIGH* return on investment (ROI). And, because nowadays most folks order their stuff through their own computers and it's delivered straight to them, you don't have to be running around town with your car loaded with stuff and chasing them down. You are BUYING YOUR TIME BACK. You are GAINING FREEDOM!
And does it matter *which* MLM? Not much. More in the next few paragraphs...
Sometimes You Have to Search Hard to Find a "Brick and Mortar" Business Location!
Sailing away with a New Business!
The Key to a Small Business -- The SYSTEM!
Having a SYSTEM is critical for you if you plan on having a small business that can grow and eventually give you freedom! That's why the network marketing or multi-level-marketing businesses can be so lucrative--as long as you follow their systems. If you have your own entrepreneurial endeavor that is not part of a network marketing franchise, then you may have to develop your own system description manuals that will keep your business on track. When you systemize your business, you've created a money generator. And that's good! Even Small Businesses Require Some Research!
Get Your Knowledge Here!
Check Out These Small Businesses!
- How Ya Bean Coffee!
- If you like Java at your special functions, then the How Ya Bean folks are the folks to call! They started with a modest little coffee cart at the ACE Train Station... and this blossomed into a thriving coffee business. They can be found at county fairs, RV shows, boating shows, home & garden shows, and other events. Check them out!
- Kat--the Avon Lady!
- Kat is someone who doesn't treat her business like a hobby. She runs it like a business--and it shows with her professionalism and her enthusiasm and attention to her customers. If you want to either just get some goodies to fix your face or if you want to learn how to run a big business by starting small and without the risk of the typical big business expenses, then talk to Kat. She's making it happen!
- Altamont Cowork!
- The Altamont Cowork facility is an example of an entrepreneurial idea taken to the next step. I work there (with my own editing, writing, and documentation business--along with my prepaid-legal services and insurance business), along with all sorts of other interesting small business people who want a place to work that's not a cubicle farm and yet, not isolated at home. Check out the website.
- Recover Your Thoughts! Journals that are UNIQUE LIKE YOU!
- I met Doug at a car show--and was impressed with his unique journals (I'm a writer, and writing materials are always high on my list of things to look at and get!). He takes discarded library and other hardbound books and, using recycled paper, he turns them into beautiful, one-of-a-kind journals that you can use for essays, notes, trip-diaries, sketch pads, and other forms of recording your memories and your life.
- Vera Dela Cruz, Virtual Professional
- This is the new wave of business--virtual work... not tied to any cubicles and providing help to those that need it. If you need help with web-design, help with online accounting, event management, and other things that can be conducted over the wires, Vera is the person to contact!
Which Books Give Your Business the Most Bang for Your Buck?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Rich Dad) by Robert T. Kiyosaki
After being the son of school teachers (and being more...0 points
More Wealth Without Risk by Charles J. Givens
This book was one of the first business and financ more...0 points
Financial Self Defense by Charles J. Givens
After reading Given's first book on Wealth Without more...0 points
Super Self: Doubling Your Personal Effectiveness by Charles J. Givens
This is a good book as well. I've become a great f more...0 points
Multiple Streams of Income: How to Generate a Lifetime of Unlimited Wealth! Second Edition by Robert G. Allen
Robert G. Allen wrote the book "Nothing Down& more...0 points
The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman
As a writer, this book is intriguing. I've been a more...0 points
Start small with your own biz -- with your own Squidoo lens!
Just click on the icon below -- it's easy, it's fast, and best of all, it's FUN!
Squid graphic courtesy of Squidoo Squid Graphics For Your Lenses! by GreekGeek.
Drop a note. If you have a small business, here's the place to mention it!
-
-
amandaquerque Jan 30, 2011 @ 10:34 pm | delete
- I have been selling vintage clothing online for years and now I am in the process of moving to my new 'brick and mortar' location! Great lens!
-
-
-
Yahoo-Web-Hosting
Mar 6, 2008 @ 12:02 pm | delete
- Here is a great place to research yahoo small business web hosting and growing your online website presence.
-
-
-
The-Bohemian
Dec 17, 2007 @ 11:14 am | delete
- nice lens, am working on a class entrepreneur project at school ( in an alc setting, no mold,,,) I am a sub in addition to all that other stuff in my bio. I think you have a good idea rgd your salute to small business owners. Will pass off this lens to the kids.
-
-
-
tracybooks
Aug 22, 2007 @ 12:30 am | delete
- Dave,
Squeezing some time in to surf the web and read some of your interesting material. I will need more time!!!
Winnie
-
This UpMarket page written by
EditorDave
If you need documentation or editorial help, or assistance with financial services, please drop me a note.
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. ...
more »
Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?
Connect with UpMarket
This author recommends...
-
Cubicle, Homesweet Cubicle--Time for a Cubicle Makeover
If you are going to be stuck in a "cubicle" for 8 hours a day (one third of each... -
Co-Working: A New Way to Do Business and Get Things Done!
At first, the work was described as "telecommuting"... but then, commuting works... -
Unemployment - From the Other Side of the HR Desk
<---- The empty cubicle syndrome! In our current economic crisis, many of us... -
Resumes - Tips for Job-Getting Resumes!
I volunteered my Resume and Cover Letter Editing/Writing services the other... -
Juneau, Alaska -- Capitol of the Largest U.S. State
Glaciers, wildlife, logging, fisheries, canneries, hunting, and tourism.... make... -
Ketchikan, wild and southeasternmost metropolis of Alaska
As I always do before I visit a place, I researched what we might find when we'd...
If you are starting with a small business, there's a good chance you need help with marketing it!
Guerrilla Marketing: Secrets for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business
Amazon Price: $4.69 (as of 05/28/2012)
This is a classic book for for those starting their own business. Many of us have skills and expertise in what our business it to provide, but we have no clue on how to market that business and get customers to buy our services or products. This book gives fantastic ideas to you that will have you laughing at how simple some of them are, and how "common sense" they are... but you will recognize that very few companies use these techniques. If you have these techniques in your arsenal of methods, you'll ace the competition!
Get advice and ideas from those who have already started a small business!
What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/28/2012)
If you are going to start your own business, don't you think it's good to get advice from those who have already started and are running their own businesses? Might as well get the info from folks who have been there and done that!
Pilots have checklists before they take off. Mechanics have checklists as they fix the engine... maybe you need one, too?
The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide: Seize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams!
Amazon Price: $8.54 (as of 05/28/2012)
This book provides a checklist for you to have as you go through all the things you must do to get your business off the ground. It helps to keep you on track and helps to warn you when you have missed something.
