10 Low Cost Weekend Businesses To Start

Retrieved on 16th October 2009 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/10lowcostweekendbusinessestostart/157650.html

8 Great Ways To Motivate Yourself When You Just Dont Feel Like It

written by Jason Barr

Motivation is a tough thing, especially if you're in the midst of some difficult circumstances. If you're at all like me, and things aren't going the way you planned, you might have a tendency to fall into a funk. Instead of conquering the world, you might just want to put on some pajama pants, crack open some Ben and Jerry's, and watch TV.

This is a poor solution to your problems.

Seriously, sitting around isn't going to solve anything. You'll end up feeling worse about your situation the less you do about it. And, if you keep up with the B & J, you'll end up with a weight problem, too.

So, how do you motivate yourself if you're not feeling motivated? I think the feelings are key to understanding the root challenge. You're not always going to feel like doing something. You have to lead your emotions, not let your emotions lead you. Take one or more of these 8 eight concrete steps to inject some purpose into your situation.

1. Let Fear Take Hold
Fear is one of the strongest motivators we have. The "fight or flight" response is dependent on feeling fear as its source. So, let fear work for you. If you're genuinely concerned about what's going to happen now that you've lost your job, and you don't know where the money is coming from to pay the rent, you're going to do whatever needs to be done. Issues that seemed to be obstacles before are going to fade to the background.

2. Keep the Finish Line In Sight
A lot of folks have a tendency to look at the next step, rather than the big picture. While this technique has its merits, it's important to look up at the finish line occasionally. If you don't, and you're constantly focused on the day-to-day minutiae, you'll eventually wonder why it is that you're doing what you're doing. It's important to remember the payoff, because that's what got you excited in the first place.

3. Make It a Game
This one works wonders with little kids! If your goal is to clean up toys before bedtime, you parents know that it's often beneficial to race your kids to see who can pick up the most toys in the shortest amount of time. The same thing works with yourself. If you're training for a marathon, you can continually try to improve on your overall time, or your split times, or whatever. Find ways to measure yourself, and constantly try to set personal bests.

4. Remove All Other Options
Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico in 1519 in order to secure lands for the Spanish crown. One of his first orders to his men was to burn the ships that they had arrived on. This was to remove any thoughts of retreat from their minds. When things were going poorly, the men didn't have the option of thinking, "Well, we can always go home". This is a scary step, but sometimes it's the only one that will work. For a person who wants to work for themselves, even if they have developed a substantial business on the side of their full-time employment, quitting that secure day job is a "burn the ships" moment. There isn't anything to fall back on, and they have to succeed.

5. Tell Someone Else
If you have a goal you want to reach, don't keep it to yourself. Be sure to share it with people you respect. Once you've publicly acknowledged it, it becomes harder to give it up. You've made a verbal contract in a sense with people whose opinion you care about. If you were to give up on your dream, you would lose face with them. Most folks don't want this to happen, but because they're scared of failure, they keep their dream to themselves. However, if you want to succeed, you'll tell as many people as you can.

6. Tell Yourself Daily
Make an affirmation to yourself about your goal. For those of you who aren't familiar with the concept of daily affirmations, it goes a little something like this. You write down a sentence or two that specifically details what it is you're going to achieve. You need to make it specific, and you need to keep it short. Then, just before going to bed, first thing when you wake up, and at various set points during the day, you read your affirmation aloud to yourself.

This sounds a bit hokey to some, but it serves to keep your mind focused on what it is you're working toward. It keeps your mind on the task at hand, even when there are many other things that are demanding your attention.

7. Recruit a Group
In the course of telling people around you about your goal, you may run into a few of them that are excited about what you're doing. They may be so excited that they want to do something like it. If you talk to enough people, you'll find some that have goals just like you. You can take the initiative to lead these folks into a group that supports each other in reaching each of your destinations.

By having an accountability group, you put yourself in a situation where you're not only afraid of losing face with the other members, but you also have people available to provide ideas and brainstorm ways to keep going when you get stuck. It's amazing the things that members of an accountability group can accomplish together.

8. Break It Up
While I said that you need to keep your eye on the prize back up in step #2, there's nothing wrong with breaking up your big, huge, audacious goal into smaller goals along the way. If your goal is so big that it scares you, or you worry about not being able to achieve it no matter how hard you try or how many people you tell about it, this may be a good tip for you. Just break it up into chunks. The sub-goals you set for yourself should still be something you can be proud of on their own, but they should also advance you toward the main objective. By taking things in smaller doses, you won't get easily frustrated.

So, here are eight tips to keep your motivation up when you just don't feel like it. It's really all about fooling yourself into doing something that you know is good for you (like eating broccoli with cheese, right?). If there's something I missed, or you have a story about how one of these tips worked for you, share it with the rest of us in the comments.

Jason Barr writes at the personal development blog "Start Being Your Best". Follow him on Twitter here, or grab a subsription to his blog.

Retrieved on 8^th October 2009 from http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/08/8-great-ways-to-motivate-yourself-when.html

Negotiating Your Way To Success

written by an unknown author

Negotiation s a skill that is central to all occupations and one that is used every single day. Negotiation is both an art and a science – and hence requires both careful planning as well as tact in execution. As an entrepreneur your typical work day would involve you negotiating with your existing and prospective customers, vendors, partners, employees, financers and so on. Negotiation is inherent to how you go about growing your business and it is important to constantly evaluate your environment and how you respond to it. Your ability to negotiate may mean the difference between success and failure. Negotiation is a process, not an event – involving various phases. The first involves planning, preparation and analysis. This is followed by relationship building. Next comes the information exchange that includes a first offer, counter-proposals, persuasion, concessions and compromise. Finally, there is the agreement. Through our various interactions with entrepreneurs, we were able to generalize some common tips on what it takes to be a successful negotiator. Let’s outline a few important tips on building an effective negotiation strategy implementing it Clearly articulate the issues that you are negotiating about and the objective. It is helpful to identify and distinguish the key issues from the peripheral ones. Before you sit on the negotiations table – do your homework – it is critical to understand your counterparty’s objectives, his motivations, thought process and probable approach. Find out as much as you can about him – not just professional achievements – but his DNA as a person – his interests, his influences, likes, dislikes, common talking points, etc. Assess bargaining strengths and weaknesses for yourself and your counterpart. Knowing how much to bend and how much to push is important as this sets a boundary for your negotiation agenda. Draw up a wish-list or expected outcomes. Then prioritize them. Recognize what is a must-have and what is not. Against your prioritized wish-list it would also be helpful to pen down what your counterpart’s reaction is. Similarly you could run this exercise the other way around – putting yourself in the other party’s shoes. Identify potential trade-offs or concessions on both lists. Prepare yourself – be ready to deal with conflict. The goal in negotiation is to respond without reacting, which can be difficult if you are an emotional person or dealing with an extremely close issue. Being deliberately slow, taking pauses in-betweens to reflect and reassess and deep breathing is helpful to maintain a calm disposition. Sometimes getting a mediator to represent an unbiased view can be helpful too. Work with, not against, the person on the other side. Use your best communications skills; be clear and concise. Ask open-ended questions, then be quiet and listen. Be flexible and open to unseen possibilities. Negotiation borne out of harmony is far more successful for all parties involved rather than decisions made out of haste or impatience. Be patient and keep a cool head during your negotiation process. It is important to remember that you have to “give something to get something” – the best solution is one that balances everyone’s expectations. Conflicts are an everyday occurrence at is important to realize that every outcome may not go your way – you win some and lose some. While negotiations can help you find a mid-path and an amicable solution at many times, ready yourself for events not unfolding the way you had desired. At the end, you have added one more experience to your learning curve. There is another battle waiting for you’re the next day.

Retrieved on 28^th September 2009 from http://www.yourstory.in/resources/marketing/1406-negotiating-your-way-to-success

10 Tips For The First-Time Business Owner

written by Scott Gerber

I write Entrepreneur.com ‘s Young Entrepreneur column because I believe there are far too few resources directly addressing the nonacademic trials and tribulations young entrepreneurs face along their journey. Whenever possible, I encourage up-and-comers and established entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation of dream-seekers; for it is this insight and insider education that will provide the foundation for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. With that, here are 10 pieces of advice that I wish someone had given to me before I launched my first venture.

1. Focus. Focus. Focus.

Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every “opportunity” they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep’s clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept.

2. Know what you do. Do what you know.

Don’t start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. It’s not only important to create a profitable business, it’s also important that you’re happy managing and growing it day in and day out. If your heart isn’t in it, you will not be successful.

3. Say it in 30 seconds or don’t say it at all.

From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more.

4. Know what you know, what you don’t know and who knows what you don’t.

No one knows everything, so don’t come off as a know-it-all. Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who will nurture you to become a better leader and businessman. Find successful, knowledgeable individuals with whom you share common interests and mutual business goals that see value in working with you for the long-term.

5. Act like a startup.

Forget about fancy offices, fast cars and fat expense accounts. Your wallet is your company’s life-blood. Practice and perfect the art of being frugal. Watch every dollar and triple-check every expense. Maintain a low overhead and manage your cash flow effectively.

6. Learn under fire.

No business book or business plan can predict the future or fully prepare you to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no such thing as the perfect plan. There is no perfect road or one less traveled. Never jump right into a new business without any thought or planning, but don’t spend months or years waiting to execute. You will become a well-rounded entrepreneur when tested under fire. The most important thing you can do is learn from your mistakes--and never make the same mistake twice.

7. No one will give you money.

There, I said it. No one will invest in you. If you need large sums of capital to launch your venture, go back to the drawing board. Find a starting point instead of an end point. Scale down pricey plans and grandiose expenditures. Simplify the idea until it's manageable as an early stage venture. Find ways to prove your business model on a shoestring budget. Demonstrate your worth before seeking investment. If your concept is successful, your chances of raising capital from investors will dramatically improve.

8. Be healthy.

No, I'm not your mother. However, I promise that you will be much more productive when you take better care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 profession. Working to the point of exhaustion will burn you out and make you less productive. Don't make excuses. Eat right, exercise and find time for yourself.

9. Don’t fall victim to your own B.S.

Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk. Impress with action not conversation. Endorse your business enthusiastically, yet tastefully. Avoid exaggerating truths and touting far reaching goals as certainties. In short, put up or shut up.

10. Know when to call it quits.

Contrary to popular belief, a smart captain does not go down with the ship. Don’t go on a fool’s errand for the sake of ego. Know when it’s time to walk away. If your idea doesn’t pan out, reflect on what went wrong and the mistakes that were made. Assess what you would have done differently. Determine how you will utilize these hard-learned lessons to better yourself and your future entrepreneurial endeavors. Failure is inevitable, but a true entrepreneur will prevail over adversity.

Scott D. Gerber is Entrepreneur.com's Young Entrepreneur columnist and CEO of Gerber Entertainment, a brand development and venture management company that specializes in the entertainment, Internet, media and marketing industries. For information on speaking engagements, media appearances or Gerber Entertainment's portfolio of businesses visit www.GerberEntertainment.com. Follow Scott Gerber on Twitter @yngentrepreneur.

Retrieved on 6^th October 2009 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/youngentrepreneurscolumnistscottgerber/article203254.html

Homemaking - One Day At A Time

written by Anne Haslam

I would not be able to function effectively as a homemaker if I did not break down my endless days of household routines one day at a time. Even my worries about the future has to be dealt with one day at a time otherwise I would end up becoming a wreck trying to cope with so many things at hand.

My house will be undergoing renovations soon. My husband is on the brink of retirement. My children are growing up fast and will soon be going for further studies and I am trying to be financially free by taking on some jobs like tutoring and writing. This coupled with other minor and major decisions that have to be made daily can be rather stressful.

I have learnt that there is wisdom in taking things one day at a time and is the only way to stay serene and peaceful amidst the busyness of life. Even the teachings in the Holy Books and wise sayings from the sages state; “Do not worry about tomorrow” and this has now become my motto after suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and frayed nerves from too much worrying. Imagine having so much to do today and worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow. It is far too much for the human mind and body to handle.

On a typical morning, I start my day with quiet meditation to still and calm my mind, which is already active when I wake up in the morning. I have my whole mental list of things already drawn up so I have to bring myself to focus on the moment. I try not to think too far ahead or of any past unhappy events, which is going to mar today’s happiness. I make a conscious cleansing of my thoughts, words and deeds for today and dedicate this new day to God asking Him to give me a new mind for the day. It is a refreshing moment as I am not held captive by any negative thoughts.

For many homemakers, taking one day at a time can be a battle. Admittedly, the homemaking role is not an easy one and the challenges are many. Homemakers have to be strong, stand firm and overcome their problems to reach their goals one at a time, and one day at a time. There are no short cuts or quick solutions, only patience in the moment to accept and bear what they are facing and finding the solutions. They must not be overcome by emotions. Otherwise, all will be “lost” in the “battle.”

My neighbour, Devi, was so overcome with frustration dealing with her 11 year old son. In a moment of fury, she banged her head against the wall in hope that the boy would conform to what she was saying. Her actions backfired as the boy just stood there emotionless which made Devi very upset. She told me later that the boy was so cold hearted and she did not know how to handle him anymore. He also seemed to enjoy “outsmarting” her and would run leaving her chasing him cane in hand and breathless, while he had a smirk of satisfaction on his face.

We need to learn wisdom as mothers and be calm. We need to listen to our inner voices instead of lashing out in fury. This can be achieved if we can be still, conscious and aware of what is happening now. We should not be lost in thoughts of the future or the past. We must hear what our children are saying and choose the right words to say to our children.

Many homemakers are “absent” to the present moment as they are so preoccupied with thoughts like “what to do next,” “what chore needs to be done now,” or “who to send to which tuition” and many other such thoughts. For many homemakers, who do not have maids to help out, their daily schedules are filled with work, work and more work. Many do not ever savour the present moment and miss the beauty and joys of life.

Taking one day at a time does not mean that I do not plan for the future. It simply means I do not worry too much about the future and take on too much of its anxieties and burdens. A friend of mine worried herself sick and was hospitalised for stomach ulcers when her husband quit his job, as she was worried that there would not be enough money. The family was, however, able to ride out the storm eventually and most of her worrying about the future was in vain.

Today, when I woke up, I made a conscious effort to focus on the day, to live here and now, to enjoy it and make it meaningful so I will not have any regrets or feel stressed. If I live all my “todays” well then I know there will be hope for a good tomorrow.

Retrieved on 30^th September 2009 from http://www.ehomemakers.net/en/article.php?id=1629

How To Get Others To Take Your Home-Based Business Seriously

written by Heather Crowley

For years I held an office job, and not just any office job, a really good office job. I worked for a very well-known company, had full benefits, and a pretty decent salary. When someone would ask me what type of work I did, I would just mention the company name and the gushing over what a great job I had would start. What I learned from this experience is that in general, people are way too easily impressed.

The truth of the matter was I hated that job. I couldn’t stand the office politics, the catty coworkers, the mundane tasks, and even the overpriced cafeteria food. I was miserable, and I knew it was time for a change. So, change is exactly what I did. After handing in my notice I began working from home as an eBay seller. I told everyone I knew about my new venture, and almost immediately, the negative comments started flooding in.

I quickly noticed a pattern in the way the people who did comment negatively to me where thinking, and I was able to divide their opinions into one of two main categories. One group assumed this was a phase I was going through and I would soon return to the “real world“, while the second group assumed that my husband must be making killer money so that I could pursue my “hobby” and not have to work for a living. Ha! How more off base could they possibly be?

For awhile I was able to let these comments roll off my back, because I was certain that once I proved how successful I could be running my own business from home that things would get better. Well, in a short period of time, I was already exceeding my income level from my former job, I was happier, healthier, and life was going great. Then one day it happened. I was at the grocery store and ran into an ex-coworker. The first words out of her mouth where “So, are you still doing that internet thing?” Wow, I was in shock. I answered with a simple “yes” hoping to wrap up the conversation and get out of there. No such luck, chatty Cathy had one more bomb to drop on my self-esteem before she made her exit. “You’re so lucky, I wish I could just stay at home all the time with my kids, but some of us have to work for a living.”

I have relived that moment over and over in my head, and have come up with many brilliant responses that would have been perfect in that situation. The problem with that is, that when I was actually in that moment in time, I was very unprepared and was so shocked I said nothing, letting her have the last word. I spent a lot of time after that thinking of ways to make people respect my new career choice. My conclusion is that I can’t actually make anyone respect me or my business, and in all honesty, their opinions don’t really matter anyway. However, what I can do is present my business in a way that makes it seem more professional.

I have been following the tactics below now for about a year. Not only have they cut down the less than flattering comments I was receiving, but they have also helped me improve my own way of thinking.

Set a Schedule
Plan what days and times you are going to work, and more importantly what days you will be off. Make sure that during the times you are working, that you are accepting to personal visitors, or phone calls. Also, avoid personal e-mail and instant messaging communications. If you need to take your phone off the hook or put a sign on your front door stating that you are working, then do it. Make it very clear to friends and family that the time to contact you is outside of your business hours.

Put Your Foot Down
If you are being taken advantage of my friends, families, and/or neighbors, it’s time to say no more! This is a common problem that occurs with working at home. It usually starts off small, perhaps a neighbor asking if a package could be delivered to your home while she’s at work. Sound like no big deal? Well, mark my words it will become one. Before you know it you will be asked to watch their kids, walk the dog, feed the cat, and who knows what else. Just say no!

Look The Part
If you want people to perceive you as professional, you need to present yourself in a professional manner. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a business suit around the house, but it is a good idea to change out of your pajamas. Also, keep business cards on hand, when you run into an acquaintance, write your office hours on the back so they will know when you are available for personal discussions.

Use Business Language
This is my favorite tactic because it provokes some pretty amazing facial responses from the person you are talking to. Make a list of all the things that you do in regards to your business and then come up with a more professional sounding description of the task. Use the same tone and language you would if you where writing a resume. My husband loved when I started doing this because all of a sudden he went from “the guy who takesmy packages to the Post Office” to being “in charge of shipping and receiving.”

Isolate Your Business
If visitors come to your house and see evidence of your business in every room, it leads them to believe you are not serious about what you are doing. If you keep stock in your home, make sure it is in a separate location than your living areas (your family will appreciate this too!). If you choose not to follow this advice, don’t be surprised if visitors start requesting items from your inventory for free or at cost.

As your own respect for your business grows, you will be amazed at how those around you will start changing their tune. It won’t happen overnight, you will need to reinforce your new rules repeatedly. Of course, there are some folks that will just never get it. Try not to take this personally, and don’t let it sidetrack you from your goals.

Heather Crowley is a full-time eBay seller, freelance writer, and the owner of The Auction Chick website dedicated to helping moms who sell on eBay or are interested in getting started. You can visit Heather and share your thoughts at www.theauctionchick.com.

Retrieved on 30^th September 2009 from http://www.ehomemakers.net/en/article.php?id=2108

Mom As A Business Partner

Retrieved on 1st October 2009 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/178090.html