Unless you have venture capital investors or a huge nest egg in the bank, running a new business is very difficult financially. Nobody was backing eCommerce businesses in 1993 so I did various things to keep food on the table; mostly jobs that were temporary and flexible so I could still concentrate on building the business.
This time of year is good for those short-term jobs. Retailers need help for Christmas now, and again for inventory in January. Craigslist is a good resource for flexible jobs throughout the year. Check out the "gigs" section.
It's tempting to take a full-time job and try to get your business going at the same time but it's almost impossible. I tried that for six months, working an 8 to 5 job with a one-hour commute each way. There just wasn't enough time or energy for both. My wife took a lower-paying job that was closer to home so I could focus on the business. That, and the odd jobs, carried us through until things really took off - about a year and a half in. It's hard, but stick with it. You can do it!
A great part-time job is couponing. Saving money is much more fun than earning it! Visit Paper Saver Coupons to help support your family and mine. Thanks!
Chris
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Never Give Up, Never Surrender!
With a nod to "Galaxy Quest", the title of this post has become my personal motto. I chose it because, too often, I've done both. Failure is my teacher and I've learned a lot! What I've learned most though is you can't define yourself by your past mistakes, or even who and where you are at this moment.
You are not your job, your education, your bank account or who others judge you to be. You are a unique individual, with a history of experience and talents that are (tapped or untapped) not duplicated on Earth. If you are hurting financially, it's hard to keep this in mind, but you must.
Others want you to see yourself as weak and incapable. Schadenfreude (pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others) is one motive. Most people use it to take advantage of you - especially employers. It gives them the upper-hand in: salary and benefits negotiation, workload they demand of you, time commitment to the job, and your likelihood to seek out a better job. Don't give in to it. See yourself as unique and valuable, because you are. The people who really matter in your life already know this, so turn to them when you forget.
One way to remind yourself of your value is to start thinking of yourself as your true boss. You may be out of work or working for others, but you are the boss of your life. Own it. You are boss! You make the calls when it comes to your life - nobody else. You are your own employer, motivational coach, relationship manager and determiner of your destiny. When fear kicks in, remind yourself that you have the power. Stand tall and confident knowing that everything in your life is ultimately in your control. Try it. It feels great!
Never give up, never surrender!
Chris
You are not your job, your education, your bank account or who others judge you to be. You are a unique individual, with a history of experience and talents that are (tapped or untapped) not duplicated on Earth. If you are hurting financially, it's hard to keep this in mind, but you must.
Others want you to see yourself as weak and incapable. Schadenfreude (pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others) is one motive. Most people use it to take advantage of you - especially employers. It gives them the upper-hand in: salary and benefits negotiation, workload they demand of you, time commitment to the job, and your likelihood to seek out a better job. Don't give in to it. See yourself as unique and valuable, because you are. The people who really matter in your life already know this, so turn to them when you forget.
One way to remind yourself of your value is to start thinking of yourself as your true boss. You may be out of work or working for others, but you are the boss of your life. Own it. You are boss! You make the calls when it comes to your life - nobody else. You are your own employer, motivational coach, relationship manager and determiner of your destiny. When fear kicks in, remind yourself that you have the power. Stand tall and confident knowing that everything in your life is ultimately in your control. Try it. It feels great!
Never give up, never surrender!
Chris
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Here To Help
The recent Presidential election has made one thing clear; people need jobs that can support their families. There are jobs available today but they may not be a good fit for you. Lots of low-paying, part-time, no benefits jobs are out there. The same is true of jobs that require very high levels of education and experience. Most people can't make either scenario work for them. Starting a business might be a good choice for you. I want to help you make it happen by sharing my experiences and the experiences of other "start-from-scratch" business people.
I've started several businesses that all ended in failure (so far), but I've had enough success to know that it is possible. I want people to learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of people like me, in addition to the methods of success from business owners who have made it work. There are many benefits to owning a business, even if it is just a part-time thing run from your kitchen table. It's not easy but it's probably not as difficult as you might think!
Ask questions, offer suggestions, and help turn many people into their own bosses.
Chris Ward
I've started several businesses that all ended in failure (so far), but I've had enough success to know that it is possible. I want people to learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of people like me, in addition to the methods of success from business owners who have made it work. There are many benefits to owning a business, even if it is just a part-time thing run from your kitchen table. It's not easy but it's probably not as difficult as you might think!
Ask questions, offer suggestions, and help turn many people into their own bosses.
Chris Ward
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