“A job is like sitting in a boat with no motor...
- it may keep you from drowning but you won't get very far.”
If you want to get ahead -
You may already have discovered that you aren't going to get very far working for somebody else. The only way you're going to do that is to go into business for yourself, but building a business takes time so don't jump out of the job-boat too early. Choose your business carefully, work hard and sooner than you may think, you'll be able to buy yourself a bigger boat... this time with a motor!
Not everything that glitters is gold -
No, I didn't make that up but it really applies to opportunity presentations. Companies spend huge amounts of money developing very persuasive promotional videos and websites, but these presentations can be a little like a magician waving one hand while he hides the quarter with the other.
That's OK if you want to be entertained, but it is not a good way to choose a business. If you get too caught up in their story, you can forget to look for the things that are absolutely essential for success.
Airline pilots use checklists to avoid disastrous consequences -
My checklist for entrepreneurs can help you keep from crash-landing your new business:
- Choose a company with a product that solves a serious problem -
- If you can solve a serious problem, customers will be looking for you.
- Serious problems get lots of free publicity.
- Little or no competition -
- If your company is the first or only one with a solution to the problem, such as revolutionary new technology, there will be little or no real competition.
- A huge, growing number of people who can afford the product -
- It's important for the market to be large but it is also important for it to be growing so you don't run out of potential customers; but
- The number of potential customers means nothing if your product isn't affordable for virtually everyone.
- Two types of income -
- Productivity-based income should be immediate so that you are compensated each month for the amount of new business you were able to create; and
- The new business should generate continuous monthly cash flow that will build long-term, residual income.
- Minimal startup cost -
- The total cost to get started in business, including business cards and necessary optional tools and materials, should be less than $500.
- No product inventory -
- You should not have to invest in product that has to be resold.
- Training -
- Good training is essential and it's best if designed and managed by a professional training company with proven competency such as the Zigler corporation.
- There should also be continuing education to help you keep up with inevitable changes in the marketplace.
- An Internet-based system for building your business -
- A system must be available that allows you to create an endless stream of leads. People you already know may decide to get involved in your business but you cannot depend on that alone.
This last item is the missing link for most home-based businesses -
Avoid the pain of failure experienced by most start-ups. Visit www.Affinity24.com to learn what a powerful Internet sales and recruiting system can do for your business. Child Safety Professionals can have everything on the list and www.SaferWorld4Kids.com is an example of what can be done with Affinity24.™ When you have everything on the list, you have what I call a Perfect Business. Save yoursef a lot of grief and do it right from the beginning.
True Wellness is Possible... Disease is an Unnecessary Part of Life -
Find out how you can achieve freedom from disease and illness. No, it's not some new miracle drug or some fantastic drink or pill. It's not even about some radical fad diet. It's about understanding and supplying the foundation that your body needs to fight off disease.
Free information is is available on the Live Free of Disease website.
Are you keeping books for the IRS? Learn how to help yourself -
Most small business owners keep books for their bank and the IRS. I can help you customize your books so that you are getting up-to-date information that will help maximize profits. Your CPA won't mind and it'll be just fine with Uncle Sam. Check out this page.
Lou Smith
