There is nothing nicer than receiving a gift relating to one's passion. If your loved one's passion is gardening, then show your thoughtfulness by giving a gift that will be truly appreciated.
There are so many great gardening gifts that the only constraint is your own budget.
If your budget is small, go for things like gloves, knee pads or even a shady hat. A pretty pot (or a watering-can) filled with a small bag of potting mix, a packet of bulbs, some gloves and a small trowel or other tool will be received with delight by most gardeners. There are many hand tools at hardware stores that are reasonably priced.
If you feel that is too ordinary, how about a subscription to a gardening magazine? A tiny bit more expensive perhaps, but it will give twelve full months of delight. A book on gardening is another idea, but make sure your recipient does not already have the one you choose. Books are often heavily discounted at Christmas time, so you may get a bargain.
On the other hand, a pot that contains a flowering plant is usually a welcomed gift. Be sure to choose a plant that is suited to your climate. Sometimes plants are sent from tropical to temperate zones and kept in artificial conditions in the store. These plants will not do well once taken from their environment. Shrub roses are hardy and attractive and grow in many climates. Tulips do best in the cooler climate.
If your budget is strong, a more expensive tool may be appropriate. A pull-trolley is easier to use than a wheelbarrow and, like some electric tools, is still not terribly expensive. Small electric tools such as whipper-snippers can retail for as little as $20.00. Or if your friend has a hose but not a hose reel, then that would be a more useful gift that he would truly appreciate.
Automatic lawn mowers, electric cultivators, hedge trimmers and brush cutters are in the more expensive price range and you are the only one who can decide whether that is an appropriate gift. However, when the recipient realizes you have given a gift that complements his passion, expensive or not, it will certainly become the best gift
your friend has ever received.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Guidelines For Constructing Your Commercial Greenhouse
Guidelines For Constructing Your Commercial Greenhouse
The productivity and efficiency of operating a greenhouse is primarily dependent on the kind of growing materials used.
Kinds of Greenhouses
Detached greenhouses generally independently stand from each other. However, they can be joined to gain access by way of a corridor to the other greenhouse.
The Quonset is the most common detached type of greenhouse for use in commercial production. These types are constructed using arched rafters that normally have end solid walls for added support. Quonset greenhouses types are appropriate for most crop varieties however the growing capacity is to a certain degree restricted close to “the side walls” which reduces productivity and efficiency.
Ridge greenhouses are joined through the eave with a shared gutter. Normally, an interior wall located underneath the gutter is absent permitting increased productivity.
Ridge greenhouses can either be curved arch or gabled. Gabled greenhouses are generally suitable for substantial coverings such as fiberglass or glass, whereas curved arch greenhouses are usually covered with much lighter materials such as polycarbonates or polyethylene. Many connected ridge greenhouses often are called "range".
Planning
This is one of the very important steps which have to be taken into careful consideration by the grower. Proper area selection with connection to labor, markets, utilities as well as future expansion really makes a lot of difference in how the business will profit and grow.
Here are basic things to consider:
• Crops that you will be growing (potted plants, Bedding plants, perennials, herbs, vegetables, etc.)
• The growing period of the crops (seasonal or year-round)
• Plants that will be grown (flats, pots, hydroponics bed, troughs, etc.)
• Growing medium (no soil, soil, mix, compost, nutrient solution, etc.)
• Growing methods (flooring, movable or fixed benches, growing bags, beds and flood)
• Annual productivity (space that is required)
• Marketing technique (retail, wholesale or both)
• Investment or capital
Here are things to be considered when constructing a commercial greenhouse:
1. Space. The area required greatly depends on your kind of business whether retail or wholesale. The minimum space must be more or less two acres so to make available parking for employees and customers, driveway access for deliveries, area for storage and also for future expansion. A wholesale venture generally will require much more because the greenhouse will be a lot more bibber and wider.
2. Zoning. These are local regulations that controls land use and encourage safety, health and the community’s welfare. Note that greenhouse operations are permitted in particular zones only.
Frontage, distances of side yards, signs and also parking spaces should be specified. You should confirm with your zoning officer and ask what is required and ask regarding building codes so you will know if a permit will be needed.
3. Highway Access. Site location with regards to highways must be taken into account. For retail business, a location beside or along a high traffic road or beside a considerable residential site can greatly increase business. Wholesale business needs access to some interstate highway so to deal with heavy truck road traffic.
4. Environment. Select a location that is away from “industrial pollution”.
5. Climate. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, as in the winter plant growth is directly related the light that is received.
6. Slope. Ground slope to provide water drainage is very important. Greenhouses must be situated on gravel base, 6-12 inches above grade.
7. Water. Plants need sufficient moisture supply for optimal development and the highest production of flowers. As to how much water is required will greatly be determined by how big is the area that will be watered, weather conditions, crops grown, time of the year and “the environment control system”.
Note that water that comes from “natural sources” have some amount of impurities present, and are at times harmful to plant growth. You should have the water tested for chemicals that can be present in your water system, to address the problem, if there is a problem.
8. Electricity. Your commercial greenhouse should have enough supply of electricity as well as distribution system must be provided so to supply and manage environment in the greenhouse. As early as in the designing stage of the greenhouse, you should already call on your area’s electric utility regarding power availability and also call on your electrician to design the electrical layout.
9. Expansion. All throughout the development and planning stage, provisions must be considered for later expansion.
Note that before going into the business, as in any business, careful assessment should be made before a decision is made. Plan it carefully. Good Luck.
The productivity and efficiency of operating a greenhouse is primarily dependent on the kind of growing materials used.
Kinds of Greenhouses
Detached greenhouses generally independently stand from each other. However, they can be joined to gain access by way of a corridor to the other greenhouse.
The Quonset is the most common detached type of greenhouse for use in commercial production. These types are constructed using arched rafters that normally have end solid walls for added support. Quonset greenhouses types are appropriate for most crop varieties however the growing capacity is to a certain degree restricted close to “the side walls” which reduces productivity and efficiency.
Ridge greenhouses are joined through the eave with a shared gutter. Normally, an interior wall located underneath the gutter is absent permitting increased productivity.
Ridge greenhouses can either be curved arch or gabled. Gabled greenhouses are generally suitable for substantial coverings such as fiberglass or glass, whereas curved arch greenhouses are usually covered with much lighter materials such as polycarbonates or polyethylene. Many connected ridge greenhouses often are called "range".
Planning
This is one of the very important steps which have to be taken into careful consideration by the grower. Proper area selection with connection to labor, markets, utilities as well as future expansion really makes a lot of difference in how the business will profit and grow.
Here are basic things to consider:
• Crops that you will be growing (potted plants, Bedding plants, perennials, herbs, vegetables, etc.)
• The growing period of the crops (seasonal or year-round)
• Plants that will be grown (flats, pots, hydroponics bed, troughs, etc.)
• Growing medium (no soil, soil, mix, compost, nutrient solution, etc.)
• Growing methods (flooring, movable or fixed benches, growing bags, beds and flood)
• Annual productivity (space that is required)
• Marketing technique (retail, wholesale or both)
• Investment or capital
Here are things to be considered when constructing a commercial greenhouse:
1. Space. The area required greatly depends on your kind of business whether retail or wholesale. The minimum space must be more or less two acres so to make available parking for employees and customers, driveway access for deliveries, area for storage and also for future expansion. A wholesale venture generally will require much more because the greenhouse will be a lot more bibber and wider.
2. Zoning. These are local regulations that controls land use and encourage safety, health and the community’s welfare. Note that greenhouse operations are permitted in particular zones only.
Frontage, distances of side yards, signs and also parking spaces should be specified. You should confirm with your zoning officer and ask what is required and ask regarding building codes so you will know if a permit will be needed.
3. Highway Access. Site location with regards to highways must be taken into account. For retail business, a location beside or along a high traffic road or beside a considerable residential site can greatly increase business. Wholesale business needs access to some interstate highway so to deal with heavy truck road traffic.
4. Environment. Select a location that is away from “industrial pollution”.
5. Climate. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, as in the winter plant growth is directly related the light that is received.
6. Slope. Ground slope to provide water drainage is very important. Greenhouses must be situated on gravel base, 6-12 inches above grade.
7. Water. Plants need sufficient moisture supply for optimal development and the highest production of flowers. As to how much water is required will greatly be determined by how big is the area that will be watered, weather conditions, crops grown, time of the year and “the environment control system”.
Note that water that comes from “natural sources” have some amount of impurities present, and are at times harmful to plant growth. You should have the water tested for chemicals that can be present in your water system, to address the problem, if there is a problem.
8. Electricity. Your commercial greenhouse should have enough supply of electricity as well as distribution system must be provided so to supply and manage environment in the greenhouse. As early as in the designing stage of the greenhouse, you should already call on your area’s electric utility regarding power availability and also call on your electrician to design the electrical layout.
9. Expansion. All throughout the development and planning stage, provisions must be considered for later expansion.
Note that before going into the business, as in any business, careful assessment should be made before a decision is made. Plan it carefully. Good Luck.
Monday, April 27, 2009
46 Ways To Get Money When You Are Broke
(MONEY YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY BACK)
1. One way to get money is to have a yard sale and sell items
that you are getting ready to toss away because you don't want
them any longer.
2. You can always gather shells at the beach and polish and turn
into jewelry.
3. Get cash surrender from life insurance policy.
4. Paint faces on rocks and sell as paper weights.
5. Go to a pawn shop and pawn some jewelry.
6. Borrow from a relative.
7. Go get welfare pay or food stamps.
8. Dig small trees from woods and sell to home-owners.
9. Learn names of wild plants and plant in pots for sale.
10. Roll newspapers up in logs, tie, dye and let dry...then sell
(fireplace).
11. Cut up old shirts and dresses and make pot holders out of
them and sell.
12. Cut square towels out of old tossed out clothes and sell as
wiping rags.
13. Gather driftwood from the beach areas and sell to craft
shops.
14. Paint old used wine bottles and sell as hand painted vases.
15. Go house to house and paint house numbers on curbs for a fee.
16. Take the lawn mower house to house and mow lawns for a fee.
17. Offer to dig or spade gardens for local neighbors for money.
18. Offer to sell fishing (earth) worms as bait - dig in garden
to get the worms.
19. Paint house exteriors in spare hours. Charge prevailing rate.
20. Gather pine cones and sell to craft shops.
21. Turn pine cones into useful jewelry, etc. and sell to shops
or houses.
22. Spray old building bricks gold, sell as "Fort Knox Rejects"
23. Paint bricks a vibrant enamel and sell as toilet bowl
displacements.
24. Fill coffee cans full of plaster, paint all over and sell as
door stops.
25. Gather vegetables from your garden and sell at road side
stand.
27. Baby sit for profits.
28. House sit for vacationers, get extra by up keeping grounds.
29. Make fudge and sell house to house.
30. Do typing for fellow students or fellow workers for a fee.
31. Type menus for restaurants for a certain amount per menu.
32. Read books and do reports for a fee for students.
33. Research any subject (in library) for $25 a page.
34. Paint scrolls and designs on plates or make birthday plates,
charge $19 each.
35. Teach people to do calisthenics, charge $2 an hour and have
10 at a time.
36. Teach dancing and charge $2 an hour, and have 10 at a time.
37. Learn to do juggling and clowning, put on shows for pay.
38. Rent out as a clown to birthday parties, affairs, etc.
39. Get good at telling jokes and rent out to night clubs.
40. Sing for money at night clubs.
41. Make crafts and sell them at road side yard stand.
42. Teach others to make crafts ($2 each) and have 10 at each
class.
43. Bake fruit pies and sell house to house (or in stores at
holidays).
44. Make Christmas wreaths during holiday season to sell, using
discarded boughs from your own and neighbors Christmas trees.
45. Make Christmas candles from paraffin wax and sell at
Christmas time.
46. Polish shoes for office workers by going to office once a day
every day and charge 50 cents a shine - lawyers best bet here,
Also see all accountants, clerks, insurance agents, etc.
1. One way to get money is to have a yard sale and sell items
that you are getting ready to toss away because you don't want
them any longer.
2. You can always gather shells at the beach and polish and turn
into jewelry.
3. Get cash surrender from life insurance policy.
4. Paint faces on rocks and sell as paper weights.
5. Go to a pawn shop and pawn some jewelry.
6. Borrow from a relative.
7. Go get welfare pay or food stamps.
8. Dig small trees from woods and sell to home-owners.
9. Learn names of wild plants and plant in pots for sale.
10. Roll newspapers up in logs, tie, dye and let dry...then sell
(fireplace).
11. Cut up old shirts and dresses and make pot holders out of
them and sell.
12. Cut square towels out of old tossed out clothes and sell as
wiping rags.
13. Gather driftwood from the beach areas and sell to craft
shops.
14. Paint old used wine bottles and sell as hand painted vases.
15. Go house to house and paint house numbers on curbs for a fee.
16. Take the lawn mower house to house and mow lawns for a fee.
17. Offer to dig or spade gardens for local neighbors for money.
18. Offer to sell fishing (earth) worms as bait - dig in garden
to get the worms.
19. Paint house exteriors in spare hours. Charge prevailing rate.
20. Gather pine cones and sell to craft shops.
21. Turn pine cones into useful jewelry, etc. and sell to shops
or houses.
22. Spray old building bricks gold, sell as "Fort Knox Rejects"
23. Paint bricks a vibrant enamel and sell as toilet bowl
displacements.
24. Fill coffee cans full of plaster, paint all over and sell as
door stops.
25. Gather vegetables from your garden and sell at road side
stand.
27. Baby sit for profits.
28. House sit for vacationers, get extra by up keeping grounds.
29. Make fudge and sell house to house.
30. Do typing for fellow students or fellow workers for a fee.
31. Type menus for restaurants for a certain amount per menu.
32. Read books and do reports for a fee for students.
33. Research any subject (in library) for $25 a page.
34. Paint scrolls and designs on plates or make birthday plates,
charge $19 each.
35. Teach people to do calisthenics, charge $2 an hour and have
10 at a time.
36. Teach dancing and charge $2 an hour, and have 10 at a time.
37. Learn to do juggling and clowning, put on shows for pay.
38. Rent out as a clown to birthday parties, affairs, etc.
39. Get good at telling jokes and rent out to night clubs.
40. Sing for money at night clubs.
41. Make crafts and sell them at road side yard stand.
42. Teach others to make crafts ($2 each) and have 10 at each
class.
43. Bake fruit pies and sell house to house (or in stores at
holidays).
44. Make Christmas wreaths during holiday season to sell, using
discarded boughs from your own and neighbors Christmas trees.
45. Make Christmas candles from paraffin wax and sell at
Christmas time.
46. Polish shoes for office workers by going to office once a day
every day and charge 50 cents a shine - lawyers best bet here,
Also see all accountants, clerks, insurance agents, etc.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
How To Write "General" Articles
Let the readers know what is in store for them by the "blaze" in
your first paragraphs of an article. There are two kinds of
articles; those which cover things in general and can be
published at most any time, and current events. The best place to
start with these kind of articles is online or the local newspaper with a
goal of syndication to many other media.
In order of acceptance by the editor there must be a local twist
of personal interest to the readers. The unusual and odd things
alot people and their vocation and gives the reader a departure
from the daily drudgery are the best and most pricly articles
to write about. This includes adventure, mystery, murder, money,
accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness, jail,
jealousy, obsessions, quacks, struggles, taxes, etc.
You must attract attention from the first words when writing
feature stories for a newspaper type publication, where as a
novel or short story for a magazine builds to a climax and
generally clears up all the loose ends at completion
For a magazine article to sell to the publisher "action" in the
first and last part is a must, while the body copy is devoted to
narrative or explanations with a number of vital incidents to
keep the action alive. Keep the writing "flowing" in such a
manner the reader will anxiously read ahead to see what happens
next.
When it is possible keep them interesting and
alive! Submit 8x 10 glossy print photos if possible as often the
picture will be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
It will pay you to get a good camera so you can snap pictures to
go along with the articles.
When submitting your copy, put your name, address and phone
number at the upper left cover of the first page and total number
of words contained in the article on the upper right side. If
you are submitting an article to the newspaper a title will not
be necessary as the editor will usually determine after reviewing
the article.
Leave plenty of room at the top of the pages, use double spacing
and wide margins so there is plenty of space for editing. Number
the pages at the top. preferable on the right hand side. Type
only on the front side of each page. Enclose a Stamped, self
addressed return envelope. Lay it out so your name always appears
with the article so that you will gain recognition as a writer.
There are millions of things to write about so you should never be
without ideas for your articles. To get the ideas all you need to
do is go through the dictionary and write about anything and
everything that comes to mind, based on the more practical words.
Hope this gets YOU writing or blogging! ! !
your first paragraphs of an article. There are two kinds of
articles; those which cover things in general and can be
published at most any time, and current events. The best place to
start with these kind of articles is online or the local newspaper with a
goal of syndication to many other media.
In order of acceptance by the editor there must be a local twist
of personal interest to the readers. The unusual and odd things
alot people and their vocation and gives the reader a departure
from the daily drudgery are the best and most pricly articles
to write about. This includes adventure, mystery, murder, money,
accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness, jail,
jealousy, obsessions, quacks, struggles, taxes, etc.
You must attract attention from the first words when writing
feature stories for a newspaper type publication, where as a
novel or short story for a magazine builds to a climax and
generally clears up all the loose ends at completion
For a magazine article to sell to the publisher "action" in the
first and last part is a must, while the body copy is devoted to
narrative or explanations with a number of vital incidents to
keep the action alive. Keep the writing "flowing" in such a
manner the reader will anxiously read ahead to see what happens
next.
When it is possible keep them interesting and
alive! Submit 8x 10 glossy print photos if possible as often the
picture will be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
It will pay you to get a good camera so you can snap pictures to
go along with the articles.
When submitting your copy, put your name, address and phone
number at the upper left cover of the first page and total number
of words contained in the article on the upper right side. If
you are submitting an article to the newspaper a title will not
be necessary as the editor will usually determine after reviewing
the article.
Leave plenty of room at the top of the pages, use double spacing
and wide margins so there is plenty of space for editing. Number
the pages at the top. preferable on the right hand side. Type
only on the front side of each page. Enclose a Stamped, self
addressed return envelope. Lay it out so your name always appears
with the article so that you will gain recognition as a writer.
There are millions of things to write about so you should never be
without ideas for your articles. To get the ideas all you need to
do is go through the dictionary and write about anything and
everything that comes to mind, based on the more practical words.
Hope this gets YOU writing or blogging! ! !
Saturday, April 25, 2009
How To Start A Profitable Home Based Business
In these days, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make ends
meet with just one source of income. Thus, more and more people
are investigating the possibilities of starting their own
extra-income business. Most of these part-time endeavors are
started and operated from the comfort and privacy of the home.
Most of these people are making the extra money they need. Some
have wisely and carefully built these extra income efforts into
full-time, very profitable businesses. Others are just keeping
busy, having fun, and enjoying life as never before. The
important thing is that they are doing something other than
waiting for the government to give them a handout; they are
improving their lot in life, and you can do it, too!
The fields of mail order selling, multi-level marketing, and
in-home party sales have never been more popular. If any of
these kinds of extra income producing ideas appeal to you, then
you owe it to yourself to check them out. But these aren't the
only fields of endeavor you can start and operate from home,
with little or no investment, and learn as you go.
If you type, you can start a home-based typing service; if you
have a truck or have access to a trailer, you can start a
clean-up/hauling service. Simply collecting old newspapers from
your neighbors can get you started in the paper recycling
business. More than a few enterprising housewifes have found
success and fortune by starting home and/or apartment cleaning
services. If you have a yard full of flowers, you can make good
extra money by supplying fresh cut flowers to restaurants and
offices in your area on a regular basis. You might turn a
ceramics hobby into a lucrative personalized coffee mug
business. What I'm saying is that in reality, there's literally
no end to the ways you can start and operate a profitable extra
income business from your home.
The first thing you must do, however, is some basic market
research. Find out for yourself, first-hand, just how many
people there are in your area who are interested in your
proposed product or service, and would be "willing to stand in
line and pay money for it". This is known as defining your
market and pinpointing your customers. If after checking
around, talking about your idea with a whole lot of people over
a period of one to three months, you get the idea that these
people would be paying customers, your next effort should be
directed toward the "detailing" of your business plan. The more
precise and detailed your plan - covering all the bases relating
to how you'll do everything that needs to be done - the easier
it's going to be for you to attain success. Such a plan should
show you start-up investment needs, your advertising plan, your
production costs and procedure, your sales program, and how your
time will be allocated. Too often, enthusiastic and ambitious
entrepreneur jump in on an extra income project and suddenly
find that the costs are beyond their abilities, and the time
requirements more than they can meet. It pays to lay it all out
on paper before you get involved, and the clearer you can "see"
everything before you start, the better your chances for success.
Now, assuming you've got your market targeted, you know who your
customers are going to be and how you're going to reach them
with your product or service. And you have all your costs as
well as time requirements itemized. The next step is to set
your plan in motion and start making money.
Here is the most important "secret" of all, relating to starting
and building a profitable home-based business, so read very
carefully. Regardless of what kind of business you start, you
must have the capital and the available time to sustain your
business through the first six months of operation.
Specifically, you must not count on receiving or spending any
money coming in from your business on yourself or for your bills
during those first six months. All the income from your
business during those first six months should be reinvested in
your business in order for it to grow and reach your planned
first year potential.
Once you've passed that first six months milestone, you can set
up a small monthly salary for yourself, and begin enjoying the
fruits of your labor. But the first six months of operation for
any business are critical, so do not plan to use any of the
money you business generates for yourself during that period.
If you've got your business plan properly organized, and have
implemented the plan, you should at the end of your first year
be able to begin thinking about hiring other people to alleviate
some of your workload. Remember this: Starting a successful
business is not a means towards either a job for yourself or a
way to keep busy. It should be regarded as the beginning of an
enterprise that will grow and prosper, with you as the top dog.
Eventually, you'll have other people doing all the work for you,
even running the entire operation, while you vacation in the
Bahamas or Hawaii and collect or receive regular income from
your initial efforts.
For more details on market research, business planning,
advertising, selling, order fulfillment, and other aspects of
home-based businesses, check on my site
Homemakers Cafe. I offer many solutions for you!
meet with just one source of income. Thus, more and more people
are investigating the possibilities of starting their own
extra-income business. Most of these part-time endeavors are
started and operated from the comfort and privacy of the home.
Most of these people are making the extra money they need. Some
have wisely and carefully built these extra income efforts into
full-time, very profitable businesses. Others are just keeping
busy, having fun, and enjoying life as never before. The
important thing is that they are doing something other than
waiting for the government to give them a handout; they are
improving their lot in life, and you can do it, too!
The fields of mail order selling, multi-level marketing, and
in-home party sales have never been more popular. If any of
these kinds of extra income producing ideas appeal to you, then
you owe it to yourself to check them out. But these aren't the
only fields of endeavor you can start and operate from home,
with little or no investment, and learn as you go.
If you type, you can start a home-based typing service; if you
have a truck or have access to a trailer, you can start a
clean-up/hauling service. Simply collecting old newspapers from
your neighbors can get you started in the paper recycling
business. More than a few enterprising housewifes have found
success and fortune by starting home and/or apartment cleaning
services. If you have a yard full of flowers, you can make good
extra money by supplying fresh cut flowers to restaurants and
offices in your area on a regular basis. You might turn a
ceramics hobby into a lucrative personalized coffee mug
business. What I'm saying is that in reality, there's literally
no end to the ways you can start and operate a profitable extra
income business from your home.
The first thing you must do, however, is some basic market
research. Find out for yourself, first-hand, just how many
people there are in your area who are interested in your
proposed product or service, and would be "willing to stand in
line and pay money for it". This is known as defining your
market and pinpointing your customers. If after checking
around, talking about your idea with a whole lot of people over
a period of one to three months, you get the idea that these
people would be paying customers, your next effort should be
directed toward the "detailing" of your business plan. The more
precise and detailed your plan - covering all the bases relating
to how you'll do everything that needs to be done - the easier
it's going to be for you to attain success. Such a plan should
show you start-up investment needs, your advertising plan, your
production costs and procedure, your sales program, and how your
time will be allocated. Too often, enthusiastic and ambitious
entrepreneur jump in on an extra income project and suddenly
find that the costs are beyond their abilities, and the time
requirements more than they can meet. It pays to lay it all out
on paper before you get involved, and the clearer you can "see"
everything before you start, the better your chances for success.
Now, assuming you've got your market targeted, you know who your
customers are going to be and how you're going to reach them
with your product or service. And you have all your costs as
well as time requirements itemized. The next step is to set
your plan in motion and start making money.
Here is the most important "secret" of all, relating to starting
and building a profitable home-based business, so read very
carefully. Regardless of what kind of business you start, you
must have the capital and the available time to sustain your
business through the first six months of operation.
Specifically, you must not count on receiving or spending any
money coming in from your business on yourself or for your bills
during those first six months. All the income from your
business during those first six months should be reinvested in
your business in order for it to grow and reach your planned
first year potential.
Once you've passed that first six months milestone, you can set
up a small monthly salary for yourself, and begin enjoying the
fruits of your labor. But the first six months of operation for
any business are critical, so do not plan to use any of the
money you business generates for yourself during that period.
If you've got your business plan properly organized, and have
implemented the plan, you should at the end of your first year
be able to begin thinking about hiring other people to alleviate
some of your workload. Remember this: Starting a successful
business is not a means towards either a job for yourself or a
way to keep busy. It should be regarded as the beginning of an
enterprise that will grow and prosper, with you as the top dog.
Eventually, you'll have other people doing all the work for you,
even running the entire operation, while you vacation in the
Bahamas or Hawaii and collect or receive regular income from
your initial efforts.
For more details on market research, business planning,
advertising, selling, order fulfillment, and other aspects of
home-based businesses, check on my site
Homemakers Cafe. I offer many solutions for you!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Home Business Quick Tip
Just wanted to share "you guessed it"
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People want to feel better be more comfortable. They want
rid of aches and pains. They want to sleep better, be healthier and happier. Help them feel better and your business will feel better too!
Business definition for the week:
Limited liability. A limited liability company is one where you agree before hand how much responsibility you will take if anything goes wrong. This protects you from being destroyed financially if something bad happens to your business.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
As always, we'd love to hear you!
You take care and I will see you tomorrow!
Another Home Business Quick Tip.
People want to feel better be more comfortable. They want
rid of aches and pains. They want to sleep better, be healthier and happier. Help them feel better and your business will feel better too!
Business definition for the week:
Limited liability. A limited liability company is one where you agree before hand how much responsibility you will take if anything goes wrong. This protects you from being destroyed financially if something bad happens to your business.
Look for another home business quick tip soon!
As always, we'd love to hear you!
You take care and I will see you tomorrow!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Advice on Starting A Business Offline
Getting advice when you start a home business, it can be easy to get confused. Chances are you don't know anyone else that has started a home business so where do you go for help.
First go online. The Internet is a great resource for people who have a home business. You can find articles and newsletters with information and advice. There are also many message boards, forums and blogs where you can read, ask questions and get advice from other home business owners.
Go to your local library. Talk to the librarian. Libraries contain all sorts of home business books and resources. Your librarian should be more than happy to help you do research.
Find a mentor. They are usually volunteers who have had great business success and will be glad to help start up new businesses. They often have years of experience and can be really helpful.
The SBA. The Small Business Administration provides a multitude of material on starting your own business. Visit http://www.sba.gov
Depending on where you live, you might find local government agencies that will give you free help and advice. Check your listings for small business center in your area.
Your bank should have been the first place you went if you were thinking of starting a business. While they're no replacement for accountants, most banks will have a business advisor on staff to help you open a business account. They can be especially helpful with the technical and financial elements of starting your business.
Lawyers know all about starting a new business. It can be well worth paying for an hour of a lawyer’s time and just asking them every question you can think of. Look around you may even be able to get a free consultation.
Accountants also know all about business and can be less expensive alternative to lawyers. If you want your business to be profitable you should take the advice your accountant gives you and if you don't have one, you should get one.
Look for investors. There are people who back businesses for a living. If you think your business would be attractive to investors then you can try going to an investor with your idea. If they like it, they will often have a quick process set up to get your company up and running as soon as possible.
Visit your local universities. They are full of business students. They spend all their time learning about business, and many of them would just love to help get a real one off the ground. Business students can be a great source of free help and advice.
Remember whatever industry you're thinking of entering probably has some kind of trade association, society or union. You should join as soon as you can, and take advantage of all the resources that offer to people getting started in their industry.
There is an endless supply of help and advice out there. Just don't be afraid to ask!
First go online. The Internet is a great resource for people who have a home business. You can find articles and newsletters with information and advice. There are also many message boards, forums and blogs where you can read, ask questions and get advice from other home business owners.
Go to your local library. Talk to the librarian. Libraries contain all sorts of home business books and resources. Your librarian should be more than happy to help you do research.
Find a mentor. They are usually volunteers who have had great business success and will be glad to help start up new businesses. They often have years of experience and can be really helpful.
The SBA. The Small Business Administration provides a multitude of material on starting your own business. Visit http://www.sba.gov
Depending on where you live, you might find local government agencies that will give you free help and advice. Check your listings for small business center in your area.
Your bank should have been the first place you went if you were thinking of starting a business. While they're no replacement for accountants, most banks will have a business advisor on staff to help you open a business account. They can be especially helpful with the technical and financial elements of starting your business.
Lawyers know all about starting a new business. It can be well worth paying for an hour of a lawyer’s time and just asking them every question you can think of. Look around you may even be able to get a free consultation.
Accountants also know all about business and can be less expensive alternative to lawyers. If you want your business to be profitable you should take the advice your accountant gives you and if you don't have one, you should get one.
Look for investors. There are people who back businesses for a living. If you think your business would be attractive to investors then you can try going to an investor with your idea. If they like it, they will often have a quick process set up to get your company up and running as soon as possible.
Visit your local universities. They are full of business students. They spend all their time learning about business, and many of them would just love to help get a real one off the ground. Business students can be a great source of free help and advice.
Remember whatever industry you're thinking of entering probably has some kind of trade association, society or union. You should join as soon as you can, and take advantage of all the resources that offer to people getting started in their industry.
There is an endless supply of help and advice out there. Just don't be afraid to ask!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day...Eighty Uses For Old Newspaper
EIGHTY USES FOR OLD NEWSPAPER
1. use as umbrella when caught in rain
2. protect car seats from muddy or wet clothing
3. spread over outdoor benches to protect clothing
4. put into loose shoes to tighten
5. stuff in leather shoes to preserve shape
6. stuff in wet shoes overnight to dry and deoderize
7. crumple and place in suitcase for couple of weeks to remove stale odours
8. use as mat when polishing shoes
9. stuff hats to keep their shape
10. stuff leather handbags in storage
11. wrap around candle bottoms so they'll fit holders tighter
12. store records between sheets
13. use as padding under a table cloth
14. cover store windows when remodeling
15. cover furniture when away on vacation
16. cover furniture when sanding or painting
17. spread on floor underneath rug when shampooing
18. dampen and spread over window-panes before painting
19. use to dry and polish window after washing
20. dampen a bit and use to clean typewriter keys
21. make a hat when painting
22. fold to make a sheath for a knife
23. place in closed windows to eliminate wind rattle
24. stuff under doors and in cracks to stop cold wind from coming in
25. use as a bounce reflector when taking flash photographs or use to reflect sunlight into shadow areas.
26. place a sheet in jar tops to tighten loose lids
27. make unusual lamp shades
28. make dress patterns
29. protect table when children are painting or gluing
30. use as wallpaper for a doll house
31. make paper chains
32. make paper dolls
33. make paper mache handicrafts
34. make kites
35. make party hats
36. occupy children by letting them color and paint the cartoons
37. make a child's play tent
38. use to raise height of child at table
39. use as a step stool
40. cut out articles and make a scrap book on a specific subject of interest to you.
41. emergency pot holder
42. use to remove heavy grease from oven
43. emergency dust pan
44. roll, secure in middle with elastic and fringe one end touse to get rid of cobwebs
45. start fires
46. use as a fan to make fires burn better
47. sharpen pencils by rubbing the point on newspaper
48. muffle a loud alarm clock
49. muffle the sound of a typewriter by using as a mat underneath
50. place under heavy objects on wooden tables
51. spread out between garden rows to discourage weeds
52. use to wrap greem tomatoes to ripen
53. cover plants during a frost
54. use as a knee pad when gardening or scrubbing floors
55. roll and use as a funnel
56. roll and use as a torch
57. roll and use as a megaphone outdoors
58. use folded sheets as a fan to keep cool
59. use as sun shade at spectator events
60. use as a mat for wet darkroom photographs
61. shred and stuff in vases to help support fresh flowers
62. put under car wheels when stuck in snow, mud or sand
63. line storage boxes
64. line bottom of bird cage
65. line shelves
66. line waste baskets
67. line a pet's sleeping box
68. swat flies with rolled up sheets
69. use to wipe paint brushes
70. use as mat for wet, muddy boots
71. shred and use for packing breakables
72. wrap and store Christmas tree ornaments
73. wrap around ice cream to keep frozen
74. roll around baby bottle to insulate
75. use as a blotter
76. put inside coat for emergency warmth
77. place on top of snow with bird feed on it
78. place on windshield to prevent icing
79. make a litter bag for your car
80. crumple (no colors) and place in plastic containers to eliminate smells
1. use as umbrella when caught in rain
2. protect car seats from muddy or wet clothing
3. spread over outdoor benches to protect clothing
4. put into loose shoes to tighten
5. stuff in leather shoes to preserve shape
6. stuff in wet shoes overnight to dry and deoderize
7. crumple and place in suitcase for couple of weeks to remove stale odours
8. use as mat when polishing shoes
9. stuff hats to keep their shape
10. stuff leather handbags in storage
11. wrap around candle bottoms so they'll fit holders tighter
12. store records between sheets
13. use as padding under a table cloth
14. cover store windows when remodeling
15. cover furniture when away on vacation
16. cover furniture when sanding or painting
17. spread on floor underneath rug when shampooing
18. dampen and spread over window-panes before painting
19. use to dry and polish window after washing
20. dampen a bit and use to clean typewriter keys
21. make a hat when painting
22. fold to make a sheath for a knife
23. place in closed windows to eliminate wind rattle
24. stuff under doors and in cracks to stop cold wind from coming in
25. use as a bounce reflector when taking flash photographs or use to reflect sunlight into shadow areas.
26. place a sheet in jar tops to tighten loose lids
27. make unusual lamp shades
28. make dress patterns
29. protect table when children are painting or gluing
30. use as wallpaper for a doll house
31. make paper chains
32. make paper dolls
33. make paper mache handicrafts
34. make kites
35. make party hats
36. occupy children by letting them color and paint the cartoons
37. make a child's play tent
38. use to raise height of child at table
39. use as a step stool
40. cut out articles and make a scrap book on a specific subject of interest to you.
41. emergency pot holder
42. use to remove heavy grease from oven
43. emergency dust pan
44. roll, secure in middle with elastic and fringe one end touse to get rid of cobwebs
45. start fires
46. use as a fan to make fires burn better
47. sharpen pencils by rubbing the point on newspaper
48. muffle a loud alarm clock
49. muffle the sound of a typewriter by using as a mat underneath
50. place under heavy objects on wooden tables
51. spread out between garden rows to discourage weeds
52. use to wrap greem tomatoes to ripen
53. cover plants during a frost
54. use as a knee pad when gardening or scrubbing floors
55. roll and use as a funnel
56. roll and use as a torch
57. roll and use as a megaphone outdoors
58. use folded sheets as a fan to keep cool
59. use as sun shade at spectator events
60. use as a mat for wet darkroom photographs
61. shred and stuff in vases to help support fresh flowers
62. put under car wheels when stuck in snow, mud or sand
63. line storage boxes
64. line bottom of bird cage
65. line shelves
66. line waste baskets
67. line a pet's sleeping box
68. swat flies with rolled up sheets
69. use to wipe paint brushes
70. use as mat for wet, muddy boots
71. shred and use for packing breakables
72. wrap and store Christmas tree ornaments
73. wrap around ice cream to keep frozen
74. roll around baby bottle to insulate
75. use as a blotter
76. put inside coat for emergency warmth
77. place on top of snow with bird feed on it
78. place on windshield to prevent icing
79. make a litter bag for your car
80. crumple (no colors) and place in plastic containers to eliminate smells
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Essentials For A Freelance Writer
In the industry of freelancing, among the most in demand are writers. This is especially true with the birth of the Internet, which tripled the need for writers because of the various websites and online content that are constantly being updated. There are actually lots of work that a freelance writer can go into especially if they have established the right contacts.
Freelance writers, as mentioned, are needed for writing online content to boost website viewership. In fact, online content is fast becoming one of the major sources of freelance assignments not only for writers but also for other freelancers such as photographers, web designers and graphic artists.But though there are lots of assignments and freelance jobs waiting on the sidelines, this does not mean that you’ll be getting a fair share of them. Because just as there are lots of jobs, there are also lots of freelance writers that you have to compete with. To make sure that you stay competitive, here are some tips.
Self-market
If you plan to do freelancing, make sure that people know that you do freelance. How else will they know unless you tell them? It’s not as if you can advertise and that is an added cost that most people cannot afford. When you meet people, don’t hesitate to give them your card and to tell them that you do freelance work. Self-marketing is essential as this will give you the contacts that you need in order to start a freelance career. This is especially true with people who are working in similar industry like writers for magazines, webzines and other publications.
Always do your best Because you are actually doing the work that you are doing in the company that you work for, it is important that you always do your best and to make sure that you take care of your work reputation. Your work, whether they are PR write-ups or newspaper articles, will be the basis for you being commissioned for freelance work. So make sure that you always give your best in every assignment.
Establish a sound and solid reputation
It is not only your work that you should take care of but also your attitude in dealing with people. You can be the most brilliant writer but if you are known in the industry as difficult to work with, you will find it hard to get side lines and freelance jobs. Take care of your reputation especially in terms of work ethics and meeting deadlines as these are important factors that employers consider in hiring freelance writers.
Look for jobs
Of course, it is not also right that you just wait for people to give you work. You can actually look for assignments yourself, just to tide you over before actual assignments come in. There are many ways to look for freelancing jobs.
You can log on to job sites where they have a special section that features freelancing jobs or part time jobs. Some are even located in different states, which you can actually accept since most just require telecommuting and not your actual presence.
Another way to look for jobs is to ask people that you know for referrals. This way, you can use the contacts that you have established in your profession.
Freelance writers, as mentioned, are needed for writing online content to boost website viewership. In fact, online content is fast becoming one of the major sources of freelance assignments not only for writers but also for other freelancers such as photographers, web designers and graphic artists.But though there are lots of assignments and freelance jobs waiting on the sidelines, this does not mean that you’ll be getting a fair share of them. Because just as there are lots of jobs, there are also lots of freelance writers that you have to compete with. To make sure that you stay competitive, here are some tips.
Self-market
If you plan to do freelancing, make sure that people know that you do freelance. How else will they know unless you tell them? It’s not as if you can advertise and that is an added cost that most people cannot afford. When you meet people, don’t hesitate to give them your card and to tell them that you do freelance work. Self-marketing is essential as this will give you the contacts that you need in order to start a freelance career. This is especially true with people who are working in similar industry like writers for magazines, webzines and other publications.
Always do your best Because you are actually doing the work that you are doing in the company that you work for, it is important that you always do your best and to make sure that you take care of your work reputation. Your work, whether they are PR write-ups or newspaper articles, will be the basis for you being commissioned for freelance work. So make sure that you always give your best in every assignment.
Establish a sound and solid reputation
It is not only your work that you should take care of but also your attitude in dealing with people. You can be the most brilliant writer but if you are known in the industry as difficult to work with, you will find it hard to get side lines and freelance jobs. Take care of your reputation especially in terms of work ethics and meeting deadlines as these are important factors that employers consider in hiring freelance writers.
Look for jobs
Of course, it is not also right that you just wait for people to give you work. You can actually look for assignments yourself, just to tide you over before actual assignments come in. There are many ways to look for freelancing jobs.
You can log on to job sites where they have a special section that features freelancing jobs or part time jobs. Some are even located in different states, which you can actually accept since most just require telecommuting and not your actual presence.
Another way to look for jobs is to ask people that you know for referrals. This way, you can use the contacts that you have established in your profession.
Monday, April 20, 2009
7 Surefire Ways To Increase Your Website Traffic
Internet. Business. Profit. To fully integrate all of these words into a successful merging you will need another word. Traffic. Every article you will find about making your site or company successful would always include the importance of generating traffic.
So, we all know that in the core of it all, traffic is the most essential thing to a successful internet based business company. Aside from ensuring that you have a great product to sell, and you have your company’s internal organization well taken core of, it would be time to get to the nitty gritty of things, generating traffic.
If you already have a site and you want think that you're not getting the traffic that you're supposed to be getting, then its time to reconsider. If you are contending in these very competitive business, you should always be a step ahead of your competition, increasing your traffic flow should have been done starting yesterday.
Timing is essential, that’s an old adage known to everyone. But with generating traffic, you should always be on your toes and be a day ahead of everyone. Never think of today and tomorrow as a starting point for making your site traffic laden, it should always have been yesterday.
To help you out in generating more traffic for your site, here are some seven surefire ways to increase your traffic starting from yesterday.
1) Invest in good advertising with search engines:
Google’s Adwords and Yahoo’s Overture provide great advertising schemes that are very truly popular and assures great traffic. Although with this surefire way to increase your traffic would cost some money. While some would shy away from spending money to increase traffic, it is imperative in this case to do so because Adwords and Overture is the top surefire way to increase your traffic.
You could see for yourself the success this search engine advertising methods have reaped rewards for so many companies. Lots of site feature these advertising system and many have signed on to reap the benefits. Do not be left behind. Every penny is worth it with using Google and Yahoo’s advertising.
2) Exchange or Trade Links with other sites:
With exchanging links with other sites, both of you will benefit from the efforts both of you do to enhance your sites traffic. When one site features another sites link, they could provide one another with the traffic one site generates. The efforts are doubly beneficial because it would seem like both of you are working to generate more traffic. The more links traded with more sites the more traffic could be expected.
3) Use Viral Marketing:
Viral marketing allows you to spread the word about your company and product without any costs or if ever low costs only. This is a marketing method that can be quite sneaky; you can attach your company’s name, product or link to a certain media such as a funny video, entertaining game, an interesting article or a gossip or buzz. With this method, people get infected with the creativity and entertainment of the medium that they will pass it on to many people.
4) Search and use proper keywords or keyword phrases for your sites content:
Search engines look for certain keywords that they would show in their results page. In doing so, having the right keyword and keyword phrase is a high requirement in ranking in high in search engine results. You could write your own content or you could hire someone to do it for you.
5) Write Articles that can lead traffic to your site:
Submit articles to sites that would contain the same subject that your site deals in. If you sell car parts write press releases and articles about cars and car parts. Attach your sites description and services at the end of the article as well as the link.
6) Join forums and form online communities:
Capture a market and show your expertise and credibility. When you found a good foundation for your site, people will trust you and your site and will pass on to many people their trust. Traffic will certainly increase because they know that you can provide what they need.
7) Lastly, Offer newsletters:
If many people know what you are about and your existence is shared with many others, you will find a loyal traffic that can provide you with more traffic by recommendation. If you arouse the curiosity of your customers they would be pushed to help you with your traffic.
So, we all know that in the core of it all, traffic is the most essential thing to a successful internet based business company. Aside from ensuring that you have a great product to sell, and you have your company’s internal organization well taken core of, it would be time to get to the nitty gritty of things, generating traffic.
If you already have a site and you want think that you're not getting the traffic that you're supposed to be getting, then its time to reconsider. If you are contending in these very competitive business, you should always be a step ahead of your competition, increasing your traffic flow should have been done starting yesterday.
Timing is essential, that’s an old adage known to everyone. But with generating traffic, you should always be on your toes and be a day ahead of everyone. Never think of today and tomorrow as a starting point for making your site traffic laden, it should always have been yesterday.
To help you out in generating more traffic for your site, here are some seven surefire ways to increase your traffic starting from yesterday.
1) Invest in good advertising with search engines:
Google’s Adwords and Yahoo’s Overture provide great advertising schemes that are very truly popular and assures great traffic. Although with this surefire way to increase your traffic would cost some money. While some would shy away from spending money to increase traffic, it is imperative in this case to do so because Adwords and Overture is the top surefire way to increase your traffic.
You could see for yourself the success this search engine advertising methods have reaped rewards for so many companies. Lots of site feature these advertising system and many have signed on to reap the benefits. Do not be left behind. Every penny is worth it with using Google and Yahoo’s advertising.
2) Exchange or Trade Links with other sites:
With exchanging links with other sites, both of you will benefit from the efforts both of you do to enhance your sites traffic. When one site features another sites link, they could provide one another with the traffic one site generates. The efforts are doubly beneficial because it would seem like both of you are working to generate more traffic. The more links traded with more sites the more traffic could be expected.
3) Use Viral Marketing:
Viral marketing allows you to spread the word about your company and product without any costs or if ever low costs only. This is a marketing method that can be quite sneaky; you can attach your company’s name, product or link to a certain media such as a funny video, entertaining game, an interesting article or a gossip or buzz. With this method, people get infected with the creativity and entertainment of the medium that they will pass it on to many people.
4) Search and use proper keywords or keyword phrases for your sites content:
Search engines look for certain keywords that they would show in their results page. In doing so, having the right keyword and keyword phrase is a high requirement in ranking in high in search engine results. You could write your own content or you could hire someone to do it for you.
5) Write Articles that can lead traffic to your site:
Submit articles to sites that would contain the same subject that your site deals in. If you sell car parts write press releases and articles about cars and car parts. Attach your sites description and services at the end of the article as well as the link.
6) Join forums and form online communities:
Capture a market and show your expertise and credibility. When you found a good foundation for your site, people will trust you and your site and will pass on to many people their trust. Traffic will certainly increase because they know that you can provide what they need.
7) Lastly, Offer newsletters:
If many people know what you are about and your existence is shared with many others, you will find a loyal traffic that can provide you with more traffic by recommendation. If you arouse the curiosity of your customers they would be pushed to help you with your traffic.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Time For Your Home Business
Almost everyone needs or wants more money coming in, and withthis desire most would like to start some sort of extra incomeproducing project. The trouble is, not many of these people seemable to fit "a second job" into their time schedules.
It's true that most people are busy, but extra time for some sortof home-based extra income producing project can almost always befound. It may mean giving up or changing a few of your favoritepastimes--such as having a couple of beers with the guys orwatching TV--but if you score big with your extra income project,you will have all the time you want for doing whatever you whatto do.
Efficient time management boils down to planning what you'regoing to do, and then doing it without backtracking. Start bymaking a list of the things you want to do tomorrow, each eveningbefore you go to bed. Schedule your trips to the store orwherever to coincide with the other things you have to do, andwith your trips to or from work. Organize your trips to take careof as many things as possible while you're out of the house.take stock of the time you spend on the telephone---and eliminateall that isn't necessary.
Whatever chores you have to do at home, set aside a specific timeto do them, and a specific amount of time to devote to them. Forinstances, just one hour a day devoted to yard work wouldprobably make your property the envy of all your neighbors. Don'ttry to do a week's work in one big flurry. Whether it's paintingyour house, fixing leaky faucets, or mowing your lawn andtrimming your shrubs, do a part of it, or one particular job eachday, and you'll be amazed at your progress.
Take care of all your mail the day, you receive it. Don't letthose bills and letters pile up on you. If you're unable to pay abill immediately, file it in a special place that's visible, andnote on the envelope the date you intend to pay it. Answer yourletters the same day you get them.
Once you start listing and planning what to do, and then carryout your plans, you'll find plenty of "extra time" for handlingvirtually any kind of home-based income producing project. Peoplein general may not like routines or schedules, but without somesort of plan as to what is supposed to be done, the world wouldbe mired in mass confusion. Laws, ordinances and regulations arefor the purpose of guiding people. We live according to anaccepted plan or way of life, and the better we can organizeourselves, the more productive and happy we become.
The secret of all financially successful people is simply thatthey are organized and do not waste time. Think about it. Reviewyour own activities, and then see if you can't find a couple ofextra hours in each day for more constructive accomplishments.
When you begin planning, and then when you really become involvedin an extra income producing endeavor, you should work it exactlyas you have organized your regular day-to-day activities---on atime basis. Do what has to be done immediately. Don't try to getdone in a hour something that's realistically going to take aweek. Plan out on paper what you have to do--what you want todo--and when you are going to do it. Then get right on eachproject without procrastination.
Finally, and above all else, when you're organizing your time andyour business, be sure to set aside some time for relaxation. Besure to schedule time when you and your spouse can be together.You must not involve yourself to an extent that you exclude otherpeople--particularly your loved ones--from your life.
Taking stock of the time you waste each day, and from there,reorganizing your activities is what it's all about. It's amatter of becoming more efficient in the use of your time. It'sreally easy to do, and you will not only accomplish a lot more,you will also find greater fulfillment in your life.
It's true that most people are busy, but extra time for some sortof home-based extra income producing project can almost always befound. It may mean giving up or changing a few of your favoritepastimes--such as having a couple of beers with the guys orwatching TV--but if you score big with your extra income project,you will have all the time you want for doing whatever you whatto do.
Efficient time management boils down to planning what you'regoing to do, and then doing it without backtracking. Start bymaking a list of the things you want to do tomorrow, each eveningbefore you go to bed. Schedule your trips to the store orwherever to coincide with the other things you have to do, andwith your trips to or from work. Organize your trips to take careof as many things as possible while you're out of the house.take stock of the time you spend on the telephone---and eliminateall that isn't necessary.
Whatever chores you have to do at home, set aside a specific timeto do them, and a specific amount of time to devote to them. Forinstances, just one hour a day devoted to yard work wouldprobably make your property the envy of all your neighbors. Don'ttry to do a week's work in one big flurry. Whether it's paintingyour house, fixing leaky faucets, or mowing your lawn andtrimming your shrubs, do a part of it, or one particular job eachday, and you'll be amazed at your progress.
Take care of all your mail the day, you receive it. Don't letthose bills and letters pile up on you. If you're unable to pay abill immediately, file it in a special place that's visible, andnote on the envelope the date you intend to pay it. Answer yourletters the same day you get them.
Once you start listing and planning what to do, and then carryout your plans, you'll find plenty of "extra time" for handlingvirtually any kind of home-based income producing project. Peoplein general may not like routines or schedules, but without somesort of plan as to what is supposed to be done, the world wouldbe mired in mass confusion. Laws, ordinances and regulations arefor the purpose of guiding people. We live according to anaccepted plan or way of life, and the better we can organizeourselves, the more productive and happy we become.
The secret of all financially successful people is simply thatthey are organized and do not waste time. Think about it. Reviewyour own activities, and then see if you can't find a couple ofextra hours in each day for more constructive accomplishments.
When you begin planning, and then when you really become involvedin an extra income producing endeavor, you should work it exactlyas you have organized your regular day-to-day activities---on atime basis. Do what has to be done immediately. Don't try to getdone in a hour something that's realistically going to take aweek. Plan out on paper what you have to do--what you want todo--and when you are going to do it. Then get right on eachproject without procrastination.
Finally, and above all else, when you're organizing your time andyour business, be sure to set aside some time for relaxation. Besure to schedule time when you and your spouse can be together.You must not involve yourself to an extent that you exclude otherpeople--particularly your loved ones--from your life.
Taking stock of the time you waste each day, and from there,reorganizing your activities is what it's all about. It's amatter of becoming more efficient in the use of your time. It'sreally easy to do, and you will not only accomplish a lot more,you will also find greater fulfillment in your life.
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