Here’s some ‘Friday Inspiration’ for you:
Can Entrepreneurs Really Take Vacation?
I’m honored to be quoted in this article along with some great company. Now if only I can take some of this excellent advice myself as I start to plan for my vacation!
Defining Your Own Success
Today I came across a succinct but powerful and motivating article. As a roller coaster lover, I couldn’t help but enjoy the author’s analogy. But what I love most about this article is how it keeps things in perspective about how we’re each different. It’s not about making a certain dollar figure or achieving a certain title, it’s about enjoying your life and striving for what matters to you (and no one else.)
What are your takeaways from this article?
Media Appearances
I’ve spent much too long getting my media reel put together. Here is the almost-final version and I’d love your feedback!
Health Insurance for Entrepreneurs
I read an article the other day that stated the following:
- 60% of uninsured sole proprietors prioritize their work over their personal health
- 82% of uninsured respondents said they are uninsured due to the cost
- 81% of the respondents believe that health insurance costs are higher than they actually are
Based on my own experience of talking with so many would-be entrepreneurs, I also know that health insurance is one of the things that ties people to an employer. If it weren’t for losing health insurance, many more people would venture out on their own. Now, it remains to be seen how this all changes with ObamaCare, but here are my thoughts on the matter: Continue reading
Small Business Licensing Requirements
Many times, would-be entrepreneurs get caught up in the smallest, logistical details and they let that stop them from ever moving forward. Generally, my advice for those just getting started is to keep your eyes on the bigger picture and the details will take care of themselves. But there are some details that can’t be ignored. Especially those that involve the legality of your business. So, before you get too far along, you need to find out what licenses and/or permits you may require. You’ll want to get the ball rolling on those early as sometimes they involve lengthy leadtimes. You can just go to www.business.usa.gov and click on ‘start a business.’ Their questions will walk you straight to the information that tells you what you will need.
Also, remember to check any neighborhood or HOA criteria. Usually, running a one-person operation from your home is not a problem. But sometimes you are not allowed to have employees work from your home nor are you allowed to have commercial vehicles frequently coming and going.
By checking all these legalities upfront, you can get them quickly taken care of and then keep moving forward confidently with your bigger picture plans.
Website Wisdom
Continuing our cupcake conversation from last time, after sampling this would-be entrepreneur’s delicious wares, I was intrigued enough to check out her website despite the lack of enthusiasm I had sensed in person. Unfortunately, that sort of ‘sealed the deal’ for me in that I would not be ordering from her. Here are some tips on how to make good use of your website so you can hopefully learn from her mistakes: Continue reading
Poolside Business Lessons
This weekend, I met a young woman who is trying to launch a cupcake business. One thing that she did was very smart — I met her poolside, as she walked around giving out samples of her cupcakes along with her business cards. So I now have first-hand knowledge of her product (which was quite good, although she only had one kind with her so I don’t know if her other flavors are as good) and an easy way to reach her for a future order. However, in the conversation I had with her, as well as my subsequent visit to her website, there are SO many things she can do to increase her chances of success. I’d like to address those one bit at a time over my next few posts as I suspect that many of you will be able to relate to at least one or two of her issues.
The very first thing I noticed was Continue reading
How a Small Business Owner can actually Relax on Vacation
This weekend marks the ‘official’ kick-off of summer. Even though I live in Florida, I’m so excited for the full-on season of beaches, boats and barbeques. And, as a native Jersey Girl, I’m so proud to see the Jersey Shore coming back strong and re-opening for business. But as a small business owner (and even for those of you who are still corporate executives), taking time off can sometimes seem like more hassle than it’s worth. Between the crazy ‘get ahead’ week before you go, to the insane ‘catch up’ week when you come back, and still feeling like you need to check messages while you’re away – it can sometimes be more stressful than not taking a vacation at all. So here are some thoughts on how to take a real vacation and truly distress this summer.
How to Hate your Job Less
For those who aren’t yet ready (financially, emotionally, or otherwise) to launch their own business, but still dream of breaking free of their day-to-day work, here is an important article on a topic I discuss frequently. I was honored to be included in the article [although the author included the name of my adoption business rather than this one. At least you guys all still know who I am. ;-) ]