You've done your research, figured out your niche, and now you're ready to make your business dreams a reality. But where do you start?What steps should you take first? Starting a new business is exciting and scary all at the same time. There are so many unknowns that many aspiring entrepreneurs let fear, indecision, and ... Read More
Startup
How to Write a Business Plan Step-By-Step [Free Business Plan Template]
Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge into business ownership, you need to organize your thoughts and put your business plan down on paper. Sometimes novice business owners think that the business plan is something that can be skipped. It shouldn’t be. There are many benefits to your business and to yourself as an entrepreneur, ... Read More
From Employee to Freelancer: How to Cautiously Make the Leap
Today we're tackling a freelance question from one of our readers: Hi Holly, At the beginning of the year, I will be making a huge switch from my full-time position to freelance in order to get rid of my long commute and be closer to home and my two-year-old. To say I am nervous about the transition is an understatement. Do you or ... Read More
Five Common Fears Business Owners Need to Overcome
“Fear cannot take what you do not give it" - Christopher Coan So you want to start a business, huh? Being an entrepreneur is the same as being a dreamer. You can’t start a business without a dream. That vision is like gas in a tank and will drive you to where you want to go. I’m very much a dreamer. Since I was a little girl, I ... Read More
Getting Started: Researching Your Business Idea
So you have an idea for a product or service, awesome. You have told all of your closest friends your thoughts and they are encouraging – or discouraging, depending on the person, great. Now … take a step back. It is often the hardest thing to look objectively at your own idea, especially if the fruition translates into riches and ... Read More
3 Strategies for Creating an Action Plan for Your Business
Nothing compares to working from home. When we think about working from home, visions of spending more time with children, two-hour lunches, and occasional trips to our favorite coffee shop with our laptop usually pop into our head. Everything seems to work out perfectly because “you are your own boss.” We tend to think less about ... Read More
Are You Ready To Become Your Own Boss?
Are you fed up with the daily grind and are you ready to become your own boss? I remember when I realized being a small business owner would be my next career. I had the job I always wanted, but I was getting headaches on the way to work in the morning. I knew I was capable of doing so something more that would allow me to make a ... Read More
7 Key Marketing Strategies for Your Home-Based Business
You've just launched your new home-based business, and now it's time to start promoting it to attract new customers. As a first-time business owner and entrepreneur, I know how difficult it can be to market your business on a shoe-string budget, but there is hope. Here are seven inexpensive marketing strategies to increase your ... Read More