entrepreneur
Published July 16th, 2008
Summer is halfway over and if you haven’t taken a vacation yet, you better get going! As one of our expert contributers, Steve Strauss, highlights below, it’s a must for any entrepreneur.
Q: Steve – I would like to get away with my family this summer, but I just don’t see how I can do it. I own a one-man business and when I don’t work, I don’t get paid. What can I do if I can’t afford to get away?
Tony
A: Amigo, I hate to sound like a cliché, but you can’t afford not to get away.
If... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, small business, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss, summer, time off, vacation
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Published April 25th, 2008
If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, but just can’t take yourself away from the security and steady paycheck of your current job, don’t fret. Many successful business owners started their company with just a few spare hours in the evenings and on weekends - and you can too! Here are some tips for getting your business idea out of your head and in front of customers.
Make an “after hours” schedule - Getting serious about your new business means making certain time commitments in order to get it off the ground. Whether it’s getting up a couple... Read more
Tags: advice, business plan, Carrie Hinkel, changing careers, entrepreneur, Starting a Business, strategy, tips
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Published March 19th, 2008
Q: Steve - I just want to give a word of warning to other would-be entrepreneurs. It’s not for everybody! I went into business with a partner last year. The business is fine, but I am not. I hate the long hours and the uncertainty. I also make less money. Don’t do it!
Dave
A: I agree that owning a business is not for everyone. Here is my handy dandy quick quiz that will help anyone decide whether or not they are an entrepreneur:
Does the thought of leaving your current job make you more scared or excited?
If the... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss
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Published March 18th, 2008
You may have heard of writer’s block, when writers are stuck as they try to pen new words. Writers are not the only ones who have this type of experience. For those who run their own business, there is entrepreneur’s rut as well.
Entrepreneur’s rut is what happens when you have been running your business and become a part of the engine instead of the spark that is running it. You are in a routine. You are accustomed to the daily grind and just float along, keeping things at the status quo.
While this approach may keep things chugging along... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, getting out of a rut, Growing Your Business, Leeia Ladipoh, staying motivated, staying productive
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Published March 10th, 2008
Consumers are what make the world go ’round. Without consumers, there would be no businesses, and without businesses we all would be poor. So why is it that business owners are not mindful of what is going on in their stores? If you are considering opening a store or improving the one you have, take heed to the following suggestions.
Staffing. Schedule enough employees to work cash registers during your busy times. The biggest turnoff for consumers is when they have picked up one or two items and there is only one lane open.
Merchandising. Invest in bright, colorful displays... Read more
Tags: advice, brick and mortar, entrepreneur, hiring, merchandising, Rebecca Button, Starting a Business, tips
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Published March 7th, 2008
Q: I was in business about four years ago and things did not turn out like I planned. While I still have the entrepreneurial bug, it is hard for me to shake my fear. I know you are not a psychologist, but how do I get back on that horse?
John
A: I don’t know of any entrepreneur who has not suffered adversity along the way, and usually some significant adversity at that. Whether it is losing a huge client, a bankruptcy, lawsuits, or what have you, business and problems often go together.
The real measure of an entrepreneur is... Read more
Tags: entrepreneur, expert advice, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss, tips, tony little
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Published March 7th, 2008
With rough economic times and layoffs, more and more Americans are asking themselves if they have what it takes to go into business for themselves. Being the owner of a small business holds many challenges, not the least of which is the entrepreneur. Before opening up a small business, ask yourself these questions to see if you have the characteristics it takes to operate a business as a sole proprietor.
Does the idea cause you anxiety?
If you say no, you may lack the self-motivation to go out and do whatever it takes to get the business going. Fear is... Read more
Tags: advice, entrepreneur, Starting a Business, startups, tips, william payne
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Published February 26th, 2008
Are you a bookkeeper who dreams of opening a trendy new flower shop downtown? Or an account manager who wants to open a coffee shop? Well, you’re not alone. Changing careers and opening your own business may sound overwhelming, but more and more Americans are learning how to shed their 9 to 5 skin and start fresh in a whole new career. How? By learning about the industry they’re interested in while continuing work in their day job. So, instead of wasting the years away dreaming about your new venture, why not use the time to prepare yourself for the... Read more
Tags: advice, Carrie Hinkel, changing careers, entrepreneur, Starting a Business, startups, tips
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Published February 25th, 2008
Breaking free from the nine to five rat race and opening a restaurant is the epitome of the American dream for many, though it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you don’t plan properly. For some, opening a restaurant seems easy enough - just rent a space downtown and start serving some of your favorite food items. Unfortunately it’s not that simple, as many past restaurateurs have found that out the hard way. A great many restaurants fail in their first year, and there’s no one particular reason why; there are literally dozens of reasons that could put... Read more
Tags: advice, Carrie Hinkel, entrepreneur, food industry, Starting a Business, starting a restaurant, startups, tips
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Published February 21st, 2008
With the country in the grip of an ever-growing recession, and with interest rates high and the dollar weak, there’s no such thing as a “job for life” nowadays. Whereas in the past you could expect to work at the same company until you retired, this is becoming less realistic in today’s workplace. This has led to more and more people starting their own business and working for themselves.
Yet it’s not as simple as just quitting your day job and opening shop - you need to make sure you have a solid business plan and know what’s needed to... Read more
Tags: advice, changing careers, danny brown, entrepreneur, Starting a Business, startups, tips
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