Straight Talk Newsletter from HomeBizTools.com
 

 

Home Business Start-up
FREE from the publisher of Straight Talk...

How to Choose a Home-Based Business

Discover for yourself:

The three home business success principles.

An easy way to discover the home business right for you.

Five legitimate home business ideas that anyone can start.

How to have a burning desire for success.

How to turn an idea for a home based business into a reality.

Get It Here!

 


 


This Year I Resolve To Buy Her That Goose

by Brett Krkosska

I'm the type that enjoys making resolutions. I really don't like calling them resolutions though. I'd rather stick with the word 'goals'. The word 'resolution' seems to be infected by a kind of "black or white" syndrome. You make a resolution, and if it doesn't work, oh well. There's always next year.


Goals on the other hand take on some very powerful features. Whenever I think of the goals, my mind conjures up this image of goal master Zig Ziglar, fist clenched in determination, his eyes piercing my very soul, his body crouched forward like a lioness poised to strike...

Well, maybe that's just me, but planning my goals with that vision sure revs me up. There are also some very logical, non-emotional reasons for goals.

Here are some of the great things about goals...

1. Goals are not black and white. Resolutions takes on the huge task of making a change in one bold move. With goals you are not forced into a "do or die" situation. Goals are never static or polar. They can be graduated to reach the heights, like a staircase. One step at a time. Goals create a process of illumination as you climb higher.

"No single event can awaken within us a stranger totally unknown to us. To live is to be slowly born." - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

2. Goals have determination and staying power. Goals can take it on the chin, and keep comin' back for more. It's simply a matter of modifying your goals in the face of temporary failure. Instead of taking one giant leap, you can break up a goal into 2 or 3 manageable steps.

"Many strokes overthrow the tallest oaks." - John Lyly

3. Resolutions are more of a verbal or mental affirmation, while goals beg to be put on the page. It's really hard to remember... "I resolve to be more attentive to my wife this year. I will express my love with a fresh rose every fourth Tuesday of the month to celebrate our discovery of each other, then I'll buy her that lovely ring she's been eyeing for Valentines, then on St. Patty's Day I'll get her that green crystal goose for her goose collection, (don't forget to call Sears and order 2 weeks early), then...

So you see, goals are to be written; having clearly defined parameters for success. They can be referred to often, just to make sure you're on the right path. Writing it out keeps all your geese in a row. Right honey?

4. Once you achieve a goal you can pat yourself on the back, stand a little taller, and move on to the next goal. Nothing fires you up more than success. A whole bunch of little accomplishments sets the stage for the grand finale.

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending" - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Don't get me wrong though. I'm not totally down on the idea of making resolutions.

Resolutions are lofty in nature and exemplify our quest to be the best human being we can be. They encourage us to change our lives and experience the real person inside of us.

A resolution is more apt to call on the spirit. Deeds of morality and virtuousness are called upon to show themselves, and there is a beckoning for the higher self to step from the shadows.

If only in that moment of resolve we could capture the emotion and force that brought it from the recesses of our mind, and take that moment into the next moment, and into the next moment...

Alas, the grandeur of resolution does wane with time.

But there is hope! Take that inspired resolution and turn into a series of goals! Thereby you can at least capture the memory of your inspiration and turn it into action.

"I might have been born in a hovel, but I am determined to travel with the wind and the stars." - Jacqueline Cochran


And finally...

A new year's resolution fits quite well on any standard 12 month calender. A fresh start on the 1st day of the year.

It's such a nice little neat arrangement; making a resolution that fits so perfectly on my brand new Toy Story 2 calender. A gift from a little friend you know. I think I'll resolve to do something special for that little friend. Better yet, I think I'll make that a goal!

-----------------------------

Visit Brett's "Articles and Advice" section for more information to help you build a lasting, prosperous and perhaps an inspired home-based business. 

 

Start Your Own Cleaning Business

This is one of those rare businesses you can start with very little start-up costs. With just a bucket of cleaning supplies and some rags you have an instant business.

[Read on]

 

Checklist For The New Home-Based Business

By Elena Fawkner

So, you've decided to take the plunge and start your own home-based business. Congratulations! You're on your way to true financial independence. Protect your business and your livelihood by making sure you have paid proper attention to the following:

1. Cash Flow

Do you have adequate working capital to support your business (to support you!)during its early stages? Have you started your business part-time while continuing to work full-time to make sure it is a viable income producer for you and that income is adequate for your needs? DON'T give up your day job until you can give an unequivocal YES to these questions.

2. Business Licensing

Have you obtained all necessary licenses and registrations for your business? Do you comply with your local zoning regulations? This is especially important for both legal and insurance reasons if you expect to have clients visit your home office.

3. Insurance

If you expect to have clients visit your home office, have you taken out insurance in case they are injured on your premises? Your normal homeowner's insurance will NOT cover business visitors unless you notify your insurance company that you are operating a business from home and the insurance company endorses your policy to include this risk.

In all other cases you should take out a separate policy to cover your business visitors. In this regard, whether you comply with local zoning regulations may be important. Your insurance company may refuse to cover you if you are conducting your business illegally. For these reasons it is imperative that you obtain all proper registrations and licenses for your business.

Another type of insurance you should take out is public risk insurance. No matter the nature of your business, if you are dealing with other people (and what business isn't?), you should have public risk insurance to cover you in case of a claim for negligence.

A third type of insurance to consider is income protection insurance. If you have made the transition from paid employment to self-employment, you no longer have the benefits that went along with your paid job which may have included disability or income protection insurance. You will need to purchase this cover for yourself.

4. Benefits

Once you have left the paid workforce, you may find that you have also left behind your medical, dental and optical benefits. You need to make sure you purchase adequate insurance for these expenses.

5. Accounting and Tax Advice

The best time to seek accounting and tax advice is before you start your new business. Your accountant will be able to advise you about things such as the most tax-effective structure for your particular business and what types of expenses you can claim against your business income. It is important to obtain this advice at the beginning of your business venture so you know exactly what records you should be keeping and whether it is best for you to purchase or rent capital equipment such as your computer.

6. Time Management

Make sure you have thought through how you will deal with the day to day distractions that will come up when you work from home and plan accordingly. For example, if you know you will not be working from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm because this is the time between when your children return from school and when they go to bed, try to schedule as many non-business activities for this time period as possible rather than taking breaks during your business hours. Need milk? Get it when you're out picking the kids up from school, not at 11:00 am because it's easier than starting that new webpage. Remember, self-discipline is your best friend and vital when working from home. Procrastination, on the other hand, is your greatest enemy.

Working from home is the dream of many. Don't let that dream turn to ashes by overlooking the "basics" of sound business and risk management.

---------------------

Elena Fawkner is editor of the award-winning weekly ezine, A Home-Based Business Online, a down-to-earth publication containing practical home-based and online business ideas, telecommuting job listings, original articles, free e-books and much more. She also runs the A Home-Based Business Online website at http://www.fawkner.com You can subscribe to her newsletter at the site.

 

Final Words

Thanks for reading! It is my hope that the information in this newsletter leads you towards greater riches, both in work and at home.

You are invited to send me your comments or questions.

Keep an open mind and reach for the heights!

Brett Krkosska
Founder, Editor, Net-a-Holic

~~~


Please feel free to tell your friends and associates about this newsletter.

~~~

Not a subscriber? Get real-world, common sense strategies for small and home based business success. Your issues... real answers. Subscribe free.



arrowup.gif (119 bytes) TOP