Re-Introducing a Previous Business Venture

My first business adventure only lasted 9 months due to health obstacles, but now I'm preparing to bring it back! That's right! I'm prepping for a comeback! I learned a lot about running a business the first time so I feel like I'm more prepared. Here are some tips for re-introducing an old idea:

1. Do your homework...better. - The first time I was pinching pennies to get up and running and I got way too caught up too fast. This time, I'm taking a couple YEARS to gain the promotional products I'll need, legal paperwork, permissions, advertising, and basic office necessities. By slowly purchasing these products out of pocket, I eliminate so much need for financing and become more prepared. It's tough for a start-up to get financing these days so by gaining more assets out of pocket, developing a GREAT business plan, and spending more time to gain investors, I can become more successful.

2. Use past social media to gain attention - I had a Twitter account devoted to my previous endeavor so I reconnected with it by announcing that I'm working on a comeback. This will tell your loyal followers that the service/product they loved so much will be coming back better than ever. What better way to start word of mouth advertising??

3. Be prepared for failure...again. - Since I didn't have luck the first time, there's a good chance that something will happen to lower my luck this time. So the smart thing to do for any entrepreneur is to have a back-up plan in case the business isn't as successful as you plan. For my situation, I have been maintaining a home-based consulting business that enhances my income. By using that income to build an emergency savings account equivalent of six months home operating expenses, I can be prepared for job hunting if my business goes belly-up. Always have a back-up plan or you'll just give yourself unnecessary stress.

4. Shop around - Just because one company has some great deals, doesn't mean another won't have a better one. Shop around for the best deals you can find to keep your comeback cost-effective and with great quality. If you have to pay more for a service, then make sure it'll give you a better quality to increase sales. Sometimes we have to pay more in order to gain more. If you find a great deal on Craigslist, BEWARE! I know it sounds crazy, but not everyone is out to give you a great deal. Use extreme caution when buying from an individual. Some businesses sell various items you'll need when they go out of business. This can be a great opportunity but make sure the quality will last. No sense in buying cheap if you'll have to purchase it again in a year.

5. Advertise, advertise, advertise!!! - What's the key to having people know you're back? Marketing! Talk to local businesses that'll be affected by your return and look for support. In my instance, I have a sober driving business that'll need support from all the drinking establishments. So before I start, I'll need to visit with the bar/restaurant/hotel owners to gain support and maybe even investors. Use specific promotional items to get your business out there. In my case, key chains with the sober driving phone number will be the most effective form of marketing. Make sure you know how to get your word out in the most effective way. A small radio ad would be effective as well. Radio gets your business out there for a reasonable price.

6.  Be enthusiastic - Who's going to buy your service/product if you don't appear to be 150% behind it?? Make sure when you talk about your comeback to investors/consumers, that you're so excited you could explode.

I hope your comeback is successful and your business thrives in enhancing our economy. New business means new jobs! Keep up the good work!

Christmas on a limited budget

If you're like me, bills keep piling up and you haven't gotten any extra for Christmas. My medical bills are the problem. Luckily, I have a very understanding family. If you're like me and need some low cost or no cost Christmas ideas, here you go!

1. Create a coupon for a service or future event for your someone special. It could be a dinner on you in February or taking down all the Christmas decor plus cleaning. Any little help is appreciated from those who matter.

2. Check out creative sites like Pinterest for some craft ideas you can get at all dollar store. Maybe even a good food dish to bring unexpectedly.

3. If you have a long distance relative like I do, plan to visit before Christmas or at a close later date and take them out to dinner. Just being there is a great gift. If you arrive before Christmas, you can serve as a cheap delivery service back to the family. It'll save both parties a lot of money in shipping.

4. Sometimes you just have to say, "I cannot afford gifts at this time, but I can give you what I planned next month." There's no shame in admitting you are having troubles. It might even inspire your friends and family to help you out instead of giving a gift.

5. White Elephant gifts are good ideas among friends. Instead of spending a ton on each other, gift wrap a movie or decor item you have in your home that you'd want them to have. Sometimes it's gag gifts that make memories or sentimental gifts that mean so much.

Whatever you do this holiday season, don't stress. It's not about the gifts, it's about the coming together and being there for each other. Good luck!

Halfway across the country in $300

In about four weeks, I'm headed out of the Midwest and out to the East coast in North Carolina. My sister lives out there and I figured an early Christmas visit would be great! Here's the catch: I can only afford $300 to spend on the trip. Since a friend of mine lives in Nashville, and it happens to be on the way back, I'm making it a very worthwhile vacation. So here's how it's going to work.

I calculated how many miles (and I'm over estimating to make sure I don't bust the budget), which comes to about 1900 roundtrip. My car gets an average of 30 miles to the gallon for all-highway travel. This gives me 63 1/3 gallons to fill up on. If I calculate $4 per gallon (like I said I'm over estimating to make sure the budget stays on track), then my fuel budget comes to $253.33. As far as food goes, I'm bringing some non-perishable snacks and things to make sandwiches. When I see my sister, we plan on going to our favorite (and expensive) restaurant so I'm putting a strict cash budget of $30 that night. So besides the fuel and expensive restaurant, that leaves $16.67 for snacks and food on the road.

Can I do it? I think so! My tasks until it's time to go is to go ahead and stock up on snacks and sandwich materials so I don't have to dig into the vacation budget. I always have a separate food budget each month. Remember to use cash instead of plastic to stay on track. Plastic gets you into trouble!

Stay tuned to see if this mission goes accomplished!

Journey to Self-Publishing

We all have dreams of our creativity being shared with the masses. I've never been much of a writer, more about music, but when your passionate about something you should go for it. I am currently passionate about writing a cookbook about a diet my doctor put me on. I suffer from chronic headaches and there are many foods that trigger migraine attacks. When I searched online for cookbooks pertaining to this specific diet (and my doctor added another type of food than what is normally prescribed), I found two that weren't exactly what I was looking for. Any serial entrepreneur knows that means it's time to bring in that resource. So I'm on the journey to publishing!

How will I get my idea published? I can work my tail off, generate the best cookbook I can, and present it to thousands of publishers...or I can self-publish. I've grabbed some resources to learn how to become my own publisher. First step, creating my publishing entity. Publishing companies should have a similar name to the books being published. Second step, create ways to spread your published works to the masses. Since mine is directed toward my medical condition, I will be purchasing a domain name and creating a website to share my recipes and experiences with my headaches. Since this has become such a common occurance, I can use social media masses and friends to promote my site. Advertising will fund the site and spread more topics to the masses. By promoting the cookbook and site with my current doctor and other headache clinics, I can better ensure success.

The key is finding a niche and rolling with it. If you have a passion and it's unique, then you need to work hard and spread the word! Good luck!

Why start a business?

You read articles about these amazing innovators and wonder if you can do that too. Well if you put your mind to it then why not? Here's some good reasons to start a business:
1. You want to be your own boss - Many are tired of waiting for someone else to notice potential in you. Why not put your potential into your own business?
2. You want to take a risk to generate rewards - Just like the stock market, starting a business involves risk. Many don't profit until year three but if you can get to that point it'll be worth it.
3. You have an idea that can impact lives - Your business can be generated around an idea that will impact many lives. This can be the driving factor for success.
4. You lost your job - In this job market, it's hard to find your next big break. So why not create your own?
5. Insert reason here - There are so many other reasons to start a business. So once you get your niche, go for it!

So start brainstorming and researching your next great idea! Use your frugal ways to save up and get it started!

Can't find a job? Create your own!!

In this ever-changing economy, it seems like it's nearly impossible to find a new job. Generation Now job-seekers such as myself have a hard time due to lack of experience. Baby Boomers are waiting longer and longer to retire. So what are the young, energetic job hunters to do?? Create your own job! If you have a talent, why not expand it? Every business began small and grew. If you have the skills, then gain the experience by broadening a client-base.

Even high schoolers can start a business. For those with summer lawn jobs, they gain references from their clients and can gain more clients through word of mouth and social advertising. The power of Facebook and Twitter are amazing! If your young student wants to start their own business, work with them or point them out to a small business owning veteran who can help. Babysitting can turn into a business as well. The possibilities are endless!

Who's the only person who can stop you? It's not your parents, teachers, or friends...it's YOU! You are the only person who can achieve or hinder your destiny. If you are motivated and willing to work hard, you can accomplish anything. Not all businesses work out the first time, so be prepared. Create back-up plans and emergency savings to help take care of those unforseen roadblocks.

College can also help gain more knowledge about maintaining your business. Take some business, marketing, management, accounting, and finance classes for the background skills. To enhance the skills you already have or gain new skills, take some electives to show your potential clients you are able to do the job. Many colleges allow you to "build your own degree" which offers more flexibility with your future. Take advantage! Talk to a consultant, advisor, counselor, lawyer, or tax accountant to gain more information. Also, it's a great idea to check with your Secretary of State's website for filing instructions and tips. The IRS website can guide new business owners with tax laws and forms to help make the accounting process smoother.

So how do you come up with the next million dollar idea? Here's some tips:

1. Take a drive - you don't know what businesses are NOT out there unless you look around the area.
2. Survey the local community - find out what the community wants as far as business and it'll help gain support.
3. Talk to the city/county government - See what licensing requirements are needed and what they will allow. Some cities require council approval before a new business can begin.
4. Keep a notebook or binder - Make tabbed areas for all your startup ideas, cost analysis, and potential. Before you begin a business, you've got to do your homework and plan!
5. Look for investors - Ask around and see if anyone would be willing to invest in your idea.
6. Find a mentor - Many small business owners are looking for their successors. Ask an owner for advice, mentoring tips, and apprentice work. You might just inherit their already established business.
7. Research research research - Find out if your idea has already been done. If there was a failing business, find out what happened. You don't want to steer an already sinking ship.
8. Open a separate checking/savings account - Startups are not cheap! Keep track of the cash available to begin your business by having a separate account.
9. Download accounting software - Quicken and Turbo Tax are great resources to keep track of all business income/expenses. Remember, even though you are just beginning, you still have tax deductions available. Sit down with an accountant or financial planner to help. Some community colleges and vocational tech schools offer classes in this type of software.
10. Document everything - You will be so busy, you don't want to take any chances. Log all receipts, client information, and invoicing to be sure you are on top of your game. You might find a retired accountant who'd be willing to help for a discount/small fee.

So there it is! Good luck!

March Mind, Body, and Soul

It's been a while since I posted. Mostly because I've been staying busy...

Spring is around the corner, which means more expenses for vacation, ball games, family visits, planting a garden, and outdoor home remodels. The key is to be as frugal as possible. Hope you've been saving up!

For vacations, ball games, and family visits, carpool and splitting hotel bills are great ways to save money and enjoy your time. The more the merrier!

Outdoor home remodeling and gardening can be done the frugal way if you know where to shop. Check the prices of what you need and buy it when it's the lowest. Typically winter time when it's first set up or in the fall when the picking is slim. Check online for bulk deals on your flowers and vegetables.

The month of March might be an expensive one, but if done right it can be the most enjoyable.

Vacation planning time

It may be cold out and your wallet is still recovering from paying end of the year taxes, but now is a good time to start planning your summer vacation. Most work locations let you choose your time off now so you can get your plans in motion.
I'm planning a road trip in September to see my sister in North Carolina so the first thing I need to do is save up the gas money. By saving some money each paycheck into a separate account, I am able to have a worry-free vacation. Sites like LivingSocial and Tippr can help me save money on entertainment and lodging along the way.
Not all vacations have to be elaborate. A small getaway can be just as great even if it's in your own city. Taking a night at a nice hotel to spend with your significant other or go to a concert in the next city. Online specials help to make a night to remember the most enjoyable. Road trips with more friends help save gas money!
Start planning your exciting summer 2012 now!!

Doctors, prescriptions, and budgets

If you're like me, you have chronic pain like migraines and headaches. This causes regular medications, doctors visits, and life interruptions. By budgeting the prescriptions and working with your doctor on cost, you can maintain affordability. My doctor knows I prefer generics and the least amount of pills possible. Also any natural supplements that can eliminate the needs for prescription is a good idea. The copayment from my insurance itself must be budgeted and expected due to the condition. Any tests such as MRI must also be saved or worked with the hospital under payment plan.

The unexpected can always hit you like a freight train. By including these things in your budget, you can ease your mind and reduce the headaches :)

Continuation of Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

For the past couple days I've been listening to a Spanish CD in my car to learn common phrases. This gave me the confidence to talk to my supervisor about my future with the company I work for. That conversation gave me some goals for the year: fix my finances (I work for a bank), continue to work hard, cross train customer service duties, and continue to give good results. Fixing my finances will be an ongoing goal but the end of this month I'm paying off a couple cards and getting rid of them. This will help my monthly expenses. When I get my tax refund I can pay off more. In my spare time at work, I shadow customer service reps on how to do various tasks other than my own. The more knowledge I have, the more marketable I will be for the company.
I've done very well with bringing my lunch to work everyday to decrease fast food intake. This will save me money and increase my health. Fresh fruit and whole grain bars keep my diet balanced.

Getting in shape the frugal way

Part of my resolution to be happy includes getting in shape. Since I already have a Wii, I have acquired games like Just Dance, Zumba, and Wii Fit. Rather than paying for a gym membership, I can work out at home. The start up cost for the console and games is high, but once they are obtained there is no more cost. You come home from work and enjoy a fun, hard workout in the comfort of your living room. Invite friends over and make a competition from the games. You get to have quality time with those you have fun with while staying healthy. If you have kids, let them play too! It's good for kids to be active daily. The Just Dance games are so fun and a sweaty workout that will ensure a swift bath and bed time :).

Let's see that six pack!

Day 2 of Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

It's the observed day of New Years so I do not work. To make the day interesting, I've learned some Spanish, watched new shows, made some changes to my online dating profile, messaged men I found interesting, and cleaned up. On the second day of the new year, I have learned that life is pretty crazy. By taking in new opportunities, I can further find out who I am. It's a new year, a new me. Wonder what new interests I will pick up tomorrow??? :)

Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

I'm not big on resolutions but this year I want to do one thing each day to become more confident in myself, gain happiness, and learn who I am.

January 1: Downloaded organization and confidence books on my Kindle fire, cleaned my house and caught up on chores, and realized I need to be more active in my social life.

Goals for tomorrow: Read more to enhance my vocabulary, do some exercise and drink water, and find a new flirty hair do.

I'm going to do this every day to achieve my ultimate resolution: be happy. Trying new things while taking care of business.

2012 = Frugal Living All Year

Welcome to the new year! One of my resolutions is to eliminate as much debt as possible. In order to do that, I will use my tax return and sale of my business car to pay off and close some credit accounts. My student loan payments start in May after I graduate so that will be an added monthly expense. Once that time occurs, I will form a payment plan that suits my financial needs and consolidate all my student loans. Some things I have in mind to reduce debt is to limit travel, stay home more, and spend less on luxuries. I'm not saying you HAVE to give up a social life, but saving money and paying off debt is important. I have eliminated my drinking by a lot and it has saved me quite a bit. I still can have a good time sober!! Plus I'm safe.

Good luck on your frugal adventure in 2012!!!