Immortality is no big deal. Just imagine getting up on a Monday morning 52 times a year for the rest of eternity. Really only two advantages of eternal life spring to mind - you could start reading 'War & Peace' and know that you would have time to finish it, and you wouldn't need life insurance. However, as mere mortals, maybe we shouldn't start on a very long book and we should take out life insurance, because we none of us know just how long we have got.
Not particularly cheerful advice, but very practical. Can you really face the idea of departing this life and leaving behind little more than the memory of you? If you have family or other dependants, it is vital that you provide for their futures especially if you are the main breadwinner. The trauma of the loss would be quite enough for anyone to cope with, without having to worry about how they are going to manage financially, and maybe even contemplate the loss of their home.
So if you haven't got adequate life cover or perhaps have no life insurance of any sort, you should take action to correct that situation without delay. Perhaps you have considered it and perhaps you have even had a look at what is available, and then put off doing anything about it because there are too many options and it is difficult to know which to opt for. This is absolutely understandable because there are so many variations that anyone could be forgiven for being confused - but procrastination will not put food on the table for your dependents when you are gone.
So you need information. The following is a general guide to what is available, which should enable you to decide more or less which types of cover may be best suited to your needs. The fine detail is avoided because that is best left to the experts, whom you should be able to approach with a rough idea of what you are looking for, and equally important, which types would not be suited to your needs.
Term insurance in one of its forms is likely to meet most needs. Its name indicates that it provides cover for a period which is agreed between the company providing the policy and the insured individual. At the end of that term all cover ceases and there is no cash value remaining. Payment against the policy will usually be in the form of a lump sum on the death of the insured.
There are a variety of different forms of cover available under the umbrella name of term insurance, of which the following are the more usual examples.
Family Income Benefit is one of the best and must have been developed with bereaved families in mind. The death of the policy holder during the term of the insurance releases a tax free sum which will be paid every year right through to the end of the term. Costs for this type are at a minimum because the term during which the payments would be made is constantly reducing.
Level term insurance is very straight forward. It is well suited to covering the capital portion of an 'interest only' mortgage, because the value of cover is determined at the outset and is retained for the whole of the term.
A Decreasing Term policy on the other hand is better suited to covering a repayment mortgage, as it decreases in value over the term to nil at the end, effectively shadowing the reducing balance of the mortgage. The premiums are correspondingly low.
An Increasing Term mortgage maintains its value throughout the term by taking the effects of inflation into account, and is best suited to fulfilling a lump sum requirement at a constant value. The premiums are correspondingly high.
Finally it is worthwhile mentioning Whole of Life cover which is not actually term insurance, as the cover provided is effective to the end of the life of the insured person, subject only to the premiums being paid as due. The insured amount, plus the value of any benefits accruing to the investment, is paid out on the death of the insured
The above few examples give a generalised guide to some of the policies which are available, and should allow you to talk to a broker and discuss your needs in detail. It may well be that more than one type of cover will be required to meet all your needs, but find a brokers via the internet (which is an excellent source), and they will provide guidance.
Once settled you can relax, content that you have taken care of your dependents needs, and if you are really adventurous you could start reading 'War and Peace'!
by Michael Challiner
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Benefits Of Direct Debit Payments
If you have a credit card or current account, then you might want to take advantage of Direct Debit in order to pay your bills. Direct Debit payments can make paying your bills and regular payments much easier and help you to manage your money much better. If you want to know more about Direct Debit and how it can help you manage your bills then here are some useful tips about how to get started with Direct Debit.
What is Direct Debit?
Direct Debit is a system by which monthly payments are taken directly from your account, whether it is a credit card or normal bank account. You set up your Direct Debit once and then the money automatically comes out of your account at the right time. Direct Debit is the preferred payment method of most bill payers because it is quicker, safer and easier than other methods.
Safety
One advantage of Direct Debit payments is that it is much safer than paying by cheque or cash, because the money simply comes out of your account and goes to the correct organisation or person. There is no paperwork to deal with, no chance of your money being taken on the way to the bank and no chance of the cheque getting lost. Direct Debit is the safest way to pay your bills and make regular payments.
Certainty
Another reason why Direct Debit is a great idea is that it gives you the certainty to know your payments will be made on time each month. This works both ways, as both customers and retailers know that they will receive their money at the right time. Only errors or non-payment will be reported so you can just get on with your business knowing that your payments are in hand.
Easily manage your payments
If you pay by Direct Debit, then you know exactly when your bills will be paid, and if they are fixed payments then you will know exactly how much you will pay as well. This can help you to better manage your money and stay one step ahead when it comes to expenditures. If you pay by Direct Debit for your bills then you will know exactly how much money you need at various points in the month. You can even arrange it so all your Direct Debit payments are collected at the same time. You can also cancel your Direct Debit at any point, thereby easily stopping the funds from leaving your account if you want to stop making payment.
No processing fees
Unlike some payment methods, there are no fees associated with Direct Debit payments. Only the money that you owe is taken out of your account, with no extra fees to pay whatsoever. This is different than paying by cheque or other methods where you might have to pay a processing or handling fee to pay your bill. Direct Debit is the best way to pay your bills, whether you want to use a credit card or a regular bank account
by Peter Kenny
What is Direct Debit?
Direct Debit is a system by which monthly payments are taken directly from your account, whether it is a credit card or normal bank account. You set up your Direct Debit once and then the money automatically comes out of your account at the right time. Direct Debit is the preferred payment method of most bill payers because it is quicker, safer and easier than other methods.
Safety
One advantage of Direct Debit payments is that it is much safer than paying by cheque or cash, because the money simply comes out of your account and goes to the correct organisation or person. There is no paperwork to deal with, no chance of your money being taken on the way to the bank and no chance of the cheque getting lost. Direct Debit is the safest way to pay your bills and make regular payments.
Certainty
Another reason why Direct Debit is a great idea is that it gives you the certainty to know your payments will be made on time each month. This works both ways, as both customers and retailers know that they will receive their money at the right time. Only errors or non-payment will be reported so you can just get on with your business knowing that your payments are in hand.
Easily manage your payments
If you pay by Direct Debit, then you know exactly when your bills will be paid, and if they are fixed payments then you will know exactly how much you will pay as well. This can help you to better manage your money and stay one step ahead when it comes to expenditures. If you pay by Direct Debit for your bills then you will know exactly how much money you need at various points in the month. You can even arrange it so all your Direct Debit payments are collected at the same time. You can also cancel your Direct Debit at any point, thereby easily stopping the funds from leaving your account if you want to stop making payment.
No processing fees
Unlike some payment methods, there are no fees associated with Direct Debit payments. Only the money that you owe is taken out of your account, with no extra fees to pay whatsoever. This is different than paying by cheque or other methods where you might have to pay a processing or handling fee to pay your bill. Direct Debit is the best way to pay your bills, whether you want to use a credit card or a regular bank account
by Peter Kenny
Saturday, February 3, 2007
The One Key To Huge Online Success
If you’re at all human then you know how tempting it is to spend money as soon as you earn it. This is especially true with an online business.
How exactly can you avoid this common temptation and gain huge online success?
Or better yet you probably want to know: Why do I need to avoid doing this in order to have huge online success?
I know how it is when you receive your first online check. You get so excited, and the first thing you want to do is rush out and spend it.
There are things that you want to buy, things that you NEED to buy. Am I right?
Doing so will not lead to huge online success. Yet most people argue that they earned that money for the express purpose of spending it. So why shouldn’t they spend it?.
If you want huge online success, you’ll never get it with this attitude. There is only one thing I have to say to first time internet marketers:
What ever you do, DON'T spend that money!
If you do there won’t be a lot more where that came from, and without any more you’ll hardly be a “huge online success.” Once you spend that money it will be gone for good.
As internet marketing guru John Reese says: “You MUST sacrifice early profits to be a huge online success!”
Yup, sacrifice.
Thats a tough sounding word isn’t it?
Makes it sound heart rending and very painful, doesn't it?
Although it may sound hard at first to sacrifice those early checks, it will pay off in the end. Because if you do it will lead to huge online success.
It really becomes quite easy to sacrifice early profits once you think it about it in the right light.
Here is my secret to huge online success:
I pretend that I didn’t get any money. Now of course I know that I actually did get money.
What I mean by pretending is that I handle all finances, and purchases as if I hadn’t just received a check in the mail.
If I didn’t have enough money to buy something I really wanted before I got the check, then I certainly don’t now. This takes quite some will power of course, but is really necessary if you want to have huge online success.
The “Method” Behind My Madness
The reason for all this is that you are going to reinvest this money you’ve earned (whether the amount is $10 or $100) back into your online business.
A truly good investment for this money would be using it to actively promote or learn how best to promote your product or an affiliate product. This investment is a great step towards your huge online success.
At first you will want to reinvest all of the money you earn, but as your profits get bigger and bigger you will be able to reinvest only half of the amount.
Here are a few of the various ways you can use to promote your product or someone else’s that can lead to huge online success:
1. Purchase a high quality product or software that will teach you the information you need to know to market successfully. Believe me it will be well worth your money and bring you a long way toward huge online success.
2. Become an advertiser on google adwords or any other quality Pay Per Click (PPC) Search Engine like Overture.
3. Get your product (if it’s electronic) listed on Clickbank. This costs a one time start up fee for your sellers account, but is well worth it.
Trust me, if you reinvest all of the small paychecks you receive and part of later bigger ones, you will continue to rake in the money and become a huge online success.
Now don’t just go and forget this information either. Put it to use. Take action in boosting your online sales by taking this one step that almost always guarantees huge online success.
by: Beth Scott
How exactly can you avoid this common temptation and gain huge online success?
Or better yet you probably want to know: Why do I need to avoid doing this in order to have huge online success?
I know how it is when you receive your first online check. You get so excited, and the first thing you want to do is rush out and spend it.
There are things that you want to buy, things that you NEED to buy. Am I right?
Doing so will not lead to huge online success. Yet most people argue that they earned that money for the express purpose of spending it. So why shouldn’t they spend it?.
If you want huge online success, you’ll never get it with this attitude. There is only one thing I have to say to first time internet marketers:
What ever you do, DON'T spend that money!
If you do there won’t be a lot more where that came from, and without any more you’ll hardly be a “huge online success.” Once you spend that money it will be gone for good.
As internet marketing guru John Reese says: “You MUST sacrifice early profits to be a huge online success!”
Yup, sacrifice.
Thats a tough sounding word isn’t it?
Makes it sound heart rending and very painful, doesn't it?
Although it may sound hard at first to sacrifice those early checks, it will pay off in the end. Because if you do it will lead to huge online success.
It really becomes quite easy to sacrifice early profits once you think it about it in the right light.
Here is my secret to huge online success:
I pretend that I didn’t get any money. Now of course I know that I actually did get money.
What I mean by pretending is that I handle all finances, and purchases as if I hadn’t just received a check in the mail.
If I didn’t have enough money to buy something I really wanted before I got the check, then I certainly don’t now. This takes quite some will power of course, but is really necessary if you want to have huge online success.
The “Method” Behind My Madness
The reason for all this is that you are going to reinvest this money you’ve earned (whether the amount is $10 or $100) back into your online business.
A truly good investment for this money would be using it to actively promote or learn how best to promote your product or an affiliate product. This investment is a great step towards your huge online success.
At first you will want to reinvest all of the money you earn, but as your profits get bigger and bigger you will be able to reinvest only half of the amount.
Here are a few of the various ways you can use to promote your product or someone else’s that can lead to huge online success:
1. Purchase a high quality product or software that will teach you the information you need to know to market successfully. Believe me it will be well worth your money and bring you a long way toward huge online success.
2. Become an advertiser on google adwords or any other quality Pay Per Click (PPC) Search Engine like Overture.
3. Get your product (if it’s electronic) listed on Clickbank. This costs a one time start up fee for your sellers account, but is well worth it.
Trust me, if you reinvest all of the small paychecks you receive and part of later bigger ones, you will continue to rake in the money and become a huge online success.
Now don’t just go and forget this information either. Put it to use. Take action in boosting your online sales by taking this one step that almost always guarantees huge online success.
by: Beth Scott
Saturday, January 27, 2007
The Dangers Of Get Rich Quick Schemes -And Other Money Pits
It is an understandable that millions of people have ambitions, desires or passing wishes to have their own business. Let's face it, countless millions of people are in jobs they do not really like, nor get any satisfaction from. Financially, they get by from to month to month, but cannot build up real wealth. It seems a constant strain to make ends meet; frustrations are commonplace because people have little control over their own lives, they have to live day to day in their employers' cage; frustrated like grounded eagles with their wings clipped.
Maybe they are helping to make their employer rich, but what of themselves? Don't we all deserve the freedom, the riches, that the owners of successful businesses enjoy?
What is easy to forget is that, usually, those business have been built with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Running a business is very hard work; running a successful business is even harder. Those who have succeeded have usually had a vision, taken calculated risks, researched, worked long hours, and have learnt from inevitable setbacks and mistakes. They have learnt about their market sector, how to run a business, marketing, finance, and the law as it affects them in their business. Although what you may now see is a big business in glossy corporate offices, you can be sure it was originally built from hard graft.
Aah, you may be thinking, that was before the internet. Anyone can do it now! Sorry to disappoint you, but having a successful internet business requires hard work too; it involves an awful lot of learning, maybe years of frustration, many a false dawn that will lift you to the sky and dump you back down on the nearest rock.
Does all that put you off having your own business? Does that all seem too much like hard work? Do you want the benefits without the hassle? Do you resent the rewards of your bosses but turn your nose up at the thought of hard work? If you answer eyes to any of those questions, then you are prime fodder for the Get Rich Quick Schemes :
Welcome To The Internet Danger Zone
Once you start turning your attention to earning money online, you will soon be bombarded with hundreds, thousands, of "opportunities". You will see promises of millions of dollars, doubling your money every few days, turning $1000 into a $1000000 in just a couple of years; promises of thousands of people paying you $20 into your Paypal account for the rest of your life; instant businesses with no work, as someone else will be doing the work for you.
Now, stop and think about it. Be honest with yourself. How realistic are all of those claims? While each of them is possible, how sustainable are they really?
Many newcomers to the world of internet business are wary of scams, and that is good. There are scams around; many of them. But the biggest danger is not deliberate scams, but bad management. The fact is it is easy to set up a business online, which encourages people to do so who have no idea how to run a business, plan for business success, manage finances etc.
by: Roy Thomsitt
This get rich quick article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Change Direction website.
About the author:
Roy Thomsitt is the owner and author of http://www.change-direction.com
Maybe they are helping to make their employer rich, but what of themselves? Don't we all deserve the freedom, the riches, that the owners of successful businesses enjoy?
What is easy to forget is that, usually, those business have been built with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Running a business is very hard work; running a successful business is even harder. Those who have succeeded have usually had a vision, taken calculated risks, researched, worked long hours, and have learnt from inevitable setbacks and mistakes. They have learnt about their market sector, how to run a business, marketing, finance, and the law as it affects them in their business. Although what you may now see is a big business in glossy corporate offices, you can be sure it was originally built from hard graft.
Aah, you may be thinking, that was before the internet. Anyone can do it now! Sorry to disappoint you, but having a successful internet business requires hard work too; it involves an awful lot of learning, maybe years of frustration, many a false dawn that will lift you to the sky and dump you back down on the nearest rock.
Does all that put you off having your own business? Does that all seem too much like hard work? Do you want the benefits without the hassle? Do you resent the rewards of your bosses but turn your nose up at the thought of hard work? If you answer eyes to any of those questions, then you are prime fodder for the Get Rich Quick Schemes :
Welcome To The Internet Danger Zone
Once you start turning your attention to earning money online, you will soon be bombarded with hundreds, thousands, of "opportunities". You will see promises of millions of dollars, doubling your money every few days, turning $1000 into a $1000000 in just a couple of years; promises of thousands of people paying you $20 into your Paypal account for the rest of your life; instant businesses with no work, as someone else will be doing the work for you.
Now, stop and think about it. Be honest with yourself. How realistic are all of those claims? While each of them is possible, how sustainable are they really?
Many newcomers to the world of internet business are wary of scams, and that is good. There are scams around; many of them. But the biggest danger is not deliberate scams, but bad management. The fact is it is easy to set up a business online, which encourages people to do so who have no idea how to run a business, plan for business success, manage finances etc.
by: Roy Thomsitt
This get rich quick article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Change Direction website.
About the author:
Roy Thomsitt is the owner and author of http://www.change-direction.com
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
How to Price Your Property
A house properly priced is half sold.
But there are plenty of ways to price it improperly..
* You can't go by what you paid for the place. Perhaps you bought two years ago when local prices were skyrocketing, and things have cooled off since. Perhaps houses like yours can now be bought for less, and if you hold out for what you paid, you'll just waste your time..
On the other hand, perhaps prices in your area have taken off, and you'd short-change yourself if you just tried to "get my money out" (but you'd have a fast sale.).
* You can't go by how much you've spent on improvements. A given street will support only a given price range. If you've invested so much that yours would be the most expensive house on the street, the buying public is not likely to reimburse you..
* You can't go by your tax assessment figure. Even in communities that aim at full-value assessments, the figures are almost never in line with what buyers are currently ready to pay..
So how do you price your house?.
By putting yourself in a buyer's shoes..
What else is for sale in the area? How does it compare with your house? How long has it been on the market? What has sold recently, and how much did the buying public value it at? What has failed to sell in the past year?.
Any good broker can furnish the data you need, often in the form of a chart known as a CMA, Comparative Market Analysis. .
And once you have it, again think like a buyer. What price would it take for you to look at a list and say to an agent "Take me to see that one"?.
Ajay Pats is a professional manager.He manages real estate broking site "Real estate broker"(http://realestatebroker.nexuswebs.net/realestatebroker/index.html ),community for home based business entrepreneurs "Venturecon/Home business opportunities" (http://groups.msn.com/venturecon ) and inspirational ezine "Discover secrets of happy and prosperous life " (http://www.topica.com/lists/venturemall ).
But there are plenty of ways to price it improperly..
* You can't go by what you paid for the place. Perhaps you bought two years ago when local prices were skyrocketing, and things have cooled off since. Perhaps houses like yours can now be bought for less, and if you hold out for what you paid, you'll just waste your time..
On the other hand, perhaps prices in your area have taken off, and you'd short-change yourself if you just tried to "get my money out" (but you'd have a fast sale.).
* You can't go by how much you've spent on improvements. A given street will support only a given price range. If you've invested so much that yours would be the most expensive house on the street, the buying public is not likely to reimburse you..
* You can't go by your tax assessment figure. Even in communities that aim at full-value assessments, the figures are almost never in line with what buyers are currently ready to pay..
So how do you price your house?.
By putting yourself in a buyer's shoes..
What else is for sale in the area? How does it compare with your house? How long has it been on the market? What has sold recently, and how much did the buying public value it at? What has failed to sell in the past year?.
Any good broker can furnish the data you need, often in the form of a chart known as a CMA, Comparative Market Analysis. .
And once you have it, again think like a buyer. What price would it take for you to look at a list and say to an agent "Take me to see that one"?.
Ajay Pats is a professional manager.He manages real estate broking site "Real estate broker"(http://realestatebroker.nexuswebs.net/realestatebroker/index.html ),community for home based business entrepreneurs "Venturecon/Home business opportunities" (http://groups.msn.com/venturecon ) and inspirational ezine "Discover secrets of happy and prosperous life " (http://www.topica.com/lists/venturemall ).
All About Stock Market
A stock market simulation game is a great way to practice your investment skills before actually investing any "real" money in the stock market.
Simulation games are usually played on the internet, where people can experience the thrill of investing in the stock market without any risks, costs or any fear of losing money when and if they make a poor investment decision.
Many teachers and professors of banking and finance are now using stock market simulation games to teach their students about the rudiments of investing in stocks. Most stock market simulation games come with a fee to get started, but there are some that are free of any charge. One does not need have prior knowledge about the stock market to join.
This is how stock market simulation games usually work:
First, players must register. After registration, players are given an initial sum of "virtual" money to invest in companies of their choice. Players build a portfolio of stocks by buying and selling shares in companies. Most stock market simulation games use real-time market data.
The objective of most stock market simulation games is simple:
To increase the value of your portfolio of stocks so that it is greater than that of the other game players.
Below are some tips on choosing a stock market simulation game:
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is used and recommended by reputable colleges, high schools, middle school, investment clubs, brokers in training, corporate education courses and any other group of individuals studying markets in the U.S. and worldwide.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is comprehensive and easy to implement in any Finance, Economics, or Investments class. A good stock market simulation game should feature trading of stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, bonds from the U.S. and many of the world's major markets.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that provides a valuable, reliable, and realistic trading simulation at a reasonable price to members and other individuals who are interested in learning more about investing and trading. The simulation game should also have some capability for testing a variety for investment strategies.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that has a toll-free customer service phone number and excellent e-mail support for members. The support function should be able to quickly answer any questions that members/players may have.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is easy to use and easy to teach even to those who have never had any real hands-on investment experience.
About the author:
Morris gathers information about simple trading systemsimple trading system.
by: scott morris
Circulated by Article Emporium
Simulation games are usually played on the internet, where people can experience the thrill of investing in the stock market without any risks, costs or any fear of losing money when and if they make a poor investment decision.
Many teachers and professors of banking and finance are now using stock market simulation games to teach their students about the rudiments of investing in stocks. Most stock market simulation games come with a fee to get started, but there are some that are free of any charge. One does not need have prior knowledge about the stock market to join.
This is how stock market simulation games usually work:
First, players must register. After registration, players are given an initial sum of "virtual" money to invest in companies of their choice. Players build a portfolio of stocks by buying and selling shares in companies. Most stock market simulation games use real-time market data.
The objective of most stock market simulation games is simple:
To increase the value of your portfolio of stocks so that it is greater than that of the other game players.
Below are some tips on choosing a stock market simulation game:
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is used and recommended by reputable colleges, high schools, middle school, investment clubs, brokers in training, corporate education courses and any other group of individuals studying markets in the U.S. and worldwide.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is comprehensive and easy to implement in any Finance, Economics, or Investments class. A good stock market simulation game should feature trading of stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, bonds from the U.S. and many of the world's major markets.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that provides a valuable, reliable, and realistic trading simulation at a reasonable price to members and other individuals who are interested in learning more about investing and trading. The simulation game should also have some capability for testing a variety for investment strategies.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that has a toll-free customer service phone number and excellent e-mail support for members. The support function should be able to quickly answer any questions that members/players may have.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is easy to use and easy to teach even to those who have never had any real hands-on investment experience.
About the author:
Morris gathers information about simple trading systemsimple trading system.
by: scott morris
Circulated by Article Emporium
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
20 Small Business Tips, For Success
These are just some general tips to keep in mind as you design/operate your small business:
1. Take the time out to explore and understand whether or not you are compatible with running our own business. Some people are just plain happier and better off financially on the other end of the paycheck.
2.Get your personal finances in order. Before you jump into the entrepreneurship world, get your own money matters squared away.
3. Pick your niche. Many small business owners succeed in businesses that are hardly unique or innovative. Take stock of your skills, interests, and employment history to select the business that is best suited for you.
4. Benefit from your business plan. The exercise of creating a business plan is what pays the dividends. Answer the tough questions now before the meter starts running.
5. Do not think you need bankers and investors at the outset of your business. The vast majority of small businesses are bootstrapped.
6. Acquire the proper background. In the early months and years of your business, you will have to acquire many skills. Gain the background you need to oversee all facets of your business well, but determine what tasks you should outsource or hire employees.
7. Remember that nothing happens until a sale is made – How many good products go nowhere because they do not reach the shelves? Sales drive your business. You will need a good marketing plan to sell your product or service.
8. You have to see a customer to know one. N o matter how busy you are, spend at least 25% of your time with customers. You cannot make the proper business decision without understanding their viewpoint.
9. Solve your customers’ problems. The best way to satisfy your customers is not by selling them products but by giving solutions to their problems. There is a big difference.
10.Quality takes minutes to lose but years to regain. Quality is not a destination, it is a never ending journey. After you have strayed from quality’s path, your journey maybe sidetracked forever.
11. Put profitability first, rewards seconds. In small businesses, profitability must come first. Find out how to measure your cash flow and understand key financial ratios.
12. Hire supporters. If you intend to create a growing business, your number one duty is to assemble a great team of employees.
13. Do not do it alone. Find such help from small business peers, a mentor, even trade associations. They can help take some of the trial and error of beginning your business.
14. Vendors are partners too! Treat your vendors like customers and watch your partnership grow.
15. Make use of benefits. Understand how to provide insurance and other benefits for your employees and cut your tax bill at the same time.
16. Ignore regulatory issues at your peril. Federal, state, and local governments require licenses, registrations, and permits. Obey them or face losing your business.
17. Know the tax laws. Invest in understanding tax issues that affect your small business.
18. It’s the people! Whatever happens to a small business happens at the hands of the people who work for it. The evolution of the business is a result of their efforts.
19. Fast, good, cheap.�Pick any two. Serious trouble awaits those who attempt to be all three in the market place. Stick with what you do best.
20. Develop a passion for learning. As your business grows, you need to change and grow along with it. One common denominator can be found in all successful business owners and that is a passion for learning.
by: Dave Ryan
1. Take the time out to explore and understand whether or not you are compatible with running our own business. Some people are just plain happier and better off financially on the other end of the paycheck.
2.Get your personal finances in order. Before you jump into the entrepreneurship world, get your own money matters squared away.
3. Pick your niche. Many small business owners succeed in businesses that are hardly unique or innovative. Take stock of your skills, interests, and employment history to select the business that is best suited for you.
4. Benefit from your business plan. The exercise of creating a business plan is what pays the dividends. Answer the tough questions now before the meter starts running.
5. Do not think you need bankers and investors at the outset of your business. The vast majority of small businesses are bootstrapped.
6. Acquire the proper background. In the early months and years of your business, you will have to acquire many skills. Gain the background you need to oversee all facets of your business well, but determine what tasks you should outsource or hire employees.
7. Remember that nothing happens until a sale is made – How many good products go nowhere because they do not reach the shelves? Sales drive your business. You will need a good marketing plan to sell your product or service.
8. You have to see a customer to know one. N o matter how busy you are, spend at least 25% of your time with customers. You cannot make the proper business decision without understanding their viewpoint.
9. Solve your customers’ problems. The best way to satisfy your customers is not by selling them products but by giving solutions to their problems. There is a big difference.
10.Quality takes minutes to lose but years to regain. Quality is not a destination, it is a never ending journey. After you have strayed from quality’s path, your journey maybe sidetracked forever.
11. Put profitability first, rewards seconds. In small businesses, profitability must come first. Find out how to measure your cash flow and understand key financial ratios.
12. Hire supporters. If you intend to create a growing business, your number one duty is to assemble a great team of employees.
13. Do not do it alone. Find such help from small business peers, a mentor, even trade associations. They can help take some of the trial and error of beginning your business.
14. Vendors are partners too! Treat your vendors like customers and watch your partnership grow.
15. Make use of benefits. Understand how to provide insurance and other benefits for your employees and cut your tax bill at the same time.
16. Ignore regulatory issues at your peril. Federal, state, and local governments require licenses, registrations, and permits. Obey them or face losing your business.
17. Know the tax laws. Invest in understanding tax issues that affect your small business.
18. It’s the people! Whatever happens to a small business happens at the hands of the people who work for it. The evolution of the business is a result of their efforts.
19. Fast, good, cheap.�Pick any two. Serious trouble awaits those who attempt to be all three in the market place. Stick with what you do best.
20. Develop a passion for learning. As your business grows, you need to change and grow along with it. One common denominator can be found in all successful business owners and that is a passion for learning.
by: Dave Ryan
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