NOTE: If you’re interested in this topic please consider answering one of the 5 questions (via comment)  I’ve asked at the end of this article. (Thanks!)

So far the 2012 Presidential Election campaign fundraising efforts have brought in over $280,000,000 dollars for their prospective candidates with Democrats currently at 125.2 million and republicans at 155 million, and it’s only February.  It would seem their is an obvious affect on small business owners that are in any way connected to the big media outlets as much of this cash is spent on running those dirty little annoying ads we’ll be seeing the rest of the year.  I get a kick sometimes (especially) in the last decade when I reflect on the “issues” of the election and what then transpires.

Either the establishment assumes most of us are unaware of what the President and their policies can actually do or it doesn’t matter and things that need to get said to win get said.  I don’t know about you but I don’t really see the 2012 Presidential election affecting me a whole lot as a small business owner. I’m not in a terribly high income bracket and so the “threat” of raising taxes on the wealthy doesn’t spook me a whole lot and I doubt it will happen anyway.  I do have personal political type beliefs and most of my views of politics come from a business standpoint, I understand most things that way.  Do you re-frame your dealings and relationships along with decision making into common sense business philosophy?  What are some simple ways you see the 2012 Presidential election affecting your small business?

I’m a critical thinker but like to use that skill to arrive at a simple, clear and easy to follow philosophy so I can move on and think about other things.  I’m working on a couple newer businesses this year and one of those is in food and agriculture.   I like the agriculture industry right now and here in Michigan there is a strong interest in the buy local movement and also in eating better.  I’ve started a vegetable farm and a few years back started a farm market with fruit and produce locally grown here in Michigan. I think food and agriculture will be good for about 7 to 10 years but I can see big problems coming for the industry but suspect it will be a state by state thing at first.

Regulations and Policy Changes Do Affects Small Business Owners

Elections do impact business mostly via regulations and perspectives and priorities.  Most of the things concerning me and my businesses were create years back and they are still being positioned to control and monopolize the market place, it looks a lot like the same strategies used in what created the housing crises.  One of places I go for insight is the Bureau of Labor Statistics and get a general feel for what the next 5 to 10 years will look like.  There is a Mammoth on the horizon in terms of growth and it is health care and anything related.  The baby boomers have creating booming industries proportionally to their population number and age.  Gerber was born when they were eating baby food and Nike when they were buying shoes and shoes for their kids.  You’ll see continue to see health care as a major political issue, I’m not sure if it’s because of all the cash associated with it or the fears surrounding the impact on our country or economy.  If you have a small business in the health care industry I do think the next ten years will be much different than the last, but there will be no bigger industry, nothing even close.

I have my online business and then a couple off line traditional businesses and both can be affected by policy and regulation.  I’ve seen some regulation already affecting affiliate sales that comes from the FTC but it hasn’t affected me personally at all.  I do believe we will began to see widespread taxation and regulation on the Internet as it becomes more of an economic impact.

What Really Affects Local Small Businesses

Overall I’d say the general uncertainty people have when things aren’t going well really affects us small business owners the most.  Where I live people traveling makes up a big share of the local business revenue.  Not so much tourists, but state residents moving about the state.  When gas prices go way up this slows way down and it is very apparent at the farm market which is right by a state highway.  Over the upcoming year I will continue to look for ways to isolate my businesses from what I’ve already seen can have a negative impact.  It seems our communities and businesses are so incredibly diverse that local micro economies are what really affect our small businesses.

As small business owners there are always things we can do and must do to roll with the punches. One of the perspectives I have is that if we are going to elect the Democrat again we will likely not see another republican for possibly decades due to obvious policy correlations with voter base.  While I personally don’t like this (mainly because it seems like calculated manipulation over time) it does no good to blame people and whine about it.  I’ll stick to running my kingdom and do what I need to position my small business as best I can.

Safe Small Businesses To Start

If I were starting a business in heavily populated area I would consider targeted health care workers, teachers, college students, police officers and anyone else who gets a check from the government or from an institution that is funded by the government. I think these are the safest businesses to start or create a niche marketing campaign that speaks to these people.   One of the things I plan to do at the market is accept project fresh cards and carry products so I can accept EBT cards which are welfare programs here in Michigan. I always was proud of not doing that and offering free or greatly discounted food to those who needed it but I loose more customers every year because of it.  As an aside I recommend looking into growing your own food or having a local farmer grow it for you.  The food supply in this country is vulnerable in several ways food pricing being the least disconcerting.  Most people don’t thing about food and how it winds up on your table a lot goes into it and the supply chain if vulnerable.  One example is gas prices, $5.00 per gallon gasoline could drive food up considerable (30%) like it did over the last few years.  It never seems to go back down when fuel prices stop.  These are some of the real issues that affect small business owner and of course each business is different.

Its important to stay focused and keep an optimistic attitude that looks for the opportunity that surrounds us.  Times of change bring great opportunity.  As some businesses and industries dry up others flourish so look for ways you can make your business more relevant to the consumers of today.  Many entrepreneurs I know (including myself) have turned to diversifying there scope or start other businesses altogether.  I did that several years back and I’m glad I did.

How Will The Presidential Election Affect Your Small Business in 2012

1. What are some of the ways you see the 2012 Presidential Election impacting your small business?
2. Have you, in the past, notice significant changes in your business as a direct result of a policy or election that put a different President in office?
3. What is the best time you can remember in terms of business growth?
4. Do you feel that time of growth was due to your industry or politics?
5. What do you feel the best business to start is for 2012?

Thank you for reading, if you liked this article consider sharing if via Face Book or Twitter or you could subscribe to my RSS feed at the top and leave a comment.  Thank You.

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As any entrepreneur working from home knows, marketing is key to success.  Markeitng a home based  is especially crucial as location may not play a role in your marketing plan.  An occasional newspaper ad and spreading the word through friends and acquaintances isn’t going to do the trick. Just like any other business running out of an office, home based businesses must engage in optimized marketing campaigns to increase their customer base.   Below are some tips to you started.

Marketing a Home Based Business

1. Start by printing business cards.  This is one of the most basic steps you can take and it won’t cost you a fortune.  A good online printing company will offer printed business cards for less than $20. It’s a small investment you should make.  A business card is something you can have with you at all times, the small size makes it easy to carry. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to hand one out. It could be a huge client that will come back over and over.  Look for a printer offering an online design center, or one that will accept your print ready files via upload.

1. Networking, get out there and chat.  There are a lot of networking groups which meet regularly. They are designed to get small businesses together and refer leads within the group. These groups are helpful because the other small businesses are in the same boat. They all need customers and they have incentive to refer customers to you, because they know the favor will be returned when the opportunity arises.   You should also let everyone you know about your home based business.  Your friends already know and like you, try to enrich these relationships in an effort to gain the powerful advantages of word of mouth advertising.

1. Websites are essential.  Even the smallest home based business should have an internet presence.  A website should provide information about your business, what service or product is offered, and a method of contact.  A website is a great way to get started marketing a home based business.  Customers need to be able to know how to reach you, so ensure you put a phone number, contact form, or email address on your website.  If you don’t know how to create a website, don’t worry. Coding isn’t necessary. There are a lot of alternatives including templates and themes that are ready to go. All you need to do is reserve a domain name and select a hosting provider.

1. Brochures can come in handy. If you ever go to trade shows, need to mail out information, or meet with clients in person, having a brochure can give your business a lot of credibility. Professionally printed brochures should contain brief information about your business, great graphics and a company logo.  

1. Stay in contact with email marketing. You likely already have a ton of contacts in your email address book.. Use these to your benefit.  Create a monthly e-newsletter and start sending it out. You can start with the friends and contacts you already have. Eventually your distribution list will grow. Every time you meet with a client, or talk with a potential customer on the phone make sure you get their email address. They may not be a customer right away, but keeping in touch on a regular basis will increase your chances of them becoming one.

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Home based small businesses are probably one of the fastest growing business segments thanks in large part to the Internet and a host of other economic conditions that make them more favorable. Is small home based business insurance really needed to protect yourself , your property and your assets?

I’ve always worked with the philosophy that there is a time for everything.  I think too many first time entrepreneurs get bogged down in details and many times end up getting a lot of  “requirements” in place before they even know if there small business is even worth insuring.  Let’s face it, most small businesses don’t even get off the ground and one of the main reasons is the expense burden that many first time entrepreneurs try to bear right of the bat.

Advice on Small Home Based Business Insurance

Here is what I’ve learned by starting and running several businesses both online and off:

Let your business prove itself.  Work with your business and how it functions, what it offers, and take care of your clients.  If the business shows promise then look at  insuring your small business.  Many home based business ideas will be covered under existing policies and insurance requirements my be non-existant for some small home businesses.

Talk to your insurance agent about the business your starting.  Let them know your concerned with making it a success and ask them if insurance is really needed especially during the first 6 months to 1 year.  Ask your agent if you can expand and existing policy to cover any liabilities that you new business may expose you too.

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I started a home business using the Internet several years ago. While my business seems pretty simple today I still get a lot of blank stares when I explain how I make money and the trouble I went through to create an income from home. I’ve worked with a few friends an even some family member on starting their own home business using the same methods of earning money that I use, but with mediocre results, why? Probably because I’m not the best teacher and the fact that results take a while causes people to loose interest. I guess we all want to start at the top, but online, it won’t work that way, I promise.

There are several coaching programs and even one on one help you can get via simple monthly membership sites. Membership sites allow those who ARE making good money AND can teach you how they do it to leverage their time and teach several people at the same time. This makes it very inexpensive to learn the ins and outs of starting a profitable home based business and even help choose the best home based business idea for you to start in your spare time.

Home Business Start Up Coaching

I thought I’d share one of those coaching/mentoring programs with my visitors and readers today. Remember this does cost a little money, not much, but if your not serious about getting startedand you don’t plan on following through, save your money for when you are. I recommend having 4 or 5 hours a week and segmenting a part of your week to spend on creating another income stream. Do it of six months consistently and you’ll have something to show for it. Just like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. The nice thing about online home business ideas is that once you put in the work you will likely enjoy a more passive income than you previously thought possible.

Here are some amazing benefits that a legitimate home business coaching program will give you…

•You will get step-by-step video tutorials

•You will not have any working obligations

•You will be able to work as little or as many hours as you want

•You will have full access our to hands-on training

•You will be able to contact our support desk 24/7

•You will have a full-blown “Learn at your own pace” curriculum

•You will have full access to our private members community area

•You will discover how to build your business from the ground up

•You will learn how to make a full-time income within your first 2 weeks

•You will be given your own personal account to log into each day

I would say that a good coaching program like this one will save you at least 6 to 8 months IF you were serious about it in the first place. If you have no clue where to start and don’t even have an idea of how to start making money online, it will save you even more time.  Give it a look and let us know what you think.

Since we are on the topic of money I’d like to mention a company called Moneris, who helps you accept credit cards online If you need a fast and easy way to accept credit cards check them out.

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In this post I will show show how starting your own business can be broken down into simple process, a step by step home business start up guide of sorts. Will it work for every business? Probably not, but if your starting your own business with your own idea, it will will be useful especially if your starting your very first home business.

It would be great to write an article that shows exactly how to start a home business, but one size does not…. fit all.

The first step along the way of starting your own business is to do some pre planning. I’ve spent some time researching resources on starting a business and the SBA or Small Business Administration has improved their small business offerings immensely for 2010. If you have found these business resources to be lacking, like I did, you may be surprised to find improvements they have made to their websites.

Besides the SBA there are many other great start your own business guides online. I’m not getting into these resources to much as It seems I just did that a couple months ago. One thing worth pointing though is the page they have on avoiding loosing a bunch of cash and feeling like a tool.

Here is a Government Website that offers some information on Home Business Scams, It’s worth a read especially if your looking into home business opportunities that offer an in place system, these are sometimes referred to as a “buisiness in a box”.

I’d suggest doing your due diligence when it comes to these types of businesses, but I’d never say stay away from these because I know they work. That said, we want to look at starting your own business with your own idea. These are the fun ones, but they can be scary to actually get started too, I’ve been through this more than once.

Seems entrepreneurs are idea people and every entrepreneur probably has a thousand business ideas for every one they started. This is what can be scary about investing the time and money into starting your own home business….Will it work?  How long will it be before I’m earning a profit from the venture?  The questions keep coming, don’t they?

Here are a list of questions to ask before you start your business, these can be approached as a checklist of simple steps to take to start your business. So here we go:

Is there a significant demand for your product or service?

Do people want what you got?  Are they going to pay you for it?  Talking to friends and family about your own idea is one way to get feedback, but it probably isn’t the best feedback on whether you should move forward with you start up.  This phase is called market research by some.  I like to look at it as a time to gather resources, and really look at what we are about to do.  I have found myself that this is a part of the start up process where you business concept can really take shape.  Try not to be to attached to the original business idea as most businesses that are started look a lot different than when they were first conceived….Trust me.

This is also the time to access competition as competition can greatly affect whether you start up is really all that attractive.  Don’t run because there is competition, because you want a healthy competitive market because its the best sign that a customer base is there and eager to buy.  I’d look for ways to you can start a business that improves the current offerings or makes them easier to buy or use.  This is the angle many niche businesses use to start up these days.

Is your business concept or idea feasible? 

In other words if you could determine that the market called for what you want offer and you could be profitable, could you pull it off?  This usually comes down to having the skills, man power, and capital to make it happen. Answering no to this question isn’t the end of the road, it just means you have to take a look at gathering more resources or maybe take on a partner to help with the start up expenses.  Not suggesting it, just a thought. It is always better to know before you actually get your business up and running.

What is your plan to launch your business?

Starting your own business should be exciting and if you can make it that way, not only for yourself but others, you will likely have a successful launch.  I find the best time to create cross marketing opportunities is before you open the doors.  Another point is start up capital and cash flow, this can be difficult and this is the phase that might turn up some agreements that can improve cash flow, and even capital.

But, what about the actual plan?

Oh, yeah. Given this is is a home business your starting on your own terms, you can dictate how the launch will work, but get some counsel.  First thing I’d recommend is using a website or blog, and you can learn all about how to do that in short order if you have a business that is burning to started.  There are countless free resources on building a powerful website. If your stuck in this stage contact me via the contact tab at the top of my site.  The important thing when starting your own business is momentum, don’t stay stuck, ask questions, and make it happen.  I think this is the one common thread that separates entrepreneurs from employees, take personal responsibility for creating results everyday. Because you can and must.  Being busy won’t make a successful home business, noise is just noise, you need a song, one that people will listen to, know what I mean?

If you’ve read through this whole post and your wondering where the step by step guide is for starting your own business, there really isn’t one.  I’m guessing also if your still ready that you probably already know that.  Step by Step is employee material and isn’t all that effective in the business world, usually.

Step By Step Home Business Start Up Guide

I do some stuff online that is step by step, some of my income generating activity that is.  Here is the thing though, while I can break it up into step by step, it really is much more intuitive than a list.  Not to mention over 90% of being successful in business is about habits, character, determination, and will than it is about having the right plan, step by step or not.  You likely already know this too, if your still with me.

Any, maybe every business, comes down to doing something. So much noise…. Be the guy or gal who does something.  While everyone sit’s around talking about starting their own business, you be the one starting yours. Do something everyday to make your business better.  At first this might only be on paper, it may happen through conversation, doesn’t matter just do something. 

Over time I realize I can only think about doing something for so long before I end up talking about it.  I’ve also learned I can only talk about doing something for so long before I end up doing something about it.  At the end of the day starting a business is about the doing, but until then keep it forever in your thoughts, and conversation.

A key component to starting your own business and building a successful home business is surrounding yourself with people who make you want to your best.  This is key, I could list about 500 quotes about this one idea, you’ve already heard most of them so I won’t.  Maybe you don’t have a great community of entrepreneurs for friends, so what, use the Internet. Be interested in other people and their business and the will be interested in your own idea.  Check out CreateLiberty.Com’s Face-Book fan page become a fan early on and establish relationships with other entrepreneurs that you can mutually benefit from for years to come.

Most successful home business entrepreneurs are connected, how did they get that way?  They connected themselves.  Find the winners, tell them what your up to, they know….

2010 is an exciting time, things are different aren’t they?  Starting your own home  business online is one of the best businesses to start in 2010, bar none.  I feel odd saying that given more than one of the income streams in my business didn’t even exist 6 or 7 years ago.  People joke about the business concepts that don’t seem to make sense today, I see this a lot with twitter. Do I use twitter?  You bet I do.  Do I completely understand it and feel twitter is overwhelmingly productive and useful, nope.  Do I think by this time next year it will play a big part in my success, and income statement, I sure the hell do!  That’s why I do it.  I didn’t understand 100% of what I do right now at some point in the past, and not to far in the past I might add.

What is a good business I can start from home?

If your a person who is stuck in this question, I can totally relate.  I owned a commercial construction firm for 8 years or so.  I reached a yearly revenue of over 2.8 million dollars, had 30 plus employees and through a moment of clarity realised I was one of the most miserable people I knew. I couldn’t sleep sometimes for 3 nights in a row and was developing a nervous twitch in my face.  I knew it had to stop and not long later I asked myself this same probing question…” what is a good business to start “. Part of me just wanted to go and hide, so I did in a way.  I spent around 8 months on an Island in Lake Michigan figuring out what I wanted to do moving forward.

What I did, the approach I took, was to define what I wanted my life to look like if it could be exactly as I wanted it.   This was tough to do, but in brief I came up with something like this:

I want who I am, and what I naturally do to support me in an emotional, spiritual, financial, and responsible way.

That’s simple enough right?  Well here I am…..

I like what I do, I enjoy writing to this site and developing new and creative ways to start businesses an earn money on the Internet.  Its fun, I enjoy great latitude to do as I please with my time and money.  I’ve also, since this moment of clarity, taken great steps to simplify my life.  This was painful at first but it is absolutely necessary if you want to experience financial freedom as quickly as possible which was my approach.

I’d like to hear from you in the comments. How do you relate to the things I’ve mentioned in this post?  Are you pissed off about not finding a clean list of steps and such?  I know what you mean.  I remember feeling like, “If I just knew WHAT to do, I could do ANYTHING!”, ever feel that way?

Well my view is that if you were able to take one small thing from this that will assist you in taking action toward starting your own business then I’ve been a success, please do share with others what you think in the comments.

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Join the conversation and get a FREE sponsored Post on C/L.Com ($150.00 Value)

Welcome: Create Liberty is doing another Interactive Q & A for small business entrepreneurs, online business seekers, and just about anyone in between, here’s the DEAL.

I love doing these Q & A  posts for home based business idea seekers and entrepreneurs looking to find the best small business start ups. I’ve done this before and It’s loads of fun!

Keys to a  good online business Q & A

You, yes YOU… have to participate. You can be constructively critical, ask questions, be supportive… Just Be Your Self. Are you in search of the best small business to start in this economy?  Maybe you need to know about traffic or building a website, or autoresponders? Everyone can learn more about making their home based business successful.

Best Business Questions to Ask in This Months Q & A:

• What is the one thing that you think about most in your business?
• What is it you see yourself not knowing or having that holds you back?
• What is the next thing along the journey, do you have question about it?
• Do you have a goal that excites you for the next six, twelve and 24 months?
• Do you have a plan?
• Have you been wondering “How Long Does It Take Too….”

These can get us started, the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask!

BTW: We will pick one or two of YOU who join in the conversation and we will offer you and your website or business a free promotional poston CreateLiberty.com (35k plus page views per Month) ($150.00 Value)

Lets Share Business Ideas, Questions, Goals for 2010!

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Free SBA Resources and The Best Resources From The Web

In this post I’m listing some of the best small business start up guides and online success resources that you will find online. These are small biz resources that I refer to myself and millions of entrepreneurs across the United States do as well.  

You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny. Psalm 73:24 

Building a successful home business has an element of science to it and like science, the most profitable small business entrepreneurs rely on lessons learned from those that have gone before them.  New business ideas, or online business ideas are only a decade old for the most part, but much has been retained in the way of “what works” and “what doesn’t”.  I don’t waste time, and neither should you, staying current with what everyone is doing now, but some principles, processes and tools will remain a complete and crucial necessity to starting and maintaining a successful small business enterprise. Here are a few places to start: 

Business Planning

You can enroll in a business planning course offered by the sba It cost nothing and this link takes you directly to the enroll sheet. 

If you know, or have an idea of what a business plan is all about, you might want an outline for writing one, here is a how to write  a business plan guide also from the SBA. 

Navarro College offers a great resource as well with a variety of valuable links to assist you in the planning phase and getting started. 

If you like it fast and simple, like me, then here is a simple business plan outline. That breaks it down in terms like this: This is what you need in your business plan, itsa clear business plan outline. 

Free SBA Small Buisness Video on Small Business Start Up Success. 

Those are the business planning resources, the only ones you will need to actually put together a business plan. Now for my two cents: 

I don’t have a business plan. I mean not one like you can research above. My plan is to add value and make money. Turns out that’s a law of business. Another law is you’ll make a little less than the value you add, so always be adding more value. I’m not sure if you can find these laws in a book, but they are so, I know, I have knowledge. Knowledge is when you actually do something. You never know it like when you do it, know what I mean. So make sure you get that, and put it in your plan.  A formal business plan is important, I’m not saying it isn’t.  If you intend to attract start up capital, you will need a business plan. That brings us to the next group of the best small business resources I’ve found on finance and getting start up capital for your small business. 

Small Business Financing

A good place to start for financing information and where to look is another SBA destination, apparently the have the resources to put all these wonderful sites together, you know where they get those don’t you? We will get into taxes later. 

If you plan on applying for a business loan you’ll need a few things and I’ve found a handy checklist for applying for a small business loan, check it out. 

Depending on you and your business venture you may qualify for special types of small business loans via the SBA, go find out at their small business loan search.

SBA Small Business Loans Video 
 

The largest 20 banks, which now command 57 percent of all bank assets, devote only 18 percent of their commercial loan portfolios to small business. The Huffington Post.  This means Its a real bugger getting cash for a start up. If your going to start a business because you decided to start a business and the SBA won’t be one of your stops for small business financing then consider some lessons I’ve learned: 

Home based business ideas require much less start up capital and the low overhead alone can be an instant “lifestyle creator”.  Keep your money in your pocket, consider starting a home based business. Is it possible in the industry you wish to start up in? 

Best Home Based Business Ideas To Start In 2010 and Beyond

Many home business ideasare simply websites that earn a profit. These home business profit centers can be on just about any relevant topic. I’ve written a short post on the steps to starting a succesful home business, this is actually a personal story of my own.  Some of the best business ideas for the next few years will be: 

• Green Business Ideas
• Sustainable Business Ideas
• Home Based Service Business Ideas
• Consulting Business Ideas
• Organic Food Business Ideas
• Small Business Internet Consulting
• Preventative Care Type Business Ideas
• Professional and Life Coaching
• Online Security Business Ideas
• Personal Development Business Ideas

Looking to your personal likes, dislikes, and personal assets is great place to start when looking to find a work at home based business.  There are many creative financing options for a small business start ups. People to often excuse the idea of starting a small business because they don’t have the cash. Like I said, there are many ways to finance a business start up.  The first is Cash Flow.  Many, maybe even most, service businesses can be financed with your customers money. There may be equipment and supply requirements for your start up and those will have to be met. Talking with local vendors, maybe even rental companies is a great way to meet certain needs without taking on debt. Get a good, a real good, cash flow model and add profitability later, it works. 

Successful Small Business Marketing

One stop along your quest for quality marketing information has to be Duct Tape Marketing, Its a website online, they offer great stuff. Seems everywhere I go someone is talking about them. It’s worth the stop. 

The good old SBA offers an online marketing and advertising course, I’m pretty sure its free, well sort of, it won’t cost a dime to take it, but they will get their money later when you make a buck, know what I mean? 

I thought this was another great resource in simple terms on what marketing is, why it is important, and what it can do for your business, give it a look. Another blog I read, every post, is Seth Godins Marketing Blog. 

Advertising and marketing is important and I think it is also one thing most first time entrepreneurs get way wrong. I’m not pretending to be a small business marketing expert, because I’m not, but the Internet is cost effective way to learn good marketing. The best place to advertise a home business online , for example, is where people go who are looking to start a home business. Online this is much easier than guessing or just putting up cards at coffee shops. There are obvious places people check out when evaluating the best business to start. 

Other Small Business Start Up Ideas

There are many other “incidentals” to starting a business like registering you business name. This can be a very simple undertaking depending on the business you start. 

Ever think one place was better than another to start a small business. By this I mean start up friendly states, no so much “location is everthing”. Here a great post on the best places to start a small business.

Here is a planning checklist for licesing your small business so your all legal beagle. 

One thing worth mentioning at this point is that many small business ideas, home based business ideas included, never really go anywhere. One thing I’ve done since I first started in business in my early twenties is to not get all worked up in the planning phase.  To me it doesn’t make a lot of sense to register a business name and do all the planning and such if the idea is just not accepted by the market place.  I’d recommend working at the business for a set period of time and determine whether or not your business idea is what you thought it would be. You business is going to be changing all the time anyway, and thinking your plan is your ticket to success is the primary reason most small businessstart ups fail in my opinion. Steve pavlina wrote a great article on this. He also wrote a good article on mistakes self employed people make, give it a read. 

If you appreciate these resources or have others you feel should be added to the list, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. 

Thanks for visiting and stop back for updates to this post. 

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Would entrepreneurs be as urgent about finding the best small business start up strategy in 2010 if the economic times were at an even keel?  I’d say probably not.  There are many advantages smart business owners can harvest from an economic time of turbulent change, and really that’s all we’re really talking about with current economic down turn in my opinion.

OK, I guess it’s actually a recession. And I’m won’t pretend that millions of people have been adversely affected during the last 3 years or so, it is what it is.  Successful small business ideas will still be successful and successful entrepreneurs will still be cashing in, the question is, are you going to be one of them?

I think it bears mentioning that when the Government steps in to solve a problem, maybe it’s because its a problem to them.  It seems to me that is about what it boils down to. Do you have any problems today you didn’t have 3 years ago in your business?  If you’ve built a solid business that’s scalable, lower sales shouldn’t be a problem, at least not a critical one, right?

If I’ve learned one thing about the last three years it is to own more than one business.  Owning several business is the best small business strategy in 2010 for a few simple reasons.  The best small businesses to start will vary each year and having more options to work with makes a ton of sense.  Many online business start ups are easily changed to pick up differnt income streams based on performance during the year.

First of all, I’ve learned that one business can feed another and a problem in one business can inspire a new product or service in another business.  My online business is largely dependent on one or two revenue streams, this bugs me.

I think I’ve been complacent the last few months especially. If your like me you likely have about a dozen business ideas for every business start up you have actually launched, even the best small business entrepreneurs get complacent from time to time, so don’t fret, but ask, “what am I doing about it now”?

One of the best small biz strategies has always been multiple streams of income, but owning entirely different businesses in different industries will be hot in 2010.  The fortune 500 companies went down this track years ago, but small business owners have lagged.

One advantage we have as small business entrepreneurs is that we can take small yet concentrated niche markets that are being under-served by these large companies and capitalize on our efforts.

Even to a new entrepreneur, starting a business for the first time, I’d say start a couple.

My 2010 Best Business Ideas

Here is list of things I plan on doing with my online business in 2010.

Starting a Business in 2010

Start 2010 with an overall plan including current businesses that are earning money, new business ideas to implement in 2010, and a couple new projects I haven’t tried. Obviously this business plan will be flexible, but it gives me a framework for productivity.  Eventually even I get sick of trying to convince myself that a business idea I have is great and will make big cash.  This year I’m gonna pull the trigger on these ideas and let the marketplace decide, after all its the only way to get paid.  Starting a blog this year is one of the best investment for 2010.

Another idea I will be implementing in 2010 is to start an online business that has a tangible product. I’ve never really done this as a separate business entity.  I’ve done some direct sales and some affiliate marketing, but never an actual product. I’m thinking private label, or drop ship, something of that sort. If you have any advice in this area, let me know via the comments.

Another 2010 business goal I have is to sell a website or domain name for over 10k.  I’m not sure how I’m gonna pull this off, but I’m working toward it.

Lastly, I’d like to create a user generated content site. I have a site in mind that I already own, it just takes the leg work putting it all together. I’m planning on using word press to pull this off. Again if you have any suggestions or experience in this let us know in the comments!  I started a forum that is connected to one of my websites, actually I started it and forgot about it for the most part, ever done that?  About 8 months later I logged back in for the second time ever to find some people had asked questions and actually had some good activity.  I thinks its probably important to manage a forum if I intend to make money with one.

What is you pick for the best small business start up strategy in 2010?

Are you pulling the plug on any business ideas?

Are you transitioning to a home based business?

Are you expanding a brick and mortar business online?

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What comes to mind when you try and think of the best small business to start in 2010?  To think of the best small business I’d say most of us would  look around our community and would find something missing or a business that could be improved, maybe even a business that is no longer around.  For a beginner, a person who is first time entrepreneur, choosing the best small business to start is probably going to start with what your doing now or something peripheral.

I recently wrote a post about the 5 factors important for choosing the best business to start for 2011 business ideas I invite you to give that page a read as well.

I make a full-time income online with a small network of websites I own. To many it wouldn’t seem like a business at all. I don’t have employees, expenses, or headaches…. all things commonly associated with owning  a small business.  It took me a couple years to generate a significant income… It can be done much faster though. If your a beginner looking to create an online income, I recommend checking out the article I wrote titled, “Top Online Business for  Beginners” ,it list three specific paths to creating a passive income that are uniquely designed for a novice.

Some of the best small business ideas are so simple it makes people wonder how they ever work and others that make millions you probably don’t even realise are out there. Focusing on serving an end customer is key.

Thousands ( because I’m too lazy to look it up) of businesses are started every year by technicians who know how to “do it” and figure they can do it better than the chump they are working for.  One of the best small business coaches, Micheal Gerber, calls this the “E-myth” and refers to an “entrepreneurial moment” as the actually realisation that you could indeed deliver better service or deliver a better product faster than the company you work for.

For example if your a drywall finisher and an employee, it would make sense that starting your own drywall business is logical.  Indeed this is one of the most popular paths to first time entrepreneurship.

Is the business that makes the most logical sense the best small business for a beginner to start?

Probably not….

The answer didn’t set well with me when I first learned of the idea that just because your a great drywall finisher doesn’t mean your a great entrepreneur. But what did I know.

Ten or fifteen years later it all makes sense. I was in my early twenties then and nothing made sense to me unless I did it.  My sole decision making process relied on my “knowledge”.  I only knew it if I did it.  When you know something, you have knowledge of it and the best way to get it, maybe the only way, is to do it.  I’ve since learned that knowledge is expensive, especially if its my own.

Tip: The next best thing to personal knowledge….Someone Else’s!

The Best Small Businesses

All of the best small business ideas, the successful business start ups, have several things in common. I don’t pretend to be a trend spotter, cause I’m not, but studying small business start ups and entrepreneurs for the last 15 years has shown me some things. I’ve learned to stick with businesses that I’m genuine interested in. I like fresh produce and spreading the idea that eating good food is important, most of us eat garbage! So I’m developing a group of produce markets. I also like the game of making money. I love my Internet business and making money online is really fun. I like passive income but hate the idea of rentals. My parents had rentals I helped with growing up and I just don’t like the rental business. I’d say on of the best businesses to start for  a beginner is Affiliate Marketing.

Working with others who have success and knowledge/experience in areas you may not is the smart way to go about  starting a business. Money magazine says that online catalogs or stores is a booming business. I wouldn’t know where to start when it comes to that so I’d find someone who does.

Its kind of like reading books on wealth creation, success, and leadership.

Did you ever notice, after the 15th business book or so, they kind of all say the same thing?  I call those same things “principles”. They are old but not rusty because they are used everyday by millions of successful entrepreneur, parents, and professionals around the world.

So what are some of the recurring themes of the best small business enterprises today?

• Scalability.
• Ease of Innovation.
• Accessible Target Market.
• Likelihood of a loyal following.
• Relevant.

I’ll add minimal downside to the list because that is a huge factor when we are talking about a first time entrepreneur starting a small business, more about that in minute.

Scalability, simply put, is will it work in the beginning AND when you’ve hit it right on and the business screams GROW!  This is a big deal when you are choosing the best small business and how you intend to start and grow the business.

Example: If you wanted to develop a blog network and you just started a couple wordpress blogs, making nice posts like this one, its great, but it ain’t scalable.  Unless of course you had a plan to build a platform that would launch a more scalable business idea like a crowd sourced content creation strategy.

Example: Starting a nation wide fast food chain by building a restaurant down the block isn’t scalable, however developing a franchise business model to accomplish this (in one life time) is…. i.e, MacDonald’s.

Ease of Innovation, used to be “innovative”.  An innovative small business idea doesn’t cut anymore. Its not about how innovative a small business idea is, its about how fast you can innovate within the small business you create.  I see it like you have to have a tight niche target market that is loyal, because you rock, yet you have about a dozen different ways you can go to keep the market, grow the market, or increase spend from the same market you have. How easy is to offer something different, how fast can “what’s next, be next”

Example: Walmart (not the expert here) started with stuff.  They sold a bunch of other people’s stuff.  It was about distribution. They had a great business idea and developed the best distribution model. They didn’t make a thing…Except CASH.  Fast forward 20 years and now Walmart offers eye care, hair styling, banking, shoe repair, automobile service, and on and on.  They basically started to distribute service the same way the did products. I think that sums up what I intend to explain when I say ease of innovation and how the best small business is the one that can grow many different directions without loosing you current loyal following.

Accessible target marketis sort of a no brainer, but think about it. Not every business start upis going to be profitable especially if it is geographically challenged.  If your small business start up is going to rely on a target market that is spread across the world, how will you reach them? Can you reach them via the web? If so, how will or how can, you develop a loyal following.  Where do they congregate now?

Example: Where I live we have a farmers market, you probably have one too.  The surrounding communities and local governments worked to provide a place for farmers markets. Its great for farmers who bring their produce and handmade crafts on a Saturday morning and great for the people who need the items.  It was a way to make the market accessible to the farmers and the customers, saving both time and money. Not bad!

The last two items on the list go hand in hand.  If you have a relevent business idea, it should be likely a loyal following could be developed. I think the ease at which this happens is a crucial point when deciding what the best small business to start is in your community.

What’s the Best Business to Start in 2012?

The best small business to start in 2011 is no different than the hot business start ups of a decade ago in principle.  The products the business offers or the services rendered will change, and man do they ever, but the best small businesses are solving apparent and relevant problems, making someones Else’s life easier, or entertaining someone who is.

What are your thoughts on starting a business in 2010, any tips?

Oh I almost forgot. Downside.  I read a neat article the other day that talked about downside I think it was on www.quicksprout.com The point Neil made was that no downside is a hell of a lot more important to the person who is starting a business for the first time that a huge upside.  It follows “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”.  If you only have a couple sources of income it probably isn’t best to chase down a small business idea because of a huge upside, it will involve risk. Risk that could take you out of the game.  Partnerships, timing, and creative business development are all ways to minimise downside on large upside business start up. Think about it!

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Many of the millions of Americans operating full or part time home businesses think the best home based business insurance in 2010 might be none.  Home business insurance is at best an wool blanket of double coverage and at worst a complete waste of money depending on the business entity, your daily business practice and the amount and value of equipment you may insure.

When I checked with my business insurance agent he mentioned the items I was concerned with insuring for my home business:  like my computer, lap top, printer and various software were already covered under my home owners insurance coverage.

So is home business insurance really necessary for you business in 2010?  It’s a great question and I’m always reluctant to give straight away advice on matters so circumstantially dependant.  For instance, if you business is primarily operated from you home office but you have clients or customers who actually come there, to the premiss’s, it might be smart to get a home business insurance policy.

Many people opt for a home business liabilitypolicy, if you already have home owners insurance, you probably already have an acceptable home business liability policy as well.  Its always best to check with a qualified insurance agent when dealing with protecting your home business assets, and a qualified expert, I’m not.

It is likely its not necessary you have a home business insurance policy in place, I don’t.  Of course my business is simple, I don’t have walk-in clients, customers, or the general public entering my home or home office for any reason.  As far as my computer, it doesn’t have a lot of value and I back up the stuff that does have value.

Home Business Insurance 2010

2010 is upon us and my have things changed. I think more about insuringmy time and work space than I do the stuff I own or use.  One method I employ in by operations which could be considered home buisness insurance is to keep my tools and data systems web based. I do this mostly because it insures me that no matter where I go, I can access my information, my email lists, my customers, my websites, my accounts, etc.  I really like this, it lets me work pretty much where ever I’m at at the time. Regardless of the home based business idea having a web based office will pay divedins.

If you have insurance for your home business, let our readers know why.

What is the best home business insurance?

I’ve own a few companies and help dozens of insurance policies and I’d say dealing with local insurance agent for your home business is the best advice I can give.  Having a local agent is key to getting the value and piece of mind that you paid for when you decided to get your business insurance policy.

What are your Thoughts?

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