Debt Free By Home Business

Most small business owners will scoff at the mere mention of the word branding for their business. At a juncture in their business where every penny is being watched to ensure movement toward eventual profits, branding hasn’t even entered the equation.

The real truth is that all businesses – big or small – have a brand within them. It’s a matter of finding a way to bring it out to make your company stand apart from your competitors.

Many small business owners neglect branding because they feel it’s an expense they can’t afford. But branding can help position you as the expert in your niche – and it can catapult your profits upward faster than many other components within your business strategy.

While it’s true that the big businesses shell out big bucks to make a brand for their company, it really isn’t necessary to spend that much money. Branding is what sets you apart from other companies offering the same type products or services as you.

It could come from your logo, awesome customer service, the quality of the product you put on the market, or the buzz you generate in your niche. The next time you watch television, actually pay attention to the commercials.

What are some of the brands you see in the companies that placed those ads on the air? State farm insurance has a commercial jingle that says, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” It’s not only their jingle – but also a brand, because it invokes feelings of trust in their target audience.

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a brand for your company. Figure out what you want to be known for and develop a tag line or motto for your business.

What makes the store Payless shoes stand out from their competitors? The simple fact that the customer pays less for a pair of shoes than most shoe stores! They created branding right in their business name.

Branding is not something you have to break the bank to get. Figure out what your company or product’s strong points are and build from there. Let your business grow and get your company’s image developed by providing a brand to make you stand out from those you’re competing against.

Almost every company, whether they’re big or small, has a customer service department – or at the very least an owner who wears the customer service hat on a daily basis.

A small business can actually become big based on their customer service. Before you start laughing at the idea, let’s take a look at the differences we see in small business customer service versus the customer service we see in the larger companies.

The bigger they are – the harder they fall. This rings true with the larger companies and their customer service. Call a big company with a complaint and you’ll rarely get a satisfactory resolution. In fact, you might hang up before you even reach a human because they keep you embroiled on their automated system until you finally feel defeated and chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Customers can lose interest in a company fast if they don’t get their complaints taken care of in a timely manner. A small business owner can offer personalised complaint resolution in a timely manner.

Policies are a pitfall. The larger companies generally have some kind of policy in place to protect themselves – the fine print you forgot to read when you bought the product.

The smaller business owner tends to stand by his product or service, or is so intent on growing his business that he delivers above and beyond your expectations to ensure that you remain loyal to his brand.

Make sure you treat every customer the same and provide the kind of customer care you’d want to have if it was you on the other end of the line making the call. Sometimes, you might lose a customer based on his or her dissatisfaction, but don’t let it cause you to tarnish your reputation by being rude or negative with them. Continue being polite, because even though you didn’t meet their needs, they could recommend someone to you in the future whose needs you will meet.

Customer service is meant to help support the customer whenever they have questions or problems. When you address them as a person and not a case number they’re more likely to come back and do business with you again.

The small business owner has the advantage in this respect. Their business focus is on their customers and getting them to come back. Larger companies have the luxury of seeing an influx of new customers every day, so they’re sometimes not as concerned with keeping the old ones happy. Take advantage of your small business status and go big on customer service or it could be the one thing holding you back from achieving growth in your company.

Having an accountant on your in-house team is ideal, but not all small businesses can afford to have one. If this is the case, you can do it yourself or utilise some of the employees you may already have to do the accounting tasks.

It’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate in order to keep things straight when it comes to tax time. Don’t confuse yourself more by trying to mix the two together.

You want to keep thorough records of business transactions and accounts receivables. When tax time rolls around, you can just use these to add up the figures instead of spending time shuffling through scraps of paper in a shoebox.

Balance the books right away. Don’t wait for several transactions to occur and then decide to balance them. Some business owners put it off and then the task seems insurmountable.

Be sure to check your financial statements often to determine where you’re spending too much or too little. You may discover if there are ways to cut costs in your small business or if there are ways to budget some extra items into your business.

Always keep up to date on the new tax laws and regulations. Don’t wait until tax time to check them out. There may be something you can use now that would help you save money when it’s time to file your taxes.

Don’t be afraid to use accounting software. There are many out there to choose from and they can keep track of all your information in one place. In most cases, all you would need to do is type in the necessary information and it does the calculating for you. Most accountants use these anyway, so why not do it yourself?

Always keep copies of all of your invoices in case the originals get lost. If using computer software, make sure you back up all of your files so that you have a copy in case something unforeseen should happen.

Research all of the possible tax deductions you can use in your business. Some items are deductible in full, while others take depreciation into account. Also, the tax strategy will be different for small businesses operating out of the home versus brick and mortar businesses that are independent from the household.

An accountant can take the headaches away for you to some degree, and you don’t have to hire one onto your staff. If you can’t quite afford one yet, then take pleasure in knowing that all is not lost with the vast amount of do-it-yourself resources available to the small business owner.

If you’re looking to start your own small business, but don’t know where to go to get the financial resources you need to start, then you might consider some of these options depending on your personal situation.

Government Small Business Loans – Check with your local government agency. There are some government loans you can apply for on a local, state, and federal level to receive the money you need to start or grow your business.

You could get a small micro loan, disaster relief loan to rebuild your business from a natural disaster or a simple short term lending loan. You might even be able to get a loan based on your geography!

Veteran Loans – If you’re a military veteran who served in the armed forces, you may be eligible for a veteran loan to use on your small business. Check with your local veteran’s chapter to apply and see if you qualify for a loan and how much you might be able to get to use on your business.

Small Business Loans – The Small Business Administration offers small business loans and resources to those who qualify for a loan. The SBA works through private financial institutions to offer some of these loans at a low interest rate if you qualify.

USDA – If your small business is in the agricultural industry, then you may qualify for a small business loan. Check out the USDA website to find all of the information you need about their small business loans and what information they need when you apply.

Women – There are many small business loans that cater to owners who are women. Some are offered through your state while others are offered through small business corporations, organizations and non-profits.

Minorities – There are some small business loans provided to qualifying minority groups. The MBDA works with minority groups and evaluates their situation to determine if they can apply for a small business loan. They also offer many tips and resources to help you get started with your business venture.

Grants – Grants are available through the government, corporations, non-profits, and other organisations. This is money that doesn’t have to be paid back, but with some grants, there are specific regulations on how the funds can be spent.

There are many small business loan resources available for almost any situation. Check out all of your options to see which resource will work best for your business needs.

You’ve started a small business and want to expand it, but don’t have much money to spend on your advertising needs. This really isn’t a problem because there are many ways to advertise your business using free options.

The Internet provides us with one of the best ways to use word of mouth advertising campaigns to different people throughout the world. Here are some of the ways you can use the ‘net for free advertising for your small business:

1. Use press releases to advertise your products and services. Press releases can be used to promote an event or to launch a new product. They’re an easy way to promote your company and you can submit them to several different directories online. Some allow you to post them free, while others have upgrade releases that cost a fraction of what traditional advertisements would cost.

2. Join message board forums. This seems like a small way to advertise, but it’s really not. Some boards allow you to provide a link to your website in your profile signatures. People who visit the forum are curious and will check out the link to see what it is that you’re offering.

They’ll pass on that information to other people they know who may be looking for what you have to offer. If you join message boards that nicely complement your company’s products, then you may be able to post on the forum letting everyone know what you have that they need and where they can get it. You’ll have to check the forum’s Terms of Service to see what’s allowed.

3. Start a blog – or even a podcast! If you market your blog or podcast well, people will return time and time again to see what’s new with your business. They’ll send other people from their own blogs and pass on the links to their friends.

4. Use social networking sites. Social sites like Squidoo and MySpace allow you to join groups with likeminded people with whom you can connect. You can easily position yourself as the “go-to” person in your niche, and post links to your site promoting your products and services. There are broad social networks, like Squidoo, that showcase topics on every inch of the spectrum, and niche-specific social sites like the one for eco-friendly enthusiasts or baby boomers.

5. Use article marketing. Providing articles on other sites that have links to your website can drive more traffic to your domain. Using keywords in the articles can help the search engines find them and funnel more customers through to your offer.

It’s not hard to find numerous free ways to promote your small business – even if it’s an offline venture that you own. Every business needs a home on the ‘net, and the Internet can help you develop a loyal following in any demographic.

New to Advertising?
Just a few suggestions in improving your ads’ response, especially when you’re just starting out:

1. Most people like surprises because it’s a change of pace from their routine. Tell your prospects that they’ll get a surprise free bonus for ordering.

2. Most people want life to be easier. Give your prospects easy ordering instructions, easy product instructions, etc.

3. Most people want to feel secure and safe. Tell Your prospects that you have secure ordering and a Privacy policy.

4. Most people want to receive compliments for their achievements. Give your prospects plenty of Compliments for them considering your product.

5. Most people are curious about things that could affect their current lifestyle. You could use words Like “Secret” or “Confidential” in your ad.

6. Most people want to invest in their future. Tell Your prospects to “invest in your product” instead of “buy our product”.

7. Most people want the latest and newest things in life. Use words and phrases in your ad copy like “New”, “Just Released”, etc.

8. Most people want to solve their problems. Tell your prospects what problems they have and how your product can solve them.

9. Most people want to make the people around them happy. Tell your prospects how happy their friends or family will be if they buy your product.

10. Most people want to get over obstacles so they can achieve their own personal goals. Tell your prospects which
Goals they’ll achieve by ordering your product.

CASH IN ON THE CRAFTS BOOM!

If you’re in business selling a product then you would expect it to be useful to succeed. That’s usually true – but there is one line where the most successful products are usually completely useless. And all the more successful for it!

The business is crafts – handicrafts or whatever. Everyone will have bought ‘crafts’ at some time. They are usually quality, hand made products – often based on the past in some way. Usually made from natural items – and intended for decoration, gifts, souvenirs etc.

However, although most crafts are made to look like individual, ‘antique’ like goods they are usually nothing of the sort. A considerable industry has grown up to produce crafts on a huge basis – such is the vast demand. You too can exploit this business. Craft making usually doesn’t need sophisticated equipment or skills – indeed, hand made things are an advantage. You can produce them individually as and when you need the money!

A further advantage is that no sophisticated sales network is needed to sell your products. They often sell on impulse, because of their sheer attractiveness! Prices are not always high – but profits can be hundreds of percent. Everyone buys crafts! If you don’t feel offering a ‘useful’ product or service is interesting enough for you then try crafts. The successful products that have no good use whatsoever!

Profit potential

When entering the crafts business it is important to realise, and abide by, the unique profit potential built into crafts. Quite simply, most crafts are made from ultra cheap parts. In some cases you can get these free! Many crafts are often made from rubbish. This makes your products very, very low in production cost – there are no expensive machines or overheads either.

But – do remember to temper this with the fact that most crafts are hand made in low volumes. This means increased labour costs. However, as many crafts can be made by homeworkers your costs are again reduced.

Couple low production cost with very high selling prices. Crafts are usually sold in an exclusive way – such as for holiday souvenirs etc. People are prepared to pay far inflated prices over what they would normally consider reasonable – and buy readily. A truly ideal combination! Research tells of one craft product (a decorated candle) being produced for 12p and selling for £3.99!

What Makes A Successful Craft?

The crafts business is not a chance to sell anything in the form of a craft! Successful items must have certain characteristics that make them attractive to customers, and hence benefit from the price advantages. When lining up crafts for manufacture/selling, try and incorporate these advantages:

- Attractiveness. Must look ‘nice’!
- Curiosity. Ideal crafts are often a conversation piece.
- Hand made. No mass production techniques.
- Natural ingredients. Wherever possible, no plastics etc!
- Compact sized. Crafts are rarely large items as they mustbe suited to impulse sale.
- Original. Should be unique for each customer, even if in a small way.
– Standard/Recognisable. Must be obviously a craft or curio, and obviously for display purposes.
- Price – Not high, not too low. Probably about £3 – £12 is an optimum.

You may be able to think of many more points. Just remember that crafts are usually bought because they are ‘interesting’ or ‘nice’. Let that be a guide to what customers want.

How To Make Crafts

If you are going to deal in crafts it is probably best to actually have them made specially for you. This way you can ensurethey meet the necessary criteria, and benefit from the enormous mark ups! One viable alternative is to import them from low wage countries.

Most crafts don’t need specialised skills or equipment. The production processes necessary can often be picked up from crafts books at the local library. Crafts don’t have to be consistent in quality! You may decide to produce them yourself – and most can be made safely at home in a garage or garden shed. Employ members of your family for a successful ‘cottage industry’!

Do remember though that self production limits your output. So, a lucrative alternative is to use homeworkers to do all the work for you. They can work at home, thus cutting costs to the bone. You just deliver/collect crafts and tell them what to do. Pay could be by commission, and even as little as 10% might be adequate. At all times produce crafts efficiently at absolute minimum cost. Prices may be high but efficient production makes your profits sky high!

How To Sell

Selling is actually the easy part with crafts. Because, they literally sell themselves! Everyone likes to buy little ‘odds and ends’! And, retailers know the inherent attraction and profitability of craft products. You only need to build a handful of sales contacts for a regular income.

Look mainly to sell crafts in country, coastal, resort and ‘tourist’ areas. Though, crafts sell well in all places nowadays. One excellent way of selling is on your own stall – either at a crafts fair or perhaps a road or market pitch where allowed. You may sell only a few piees, but margins are high.

One lucrative possibility is to sell direct to crafts and other shops – means a regular income. For big business you could sell to wholesalers who sell to such shops. Maybe even start your own craft shop! If you want the ideal home business consider that some craft products are ideal for mail order selling – in appropriate newspapers and magazines. An interesting alternative is to export your products. Quality British crafts might sell well in some countries, especially the USA!

The potential for selling your crafts is truly enormous. But, part of the fun is seeking out your own lucrative demand. People want crafts – it’s up to you to just find them!

Some Suggestions

Up until now the term ‘crafts’ has been used very generally. But, it can be used to cover thousands of attractive, interesting products. Anything with a certain novelty or curiosity value might bea ‘craft’. Keep an open mind. Following, you will find a list of proven crafts. And, There’s no reason why you can’t copy the general ideas. Also – it is quite up to you whether you produce just oneline, or many for much more money!

– Candles. One of the all time successes! Scented and decorated candles sell fast at high prices. Candles can be produced at home with basic safety precautions – consult a specialist supplier.

- Food. This can be a great craft line, though note food regulations. ‘Olde fashioned’ sweets are one possibility!

- Clothes. These are a larger, but high potential line. Cotton prints and ‘hand knits’ are the major areas to explore. Study designs very carefully – could lead to something big!

- Shells & Rocks. Articles made with or decorated with sea shells are popular. Otherwise consider polished stones and semi-previous minerals. Some of these items can be carefully prepared and turned into quite valuable jewellery.

- Junk. Many things you might term ‘junk’ can be turned into unique, interesting crafts. One possibility heard of concerned the sale of pieces of wood from an old church attractively polished and shaped into a crucifix.

- Pottery. One of the most interesting craft lines, and could turn into a considerable business! Some investment would be needed in equipment though.

- Wickerwork. Anything woven is attractive making a pleasant alternative to plastics. Possibilities range from baskets to place mats!

- Scented items. Pot pourri and lavendar products have always been a big seller. There is also the chance to produce natural cosmetics (check for safety).

- Photographs/Prints. Original framed photos or sketches/watercolours, even oil paintings make good craft lines. If you are not talented it is amazing how many good amateurs there are.

- Semi-Antiques/Reproductions. Anything that looks like an antique can sell fast. For example brass work, jeweller, small wooden items are good. Don’t sell as genuine antiques though.

Really, this is just a selection of craft lines you could succeed with. There are so many, and you only need one to start.

A Final Note

You are sure to agree that most of the craft products considered are completely useless. And, it is that which makes them successful. People don’t buy crafts for their functional use – they buy them to look nice – to enjoy. it’s a basic human need and one reason why crafts can succeed. Sheer proof that not all business successes have to be up to The minute!

If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?

In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.

So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?

Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.

On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teenager’s disorder as well.

Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.

The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune—it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.

Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the ‘problem’ at hand. They use ‘positive reinterpretation.’ In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.

They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”

Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.

People respond positively to optimists

Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.

Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher

Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.

They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are healthier and live longer

Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body’s ability to fight disease.

Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.

Why not look forward to success in all your endeavours? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?