Reader’s Digest Explores the Thriving Virtual Assistant Industry
Margate, FL, (April, 2007) Diana Ennen knows how to make a business successful in today’s marketplace. Working from home since 1985, the entrepreneur has been highly successful in helping others reach their business goals for over two decades. Ennen’s most recent accomplishment was landing an interview in Reader’s Digest, where she was able to spread the news of the Virtual Assistant Industry, which she is so passionate about. The article talks about making money while working at home, stating “If you possess word processing, transcription, bookkeeping, public relations, or website design skills, you may want to try employment as a virtual assistant. Ennen is quoted as saying, “There is so much work for VAs that the field is thriving. It is absolutely booming.” And Ennen believes this with all her heart.
The article focuses on work that can be done on a part-time basis. Ennen contends that while most start their businesses on a full-time basis, many have been very successful working part-time, before growing their business into successful enterprises. According to Ennen, “The important thing is to use your own skills and expertise to build your business. Starting a virtual assistant business isn’t a get rich quick scheme. It takes time and talent, but those who succeed can’t imagine doing anything else. And clients today are grateful to have talented and highly skilled personal assistance for all their business needs. A VA business is not one that can be started overnight, but it is a business that has tremendous potential.”
Ennen has been helping entrepreneurs start their businesses since writing her first book back in 1996, Words From Home: Start, Run and Profit from a Home-based Word Processing Business, which she updates on a regular basis. Also, Ennen and co-author Kelly Poelker have recently completed the Virtual Assistant-The Series: Workbook Edition that accompanies their main book Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, which is considered the Bible of the VA Industry. With these books, aspiring readers are provided with priceless tools on everything from choosing the right VA business and specialty, to advertising and promoting your business, to daily operational procedures. Other books by Ennen include
the WordPerfect OfficeReady Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, which comes complete with a 81 page ebook and over 70 templates on starting a VA business.
As an instructor of emerging virtual assistants, I have incorporated Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker’s book, Virtual Assistant, The Series, and accompanying work book as required text for my students. The book guides students from the basic concept of the virtual assistant industry to creating a workable business plan, marketing plan, and web presence. The workbook encourages students to integrate material from the book into their personal goals and objectives. My belief is that Virtual Assistant, The Series has given my students the necessary foundation to become successful entrepreneurs.
Stop by Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com for additional information on starting a virtual assistant business, to visit our online bookstore, or receive our free information on business startups. And don’t forget to look for the May issue of Reader’s Digest http://www.rd.com/content/best-quick-cash/1/ to learn more about starting your own virtual assistant business.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Release - NCB Today Show Showcases Colorado VA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen L. Reddick, MVA
Tel: (720) 870-6435
E-mail: Karen@VandEServices.com
Website: http://www.vandeservices.com
CENTENNIAL, CO (April 2007) – Six years ago if anyone had told Karen Reddick that the growing industry she has been working hard to promote would finally receive its day in the limelight with a segment on the NBC Today Show, she wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a dream come true to see the industry she is passionate about get national attention. Reddick is a Virtual Assistant (VA) who helps small businesses successfully run their businesses virtually from her home office. When an NBC correspondent got wind that there was such a business, they became intrigued and decided to pursue the story. NBC flew to Reddick’s home office in Centennial to film a typical day at the office. They also set up a crew at one of Reddick’s client’s office 850 miles away in the St. Louis area to show how easy and efficient working with a VA can be. The piece is scheduled to air in April.
Reddick, owner of V-And-E Services, is a former executive assistant and originally conceived the idea for her business in October 2001 immediately following 9/11. Starting her new career was her way to put family first and be home for her then pre-teenage daughter. Reddick helps clients by working remotely and uses the latest technology to deliver creative administrative support and technical business services to busy professionals. Projects are often handled over the phone, by fax, e-mail and instant messaging.
Most attractive to her clients is perhaps the fact that Virtual Assistants are responsible for their own taxes, training, healthcare, insurance, and overhead costs that make hiring an in-house employee expensive. Reddick states, “My clients pay only for the time actually spent working on their projects. They don’t pay for my coffee breaks, visits to colleagues or other things that happen in a normal office environment. This is a great benefit for them to pay on an as-needed basis.”
Reddick is also the author of The A-Z Guide: The Best Ways to Work With a Virtual Assistant, which shows businesses exactly what a VA can do for them. In her A-Z Guide, Reddick starts with the letter A and highlights typical services such as administrative assistance, ad campaigns, appointment setting, auto responders; B--bookkeeping, branding, brochures, bulk mailings; C--concierge services, copywriting, contact list management and so on. It clearly helps businesses and virtual assistants see exactly what a VA can do for them and highlights tasks they might not have even considered.
“I think this industry will just continue to grow,” Reddick adds. “This used to seem like a radical concept; and now hopefully with this national recognition it will allow other business owners to realize how using a Virtual Assistant can streamline their administrative tasks and save them time and money.”
As proof that the industry is growing, Diana Ennen of http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com recently landed an interview in Reader’s Digest, where she was able to spread the news of the Virtual Assistant Industry. The article talks about making money while working at home, stating “If you possess word processing, transcription, bookkeeping, public relations, or website design skills, you may want to try employment as a virtual assistant. Ennen is quoted as saying, “There is so much work for VAs that the field is thriving. It is absolutely booming.” And Ennen believes this with all her heart.
Look for this segment airing on NBC sometime in April. Stop by Reddick’s site at: http://www.vandeservices.com for additional information on the VA industry and her services.
About V-And-E-Services: V-And-E-Services specializes in “taking the administrative weight off the shoulders” of the small business owner and/or entrepreneur so they can concentrate on making their business grow. Visit http://www.vandeservices.com for more information. Reddick also offers a weekly newsletter entitled Grammar Tips From The Red Editor, a division of V-And-E-Services. http://www.theredpeneditor.com.
Contact: Karen L. Reddick, MVA
Tel: (720) 870-6435
E-mail: Karen@VandEServices.com
Website: http://www.vandeservices.com
CENTENNIAL, CO (April 2007) – Six years ago if anyone had told Karen Reddick that the growing industry she has been working hard to promote would finally receive its day in the limelight with a segment on the NBC Today Show, she wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a dream come true to see the industry she is passionate about get national attention. Reddick is a Virtual Assistant (VA) who helps small businesses successfully run their businesses virtually from her home office. When an NBC correspondent got wind that there was such a business, they became intrigued and decided to pursue the story. NBC flew to Reddick’s home office in Centennial to film a typical day at the office. They also set up a crew at one of Reddick’s client’s office 850 miles away in the St. Louis area to show how easy and efficient working with a VA can be. The piece is scheduled to air in April.
Reddick, owner of V-And-E Services, is a former executive assistant and originally conceived the idea for her business in October 2001 immediately following 9/11. Starting her new career was her way to put family first and be home for her then pre-teenage daughter. Reddick helps clients by working remotely and uses the latest technology to deliver creative administrative support and technical business services to busy professionals. Projects are often handled over the phone, by fax, e-mail and instant messaging.
Most attractive to her clients is perhaps the fact that Virtual Assistants are responsible for their own taxes, training, healthcare, insurance, and overhead costs that make hiring an in-house employee expensive. Reddick states, “My clients pay only for the time actually spent working on their projects. They don’t pay for my coffee breaks, visits to colleagues or other things that happen in a normal office environment. This is a great benefit for them to pay on an as-needed basis.”
Reddick is also the author of The A-Z Guide: The Best Ways to Work With a Virtual Assistant, which shows businesses exactly what a VA can do for them. In her A-Z Guide, Reddick starts with the letter A and highlights typical services such as administrative assistance, ad campaigns, appointment setting, auto responders; B--bookkeeping, branding, brochures, bulk mailings; C--concierge services, copywriting, contact list management and so on. It clearly helps businesses and virtual assistants see exactly what a VA can do for them and highlights tasks they might not have even considered.
“I think this industry will just continue to grow,” Reddick adds. “This used to seem like a radical concept; and now hopefully with this national recognition it will allow other business owners to realize how using a Virtual Assistant can streamline their administrative tasks and save them time and money.”
As proof that the industry is growing, Diana Ennen of http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com recently landed an interview in Reader’s Digest, where she was able to spread the news of the Virtual Assistant Industry. The article talks about making money while working at home, stating “If you possess word processing, transcription, bookkeeping, public relations, or website design skills, you may want to try employment as a virtual assistant. Ennen is quoted as saying, “There is so much work for VAs that the field is thriving. It is absolutely booming.” And Ennen believes this with all her heart.
Look for this segment airing on NBC sometime in April. Stop by Reddick’s site at: http://www.vandeservices.com for additional information on the VA industry and her services.
About V-And-E-Services: V-And-E-Services specializes in “taking the administrative weight off the shoulders” of the small business owner and/or entrepreneur so they can concentrate on making their business grow. Visit http://www.vandeservices.com for more information. Reddick also offers a weekly newsletter entitled Grammar Tips From The Red Editor, a division of V-And-E-Services. http://www.theredpeneditor.com.
Publicity and Marketing - Perfect niche for a Virtual Assitant
I hope you enjoy this article I wrote on the niche publicity for virtual assistants. That's what I do and recommend to all VAs. -- Thanks! Diana Ennen
We all realize how Virtual Assistants have revolutionized the way we work today. Most businesses now count on their Virtual Assistant the same as they used to count on their secretaries, only so much more. VAs are a prized and respected part of their client’s team, and unlike secretaries, who often were taken for granted, Virtual Assistants are praised for their professionalism and skills. Most businesses today can’t imagine where they would be without their VA. And as the potential for success in a virtual assistant business continues to explode, so does the need for good Virtual Assistants.
Today’s Virtual Assistants need to take pride in their business and also to learn as much as they can about their niche, which is the specialty they have chosen to specialize in. One niche that I highly recommend is to offer publicity and marketing services to clients. This is an area that is growing in leaps and bounds as more and more authors, businesses, and other professionals realize the need to market their business to get good publicity. A business can expand tremendously when hiring a Virtual Assistant to help them spread the word about their products or services. Also, authors today aren’t aware that once they write a book, that’s when the real work begins. They need to get the word out about their book in order for it to be successful. That’s where a good Publicity VA comes in.
Publicity and marketing is thrilling to say the least. There’s such a great rush when your client gets recognized in national magazines, or a TV station wants to do a segment on them and you helped them achieve this success. Or better yet, when your efforts start resulting in substantial increased sales for them. Clients will not only keep using your services, but also tell others about this new positive addition they have to their business. And best yet, you too get to feel that satisfaction as you are helping them achieve their goals.
One of my most successful tips is learning how to effectively use any publicity that a client receives. When clients get national attention in a magazine, newspaper, or TV Segment, or even on a popular website, it’s important to make sure that everyone is aware of this. A press release should immediately go out to announce their accomplishment. This release should be added to their website and also should go to all their local papers, radio stations, and TV networks. Media loves to highlight a success story of their locals, so make sure you get this out there as soon as you can. And you don’t have to wait for the publicity to happen. If your client lands a major TV segment, you can start sending this press out beforehand in order to get more media for when the event happens. You just want to make sure that the client is fairly confident the segment will air. Also, don’t worry if the segment gets bumped back, that often happens as breaking news takes priority. This can almost be a blessing, as then you get to do more publicity before the airdate.
It’s also important to follow-up with the reporters and let them know how much you appreciate the acceptance of your quotes for an article. When you go the extra step to show them your appreciation, they remember you when the next article comes up and they need help with more expert advice. Many reporters work for multiple magazines so one good ally can lead to lots of media exposure. Always keep your PR hat on. Learn to take any situation and turn it into good press for your clients and your business as well. Stay on top of current events and see if you have anything to offer. Whenever a story hits the press that any of my clients would have a connection to, I’ll send it right away. Having press releases already prepared for clients on their business is always a great help. How do you know about these events? Sign up for Google Alerts under the topics of interest and then whenever a story is written, you can follow-up with your press release or article to the reporter. It works! I also use ProfNet from PRNewswire, which allows me to get daily leads from major news outlets. You can also consider PRLeads.
It’s also important to learn how to write a good press release and article and also where to send those. Make sure that your press releases and articles are newsworthy and also something that interests the readers. When I write a release, I always think would I read this release? Would it interest me? If not, I doubt your target audience would be reading it either. Plus, be careful to sound too promotional. You can easily get your message across without sounding like an ad.
Publicity is a great niche for VAs. I hope you have found these tips beneficial.
##
Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Workbook; Corel Word Perfect Office Ready, Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, and Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com
We all realize how Virtual Assistants have revolutionized the way we work today. Most businesses now count on their Virtual Assistant the same as they used to count on their secretaries, only so much more. VAs are a prized and respected part of their client’s team, and unlike secretaries, who often were taken for granted, Virtual Assistants are praised for their professionalism and skills. Most businesses today can’t imagine where they would be without their VA. And as the potential for success in a virtual assistant business continues to explode, so does the need for good Virtual Assistants.
Today’s Virtual Assistants need to take pride in their business and also to learn as much as they can about their niche, which is the specialty they have chosen to specialize in. One niche that I highly recommend is to offer publicity and marketing services to clients. This is an area that is growing in leaps and bounds as more and more authors, businesses, and other professionals realize the need to market their business to get good publicity. A business can expand tremendously when hiring a Virtual Assistant to help them spread the word about their products or services. Also, authors today aren’t aware that once they write a book, that’s when the real work begins. They need to get the word out about their book in order for it to be successful. That’s where a good Publicity VA comes in.
Publicity and marketing is thrilling to say the least. There’s such a great rush when your client gets recognized in national magazines, or a TV station wants to do a segment on them and you helped them achieve this success. Or better yet, when your efforts start resulting in substantial increased sales for them. Clients will not only keep using your services, but also tell others about this new positive addition they have to their business. And best yet, you too get to feel that satisfaction as you are helping them achieve their goals.
One of my most successful tips is learning how to effectively use any publicity that a client receives. When clients get national attention in a magazine, newspaper, or TV Segment, or even on a popular website, it’s important to make sure that everyone is aware of this. A press release should immediately go out to announce their accomplishment. This release should be added to their website and also should go to all their local papers, radio stations, and TV networks. Media loves to highlight a success story of their locals, so make sure you get this out there as soon as you can. And you don’t have to wait for the publicity to happen. If your client lands a major TV segment, you can start sending this press out beforehand in order to get more media for when the event happens. You just want to make sure that the client is fairly confident the segment will air. Also, don’t worry if the segment gets bumped back, that often happens as breaking news takes priority. This can almost be a blessing, as then you get to do more publicity before the airdate.
It’s also important to follow-up with the reporters and let them know how much you appreciate the acceptance of your quotes for an article. When you go the extra step to show them your appreciation, they remember you when the next article comes up and they need help with more expert advice. Many reporters work for multiple magazines so one good ally can lead to lots of media exposure. Always keep your PR hat on. Learn to take any situation and turn it into good press for your clients and your business as well. Stay on top of current events and see if you have anything to offer. Whenever a story hits the press that any of my clients would have a connection to, I’ll send it right away. Having press releases already prepared for clients on their business is always a great help. How do you know about these events? Sign up for Google Alerts under the topics of interest and then whenever a story is written, you can follow-up with your press release or article to the reporter. It works! I also use ProfNet from PRNewswire, which allows me to get daily leads from major news outlets. You can also consider PRLeads.
It’s also important to learn how to write a good press release and article and also where to send those. Make sure that your press releases and articles are newsworthy and also something that interests the readers. When I write a release, I always think would I read this release? Would it interest me? If not, I doubt your target audience would be reading it either. Plus, be careful to sound too promotional. You can easily get your message across without sounding like an ad.
Publicity is a great niche for VAs. I hope you have found these tips beneficial.
##
Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Workbook; Corel Word Perfect Office Ready, Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, and Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com
Thursday, March 22, 2007
ADHD in the Spotlight
One of my clients, Dr. Paul E. Dennison, offers a safe and educational tool for those with ADHD. I think you'll enjoy this article - Diana
ADHD In the Spotlight - Safe and Effective Tools Are Available Including the Brain Gym Program
After years of psychiatrists reporting that ADHD stimulants are safe and effective, in February of this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced that all ADHD drug manufacturers must warn the public that the drugs can cause serious psychiatric and cardiovascular problems. These problems include heart attack, stroke, mania and even sudden death. Parents of children with ADHD were left with the agonizing decision of what to do. Is it safe to keep their children on these potentially harmful medications? What would happen to their children when they take them off these medications? Is there a safe alternative?
Dr. Paul E Dennison believes there is a healthy and safe alternative. A solution that is already being used in classrooms, workshops and homes throughout the world for not only helping with ADHD, but also helping with other learning and reading challenges, stress reduction, and overall better health and well being. The profoundly simple Brain Gym activities offer tremendously positive results and often eliminate the need for dangerous prescription drugs completely. For parents looking for an alternative to starting or continuing a medicine regime, this can be the answer they longed for.
Dr. Dennison contends that nobody really knows the true harm done to those who do take the prescription drugs. He feels only five percent of the children undergoing medication for the illness actually need the prescribed treatment. Dennison believes that ADHD is not a Ritalin deficiency, but an insufficiency in the ability to focus attention, one that can be illuminated by processes that integrate the functioning of the brain and the body.
Before commencing an exercise program, Dr. Dennison recommends that you consult your family physician. Dr Dennison has found that most doctors will welcome the Brain Gym movement program as an alternative as no one really knows the true harm done to those who do take the prescription drugs. Dennison believes that ADHD is an insufficiency in the ability to focus attention and to tune out distractions, one that can be illuminated by processes that integrate the functioning of the brain and the body. As a professional educator and a pioneer in the field of applied neuroscience and a world authority on cognitive skills and reading achievement, Dennison has done extensive field studies research in this area. During the last twenty-five years, Dr. Dennison has taught workshops in movement-based learning in more than fifteen countries, being presented with numerous honors, including the Reading Excellence through the Arts (RETA) Award from the International Reading Association. He has also written eight books, including his latest, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning. His books have been distributed through eighty countries’ bookstores, with a total sold of over 415,000 copies. These books have also been translated into more than forty languages.
What makes the Brain Gym special?
¨ It reactivates whole brain function via the intimate connection with body movement.
¨ It achieves the necessary focus of attention with activities that relax the tendon-guard survival reflex and help children feel safe in their body.
¨ Sometimes one Brain Gym session can help a person do linear and recognition tasks simultaneously, thus overcoming the reading impediment labeled as dyslexia.
¨ Children will naturally enjoy reading, as good stories activate the imagination.
¨ Children learn to read words other writers have put together to express their thoughts, emotions, and observations, starting with the writing of their peers.
Methods to create fundamental structures for learning include:
¨ Music and dance.
¨ Tapping things out.
¨ Developing active listening.
¨ Receiving visual, kinesthetic, and tactile input simultaneously.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, look for an alternative to the medications that are being too readily prescribed. Parents need to carefully reassess the situation on a case-by-case basis to see what is the best for their family. Stop by www.braingym.com for additional information on the Brain Gym Program. Also, Dennison’s latest Book, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning is also available at his site and Amazon and provides useful exercises and information on Brain Gym basics and how it can benefit you and your family. Your kids deserve the best, let our program help them achieve it.
****
Educational Kinesiology, enhanced learning through movement, was created by Dr. Paul E. Dennison and his wife Gail E. Dennison through their visionary insight into the learning process. Today these techniques, which Paul continues to develop in partnership with his wife Gail, are taught in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and athletic training programs. The Dennisons have coauthored a series of books and manuals including their lates, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning.
ADHD In the Spotlight - Safe and Effective Tools Are Available Including the Brain Gym Program
After years of psychiatrists reporting that ADHD stimulants are safe and effective, in February of this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced that all ADHD drug manufacturers must warn the public that the drugs can cause serious psychiatric and cardiovascular problems. These problems include heart attack, stroke, mania and even sudden death. Parents of children with ADHD were left with the agonizing decision of what to do. Is it safe to keep their children on these potentially harmful medications? What would happen to their children when they take them off these medications? Is there a safe alternative?
Dr. Paul E Dennison believes there is a healthy and safe alternative. A solution that is already being used in classrooms, workshops and homes throughout the world for not only helping with ADHD, but also helping with other learning and reading challenges, stress reduction, and overall better health and well being. The profoundly simple Brain Gym activities offer tremendously positive results and often eliminate the need for dangerous prescription drugs completely. For parents looking for an alternative to starting or continuing a medicine regime, this can be the answer they longed for.
Dr. Dennison contends that nobody really knows the true harm done to those who do take the prescription drugs. He feels only five percent of the children undergoing medication for the illness actually need the prescribed treatment. Dennison believes that ADHD is not a Ritalin deficiency, but an insufficiency in the ability to focus attention, one that can be illuminated by processes that integrate the functioning of the brain and the body.
Before commencing an exercise program, Dr. Dennison recommends that you consult your family physician. Dr Dennison has found that most doctors will welcome the Brain Gym movement program as an alternative as no one really knows the true harm done to those who do take the prescription drugs. Dennison believes that ADHD is an insufficiency in the ability to focus attention and to tune out distractions, one that can be illuminated by processes that integrate the functioning of the brain and the body. As a professional educator and a pioneer in the field of applied neuroscience and a world authority on cognitive skills and reading achievement, Dennison has done extensive field studies research in this area. During the last twenty-five years, Dr. Dennison has taught workshops in movement-based learning in more than fifteen countries, being presented with numerous honors, including the Reading Excellence through the Arts (RETA) Award from the International Reading Association. He has also written eight books, including his latest, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning. His books have been distributed through eighty countries’ bookstores, with a total sold of over 415,000 copies. These books have also been translated into more than forty languages.
What makes the Brain Gym special?
¨ It reactivates whole brain function via the intimate connection with body movement.
¨ It achieves the necessary focus of attention with activities that relax the tendon-guard survival reflex and help children feel safe in their body.
¨ Sometimes one Brain Gym session can help a person do linear and recognition tasks simultaneously, thus overcoming the reading impediment labeled as dyslexia.
¨ Children will naturally enjoy reading, as good stories activate the imagination.
¨ Children learn to read words other writers have put together to express their thoughts, emotions, and observations, starting with the writing of their peers.
Methods to create fundamental structures for learning include:
¨ Music and dance.
¨ Tapping things out.
¨ Developing active listening.
¨ Receiving visual, kinesthetic, and tactile input simultaneously.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, look for an alternative to the medications that are being too readily prescribed. Parents need to carefully reassess the situation on a case-by-case basis to see what is the best for their family. Stop by www.braingym.com for additional information on the Brain Gym Program. Also, Dennison’s latest Book, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning is also available at his site and Amazon and provides useful exercises and information on Brain Gym basics and how it can benefit you and your family. Your kids deserve the best, let our program help them achieve it.
****
Educational Kinesiology, enhanced learning through movement, was created by Dr. Paul E. Dennison and his wife Gail E. Dennison through their visionary insight into the learning process. Today these techniques, which Paul continues to develop in partnership with his wife Gail, are taught in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and athletic training programs. The Dennisons have coauthored a series of books and manuals including their lates, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
BizyMom Cookbook - Sample Recipes
APPETIZERS
VEGGIE PIZZA
Submitted by: Nancy Johnson (She sells Discovery Toys, DTNancy@aol.com)
Crust: Press 3 cans of crescent rolls onto a rectangular cookie sheet and bake (375°) until light brown Filling: 2 - 8oz cream cheese softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1 envelope powdered Hidden Valley Ranch mix
Beat together until mixed Spread over cooled crust Topping: 3 or more of your favorite veggies, chopped: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell pepper, green onion... Grated Cheddar cheese (just a little, or sometimes I leave it off) For a Christmas version, I use just Broccoli and red bell pepper
VEGGIE ROUNDS
Submitted by: Christy Edwards (www.helping2save.cjb.net, & www.youravon.com/christyedwards)12 oz. cream cheese (can be low-fat if desired) 1/3 c. mayo 1 tsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix (powder) 1 tsp. Dillweed 1 cup of each desired veggie (try to be colorful such as finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and red peppers, etc. -- be creative) Shredded Cheddar cheeseRound pastry cups (in frozen foods section) Mix the cream cheese, mayo, Ranch mix, and Dillweed until you have a smooth consistency. Fill pasty cups half full with mix and top with veggies and finally cheese. Theses are so yummy you won't be able to stop eating them! MMMM!
AVACADO DIP
Submitted by: Karen Southard
1 Avocado
2 packages 3 ounce cream cheese
2 teaspoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Remove pit. Peel skin from halves and mash pulp. Add remaining ingredients and beat with electric mixer until smooth.
SPINACH DIP
Submitted by: Connie Corodimas
Mother to: Angel (My beautiful niece!!)
1 pkg. frozen spinach
1 container Vegie soup - Nors
Helmans mayo (enough to cover)
Sour cream
Mix all ingredients together and chill. Serve with Hawaiian bread. For a lower cal version use low cal mayo and sour cream.
POTATO SKINS
Submitted by: Connie Corodimas
Potatoes
8 ounces Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Soup Cream
Chopped Green Onions
Cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise and scoop out the pulp. Spray potatoes in cooking spray and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, turning twice. Remove from oven and top with dressings.
SIX LAYER DIP
Submitted by: Debby Levine, OH BABY!! Baby Shower Specialists, www.ohbabyshower.com
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups of salsa
1 8 oz container guacamole
1 3/4 cups Shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 can (5 ¾ oz) drained large ripe pitted black olives, sliced
Tortilla Chips
1 Pyrex bowl
Preheat oven to 350°. In bowl mash beans until chunky, then stir in 1/2 cup salsa until combined. (I don't mash I put in the blender) Spread mixture evenly over bottom of oven proof 6-cup glass bowl. Spoon guacamole over. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of cheese. Top with remaining salsa; arrange olives over salsa and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese melts and begins to brown slightly, about 25 minutes. Serve with chips.
I always make a double batch and just repeat the layers. And boy do people get fooled into thinking I spent hours doing it!!!
DILL DIP
Submitted by: Charlotte Ennen
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
2 ½ tbsp. dill seasonings
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.
THREE CHEESE BALL
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
8 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. Cheddar cheese
4 oz. port wine Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. minced onion
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Soften cream, Cheddar and port wine cheeses to room temperature. Place into mixing bowl and blend together with Worcestershire sauce. Roll in chopped nuts.
Chill 3 – 4 hours
SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
1 lb. hot sausage
2 cups extra Sharp Shredded Cheddar cheese
3 cups Bisquick
Let sausage and cheese set to room temperature. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl by hand. Make small balls with mixture and place on cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes at 350°. If making ahead of time to freeze, bake only 12 minutes and then 5 minutes when ready to serve.
LITTLE LATIN MEATBALLS
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
2 jalapeno chilies
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
½ cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup milk
¼ cup Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
Remove stems, seeds, and membranes from chilies, chop. Mix chilies, beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, cheese, onion, salt and pepper. Shape into one-inch balls. Place meatballs in ungreased oblong pan (13 x 9 x 2). Cook uncovered at 400º until brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Place in chafing dish. Cover with salsa.
Salsa:
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. snipped parsley
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
Heat in saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.
MINI MEATBALLS
Submitted by: Sharon Simoncini
Mother to: Renee and Todd, Grandmother to Alex
1 pound ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp. soy sauce
4 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. minced onion
Dash garlic salt
Dash ground ginger
Combine soy sauce, 1 tablespoon water, sugar, onion, garlic salt and ginger. Mix meat and crumbs and then stir in the soy sauce mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. You can then deep fry them or bake them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350.
QUICK AND EASY SALSA
Submitted by: Jolyn Dickerson (PARTYZ – Fun for Kids - www.partyz.net & www.1800partyconsultant.com/6083)
Mom to: Stephanie and Diane
5-6 fresh ripe tomatoes (from your garden or farmer's market) - diced into pieces
1/4 - 1/2 onion finely chopped
1/8 cup cilantro (fresh) finely minced
1/8 - 1/2 tsp. garlic (fresh) minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 shakes chili powder
Combine all ingredients gently. Adjust seasoning to suit your family. Serve with tortilla chips.
ONION RINGS
Submitted by: Diana Ennen, Bizymoms Host, Author: Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Word Processing Business and Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Virtual Assisting Business
6 large white onions
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp. cooking oil
Cut onions into ¼ inch slices and separate into rings. Combine all ingredients and then coat onion rings until well battered. Fry in deep fryer. (Onion rings are done when they float to the top of the oil).
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Heather Malecha (http://greatestnetworker.com/is/heathermalecha)
1 cup catsup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 3 dashes Tabasco sauce Mix all together.
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Diana Ennen
1 can tomato puree
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. sweet basil
Simmer for about 15 minutes.
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Camry Thomas
My husband loves to BBQ and claims every time he does it that it is his cooking that is so great. I tell my kids it's in the marinade/sauce that of course "I make". All he does is cook it on the grill which I think is boring. This has been handed down in my family of Texans. Hope you enjoy. We BBQ a lot so I make up a large mayonnaise jar up at a time. I buy a large gallon size bottle of store brand sauce and add my own stuff to it. I don't use the whole bottle but just enough to fill the jar until next time. I add brown sugar, catsup, worsteshire sauce, diced onions, Tabasco, salt and pepper and liquid smoke. Fantastic!! I hope you enjoy. Camy
CHILI CHEESE DIP
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker, Bizymoms Host, Author: Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Virtual Assisting Business
One can Armour Chili without beans
One jar Cheese Whiz (or Velveeta loaf)
Combine chili and cheese, mix well. Heat in microwave for 3 minutes, remove and stir. Heat in microwave until hot, stir and serve with tortilla chips or Doritos.
LOW CAL SALSA
Submitted by: Diana Ennen
2 tomatoes
1 small onion
½ jalapeno chili
1 green pepper
Dice up all the above and mix.
VEGGIE PIZZA
Submitted by: Nancy Johnson (She sells Discovery Toys, DTNancy@aol.com)
Crust: Press 3 cans of crescent rolls onto a rectangular cookie sheet and bake (375°) until light brown Filling: 2 - 8oz cream cheese softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1 envelope powdered Hidden Valley Ranch mix
Beat together until mixed Spread over cooled crust Topping: 3 or more of your favorite veggies, chopped: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell pepper, green onion... Grated Cheddar cheese (just a little, or sometimes I leave it off) For a Christmas version, I use just Broccoli and red bell pepper
VEGGIE ROUNDS
Submitted by: Christy Edwards (www.helping2save.cjb.net, & www.youravon.com/christyedwards)12 oz. cream cheese (can be low-fat if desired) 1/3 c. mayo 1 tsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix (powder) 1 tsp. Dillweed 1 cup of each desired veggie (try to be colorful such as finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and red peppers, etc. -- be creative) Shredded Cheddar cheeseRound pastry cups (in frozen foods section) Mix the cream cheese, mayo, Ranch mix, and Dillweed until you have a smooth consistency. Fill pasty cups half full with mix and top with veggies and finally cheese. Theses are so yummy you won't be able to stop eating them! MMMM!
AVACADO DIP
Submitted by: Karen Southard
1 Avocado
2 packages 3 ounce cream cheese
2 teaspoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Remove pit. Peel skin from halves and mash pulp. Add remaining ingredients and beat with electric mixer until smooth.
SPINACH DIP
Submitted by: Connie Corodimas
Mother to: Angel (My beautiful niece!!)
1 pkg. frozen spinach
1 container Vegie soup - Nors
Helmans mayo (enough to cover)
Sour cream
Mix all ingredients together and chill. Serve with Hawaiian bread. For a lower cal version use low cal mayo and sour cream.
POTATO SKINS
Submitted by: Connie Corodimas
Potatoes
8 ounces Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Soup Cream
Chopped Green Onions
Cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise and scoop out the pulp. Spray potatoes in cooking spray and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, turning twice. Remove from oven and top with dressings.
SIX LAYER DIP
Submitted by: Debby Levine, OH BABY!! Baby Shower Specialists, www.ohbabyshower.com
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups of salsa
1 8 oz container guacamole
1 3/4 cups Shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 can (5 ¾ oz) drained large ripe pitted black olives, sliced
Tortilla Chips
1 Pyrex bowl
Preheat oven to 350°. In bowl mash beans until chunky, then stir in 1/2 cup salsa until combined. (I don't mash I put in the blender) Spread mixture evenly over bottom of oven proof 6-cup glass bowl. Spoon guacamole over. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of cheese. Top with remaining salsa; arrange olives over salsa and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese melts and begins to brown slightly, about 25 minutes. Serve with chips.
I always make a double batch and just repeat the layers. And boy do people get fooled into thinking I spent hours doing it!!!
DILL DIP
Submitted by: Charlotte Ennen
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
2 ½ tbsp. dill seasonings
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.
THREE CHEESE BALL
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
8 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. Cheddar cheese
4 oz. port wine Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. minced onion
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Soften cream, Cheddar and port wine cheeses to room temperature. Place into mixing bowl and blend together with Worcestershire sauce. Roll in chopped nuts.
Chill 3 – 4 hours
SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
1 lb. hot sausage
2 cups extra Sharp Shredded Cheddar cheese
3 cups Bisquick
Let sausage and cheese set to room temperature. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl by hand. Make small balls with mixture and place on cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes at 350°. If making ahead of time to freeze, bake only 12 minutes and then 5 minutes when ready to serve.
LITTLE LATIN MEATBALLS
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker
2 jalapeno chilies
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
½ cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup milk
¼ cup Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
Remove stems, seeds, and membranes from chilies, chop. Mix chilies, beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, cheese, onion, salt and pepper. Shape into one-inch balls. Place meatballs in ungreased oblong pan (13 x 9 x 2). Cook uncovered at 400º until brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Place in chafing dish. Cover with salsa.
Salsa:
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. snipped parsley
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
Heat in saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.
MINI MEATBALLS
Submitted by: Sharon Simoncini
Mother to: Renee and Todd, Grandmother to Alex
1 pound ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp. soy sauce
4 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. minced onion
Dash garlic salt
Dash ground ginger
Combine soy sauce, 1 tablespoon water, sugar, onion, garlic salt and ginger. Mix meat and crumbs and then stir in the soy sauce mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. You can then deep fry them or bake them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350.
QUICK AND EASY SALSA
Submitted by: Jolyn Dickerson (PARTYZ – Fun for Kids - www.partyz.net & www.1800partyconsultant.com/6083)
Mom to: Stephanie and Diane
5-6 fresh ripe tomatoes (from your garden or farmer's market) - diced into pieces
1/4 - 1/2 onion finely chopped
1/8 cup cilantro (fresh) finely minced
1/8 - 1/2 tsp. garlic (fresh) minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 shakes chili powder
Combine all ingredients gently. Adjust seasoning to suit your family. Serve with tortilla chips.
ONION RINGS
Submitted by: Diana Ennen, Bizymoms Host, Author: Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Word Processing Business and Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Virtual Assisting Business
6 large white onions
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp. cooking oil
Cut onions into ¼ inch slices and separate into rings. Combine all ingredients and then coat onion rings until well battered. Fry in deep fryer. (Onion rings are done when they float to the top of the oil).
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Heather Malecha (http://greatestnetworker.com/is/heathermalecha)
1 cup catsup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 3 dashes Tabasco sauce Mix all together.
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Diana Ennen
1 can tomato puree
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. sweet basil
Simmer for about 15 minutes.
BBQ SAUCE
Submitted by: Camry Thomas
My husband loves to BBQ and claims every time he does it that it is his cooking that is so great. I tell my kids it's in the marinade/sauce that of course "I make". All he does is cook it on the grill which I think is boring. This has been handed down in my family of Texans. Hope you enjoy. We BBQ a lot so I make up a large mayonnaise jar up at a time. I buy a large gallon size bottle of store brand sauce and add my own stuff to it. I don't use the whole bottle but just enough to fill the jar until next time. I add brown sugar, catsup, worsteshire sauce, diced onions, Tabasco, salt and pepper and liquid smoke. Fantastic!! I hope you enjoy. Camy
CHILI CHEESE DIP
Submitted by: Kelly Poelker, Bizymoms Host, Author: Bizy’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Virtual Assisting Business
One can Armour Chili without beans
One jar Cheese Whiz (or Velveeta loaf)
Combine chili and cheese, mix well. Heat in microwave for 3 minutes, remove and stir. Heat in microwave until hot, stir and serve with tortilla chips or Doritos.
LOW CAL SALSA
Submitted by: Diana Ennen
2 tomatoes
1 small onion
½ jalapeno chili
1 green pepper
Dice up all the above and mix.
Home-Based Business – Is it Right For You?
Home-Based Business – Is it Right For You?
What does it take to be successful in this field? Ambition, personal drive, motivation, desire and perseverance are the forerunners. Without these, all the skills and experience in the world won’t enable you to succeed. However, combine those with your personal skills and experience, and you’ll have what it takes.
Also, take into account the following: Are you ambitious, constantly striving for more fulfillment in life? Are you not fully satisfied until you’ve done your absolute best? If so, working from home is for you. There are no limitations. The more you put into the business, the more you’ll get out of it. You control your paycheck. Only you can determine what follows that dollar sign on your tax return each year.
Are you a self-starter? You alone are the one who will make this business a success or failure. The amount of time and energy you invest will determine just how successful you are with your business. Are you motivated enough to make things happen? In the beginning stages, a business will require a tremendous amount of hard work and long hours, often without immediate results. You need to be willing to invest that time and await the results with confidence.
Are you creative? Can you think of a new idea and within days make it a reality? What a joy it is to tap that inner imagination and create a new idea for your business. Whether it’s an effective advertising piece or a dazzling brochure for your clients, you have the power to make it work.
You should be self-motivated and enjoy working with others. Many of you will come from a 9-5 job and the general tendency is to cut loose with the extra freedom. No Boss-No Time Restraints-What fun! You have to discipline yourself right from the beginning not to get sidetracked watching soaps and sleeping in. After you are established, your workload won’t permit this anyway.
Working with different clients is a part of owning your own business. Remember, a satisfied client will tell other potential clients about your services. You need to possess the ability to make your clients feel confident and secure in your services and comfortable working with you.
You can’t fold under pressure. Owning your own business can be extremely stressful at times. There are no bosses to run to or co-workers to seek advice from. The computers will break, faxes will jam, clients will become too demanding and you must know how to handle the situation and stay calm. NEVER PANIC! Learn to take a deep breath, regain your composure and then solve the problem.
You should be organized and have a good understanding of the business you are going into. Many companies fail because they didn’t do their homework. Read as much as you can on home-based businesses before you get started. Research your area to determine the customers’ needs and the amount of competition.
You need to be able to say NO! Clients will take advantage of you if you don’t. You have to remain in control or you will find yourself working outrageous hours for little profit. Decide what hours you want to work and stick to that schedule.
Owning your own business can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment when you land your first client or make that first sale. It’s the kind of feeling that you just want to keep getting over and over again.
Excuses, Excuses
Just how badly do you want this? What’s holding you back? People present all kinds of excuses for why they shouldn’t start a home-based business. Fear is the most common. Fear of failure, fear of financial insecurity, fear of responsibility, and fear of change are the most frequently stated. Let’s look at these for a moment and see if they apply to you.
Fear of Failure: Most of us fear failure. It’s natural. Who wants to fail at anything? Besides, if you don’t try, you can’t fail, and you will not have to deal with those negative emotions. Successful entrepreneurs see failure as an opportunity. They believe that there is no such thing as failure, only lessons. You need to be able to learn from your past failures or, as I call them, “tries.” I consider it this way: “I tried it, it didn’t work, so I’ll try something else.” I give failure no power. One of our favorite clichés is, “I would rather regret something I did over something I didn’t do.”
You should learn valuable lessons from each of your mistakes. What did you do wrong that could be corrected next time? Never dwell on your mistakes. Solve the problem and plan a new course of action.
You can also prevent the risk of failure by being aware of why most home-based or small businesses fail and then guard against these things. The following are several reasons many businesses fail:
1. Lack of enthusiasm, motivation, dedication and drive
2. Lack of self-confidence
3. Lack of knowledge and expertise
4. Lack of management skills necessary to run a successful business
5. Lack of providing clients with quality and professional services
6. Lack of a professional attitude
7. Lack of a market for services
Remember that success takes time. Very few businesses are overnight successes. It takes work, rethinking of ideas and carrying out your plans. Think of success as a marathon, not a sprint.
Fear of Financial Insecurity: This is a valid concern for those leaving the security of a full-time job with a regular paycheck every week. There is no guarantee that every week you will make a certain amount of money. However, you can take steps that will enable you to make it through the slow times until your business is up and running. Don’t let your paycheck addiction seriously interfere with your dream of entrepreneurship. Keep in mind that you could be downsized, fired, laid off, let go, given the pink slip (you get my point) tomorrow, so take control of your future now!
Have two or three months of money in reserve to help you through the first few months. This alleviates the stress of having to make money NOW! Many start a business on a part-time basis and continue working their full-time jobs to keep money coming in and to build their client base. However, let this stop you from starting a business. After being in business now for 20 years and seeing so many businesses succeed, I know many who have made it without this extra money.
Fear of Responsibility: Many are frightened by the role of sole responsibility. They like the option of going to someone else when a crisis hits and having that person solve the problem. With everything falling on their shoulders, they fear they can’t handle the stress. Advance planning is the key here. When you start your business, have a good back-up plan in effect. Then when a crisis hits, you immediately know what to do. After the first few crisis situations, you learn to remain calm and solve problems with little effort.
**********
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and the author of Corel WordPerfect Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution Pack (http://www.corel.com), and Virtual Assistant – The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA & workbook. She is also the publisher of the children’s book, Zip, Burp, and Hula and fiction thriller, Sledgehammer. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.
What does it take to be successful in this field? Ambition, personal drive, motivation, desire and perseverance are the forerunners. Without these, all the skills and experience in the world won’t enable you to succeed. However, combine those with your personal skills and experience, and you’ll have what it takes.
Also, take into account the following: Are you ambitious, constantly striving for more fulfillment in life? Are you not fully satisfied until you’ve done your absolute best? If so, working from home is for you. There are no limitations. The more you put into the business, the more you’ll get out of it. You control your paycheck. Only you can determine what follows that dollar sign on your tax return each year.
Are you a self-starter? You alone are the one who will make this business a success or failure. The amount of time and energy you invest will determine just how successful you are with your business. Are you motivated enough to make things happen? In the beginning stages, a business will require a tremendous amount of hard work and long hours, often without immediate results. You need to be willing to invest that time and await the results with confidence.
Are you creative? Can you think of a new idea and within days make it a reality? What a joy it is to tap that inner imagination and create a new idea for your business. Whether it’s an effective advertising piece or a dazzling brochure for your clients, you have the power to make it work.
You should be self-motivated and enjoy working with others. Many of you will come from a 9-5 job and the general tendency is to cut loose with the extra freedom. No Boss-No Time Restraints-What fun! You have to discipline yourself right from the beginning not to get sidetracked watching soaps and sleeping in. After you are established, your workload won’t permit this anyway.
Working with different clients is a part of owning your own business. Remember, a satisfied client will tell other potential clients about your services. You need to possess the ability to make your clients feel confident and secure in your services and comfortable working with you.
You can’t fold under pressure. Owning your own business can be extremely stressful at times. There are no bosses to run to or co-workers to seek advice from. The computers will break, faxes will jam, clients will become too demanding and you must know how to handle the situation and stay calm. NEVER PANIC! Learn to take a deep breath, regain your composure and then solve the problem.
You should be organized and have a good understanding of the business you are going into. Many companies fail because they didn’t do their homework. Read as much as you can on home-based businesses before you get started. Research your area to determine the customers’ needs and the amount of competition.
You need to be able to say NO! Clients will take advantage of you if you don’t. You have to remain in control or you will find yourself working outrageous hours for little profit. Decide what hours you want to work and stick to that schedule.
Owning your own business can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment when you land your first client or make that first sale. It’s the kind of feeling that you just want to keep getting over and over again.
Excuses, Excuses
Just how badly do you want this? What’s holding you back? People present all kinds of excuses for why they shouldn’t start a home-based business. Fear is the most common. Fear of failure, fear of financial insecurity, fear of responsibility, and fear of change are the most frequently stated. Let’s look at these for a moment and see if they apply to you.
Fear of Failure: Most of us fear failure. It’s natural. Who wants to fail at anything? Besides, if you don’t try, you can’t fail, and you will not have to deal with those negative emotions. Successful entrepreneurs see failure as an opportunity. They believe that there is no such thing as failure, only lessons. You need to be able to learn from your past failures or, as I call them, “tries.” I consider it this way: “I tried it, it didn’t work, so I’ll try something else.” I give failure no power. One of our favorite clichés is, “I would rather regret something I did over something I didn’t do.”
You should learn valuable lessons from each of your mistakes. What did you do wrong that could be corrected next time? Never dwell on your mistakes. Solve the problem and plan a new course of action.
You can also prevent the risk of failure by being aware of why most home-based or small businesses fail and then guard against these things. The following are several reasons many businesses fail:
1. Lack of enthusiasm, motivation, dedication and drive
2. Lack of self-confidence
3. Lack of knowledge and expertise
4. Lack of management skills necessary to run a successful business
5. Lack of providing clients with quality and professional services
6. Lack of a professional attitude
7. Lack of a market for services
Remember that success takes time. Very few businesses are overnight successes. It takes work, rethinking of ideas and carrying out your plans. Think of success as a marathon, not a sprint.
Fear of Financial Insecurity: This is a valid concern for those leaving the security of a full-time job with a regular paycheck every week. There is no guarantee that every week you will make a certain amount of money. However, you can take steps that will enable you to make it through the slow times until your business is up and running. Don’t let your paycheck addiction seriously interfere with your dream of entrepreneurship. Keep in mind that you could be downsized, fired, laid off, let go, given the pink slip (you get my point) tomorrow, so take control of your future now!
Have two or three months of money in reserve to help you through the first few months. This alleviates the stress of having to make money NOW! Many start a business on a part-time basis and continue working their full-time jobs to keep money coming in and to build their client base. However, let this stop you from starting a business. After being in business now for 20 years and seeing so many businesses succeed, I know many who have made it without this extra money.
Fear of Responsibility: Many are frightened by the role of sole responsibility. They like the option of going to someone else when a crisis hits and having that person solve the problem. With everything falling on their shoulders, they fear they can’t handle the stress. Advance planning is the key here. When you start your business, have a good back-up plan in effect. Then when a crisis hits, you immediately know what to do. After the first few crisis situations, you learn to remain calm and solve problems with little effort.
**********
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and the author of Corel WordPerfect Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution Pack (http://www.corel.com), and Virtual Assistant – The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA & workbook. She is also the publisher of the children’s book, Zip, Burp, and Hula and fiction thriller, Sledgehammer. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.
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