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You don't have to be online very long to realize that the Internet is a feeding ground for people running scams online. So, how do you know what will work for you? How do you start a sensible business that will grow and prosper?
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Did you know that humans make decisions based on emotion and justify with logic? It simply how our brains work. But, we can't always trust our emotions to do what's right for our finances.
Too often, people find themselves in a vicious cycle of trying opportunity after opportunity and never getting any farther ahead. One step forward, two steps back.
Fortunately, we have that big round thing sitting between our shoulders. Along with a pencil and paper, you can prevent getting into that cycle, or get yourself out of it.
Are You An Entrepreneur?
Do you know what an entrepreneur is? The dictionary defines it as; A risk-taker who has the skills and initiative to establish a business.
Don't let the "risk taker" part set you back. If you've ever crossed the street, or driven a car you're a risk taker. You could have been hit by a car, you know!
What does that leave? Skills and initiative.
Initiative, you probably already have. Maybe it’s the thought of a few more zeros in your bank account. Or maybe you want to put your children through college. Or buy a new car, or earn a vacation. Initiative is the easy part. So, you’re a risk taker with initiative. What does that leave? Skills.
Whooooo Are You?
Without a plan in hand, the Internet can seem as confusing as Alice’s journey through Wonderland. There’s the cats that appear and disappear (often with your money)... plenty of tweedle dee and tweedle dum action to waste your time... the self appointed royalty hollering “MY WAY! Do it MY WAY” while their pages paint the roses red - and, of course, an endless array of opportunities laid out on the table of the proverbial mad tea party.
If you're as confused as Alice was in wonderland, you may have made the mistake of thinking you have nothing to sell.
You see, often people aren’t looking to repeat their “day job” online, so they start looking for opportunities. That’s a fast track to becoming “prey” for opportunists, scammers and pyramid operators.
There is a little bit of magic that happens when you write ideas on paper.
Before you scoff at the simplicity of it, ask yourself if you're already where you want to be. If not, why not give it a try?
Write down the answers to these questions on a piece of paper. Take as much time as you need.
1) What magazines do you like? Write as many as you can think of.
2) What kinds of things do your friends and family often ask you for help with or advice about? Think back over the past several years, too.
3) When you’re shooting the breeze over coffee with a friend, what do you talk (or ramble) about? Be honest.
4) What are your hobbies, interests, obsessions and pet peeves? List as many as you can think of. Don't forget the pet peeves. You have NO idea how many successful businesses started because of pet peeves!
Look! It's You - On Paper
Do you see topics or subjects that come up in all four categories? Circle them first. You might even have more than one subject area that comes up repeatedly. That's okay. Now look for subjects that come up in three out of four areas. Circle those, too.
There you go, it's you on paper. Now we’ve taken care of the skills part of the equation, too. You've just circled several great areas that you could run a successful business in.
The Roots of Success
Look at the subjects/topics you’ve circled. For each one that you’ve circled, ask yourself;
1) Is there growth potential? Will this be a viable business area three years from today? After all, time is the only commodity that you can never replace once you’ve spent it.
2) Can you speak with knowledge? People don’t buy fishing supplies from someone that doesn’t know bass fishing from walleye fishing. We humans are pretty good at sniffing out a phony in an area we have interest in. Make sure you can speak with knowledge about the area you choose, or you’ll do your own reputation more harm than good.
For an entrepreneur, identifying the true nature of your skill set is the raw beginning of a success story. From there, it’s time to brainstorm.
- Can you write an ebook?
- A buyers guide?
- A product comparison report?
- Can you freelance?
- Can you organize a group of freelancers?
- Can you buy wholesale and sell retail?
- Can you write unbiased product reviews?
- Can you put together a package that other people would like to sell?
Once you have chosen an area of business suited to you, it's just a matter of brainstorming to get you started.
Need help implementing this plan?
Just post the circled items from your lists and we'll help you out. You'll be amazed to see the ideas that flow when we put our heads together.
: )
Linda
P.S. If you've already started a home business, this technique can help you see if you've chosen well, too.
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