Friday, December 30, 2005

The top 25 employment opportunities (for the Philadelphia area)

One of the employment opportunities listed is health care.  This means the whole health care industry.  Everything from taking care of patients to the billing process (which also includes administrative duties) can come under the category of health care.  Nurses and nurse's aides (now called CNA's) are needed and there are grants and scholarship programs to help fill that need.

Of course I get those people that want to work for themselves and be their own boss which is something that can be done using the health care industry as a target.  There are no shortages of business ideas for those that want to be able to be a part of the health care industry as far as being their own boss is concerned.  I did work for a client that is a nursing home that involved a summary report of complaints that were lodged against them - and the nursing home didn't even know about it!  They had no way to defend themself simply because they didn't know that the information existed - now they monitor it (or rather I should say that I monitor it) on a regular basis so that they will have the latest information that relates to them.

As I have said many times before the fastest way to make money is to find a need and fill it.  The best way to make money is to take something that you love and turn it into a business.

Friday, December 23, 2005

A Nursing Home reaching out to its visitors

Family and loved ones have every right to feel concerned when one of their own has to placed in a nursing home facility.  On the other hand a nursing home does have to protect itself from false accusations.  I became aware of this when I was approached by a nursing home that wanted 2 things actually.  Number 1 they wanted a web presence and number 2 they wanted me to design a visitor survey/suggestion/complaint box form to help with the feedback.  This nursing home had no web presence at all and was quite surprised when I informed them of the information about them that was online.  A typical "investigative" research search is $1200.00!  But you'd be surprised at what information there is out there about a business.  Whether it well founded or not the business will at least want to know what is being said about them.  In some cases they may even be able to bring some legal action if it is warranted.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

What are my chances of getting a grant?

"~ I would like to know if I were to get you to look for me a grant that would be for a profit trucking company, I would like to know if you can do everything that is required for a grant?  By that I mean, can you do the research, prepare the grant and anything else that is involved with grants?  I work at a job that I rotate shifts on and have very little time off so there for my time is limited.  I would like to know what you think the cost would be for all of this.  ~ I need more than just research done.  If you would let me know and could tell me what my chances are of getting the grant monies that I will need to start a trucking company from the bottom up, then we can talk serious buisness.  I look forward to hearing from you SOON!"

~

First of all your chances of being awarded a grant will depend on how well you adhere to the guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application procedure.  For example if you are applying for one of the entrepreneurial grant programs you will have to show why you think your business idea should be awarded the grant.  No two grant programs will be the same!  Some require as little as a simple "letter of intent" all the way to a complete business plan.

To answer your question the process is simple.  The questions that have been posted have to be answered to get an idea of what kind of grant funding programs have to be found.  This "finding" takes 30 days - every grant funding program that I find that meets with the criteria of the questions that the client has filled out will be noted in the client's file.  This includes every bit of information about the grant program itself including all the contact information.  There is 20 hours worth of research time and 10 hours to gather and compile the information for the client.  The client receives this information lock, stock and barrel and it is theirs.  They read over their file and decide whether or not they can do the application process theirselves or whether they want to hire a grantwriter to do it for them.  The grantwriter can be me or someone else.  But the service is for the information itself - once the client has that then they can decide what to do next - whether it be with me or someone else.  Since the information is wanted so fast the payment that is required will be wanted fast as well.

In your specific case - as with any other - the information is gathered and given to you so that you can go over it and decide for yourself whether or not you want to do the process yourself or have someone else do it for you.  As of December 12, 2005, the basic fee for this is $759.00 and the information on the
payment information page must also be received before a file will be started.

I guess people don't know a good thing when they have it!

Yet another question/question/query/email about finding a investor or investors.....My personal opinion is to avoid seeking an investor or investors solely for the reason that your project will not be 100% yours!  You will be sharing any and all profits that you make with your investor(s).

But if what you want are investors you have one of the most valuable tools at your disposal.  And if you are reading this entry then that means that you already have it and it is having access to the Internet!  Did you know that there are lists (and lists) of potental investors online?  There are also lists and directories of venture capitalists - and yes there are still some legitimate venture capitalists (and angel investors) out there as well.  If you are seeking an investor then there is also tons of information on the Internet to help you - everything from what kind of information you should have to actual accounts of the process that people have used to get investors.

If you are seekng investors then you have more resources than you know!

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Take a program that you already have installed and...........

turn THAT into a business!

I just got finished playing around with some of the sound programs on my computer.  It wasn't for a professional job - I was just playing around with the programs.  (If you'd like to hear it just go to my "Shoutout" Page at:

http://members.aol.com/Roseb441702/shoutout.htm

and click on the box that says "Testing 1 - 2................"

It's just a quick thing that I was having fun with and then I decided to put it online.  But it is just another reminder of how you can take one program and turn it into a business.  I know that there are a lot more sophisticated sound/music programs out there but you can do a lot with the "sound recorder" program if it already came as part of the software on your computer.  I get lots of email from people that say that want to start their own recording studio and I'm just wondering how many people have this little program gem on their computer and aren't aware of it.  You could start your own little production company (and I have seen examples of people that actually do this!).  You can start out making funny messages for people's answering machines.  You put a sample on your webpage and do some advertising and some marketing and some promotion to get people to listen to it and then the orders would come from there.  So many people ask about how they can get people to come to their pages without having to pay a lot of money and there are ways that you can advertise and promote your site without having to pay a lot of money.  You have to realize that not everybody has a lot of money to start with and they use the resources that they have to bring more visitors (and potential customers) to their pages.  As they get more and more orders they can increase the amount that they can spend on advertising and such.  Also too, as you become more and more familiar with the work you are doing you can increase your know-how by adding services that involve music such as making demos and full-blown recordings and its not just music that you can work with you can also work with sounds and sound effects too. 

And the best part is that this is a business that you can start at home using your computer.  Don't think it would work?  Well guess what!  A guy won a grammy for his music that he made entirely at home!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Looking for typing work at home....

Rose - I am a retired AA - looking for typing work at home.  I have typed manuscripts and would like to continue doing this but it seems with everyone proficient on the computer there is not a demand for typists.  I understand, from some of the things posted on your site, that there are people out there who would like typing done - how do I contact them.  Can you help me.


As strange as it may seem there is still a demand for computer work like typing and graphic designs even though a lot of people have computers that come with very good word processing and graphics programs.  So there is work out there.

So as a person that wants to work from home what you have to do is find them!  I don't know whether or not you want to do this as a means for extra income or if you want to make a business from it but the process is still the same.  Since I do work from home myself and do business consulting for others that want to start a business of their own it has given me the chance to see how many resources there are to help one start their own business - but they always seem to overlook them or don't think that anything can be done with it.  A lot of people have started their own business starting with little money and what they lack in money they make up for with time and effort.

Relating specifically to you and your email you have to realize that while a lot of people have a computer they still don't want to "work", they don't have the time to do it and lastly some of them just don't want to do it.  You'd be surprised at the number of people I know that have the latest computer but don't "work" it. 

If typing is the area that you want to start making income from the first thing that you will have to do is to define your target market.  Who is most likely to need and buy your services?  Then you target to them.  Is just straight typing the only kind of work that you want to do?  There are many jobs that fall into the area of typing but let's target specifically the kind of typing you mentioned above.  You talk about manuscripts - then what you would do is target to those dealing with manuscripts.  Since delivery may be a major concern (at least at the start) you should first concentrate on your local area.  There are at list 6 possible businesses/clients that I can think of in my own immediate area that would need typing services but I have to let them know that I'm "open" for business.  This is the same thing that you will have to do - let them know that you are open for business.  This is why a business plan is always recommended for those that want to start a business of their own.  It is better to have a step by step plan and process as opposed to just "come what may".  You're going to have to have some knowledge of the "business" side of business such as how you will bill them, what rates you will charge, what kind of form you will use to charge them with, supplies (accounts payable) plus you will want to have a plan for marketing, promoting and advertising your business which you have to do on a regular basis to keep your business going.

Since your primary main focus will be on getting clients you will want to concentrate most of your energies on this.  And like I said above the best place to start would be in your local immediate area.  One of my first regular clients was someone I knew at my local supermarket.  I didn't pressure him or anything but when he asked what I did I told him and he had some work for me.  Now he is a continuing client.  This is but one example of letting people know that you're out there and open for business.  Another resource that is often overlooked is one's own local newspaper!   Hardly any of the people that have sent me mail about starting their own business have even thought of that!  This is just one example of a common thing that should be used as a resource but isn't and buying one local paper is something that most people can afford.  Even if they couldn't afford to buy a local paper there are just too many other resources that can be used but are for the most part ignored!

So to answer your question I'm assuming you are at the beginning of getting started looking for clients and the best place for you to start is to start with your immediate area.  Once you follow the steps for that and start getting your first clients then you can branch out to potential clients that are farther away and even work your way up to using the Internet to reach more people.  (Yes, you can have Internet clients that need typing work - because its being done by others! - I'm talking about legitimate jobs that involve typing for businesses and individuals!) 

Monday, December 12, 2005

"I was just laid off......."

I saw this line again when I was online and it got me to thinking about what could be done when you get laid off.  First of all if you are reading this that means that you have a computer - or at least have access to one - and that just opens up so many possibilities for you!

Many people dream about being able to work at home and it is something that a LOT of people are doing.  They took their dreams and turned them into a reality.  Just a few nights ago I was watching a program about how one could start their own business by putting things up on sale on Ebay.  I have done it and I was scared at first but I managed to get through my nervousness and trepidation and viola!  I sold my very first item!  I have to tell you that the program I saw wasn't one of those "get rich" infomercials but a program by a woman that showed some very good tips and steps for selling things on Ebay.

This is definitely something that one can do at home and make a business out of it.  You could "raid" your house to see what you could auction and if you think that you don't have anything to sell you should take a look at some of the things that sell on Ebay!

I know that you might be scared and/or afraid but think of it in terms of a regular auction - which is really what it is - just on the computer.  Sure you have to take that first step but if you have dreamt of working from home this is definitely something that you should consider doing.  I have even considered doing it on a more regular basis when I come across something that would make a good auction piece.  And its not just individuals that sell on Ebay its companies and the government (I heard) that use it too.

I watched a very interesting program on television about a group of women that made quilts.  Now I myself have seen grant programs for quiltmaking and things that are related to it but what interested me about this particular program was the fact that they had a little web page and asked for people to send their quilt patches and they got so many in response.  It just goes to show you how having a webpage (even if its a little one) can make a huge difference.  So if you don't have a webpage you should really have one.  Your business should have one.  But don't think having a webpage is just for business.  You should take a look at a few of my personal pages and the personal pages of others.  That's why they put them on the Internet so that everyone can see them and show the world what they are all about.

But getting back to the original topic about being able to earn an income after you have just gotten laid off...................The fastest way to make money is to find a need and fill it.  For example after the recent snowstorm here there were people going door to door shoveling snow.  That's a way to make some fast cash.  You could even set up an arrangement where you would do the shoveling on a needed basis.  It wouldn't be hard to make a contract/invoice on your computer and use it as your agreement.  You could make a flyer and distribute it around and start to build up a clientel.  You could offer additional services like yardwork, running errands and the like.

The best way is to take something that you love to do and turn that into a business.  For me personally time just flies when I'm on the computer whether I'm designing a flyer, doing some production work or finding information for a client.  For you it may be something different but it can be turned into a business.  You could even take something that you hate to do and turn THAT into a business!  No matter how "silly" you may think your idea (or dream) is you can turn that into a business for yourself!  Isn't that what you want to do?

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Jealousy? Here is some great advice.....

I read an article about jealousy and it gave the example of a woman who was a personal trainer who had a lot of jealousy towards those who were famous and popular and in the public eye.  The advice given to her was for her to continue what she was doing and to continue to enjoy it and show the world what she could do!  Not long after that she got approached to do a fitness video!  Which she did and the SHE became famous!

The point that I'm trying to make here is if you feel jealousy towards others then work that much harder at what you already do.  Hopefully it is something that you love to do and/or have a passion for and the opportunities will start to come and you can live the life that you have dreamed of!

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Still think there aren't any grants for your business?

Here is a quote!

"Business There are Grants for a variety of business situations, believe it or not! Don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise...if they say there isn't anything, they just don't know WHERE to look! As with any grant, it depends on your needs and the needs of the community, the type of grant you're seeking and more. No one is just going to hand you money to go out and buy a business or pay for your company's personnel salary because you ask for it - so if this is what you're looking for we suggest you get a loan! However, if your company serves a need, offers job training, produces a viable product, is owned by a woman and/or a minority, etc. then there just might be some funding out there for you!"


Snowed in today.....

Since its pretty treacherous outside I'm hibernating inside today.  There is definitely a lot of work to be done and right now I'm answering email.  I'm also listening to my local news to see what's going on with the weather forecast.  It's good that I don't have any outside appointments to go to today. 

It's great to be able to work at home and what I mentioned above is one of the reasons why!

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Interested in getting into porn?

While viewing some links I came across a blog about being in the sex/porn industry.  Unfortunately that blog didn't allow comments but I was able to read a few of the emails posted and I was so surprised by the number of people wanting to get into the porn business.  (A lot of them were underaged so basically that's illegal).

A "porn" business can be started in one's own home.  It would help if you had a webcam but it's not mandatory (and who is to say that you can't buy a webcam at a later date).  One of the things that you should definitely have is a webpage - even if it is a free one by one of the free webhosting site - BUT CHECK THEIR GUIDELINES TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS ALLOWED!

There are stories about girls who have managed to pay their way through college by simply having a webcam site that others can watch (for a fee) and in theory you could do exactly the same thing.  You set up your website, let people know its out there and decide how much you will charge and how you will receive your payment.  There are many sites that do just this same thing and that goes to show you that there is definitely a demand out there for it!

Where can I get a grant?

The answer to that will be that it will depend on what you are seeking the grant for.  Will it be to continue your education?  Start a business?  Start a project?  Once you you know what it is you will be seeking a grant for then you can start to narrow down the list of places that offer these kinds of funding programs.  And the places that offers these kinds of funding programs run the gamut from government funding programs to individual foundations that also offer this type of funding program.  There are even some big businesses and corporations that have one type of funding program or another.

You may very well indeed get lucky and find grant funding programs if you just start looking around but the more specific you are the more you will be able to narrow down your investigating.

One thing that you should also note is that while we are in the "Internet" age a lot of funding programs do not have a web presence.  You will either have to contact them by phone or by regular snail mail.

There is just no one place to go to get a grant (or better I should say - apply for a grant).  It will depend on what you are seeking the grant funding for.  You may think that what you are seeking grant funding for is silly or stupid or not important enough but believe me I have seen grant funding for growing weed, grant funding for a "witch's" business, for songwriting and comic book writers but of course these grant recipients didn't get their grant funding from the same place.  So again I answer the question by saying that it will depend on what you are seeking the grant funding for.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Starting an XXX Business (at home) with your webcam?

Again someone was doing a search for this and that is how they got to one of my pages.

Basically in theory this is how it would work.  You would set up your webcam to be able to either stream or show pictures that you can put on your website.  You can charge for access to your site.  What you charge will depend on a lot of things.  But you can even take payments via the Internet or even take check and/or money orders.  You can make this as simple or as complicated as you want.

Now I myself have a webcam and I will be honest - I didn't get everything right the first time.  But I use my webcam page for just showing general pictures of my surroundings (and for pictures of my cat!).

But you would be surprised just how many people are making a living using the above as a basic example.  Depending on what equipment you already have you could have a website up and ready before the end of the month (and by ready I also mean being able to take/receive payments).