Starting Your Career as A 3D Freelance Artist

As someone that does freelance work myself I can understand why you would want to work as a freelancer.  I took a look at your site/link and one of the things that first caught my eye was the picture of the design of a room's interior.  More and more there are artists that are working from home whether they use a spare room or a room specifically designated as a studio.  I don't know if you have a area that you specialize in or would like to specialize in but my thinking is maybe (at least to start) you would want to concentrate on one area of design.  Using the "interior" design that was on your page as an example the most logic possibilities that come to mind is you designing interiors.  I once made the suggestion that a 3D artist that liked to design scenery start a line of greeting cards that represented their local area - sort of like having a line of specialty greeting cards.  You could take that same approach and do the same thing with people's rooms.  A cute idea that just came into my mind is the talk of how messy a person's room is and you could do something with that - people sending you a picture of their rooms and you designing a 3D version of it.

Another thing that I advise to people is that the best way to start making money more faster is to find a need and fill it.  Depending on what kind of area that you live in you could start doing yard work or running errands.  These kind of services are always in demand and it allows you to build up and income while you pursue your artistic career.  But another reason for doing this is that when you deal with them as customers you could design a copy of their yard or whatever and include that with their receipt and when you solicit their business on a regular basis.

While this may be something that you may not like you have to remember that earning an income will be a primary concern for you and doing something that you can freelance at allows you greater control over your time (and your spare time).  You have to start building up your reputation as a 3D artist.  While you already have a webpage you also have to have offline literature as well.  Remember you want to start a business and you're going to have to treat it as a business.  You have to have a business plan because while doing the "creative" stuff is fine you will also have to deal with the "business" side of running your business.  You have to establish a business identity so you're more readily recognized, you are going to have to determine fees, decide how contractual your work will be, what will be in your contract, how much you will charge, deposits....You should also treat it as a business and start determining expenses and supplies and you will have to deal with taxes too.

I know that right now one of your primary concerns is getting freelance jobs but you have to take steps to get there - in the meantime there are bills that have to be paid. 

In addition to be able to earn an income while you are pursuing your art career you should also look into grants, competitions, contests and the like.  There are a lot of funding resources for visual artists.  I even posted here before about a grant that's available for comic strip artists on an annual basis and there are more for visual artists.  Remember the designs for the remaking of the twin towers?  There are cajillions of historical sites in the US and you could use your 3D art skills here as well.

I have to emphasize doing something that fills a need (like the examples I mentioned above) because it allows you an income to start your artistic career.  One of the best resources one has is their own local newspaper!  Get to know your area and what's happening in your area and find ways to link your skills to fill a need in that area.  As you do this word (and your reputation) will spread and you will be able to branch out! (to include more clients and more work)

Receiving A Grant to Start A (For-profit) Daycare!

There have been a lot of questions posted asking about grants for opening a daycare center.  If you operate as a non-profit the number of grant opportunities increase for you but that doesn't mean that there are NO grant opportunities if you want to operate your daycare as a for-profit business.

For-profit daycare centers have received grants for their daycare center(s)by showing (and proving) that their daycare will help the overall community where the daycare center is situated.  That can mean anything from providing daycare services to the low-incomed to increasing your range of services to include the elderly and/or disabled and/or the community at large.

The funding can range from federal (they offer the most in grant money) to your state to the community that your daycare facility will be in.  As much research that I have done for others I have found that there is a better than average chance of almost any community where this kind of "daycare" grant would be available.  However you will have to do some work.  If you have any experience with filling out paperwork you will know that a lot will depend on the paperwork that you submit.  More than half of all grant applications are denied because the paperwork was NOT filled out correctly!  This is a proven and documented statement.  You should also be aware that since the Internet has become so popular there are many grantors (especially the government) that will let you apply online.  Some will even accept email.

You will have to do your research though.  One wrong move will mess up the whole process!  Another thing that you should be aware of is that the whole process of finding grant information (much less the whole applying process) is not easy.  Countless people have posted about how they have been given the "run-a-round", how they couldn't find any information and there are even those that say they don't exist at all!  You should take the above and turn it into your advantage and realize that the less competition there is in applying for a/the grantthe more chance that your application will be awarded the grant!

Do you have to be a non-profit organization to get a grant?

Of course the answer is no!  The government has grants that are available for for-profit organizations and grants that are open to all (which includes for-profits and individuals).  Outside the realm of the government there are grants that are provided by organizations and foundations and even big business.  The Rolex Company has a program that awards $100K in grant monies (and they even say on their website that it comes in the form of a check!) for those that have a "vision" to help provide in the fields of science, technology and even culture.

There are scholarships for students to complete/continue their education and the subjects range anywhere from math and science to the arts!  There is even one that is provided by the late Princess Grace's Foundation.  I even found a scholarship grant that is available for students to study in France.  They pay for you to get there.  They pay you a stipend.  And they even pay your health insurance!  Why is this funding available?  To help promote that the schools in France are just as good as schools anywhere.

I think that the most unusual grant that I found was one that was given to a witch (yes an actual witch).  In the words of the organization that provided the grant "she submitted the best proposal of them all". 

So if you don't think that there is the possibility of a grant being available for you just remember the above example!

$100,000 Grant (in the form of a check!) for your vision?

Do you have a vision of a project either in the fields of science, technology or even greater cultural awareness?  Do you know that there is a $100,000 grant available to help make your vision a reality!  Do you think that $100,000 will help make your vision a reality?  Then you better get started and submit your application because the deadline for this grant is May 31st 2005!

About Me?

Almost like anything else it all begins with desire.  Desire motivated and still motivates a lot of people.  Let's see what was the last thing I was reading about - okay - one of my most recent entries in my blog was about a group of women artists who felt that there was too much racism and sexism in the art world so they decided to form a group.  Since this information is still new to me I still can't tell whether or not they are a non-profit agency but they got a government grant to start their newsletter.

Since I started doing this I have been overloaded with information about grants and one of the things that I have come to find out is that not only are there grants provided by the government but there are more grants provided by foundations and organizations.  The one that comes to mind is the one offered by the Miller (Beer) Company for minority owned businesses.  The grant is for $20,000 and one of the recipients was an African American woman who used her grant to start her film company!  Now on a personal note I just struggled with making a 5 second film short just for fun.  If you would like to see it here is the url

http://members.aol.com/Roseb44170/lamott.dir/lamott.htm

But the point being that it all starts with desire.  I have been pleasantly surprised by all the websites that I have seen from others who have started their own business online.  That even brings to mind the story I read about the woman who started her own gift basket business and she didn't even have a computer.  She received a smaller grant to help keep her business going.  I know of a friend of a friend who likes to make dolls by hand and even without a computer I hope that she pursues this professionally.  She was working with another person - doing the sewing for his upholstery business and he had to let her go because his wife thought that he was paying her too much money!  What a shame!  Suffice it to say that HE is no longer in business but she is now working for a company where her day to day job security is not secure.  In her own words she's afraid that she will show up at work one day to find the doors locked shut.

From my own personal experience the last job I had I hated.  I was a cashier and I hated standing on my feet all day.  I hated working 6 days a week with one day off (and they even used to call me to work on my one day off!).  I hated it with a passion (hint-desire) but the one thing that I loved was toiling away on my computer and I wanted to continue to do so - working the hours and the days when I wanted so that is what I decided to do.  And when it came to me that since I was working at home that I could show others how they could work at home a career was born!

That's why I'm glad I found this board because it just shows that there are others out there who are working from their home - because they had the desire to, they wanted it so badly and that there's no secret club or society of secrets involved - just work and desire.

Group receives funding for their newsletter!

How interesting!  A group of women got together and decided that there was so much sexism and racism in the art world that they decided to do something about it and they started their own group.  Their newsletter was funded by a government grant!

I'm no Steven Spielberg but....

I'm no Steven Spielberg but....

I hit on the idea that I would take pictures from my webcam and turn it into a little, short (and I do emphasize the word short) film.  While I was taking the webcam pictures it occured to me that I had some film editing software so I decided to play around with it to see what I could do with the program.   It had been a while since I used the program - in fact I forgot that I even had it but I "clicked" it up and started playing with the buttons.  Of course it took longer than I though but I was determined to at least have some kind of finished product that I could put on one of my pages.

Like I said its a very short, short film but I think its a good start.  There's no telling what I can do with this program once I get to know it better.  Here's the link to my little short:

http://lamott.blogspot.com
and the little video short is located at the bottom of the blog.

Can you believe this? Reduced interest in grants results in....

In one state there is a grant that is available to preserve/restore historical buildings - including schools, commercial buildings and non-tradition building structures such as bridges, ships and even lighthouses.  BUT since the demand for this grant has decreased the commission has decided to reduce the grants' funding!

Have you ever heard of such a thing! 

Here is a grant where because of a lack of interest the grant itself will be reduced!

Are there any grants for school music programs?

A news article that I found recently was about how a school district in Redwood City received a $20,000 grant to continue with its music program for its third and 4th graders.  Although this was not a government grant it was a grant that was provided by a private foundation. 

The government does have grant programs for music programs for schools because education is a primary concern for the government and they have grants to meet this kind of objective.  Government grants are highly desired because they usually offer more in the amount of funding that they award as opposed to non-government entities like foundations but don't rule them out!

Still think you can't make money off the Internet?

Here's a link to someone who has sold his blog

http://www.ensight.org/archives/2004/09/22/im-now-a-millionnaire

Is $600 too little to start a business?

In Texas a woman received $600 to help start up her business. For every $1 that she put in the government put in $2. She's started her business in a one bedroom studio and her business offers relaxation for stress. There is talk about eliminating the program that provided her with this grant. It is currently being hotly debated and there is always the possibility that the program will be eliminated but it was originally started to help bring business into the state of Texas. This is a government grant although not provided directly from the government - but provided indirectly via non-profit agencies. Congress created this program in 1998 aspart of its ongoing desire to help individuals and families be more independent and self-sustaining.. It distributes $25 million a year through non-profits to be matched by private sector dollars and dollars from the account recipients themselves. If you think that you may qualify for a similar grant such as this you should check your state's resources. This grant allowed the woman to start up her business by providing her with the funds she needed to buy equipment and miscellaneous items and she also noted that without this grant she would have never been able to start her business without it.

"Am I too old to start a new career?"

Of course the answer is no!<BR> <BR> Here is a very good link that I found that gives advice, inspiration and examples of those who started their career(s) later in life. I especially like the one about Grandma Moses!

http://www.personal-development.com/chuck/never.htm

A different kind of research job.....

Of course there are a lot of people who don't have Internet access or that even have a computer. I have just been hired to find some movies for a movie buff. He wants to have copies of some of the "classics" and I was able to find them for him. Now I have to prepare an informational document for him because he's not acquainted with the process of buying the movies from this online site. I was also able to find out quite some interesting things about this site (I should say the company) as well. Since there are some people that have had problems with them I feel compelled to add this information to the document so that the client will be aware of them before they decide whether or not they want to order from them.

Writers, writing and going the "traditional" route..........

Here is my reply to a post talking about the "traditional" route of a writer getting their work published.

I'd have to agree with the reply posted.

The original post talked about traditional publishing and that in itself will tell you a lot.  We are seeing more and more real life examples of non-traditional publishing - especially with the whole Internet thing.

Coincidently I have a copy of The Writer's Legal Guide in front of me and there are so many sections devoted to non traditional forms of support for writers which includes subjects such as grants and fellowships and non traditional sources such as literary magazines, colleges that fund writers in residence, and programs that relate to writing for the arts. 

There is also a growing discontent for the tradional process as writers are getting fed up with the small payments offered to them and the fact that they have to give up their rights in order to be published.  I used to have a news feed from someone who had a blog about such examples of the small amounts that publishers were offering writers (mental note to myself to find that feed again!), examples of writers getting together and trying to stop (and in some cases suing) unfair contracts.

I will say this though.  There are writers and people out there that want to write and the only way they know of getting published or getting an income from their writing is to go the traditional route because it is the only way that they know.  I have seen the question asked over and over again "I have completed a manuscript now how do I get it published".  And some people want their worked published so badly that they will pay to have it vanity published - which I'm not 100% knocking - but you don't have to go the traditional route.  In fact the most ultimate desire would be to have the publishers start a bidding war over the writer's work - surely not the "traditional" publishing route but a more desirable publishing route.

Journal Jar Question Link-What was the first job you ever had?

http://journals.aol.com/roseb44170/RosesJournal/entries/1266

How about a grant that pays a monthly stipend AND health benefits!

You just cannot tell me that there are no grants out there! Doing research for others who want to find places where they can apply for grants is just making my head spin! You just can't believe how many grants there are out there!

Here is one of the latest that I have found. If you are a student did you know that you could receive a grant to study in France for at least 6 months AND you would get a monthly stipend AND health benefits! You can't tell me that there isn't a student out there that wouldn't mind going to France to study for 6 months AND get paid for it AND get health benefits! What if you could apply for the grant again at another time? What about other areas? Do they offer similar grant programs? You will never know this information if you don't look for it and if you think that they are not out there then you are sadly mistaken!

Who wouldn't want to travel to France AND get paid for it? (By the way did I mention that the trip to France itself is paid for by the grant?)

Ontario - Grant Program to open a nursing home?

Still think that there are no grants?  Here's one in Canada

Grant Funding Available and Budget -Up to $100,000 in Foundation funding may be requested for the proposed innovation in nursing practice, payable up to 2 years (maximum of $50,000 per year). Grants may be requested for either a new project, or to bridge an existing pilot project that has demonstrated the potential to improve nursing practice, to sustain the outcomes or to broaden implementation of the innovation in nursing practice.At this stage, the Letter of Intent, you are asked to provide the total amount requested only. In the second stage, for those short listed and invited to submit a full proposal, a detailed budget will be required. While matching funds are not required, commitments from your organization and partners will support the feasibility of the project and longer term sustainability.

6. Eligibility The Proposed Project must: 
Be a innovation in nursing practice that develops implements and evaluates either
A new innovative intervention, process, or application, or Bridges a pilot program to sustainability of broader application  Address a topic within the one of the designated strategies: NOTE: Research projects, needs assessment, or evaluation of existing programs are not eligible.The Applicant must (REVISED December 17, 2005)

NOTE: Grants will be awarded for the project proposed-applicants do not have to be "a registered charity". Non Profit, private, for profit organizations are eligible to apply.

The contract for the Nursing Grants competition is being developed, and will be posted by mid January. The requirement that LOI applicants review and agree to the "letter of agreement" has been deleted from the LOI form.
Develop the application in consultation with front line nursing staff and nursing leaders in the organization
Have the capacity to achieve the proposed results.

Be located in, and carry out the project in Ontario

The last part above is very important in that the area/location of the area eligible for the grant is limited.  Now the deadline has already passed for this year.  What about next year though?

Pre-Movie Review - The Relic.....

When I post a movie review I like to compose it offline first instead of just typing it while I'm online. But this movie came on today and the subplot line about grants.....oh well then you know I have to talk about THAT! So this isn't my main review sort of like an added footnote.

I have always been fascinated by certain buildings like museums and zoos and the like and kind of knew somewhere in the back of my mind that they needed and were spending more money than what they got from being open to the public and this movie reminded me of it. We have people that work at the museum who rely on grants and funding like in the case of one of the main characters who relies on the grant to continue her work. And what is her work? Well (as far as I can get it) she has found a way to break down the composites of things that have multiple (for lack of a better word) composites. This of course would be very helpful in areas relating to science and even crime analysis!

From what I get from the movie she has already received the grant but must apply for it on a regular basis as it is also the way she pays for her staff. This brings out some good points about grants.

• just because you were awarded a grant one year doesn't mean that you will automatically get it the next year. You will have to apply for it every time that you want it. In this movie she finds that a fellow worker will also be applying for the same grant that funds her work - which brings up another good point
  
• you can always apply for more than one grant and people do just this such a thing!
  

One of the things that I didn't get was that she was preparing to speak in front of the people who are the grantors - a process that I thought was done by applying the regular way. Of course if I'm following the movie correctly this wouldn't be a government grant but one that is being funded by some kind of foundation.

How much should I charge?

Here is an excerpt:

By now you've probably gotten the idea that grant writing is a lot of work, so even if you don't have a proven track record you need to charge enough to make it worth your while. You can charge by the hour but I wouldn't charge less than $50/hour even if you've never worked on a grant. That is rock bottom and if you've got a track record as a freelancer that's not much money. Some grant writers charge by the project, say 10% of the value of the grant. A grant that will bring in $1 million per year calls for correspondingly more work. If you're trying to establish yourself, you can work in a bonus if the proposal is funded, but either way, you get paid. If a client wants you to do most of the work in a short period of time (say, one month) charge them accordingly, or I promise you, it won't be worth your while.

Grant Research and Writing - Current fee schedule from the Writer's Market...

Still think I charge too much? Take a look at the Writer's Market has to say:

Government research: $35-50/hour.

Government writing: $30-50/hour. In Canada, $50-80/hour.

Grant proposal writing for nonprofits: $30-100/hour or flat fee.

And there are some places that charge much more than this. I also find it quite interesting that a higher fee is charged for government grant research as opposed to just searching for foundation and non-government sponsored grants.

This is very detailed work. Ever remember studying in the library with a stack of books all around you? All turned to a different page? It's kind of like that.

Free Tarot Scholarship?

Actually its a free 15 day trial of their course/software.  They decided to call it a scholarship.

But if you ever wanted to study tarot reading here's your chance!

Oh I forgot to mention....

The newstory also showed that the illegal immigrants were protesting because they want the government to give them free drivers licenses.  As a person that has to pay to have her driver's license renewed on a regular basis I don't agree with this at all!

Another example of your tax dollars at work!

Last night I had a chance to watch a newstory about illegal immigrants and this particular story was about the Georgia area. Now there is nothing new about illegal immigrants but what I found interesting about the story was the fact that over $50 Million Dollars in taxpayer money was spent to pay for their medical costs!

Another illegal alien managed to get a scholarship to go to school!

And people say that there is no free money
out there. The example above just proves that you are so
wrong.

Here's a link to the story:
http://www.theamericanresistance.com/issues/health_care.html

Here's Another Option!

Did you know that there are organizations (not the government) that have grants, fellowships and scholarships for a variety of subjects!  For instance did you know that there is a $60,000 grant available for entrepreneurs!  You do not need to be a non-profit organization in fact if you are then you can't qualify.

As with most grants of this type there is a deadline (you still have a few more months to go)

More information about a government grant to open a comicbook store!

Do you know that there is an actual government grant for this!  There are some conditions though.  Number one you have to be a certain age limit and there is a limit on the population number of the area where you want the store to be located.  There are other guidelines and requirements that are required as well.

The main thing here is that this is a loan and not a grant but it is provided by the government and you pay back the loan based on your earnings.  This is a $5000 loan.  This may not be for you but you will never know until you find out more about it.

Government grant to open a comics shop?

Someone recently did a search looking for information about getting a government grant to open up a comics shop.  Interesting notion don't you think?  Here is a link to an interview with someone who is an actual comic book store owner.

http://www.tcj.com/journalista/zarch200211D.html#shop

Do you know that 2 comic book writers got a $5000 grant and a $20,000 loan from their government in Austraila!

So you want to get a government grant to open a comics shop?  A lot is going to depend on you!  Do you know that there is a grant available to you if you move your business to Canada?  Not what you're looking for?   How about this?  There is a very interesting concept where in order to be able to receive a grant for your business, the property/building that you want to buy you just categorize it as (---deleted-----).  Your are part real estate investor and part business owner!  Now remember you still have to provide the same information as far as business plans, budgets, outlooks/forecasts or whatever the particular grant application process is.  It's a sneeky way to get around something but as long as you are following the terms of the grant then you can apply for it just like everyone else.

For more information about grants, just click here

The U.S. Department of Agriculture advertising on my local radio station???

I just heard it not a minute ago.  As I have said before I like to listen to the jazz music from one of my local radio stations and I hear the commercial.  It's for the Food Stamp program.

Grant Recipient - Disable Entrepreneur Receives Grant to start his business!

Universal Low Vision Aids
Columbus, OH

Owner:
Dessie Page

Initial Capitalization:
$10,000

Sources of Capital:
State Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired

Revenues:
Annual gross sales in excess of $500,000

Number of Employees:
6 full-time employees– many of whom have vision disabilities

Future Goals:
Page is intent on continuing to meet his customers' needs.

Universal Low Vision Aids, Inc. (ULVA) is a Columbus, Ohio-based firm specializing in assistive devices and software for people with print impairments (such as blindness, low vision, and learning disabilities). In addition to product sales, ULVA offers optional on-site installation, system orientation, and technical support. Owner Dessie Page, who has a visual impairment, knows first-hand how crucial these devices are to those who need them. As one of the first participants in the grant program, Page started ULVA with a $10,000 equipment grant.  The equipment enabled him to offer product demonstrations, leading to his initial sales. After that, Page says, "it was sink or swim time." He sought no additional help for the business and has never collected Social Security benefits.  This firm that once operated out of a fledgling office on Page's side porch, now has an accessible office in downtown Columbus where customers can browse the latest equipment. Today, ULVA enjoys gross sales in excess of $500,000 annually. The company serves the entire state of Ohio and has a staff of six–many of whom are people with vision disabilities. While the business has experienced steady growth over the years, Page's focus hasn't changed–he still gets great personal satisfaction from meeting his customers' needs.

And this information comes to you courtesy of the public accessible page of the US Department of Labor!

Here is a typical email asking about grant information

Hi Rose Im M~ and i live in fl im want to open a pet store but my credit isnt going to let me get a loan do you have any ideas or anyone who can help

Of course I have a lot of good ideas but a lot of this will depend on you. Number one you say that you want to open a pet store. Have you anything prepared like a business plan, operating budget? Or do you just want to buy a building and open your pet store?

Will the building be just for your pet store or can you rent some of the other space to others like low-income people or seniors? What kind of background/previous experience do you have? Do you have any veterinarian experience? If so did you know that there is a $15,000 grant to study/research cats if you are a vet or vet student? The foundation that provides this grant was started by a guy who loved his cat. Even if you can't provide study/research, this foundation will also accept proposals that they deem beneficial to cats as a whole.

That also begs the question of what will you be offering in your store. Will it be just pet supplies or will you also be selling pets? If so what kind of pets? This also brings up the question of your age. There is a scholarship and financial funding for an animal school right in your area of Florida - but that is only if you enroll.

If you are talking about operating this as a strictly commercial business then do you want to start with your own business or is there the option of you buying someone else's shop. I saw a quick glance of at least 5 pet stores that are up for sale in Florida ranging in cost from $15K to $99K. If you want to start this kind of business on your own there is a program where you could look into "surplus" property that you may be able to get donated to you or available for "$1".

There is also a grant provided by the government to help increase awareness by either research or development in certain areas which includes animals and they specifically mention about women/disadvantaged owned businesses. The average amount of this grant in the past has been $94K and it is available for for-profit businesses. You will have to read their guidelines but most importantly you will have to submit a proposal that meets with their objectives.

And this only covers one government grant. There are others that may be geared to what you are looking for. There are also grants that are provided by organizations and foundations. There are also quite a few non-profit/charitable organizations that are animal/pet related that you should be looking into as well.

For more information about grants, just click here

The fastest way to make money is to.....

find a need and fill it.

That's why its suggested to start a business such as daycare/babysitting, cleaning houses or running errands or doing yard work.  These kind of services are always in demand and that means that you stand a better chance of making money more quickly if you are providing something where there is a high demand.

I'm being compared to Matthew Lesko.....

Here is an excerpt:

My reply to a post=Again, its the research I provide and not the grant writing service. No>where on my page do I say that the grant is guarenteed. It is the research>that I am providing for those that want grant information about the>objectives that they are trying to achieve.>

The reply I received=As we figured -- you're another Lesko.>>>

My reply=I really do not mind being compared with Matthew Lesko. I don't work for him and have never met him but I have had him reply to my comments.

From his own words he has said that he originally starting doing grant work for big companies and when he saw how much regular people were missing out he decided to offer his services to them. I have seen the quotes of what Bush said about him and read about his dealings and experiences with the Federal Trade Commission. I have also seen testimonials from those who have gotten grants as a result of the books he sells. I have also seen his website where he recommends that if people don't believe him about government grants or grants of any kind that they can do the research theirselves if they don't believe him - which is exactly the same thing that I am saying so I don't mind being compared to him at all.

The great "government grant" debate continues

Of all the subjects that I have decided to pursue this one has brought forth the most emotional feedback.  The basic question comes down to "Can I get a government grant to start my own business?"  My answer is yes, but there are some "buts" here.  There are 2 ways of applying for a government grant.  Either you find a grant that is open to individuals and/or for-profits and small businesses and tailor your business proposal to that grant OR decide what kind of business you want to start and then find a grant that you can apply for that relates to the kind of business that you want to start.

There's is a debate about the words "free government money".  Yes, the money is free in that you do not have to pay it back.  However you do have to qualify for the grant.  You have to apply for the grant.  And you have to be approved for the grant.

Another debatable term is "starting a business".  My viewpoint on this is simply that "starting a business" starts when you decide to start a business.  You do not need equipment, or employess to "start" a business.  You start a business when you actually decide to start a business.

"West Wing" Writer

I just happened upon him on CSpan last night and I ended watching the rest of it.  He did mention about him working from home as a writer and he said one of the things that he really hated was the fact that people would call him up all the time (figuring he wasn't "working") because he was at home.  He actually said he was glad when he got to work for West Wing because it got him out of the house.

Oh well, different strokes...............

All Work and No Play? No!

My favorite computer game (for the moment) is Descent! While this is an older game that's usually my MO anyway! I had the CD for awhile - I even forgot where I got it from! But anyway this is one of those shoot-em-up games and this particular one has 24 levels with 6 secret levels. I'm quite addicted to it! So far I have managed to get through all the levels on the Trainee level and now I'm in the process of trying to get through the difficulty levels. I may even put my score online and start some kind of club-type thing where everybody can try and beat everybody else's score.

Before Descent I was a nut for Quake - and before that it was Doom! I even tried making my own levels - but thats gonna take some time (-;

I was also quite fond of Hellbender which came with my computer disk. However I have the demo version that only has one level and I have been trying my darndest to find a full version of the game.

So after I go offline I'm going to play some more Descent!

I was talking to a woman yesterday......

She works as a driver for a transportation company. She expressed interest in starting a different career. She wanted to be nurse's aide. In my time it was called nurse's aide but now they are called Certified Nursing Assistants or CNA's for short. She was getting discouraged with her current job mostly because they were cutting her hours and it was getting harder and harder for her to get overtime.

I encouraged her to go ahead. There is a trend (including from the government) to help seniors and those that are disabled and the like to be able to stay in their homes. I have also found that the people themselves want to stay in their homes as much as possible - not to mention the relatives and/or spouses that want them to be able to stay at home as well.

This has resulted in an increasing need for aides, whether they be nursing assistants or companions or caregivers. Even regular caregivers need some time off and/or vacation time. What if you were available for emergencies?

You could work for an agency or on your own. One thing that I want to emphasize here is that there is a big difference between medical care which requires training and giving general and non-medical care. You could look in on seniors for family members, you could do the shopping for them, run errands, pick up their prescriptions, provide them with transportation, do yard work or lite cleaning for them and so much more!

If this sounds like something to your liking you should get started right away! If there aren't any seniors in your area (or not enough of them) you could expand this kind of service to include babysitting or doing the same thing for your area's residents. All you have to do is let them know that you are open for business!

Sometimes you just have to fight!

A relative of mine who is disabled used to take public transportation for the disabled.  That's where they pick you up at your door and take you to your destination - in this case to her doctors appointments.

Do you know they sent her a notice in the mail saying that it was determined that she could take regular public transportation and that she was no longer eligible for the disabled transportation access!  They determined that she could use her manual wheelchair and wheel herself the 3 blocks to the nearest bus stop.  Nevermind that there would be a hill that she would have to wheel herself up and down to get to and from the bus stop!  She was told that their decision was final and that there was nothing she could do about it.

Well I found out some interesting things.  First of all public transportation has to adhere to rules for transporting the disabled - I guess that's probably why they get so much public/state related funding. 

So what I did was sit down and write out a carefully detailed letter outlining why their assessment was wrong and I gave the reasons why.  Then I mailed the letter to them.  One month later I called to find out about the letter.  They told me that they hadn't received it!  So I faxed a copy of it to them that day which was a Thursday.  Monday I called them and they acknowledged the letter right away without me even getting a chance to identify myself or to whom the letter was about.  They informed me that while the appeal process was taking place the person would be able to take the specialized transportation for the disabled.

Sometimes you just have to fight!

Making it Work!

I usually tell people to start a business doing something that they love to do or ask them what their dream job is.

For example just recently I read a post from a group I belong to where a woman was interested in pursuing astrology as a career (Yes I said ASTROLOGY!). She asked for advice from others as to whether or not she should pursue it as a career and wondered if she could make a profit from it. The very first person that replied to her said not to. Why? Because she had went to college and got her degree and want to pursue the same kind of career herself. She said that she found that besides people asking for free readings she had got not one paying customer and that was her reason for suggesting that the original poster not try to pursue it either. Of course I could tell from her post that she was feeling frustrated and disappointed but I also knew that she was wrong. So what I did was email an astrologer who had an online site and was working from her home and I told her about it. She emailed me back the next day saying the reason why her site and her astrology career was successful was because of one simple reason - She had decided to MAKE it work! Just as simple as that.

I'm going to include a quote that she had on her page onto my own site. But my point here is to say that no matter what kind of home business you want to start there is already someone out there who is doing it successfully (and profitably) now.

Working From Home doesn't take the pain away BUT!

it makes it a little easier to take!

Experienced some gum pain this afternoon - don't know what set it off but after taking a few aspirin the pain has subsided and I feel a lot better (I must feel better because I'm here typing away).

It's nice to know that if the pain gets too bad I can lie down and take a nap at anytime and then work some more when I feel better. If the pain gets any worse I'll be able to make a dentist appointment without having to worry about missing work or working on my day off!

Just one of the many good reasons as to why it's great to work from home!

Hi!, My dream job is working for my self. I have trouble working for others. My problem is my appearance. Inside I feel fine. Out side people laught at me. I have some sort of problem with affect. Like when someone is insulted some people will laught! well I have no control what I look like. I have alot of skills because I have worked every job you can emagine and then some I have a very high IQ, and I feel I have talent in the Arts, but then again this is what I think. I am tired of looking for work every 90 days with is the probation peroid of most jobs. I just started a new job $22.00 @ hr. but I already know I will not last!, Can you help? I have no savings , I owned nothing!. I am at my lowest point in my life.Thank you for your email.

It sounds like working from your home would be just the thing for you! $22 an hour is not bad and it is a lot more than what a lot of other people are getting salary-wise.If you want to work from your home you must have at least some idea of what kind of business you would like to start. If not you could start a business that is already in high demand like starting a day care service, cleaning houses or running errands. These kind of businesses are always in high demand.

If the above ideas are too physical or don't appeal to you and you have your heart set on working from your computer then there are things you can do. There is the option of starting a business like the one I mention on my Consultation Page that is called Business Plan XXX. It is called that because it is a business one can start working at their computer. However it related to the Adult Sex sites that abound on the Internet and it is NOT for everybody! It is however a perfect example of tapping into a market that is already making people as much as $1 Million Dollars a month and you would be tapping into that. It is not a business where you actually participate directly but do indirectly. It is however for those that want to start their own work at home computer business.

If this is not for you then you should take the same concept that is used in this business plan and apply it to another business or industry. Of all the things that you don't have don't forget the things that you DO have which are your computer and yourself.If you have a specific interest, hobby or dream job in mind please let me know since you didn't mention a specific one above.

Grants DO Exist!

I answer one of my critics:

>>Sure, there ARE Federal grants. They seem omnipresent, but they are awarded to units of governments and non-profits for specific projects or stated purposes. BUT the evidence to-date shows that opportunities for private enterprise to receive unrestricted direct payment of grant funds are rare, at best, and likely do not exist at all today.<<

Here is my response:

From the Dept. of Agriculture:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applicant Eligibility Any public or private organization, or individual, including those located in the U.S. Territories, may...
You say in your response that they are rare - does that mean that you are saying that there are some that exist?

Regarding "likely do not exist at all today" -

Deadlines None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time Not applicable

Will I say where I got this information? - No way!

This particular grant does not list their grant payment information - for that you have to contact the agency/office that is listed. Will I give the agency/office name? - No way!

Now the above information I found by research. Pure and simple! If you choose not to believe me then do so. But this is an example of a federal grant that is available to profit entities (and even individuals). If you can get approved for this grant (which is money that you do NOT have to pay back then this is an example of grant to start a business.

It all comes down to the type of business you want to start and making it relate to the grant. This information I found in one day!

So if you want to start a business with a government grant you're going to have to get serious!

If you really want a government grant you're going to have to tailor your business to the grant's requirements. To anyone that says that government grants don't exist to start a business I say to you that you are wrong. Either you haven't searched right, you haven't search enough or you just don't know what you are talking about.

Argh! I had to re-install AOL! (again!)

Oh good grief! I had to re-install AOL again today! I tried to sign on and got that little waterdrop sound. I tried to install their latest version which is 9.0 but I settled for 7.0! A good thing about having to go thru this again was at least I got to install a newer version - but still it is such a hassle! But I got through it and at least I know (since I have had to go through this more than 1 time) I can re-install the program again and although it took me a good three hours to do it - it could have been a LOT more worse!

I'm still not happy that AOL decided to cancel access to the Usenet Newsgroups though and I want that access BACK!

If you feel the same please go and vote in my poll. You might just be curious enough to see the results posted so far.

Business Plan XXX - about?

Subj: Re: BusinessPlanXXX

Date: 3/3/2005

Sure, I'd like to know hhow to make money just looking a sex videoes, but don't you think
$575.00 is a little pricey for that kind of information?
How many offers have you gotten at that price? Not too many I'll bet...

Thank you for your email.

It's not just the information that is offered. It is a complete business plan. It starts with a general outline of the business and goes on to include setting it up online, advertising and market, minimum requirements to get your business up and running, keeping and maintaining records, taxes and business basics.

All in all it is a complete business plan from start to finish. Customized and specialize business plans go for more than $1000! So believe me you're getting off cheap!

The specifics of the business plan (while it could include watching the videos) are specifically geared to running a business looking at the sex sites. It is for people that want to get started right away and want ALL of the information they need to get their business up and running. More than anything it is a step by step tutorial at best.

And to answer your question approximately 10 people have purchased the business plan. Every time the BusinessPlanXXX is purchased new and updated information has to be added. Plus the fact that with the logo and business forms a different one has to be created to avoid any copyright infringement.

So you see its not just the information that you are getting you are getting a step by step "hand-holding" tutorial business plan and that is why the cost is the way it is. The people who have purchased it are now running their own business from home and getting enough revenue that they think the price of this specific type of business plan is definitely a bargain. Besides, the less people that purchase this specific business plan the less competion (and more revenue) for those that have set up their business.

Remember this is a business plan for a business that you can operate from your home, work the hours and days that you want and be your own boss!

Giving information is one thing. Step by step directions and details are quite another.

---

By the way a lot of people say that they want to work from home BUT they either want step by step information for free, they want the security of working for a company (from their home)as opposed to working for theirselves or they don't want to find the information for theirselves.

Grants for Writers?

I see why Matthew Lesko has said that there are grants available for writers.  There are!  However bear in mind that you can't just write about anything that you want you have to adhere to their guidelines.  I know the question you are asking is how much?  Well, the amount of the grant is around $30,000 for the year.  I say "around" because while that is the minimum amount it's not the SET amount.  You do have to apply for this grant but guess what?  The first step of applying is simply sending them an email!

On this point Matthew Lesko does know what he is talking about!

Hey, I'm a composer!

Oh, most definitely.  When I do compose I'll start with the piano down stairs and compose from there adding the notes to my sheet.  Then I'll come upstairs to the computer add the notes to a midi program and add instruments as I see fit.  I can always convert the midi to a wave or mp3.

Hey I'm a composer!

Grants - I found some interesting information about them!

While I have mainly concentrated my research to the US I have found out about grants in other countries - the UK,  China, Russia - and some of those grants were even provided by the US!

You don't even need a webcam to make money on the Internet!

How about setting up your own private chat room?  You can either add special code to your web page or use one of your chat programs to set it up.  You can schedule chat sessions, make appointments online for specific chats and on and on.

You can offer tutoring, advice or anything that your imagination can think of.

Another reason that I'm glad that I work from home!

Because I am a smoker!  The last job that I had we had to go outside to smoke during our breaks.  A few other people smoked in the bathroom - I didn't do that only because I was too afraid of getting caught.

Now that I work at home I can smoke when and where I want!  Thank Goodness!

You really should have a website!

Even if its not for business you really should consider having a website.  Your ISP may provide you with webspace but even if they don't you should take advantage of some of the free webhosts that are out there!  You can also "buy" your own website by registering a domain name and paying a webhost to host your webpages!

People advertise galore about "email me for more information" where it would really help them more better if they had a website.  You just don't know what you are missing out on!

Make Money While You Sleep?

Can you really make money while you sleep?  The answer is YES!  

Let's say you make custom jewelry and you want to sell it online.  Well, you could start with Ebay.  You could sell your jewelry using Ebay and put up a picture of your jewelry.  Now depending on how long your auction will last your jewelry will be seen by everyone that views the auction.  Remember the Internet is World Wide! Every time of the day and night your auction will be viewed by people all over the world.  

Let's say you decide to sell your jewelry using a webpage of your own.  If you take credit card orders and have the "Buy" button right on your page that means that when that "Buy" button is clicked you have just received an order.  When your webpage is up and on the Internet it is seen 24 hours a day and seven days a week!  Even while you are sleeping!

A Gorgeous Day Outside but.....

alas I have some work that I have to do!

Drat! and Darn and dagnabbit!

AOL has got me mad!

They are discontinuing access to the Usenet Newsgroups in February. The reasons that they have given include them saying that their members don't use them as much and that there is so much spam and the popularity of blogs.

I do not agree with this. My main reason is because now I won't be able to send or receive binary files! If I have to pay for this service then I will definitely be leaving AOL! There is no sense in me paying 2 services!

Microsoft Word!

I was playing around with this program last night. In fact I was playing with it for a couple of hours! I forgot just how many options this program has! Usually I'll use a more simple program for my word processing but I have a neighbor who is a writer who told me about a problem he was having with the program.

So I'm playing around with it - especially drawing pictures and turning them into 3D pictures and having fun with adding patterns and colors.

I'll have to use this program more often!

Not Everyone Started Their Own Business With A Lot Of Money!

A lot of people that have started their own business did not have a lot of money to start with.  What you do in a case like this is use what you do have which is your time and effort.

I do consulting all the time and there are a lot of things that one overlooks when looking for resources that are available to them right now.  For example one's own computer is a gold mine as far as available resources go and I'm not just talking about being able to go online - I'm talking about the computer itself and the programs that come with them.

Offline you can start your business by using one of the most overlooked resources that one has and that is their local paper.  You have to use what you have to get what you want and even though there are a lot of businesses out there I'm sure your gut will tell you that not ALL of them started out with a lot of money.

A lot to be thankful for....

Just watching the news and hearing all the devastating stories from people that have lost so much makes me realize how much I have to be thankful for.

How do you stay motivated?

This message is for anyone who runs a home based business. How do you stay motivated? I think I lack the dicipline to work out of the house. Does anyone have advice that might help.

I think it all comes from desire. A lot of people have started their own business because they didn't want to or were sick and tired of working for someone else. I posted a message on one of the AOL boards called "Why would anyone want to work from home!" It was kind of meant to be an ironic sort of thing but people hate working for someone else, hate the amount of pay they get, hate the office "politics", hate their commutes...but I think its the desire that helps to keep one motivated. Once you get your first customer/client and you get that first payment then you're hooked!

I stay motivated because to put it quite simply I want to work from home and I want to continue to do so. I don't ever want to work for someone else again!

As far as you lacking the discipline to work from just think of and remember the reasons why you want to work from home. My discipline comes as a result of my business plan, my goals and the objectives that I have for my business.

I would think that receiving orders (and payments) from clients would be a very good motivational reason for maintaining the discipline to be able to work from home. What about being one's own boss? What about working as much (or as little) as one wants? What about actually being able to earn a profitable living doing something that one loves? What abut not having to go thru that daily commute - through the rain, the cold, the wind and the snow? What about being able to work at home so that you can be at home to be able to keep your eyes on your kids? But I think that the most best reason is simply the desire that you want to work from home.

Webcam - Having Fun With My Webcam!

Yes, I have had a webcam for quite some time. It's a small Logitech webcam and it only reaches so far. I can position it to span around my room or to look out the window. My webcam page is at:

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

Here is a picture of my cat:

As far as my webcam page goes I still haven't got the streamlining part right - I think its because of my AOL access - but I'm still working on it. I'd love to be able to streamline myself live when I'm on the Internet. I can do it fine when I'm using Yahoo Messenger but I haven't been able to do it with AOL unless I do it the very slow and complicated way of manually taking the picture and then uploading each new picture to my webspace but that way is so slow and so time consuming.

My 3D entry was accepted at Renderosity! - Yeah!

I finally took the time to just have fun with one of my 3D programs and submit an entry to one of Renderosity's Contests. The theme of the contest is "In Your Element" and my submission was a seascape scene because I would love to live near the ocean! That's my element!

"Dreams" and a business plan for them?

So it got me to thinking if a business could be started using one's dreams? Of course the answer is yes but the hard part is specifically how?

Rose

If Victoria's Secret can make a living on the edge of 'clean' then anyone can! My concern with your idea would be how would you go about nailing down a business plan. It seems that the connection between the two would have to be dependant on the specific dream of the person involved which would leave you with a very individualized (& expensive) way of manipulating that dream into some form of reality based business.

A one night dress rental would help your social gathering if partnered with a hair stylist and perhaps a health farm/spa business - get ready in a day for the big event. Classes in seduction, make up, flirting etc might also be possible????

Just some thoughts to add onto your own. Good luck!

Thank you for your email

I'm sorry but I don't agree and I know for a fact that you are wrong. A business plan can be made for any type of career - I should know because that is what I do for a living! The connection between the dream and the business plan would depend on what aspect of the dream that you want to turn into a business.

Using your own example above regarding Victoria's Secret - it has to do with the illusions of romance which is a popular market for women (and men too if it is "spun" right). Remember when it all comes down a business plan is a piece of paper with the plans for your business. Simply writing down a business plan is not expensive at all - all you need is some paper and a pencil. The implementation of the plans need not be expensive (at least at the start). There are examples galore of those that have started their own business with little money. And indeed a lot of people don't have a lot of money to start their own business but what they do have is desire. That is enough to get anybody started. What you lack in money you make up for with your time and effort.

I think the point that you are missing is that there are ways used to advertise, promote and market one's business using as less amount of money as possible. The problem seems to be that people just don't know what those ways are or think that it can't be done. I know for a fact that they can. I use them myself and I include them in the business plans that I create for others.

Got the munchies!

I have been snacking while I'm typing at the computer screen. Right now I'm crunching on pork skins. So I have got a bad case of the munchies right now.

XXX-Using your webcam to help you make money.

Yes you can start your own business using your webcam. The obvious ones are using them to show pictures of yourself. You could even start a service where you take requests - for a price of course.

If you have a webcam they are not all that hard to make use of. Streamlining video on your own webpage is a bit more complicated but its not impossible. Others are doing the exact same thing using their own websites.

While this is something that not everyone will want to do it sure is something to consider if you like showing yourself off on the Internet.

Comments Received

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posted By Anonymous on XXX-Using your webcam to help you make money.


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Computer Advice #1 - BACK UP YOUR FILES!

I'm still relatively new to rss feeds and news feeds but just yesterday I lost all my news feed links to the blogs that I subscribe to. So now I have to get them back! I had about 20 of them but now I have to remember what they were so that I can re-enter their links.

So let this be a lesson to you - BACK UP YOUR FILES!

Creating and selling your ebook!

I was wondering if anyone has experience with making e-books? Would you share your help on this subject? Also does anyone have any help they would offer using Adobe Acrobat to make an e-book? You can e-mail me off line if you would like. I have gone to the Acrobat website trying to find information on this subject, but that is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you know what I mean? Please any help I sure would appreciate.

You do not need to have Adobe Acrobat to create and distribute your ebook. Sure the program is popular but you don't HAVE to have it or use it. You are just making this too complicated.

Basic theory behind an ebook is this - You write the book and then you sell the book. Theoretically speaking you can write (type) the book using notepad! I have seen many sites sell their ebook in notepad form. The business plans that I make for people can be considered something similar to an ebook in that they are deliverable by electronic means but they can also be delivered via the regular "snail" mail method as well.

And even better you can use a non-Acrobat way to create and distribute your ebook WHILE you learn Acrobat's program. Again I say you're just making it too complicated. Use what you already have to get what you want.

Taking time out for a little creativity!

I decided to enter one of Renderosity's graphic contest/challenges. The theme of the contest is "in my element" which for me is the beach! Although I live about 70 miles from the closest beach I really love the idea of living at the beach! So I fished out my Terragen program to create my graphic. Teragen is a 3D graphic program that creates landscapes. Land masses and water masses (for my beach scene) can be made using this program.

Now one of my mistakes was thinking that I was going to finish creating my landscape (or should I say beach scene) in one sitting! I know that having patience is an assest but you know how it goes - guess I must have gotten too excited and wanted to get it done in one sitting. But at least I realized that if I wanted to do it good and right that I should take my time and do it that way! So, so far I have created the beach scene. Now I want to do some post work on it.

Some of the fun should be in the actual creating of the scene. And while Teragen can create the landscape and the water mass there is still the small matter of creating the right surface - in my case sand -

As far as 3D graphics are concerned I want to do it all! I'm becoming more interested in modeling characters - both human and non-human - now talk about a lot of detailed work - that is a lot. I also want to be able to model and design hair and clothing for the characters that I create. Wow - talk about ambition!

But its a lot of fun creating them too

Selling Ebooks Online?

You asked: What you haven't mentioned is how you are going to let people know  that the book is available for sale.

My answer is, don't really know. My thinking was a web site and e-bay.  I thought ebay would send them to my web site.  I don't have a web site I would need to build one.  Also my thinking was if I built a web site that I'd advertise my web site address on my truck as I drive 110 miles a day round trip too and from work and I am on 2 (two) major freeways in the Dallas TX area.

Do you write and sale ebooks?

Also my computer is an 80's model, can't write to a CD.

Thanks for your email.

I do sell an Ebook about how to add music to your website.  I also do tarot readings by email so in a way that is an Ebook too.  

You don't need a CD-RW to sell an ebook.

Depending on what your ebook is about you first should define your target market which is who is mostly likely to buy your ebook?  Then you market/go to where they are.  You can do this offline as well as online but online you will reach more potential customers.

Working from home doing data entry?

I would be interested in doing data entry for ANYBODY from my home.

If you need work done or know someone or know of a business that needs work done, I would appreciate hearing from you.

My very first webpage client was a neighbor of mine. My very first business card client was someone I knew at my local supermarket.

Just think of the term "data entry" and what it means. Entering data for other people and/or other businesses. The very first thing that you should do (I know that it may seem like a hassle but believe me it does work) is to make yourself your very first customer. How are people going to know that you are in business unless you let them know? And your local area is a great place to start! People tend to overlook the resources that they already have around them when they are trying to start their own business. If you're really serious about wanting to work at home and doing data entry work the very first thing that you will need is the DESIRE to do so. I think its safe to say that almost every business started out this way - which is the simple desire to do so.

Just look at your own post. It clearly states what you want to do and it also gives a hint with the word "anybody". Usually when I consult with people that want to start their own business I tell them to define their target market first and then go after them. In the case of your post I would kind of say the same thing but the fact that the advice about starting local was given I think that this would be a great place for you to start. What you should do is assess your local area!

Number two you should have a business plan. Having one is always advised - one of the most important reasons why is because if you really want to start a business working out of your home than you will have to acquaint yourself with the BUSINESS side of running a business. Starting a business from home and getting clients and customers who are actually paying you and you are actually earning a living from it is enough to spur anyone into wanting to start their own business but its going to take more than that to keep a business going.

Business Idea #041128 - Dreams?

I just got finishing answering yet another post about that "dream" Internet job and one of the things that I said was that first you have to define what your "dream" job is and then turn that into a business.  I also replied that I have seen successful and income-producing websites by people that are selling everything from candles to astrology and tarot readings.

So it got me to thinking if a business could be started using one's dreams?  Of course the answer is yes but the hard part is specifically how?  And it is hard to come up with something but one of the most obvious is writing.  How would one put dreams and writing together? I'll have to use one of my dreams as an example )-:

The first dream that I thought of was one that could be best described as not G rated - maybe R rated (-;

To make it clean I must have had a crush on a TV character (and a million dollars wouldn't even get me to tell you!) and it entered into my dreams.  Now if I was going to turn this into a business I would first start a website with a "guessing" game kind of thing so that people could guess who the character was?  That would be fun and it would keep visitors coming back to the page just to see the results.  It would spur others to talk about their similar dreams - this whole kind of thing could be turned into a newsletter and/or club/group sort of thing.  While charging for it might be an option I was thinking more along the lines of advertisings.  Again to keep it clean this particular dream best relates to Valentine's Day and romance - do you think that you could sell that to potential advertisers?  My specific dream can be related to the way a woman dresses, her hair, parties and social gatherings (although in my specific dream it was a professional gathering) and to put it quite frankly the "art of seduction" - which would be a good selling point and a good enough reason to give that subscription thing a try.  Do you think women (or men for that matter) would pay for a "seduction" newsletter kind of thing? What about advertisers?

I'll leave you to your own thoughts......................(-:

Grants for Washington Artists?

I want to leave Florida and move toward Seattle. I'd like to open a small art gallery or share one with another artist. I do portraits of people and animals. I'd also like to teach art to children after school. Does anyone know who I'd have to contact in Washington to see if I can get a loan to get started........

There is an Artist's Trust in Washington that has provided over $2 Million in grants to Washington Artists which includes visual arts, film making and playwrights. It is a non-profit organization that was started to help support artists.

They offer fellowship programs as well.

Federal Grants to start a small business?

"Anyone know a free web site to find out about Federal Grants to start a Small Business?"

There's no better place to start looking than the Government's Website itself. But be ready to have to weed through a lot of information.

I have gotten email from people - most notably a grantwriter - that says there are grant possibilites for small businesses but that they just have to know where to look. Here is the excerpt:

"I am a grant writer and I was glad to see your post-there is so much money out here but people don't know where to go"

How do I advertising my art?

I am a freelance artist and find it hard to advertise my paintings. Im not sure exactly how to go about it.

Help!

Well if you're talking about advertising your paintings on Ebay then my main concern is how you will ship your paintings. How big are they? Are you acquainted with the shipping process?

Ebay has community message boards and there's one relating to art specifically that includes tutorials by artists that have successfully sold their works on Ebay.

If you want to concentrate more on selling your paintings locally then you should use the resources that you have now. There are a lot of ways that you can start to sell your paintings locally but you're probably not even aware of them or just don't think that they will lead to anything.

Some of it will depend on the types of painting that you do but with anything you have to let people know that you are out there - regardless of whether you're doing it online, offline or both. All it takes to start is desire! There's this show that I listen to called "House Hunters" and you'd be surprise to know how many of the people that are the house hunters are artists that work out of their home - there are a lot of them. There are a lot of artists that are successfully selling their works as their business. There are a lot of resources available to you both online and off and if you're really serious about wanting to do this then you're going to have to start treating it seriously and start getting down to work - because as much as you will like the creative part of painting your paintings in order to sell them you're going to have to acquaint yourself with the "business" side of it. I'm not saying this to deter you. I'm saying this to say that it is not an impossible dream to want to be able to sell your paintings but it will require more than just painting.

I'm 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.

Thank you for your email.

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!)

Reviewing and critiquing websites? - How Did I Get Involved?

Hi,

Just wanted to ask how you got involved in review/critiques?? Is this something you do totally online?? How would someone get into it?? I ask because it sounds very interesting doing research for different things. My daughter and I already do research for ourselves for different things. Your site is very interesting also. It's nice to meet you through JavaJane.

Take care,

Thank you for your email.

Getting involved with reviewing web sites just came about from my designing websites. It's just an example how one career can branch into another. It can be done both offline and online - meaning it can start as a local business but of course you will need a computer and Internet access.

The "research" thing came about because I was always doing it anyway so I decided to add that as part of my business services. It's something I have been doing for quite some time now.

(I also kind of get the feeling that you would be interested to know that I do have one of those programs that lets you talk while it types. It's a great program and I use it in my business. The program is a few years old and they have probably come up with more better programs but it still works for me just fine.

I just got a research job starting this month! The job really is a report-analysis kind of thing. I'll be watching and analyzing the TV series "Charmed". It's a show about three sisters that are witches and the research comes in in that how it compares to real witches and witchcraft. It really helps that I have already watched this program but I intend to go through all of the episodes up to season 3.

I took the afternoon off!

I will admit that I am quite the computer junkie. But sometimes it just becomes necessary to take some time off and do something else. It helps to clear your head and it also gives you a renewed interest when you get back to business.

I took the afternoon off and went out and did some yard work. And believe me there's a lot to be done. But if you do it slowly and in pieces it shouldn't be so bad! But it was a good thing to do to take a break from the computer every once in a while. (Although I could hardly wait to get back at the keyboard).

It's a good thing to remember! Take the afternoon off! (Every once in a while!)

Reveiw-Movie-The Associate

I guess a lot of people would think this movie is kind of campy but I enjoyed it. It has a lot of similarities that a lot of people can relate to. I won't give away all the details - for those that may want to see the movie.

Whoppie Goldberg plays Laural who works for an investment type company and works her way up. The company then hires a younger man who she trains and he gets promoted and he is now her boss! That is just too much for her to take and she quits her job and decides to start her own business. (I love the part when as she tells her boss that she quits he tells her "it's cold out there" meaning that no matter how they treat her she should stay there).

Well, Laura decides to start her own company. She's built up a reputation so she thinks that will help her. Well, it doesn't. She calls and calls and tries to drum up some customers but as she puts it she is being "blown off". So she resigns herself and considers going back to her old job. However a lucky break helps her gets her first commission. This "lucky" break doesn't come easily though and she makes up a little lie. Well, after she gets her first commission its not too long before she is on her way successfully. But the "lie" has become more harder and harder to maintain and eventually she has to "face" it.

As I said before I liked this movie and could see some very real similarities in it for not just myself but for those that are also in the same kind of position. Usually in movies there's sort of a "miracle cure" solution or the kind of solution that isn't realistic but not so in this movie - in my honest opinion.

How would you feel if the person that you helped train was made your boss? How would you feel if you tried to make a go of it own your own only to get discouraged to the point where you seriously considered going back to the job you left?

There are many realistic aspects to this movie

• her deciding to quit her job
  

• her deciding to start a business of her own
  

• her struggle to get that first client
  

• the fact that she lies to get that first client - would you do the same?

For those of you that are considering starting your own business you may view this movie as only for entertainment purposes. Indeed there may be those of you that won't like the movie at all. But from the standpoint of it being a "business" movie it definitely qualifies and for those of you that are just curious about "striking out on your own" you may want to take a look at it.

Washing the dishes?

I posted on one of the AOL Work at Home message boards that one could start a business that had to do with washing the dishes. I thought that I would elaborate on this more because one of the people that read and replied to message didn't believe it.

Well believe it!

I came up with this idea when I was thinking about those that have emailed me and said that they wanted to start a business of their own but that they didn't know where to start. So I took an activity that someone does and used it as a business idea for one to start.

All right - Can I start a business that has to do with washing dishes? The answer is Yes! What if you hate washing dishes but you know it is a necessary evil and that it has to be done. So take the fact that you hate washing dishes and turn it into a business of your own!

Now one of the ways that this can be done is to start a newsletter! If you can't think of a name just call it the "I Hate Washing The Dishes! Newsletter. Do you know how many people hate washing the dishes! Why not turn it into a business? You may be able to even start your own "I Hate Washing The Dishes!" club. If you think that's a silly idea then you should take a look at the different kind of clubs that are already out there!

What would you need to start a business like this? Well you have to have a general hate of washing dishes! So far so good? What next? Well its going to be a newsletter right so you will need a computer so you can reach more people - which also means that you will also have to have Internet access. The next thing you need to do is have supplies so that you can write (or type) down your thoughts and what will go into your newsletter. I always think its best to just get some writing paper and sit down somewhere quiet and start writing. It's better to write it down and then type it after you have refined it. And what will you write? Start with "I hate washing dishes because....." and go from there! You might be surprised at what information will flow from you once you finish writing that first sentence!

Now you probably want to know where the "income" will come from right? Well let's just say (for the moment) that you don't think anyone will pay to subscribe to a newsletter about washing dishes. The next thing would be for you to have advertisers and/or sponsors for your newsletter. How do you get them? Well let's say you include in your newsletter what type of dishwashing liquid you use. Include why you use it! Is it your regular product or just something you got that was on sale? Invite others to send in their favorites and or the ones that they hate. How interested do you think that the makers of these products would be in knowing about how their customers feel about their products? Interested enough to advertise?

Once you start you can branch out into so many areas. You could even include an offline version of your newsletter so that those that don't have a computer would be able to read it. Computers come with enough word processing software that you can create an attractive looking newsletter. You don't need the most latest wordprocessing software with the most "bells and whistles" to start your newsletter. You just need DESIRE!

Computers and printers and scanners....oh my!

Oh, I was so happy when I re-installed my scanner - I missed it so. I didn't even mind crawling behind the computer to re-hook the connections and re-install the software. But alas it was not to stay that way. Had to do a quick print job for one of my clients so I had to disconnect the scanner in order to re-hook up my printer because they aren't compatible with one another. I could solve this problem by getting an A/B switch which I could get during my next jaunt to Radio Shack but I had to do the print job as soon as possible. So I get back down on the floor and crawl behind the computer and disconnect and reconnect - didn't get it right the first time but I managed to finally get it working again.

That A/B switch is looking better and better all the time!

Getting "clicks" other than using "pay per clicks"?

I AM INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO GET CLICKS MY WEBSITE INSTEAD OF PAY PER CLICK WHICH IS GETTING COSTLY. ANY SUGGESTIONS

Depending on what your webpage is about then you should identify your target market. Is your website selling something and you want to generate more sales? Then identify your target market. Who is most likely to buy your product or service? Then you target to them.

As far as search engines go you can even use them to your advantage as far as finding out where you rank in the search engines.

If you're really serious about making a go with your website then you should use as many resources as you have. For example if you're getting less "clicks" to your website find out why. Of the visitors that you are getting where are they coming from and why. Does your website offer any kind of interactivity? There are many successful and profitable websites online and you want your website to be one of them!

I have really got to get off of this computer now!

I was supposed to have eaten dinner 2 and a half hours ago! And I haven't even played my Descent game as I customarily do!

I also have some new jobs that I have to work on as well.

• One of my clients that I do business cards for now wants a flyer-type advertisement to post in the laundry room of the new apartment complex that he has just moved into. He wanted just a plain flyer type thing but I suggested that the flyer have tear off sheets at the bottom so now he wants that. Plus he has re-ordered a new batch of business cards.
  

• I "hunting" down a specific episode of one of the original Star Trek episodes for someone.

I really have to get off of the computer because I do have some errands to run tommorrow so the sooner I eat something the sooner I can get to bed and get some sleep!

"My New Invention"

I have came up with a idea that was used in my daughters school project. It Turned out It got a lot of attention and everyone wanted one. A friend talked me into submitting it to Invention Technologies, I did and it was approved for in debt search and marketing. Does anyone know how legitimate these places are. This will cost me money that I don't really have right now. Does anyone know someone that dealt with these people before. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

The very simple answer would be for you to patent and market it yourself. That way you avoid any kind of middleman. Once you have patented it yourself then its YOU that decide the terms of payment!

Yes! My last job sucked! (before I started working from home)

I really, really hated it. I hated the low pay. I hated working six days a week! I had to stand on my feet all day! There was the "politics" of it all. The pay was so lousy!

I have read that the best time to quit your job is when you hate getting up in the morning - and I had past that point a long time ago!

Business Idea - Gardening?

Yes, you can even start a business by using your garden!

In my area there is a community garden that the residents use. You should see how much stuff they grow! Even during the late fall and into winter there are still vegetables and herbs that can be harvested!

Do you have a garden? Sometimes you don't even need a big piece of land. You could grow from pots and on your window sill. You could start your own business selling vegetables and herbs and fruit to both people and businesses. And of course you can expand your business to include other things as well. Writing, teaching even drawing and such.

Yes you can start your own business using your garden!

What kind of girl am I?

I am a hybrid of: Indie Girl Academic Girl Click on the pictures below to read more: Take the 'What Kind of Girl Are You?' quiz at CookingToHookup.com

Computer Stuff!

Well, I finally re-connected my scanner back to my computer. I forgot how much I missed it but I had to disconnect it because it wasn't compatible with my new printer.

But a situation came up and I really wanted to use my scanner again and I thought "maybe".

Of course it was a lot of "fun" having to get into the back of my computer and connect and re-connect stuff. And it was a little bit dusty back there too (-;