How did you start? And what advice would you give to aspiring grantwriters?

Actually I started it on a more personal note and didn't even consider myself a grantwriter until I saw the specifics of what a grantwriter does.  It was the same thing that I was doing all along but didn't know that there was a name for it.  I was doing it as a personal kind of thing for family and friends.  Then when I started talking more about it, telling people that there were indeed funding and grant programs of all kinds I was called a scam!  So that really got me PO'd which made me want to know more about it.  And you know what I found out?  I found out that there were indeed grant programs to help start a business, people who have actually received grants to help start their business and how "big" business gets grant funding all the time!  I dug even deeper and found out the most unusual things like the man that got so much grant money that he gave some back saying that it was too much, the people that got a monthly check to grow weed for "patients" and just the most surprising information that one could find.  And it taught me a very valuable lesson and that was don't take what someone says as the end all be all.  If you have your doubts then check it out yourself and that is exactly what I did!  Do you know how good it makes me feel when I see someone saying that "there are no grants......" when I know for a fact that there are!  I started doing it on a personal level and then I start doing it professionally.  My very first successful client was a writer that got a $24,000.00 grant!  Doing grant research/consultation/writing is part of my "full-time" work but I do do other things as well.  I still have my very first business card client that I still do work for.

Yes I do enjoy my line of work because I can decide my own hours.  And I am quite suited for this type of work since I was a "bookworm" in school, worked for both H&R Block and the IRS and love researching things anyway.  There is a great deal of satisfaction when someone says there are no grants for.......and yet and still I have had clients - both personal and profession - that have gotten grant funding for the very thing that these people say that there are not grants for.  I will say that it is quite tedious and very detailed work but there are some people that are well suited for that kind of thing and I am definitely one of them.  I have worked during the night all the way to the sun coming up and me wondering where all the time went!

What would I recommend to an aspiring grantwriter who has a pession to help people?  Well I would recommend that you get yourself prepared to research!  Essentially you will be finding "needles in a haystack" and once you find those "needles" you are then going to have to make those "needles" make sense in other words you are going to have to interpret the sometimes complex wording used in grant applications/guidelines.  Remember you are going to have to explain these programs to your clients so the better YOU understand them the better they will.  As it is with starting any kind of business you are going to have to let people know that you ARE in business.  I have seen the very good piece of advice of starting locally by helping a few organizations for free - that way you start to get a reputation and "word of mouth" is the best kind of advertising their is!  

Job Openings!!!

I belong to a number of boards where people both post about having jobs available and needing jobs.  I sometimes wonder why the two don't get together?

For instance I listed some jobs that were available in the field of lighting design (or related to that kind of job).  Since the person wanted to work in the Chicago area that is where I limited my searching to.  Just as a preliminary search I was able to find five current job openings for that particular field! 

Still in another instant the subject of caregiving is the main topic of discussion and there were those that were looking for a caregiver position and those that were seeking caregivers.  Again I wonder why the two don't get together - especially when both sides say that they can't find someone to provide caregiving and those who want to provide it can't find any positions.  Their both in the same forum but no one says they were able to find what they are looking for - which to me seems strange because they are both in the same forum.  Even if you are not familiar with any of these kinds of forums you can - so to speak - start a forum of your own.  Regardless of whether or not you are either seeking or providing caregiving you can let people know by having a website.  If your Internet Service Provider doesn't provide you with webpage hosting you can take advantage of the free webhosting sites.  There is more than one of them.  The disadvantage to having a webpage via one of the free hosting sites is that they will put advertising on your pages.  However this still gives you enough room to put your own content on it.  Lots of people have websites via the free webhosting sites and what may surprise you is that they are making a living - even using a free webhosting site!

Are there grants for for-profits? (Again I Say) Yes!

Yes there are, in fact, grants available to for-profit daycares - both in the home and out of the home.  I just think that the woman that you went to is just not familiar with them. That is why this kind of work is so rewarding because of knowing that there are funding programs such as these.  If there are no grant programs for for-profit daycare then someone forgot to tell the organizations that provide the funding! 

In a past post I have listed some daycare grant recipients both of whom were non-profit and FOR-profit - a few were a combination of both!  As a matter of fact you would be shocked at the types of grant programs that there are.  I suspect that since people find it hard to find these programs they comfort themselves with saying that there aren't any of these types of programs out there.  And sometimes the grant recipients themselves don't divulge the programs because there will be less competition and they will more likely be awarded another grant.  This is what a lot of grant awardees do - they apply for the same grant over and over again and they get it - so why would they want to tell anybody else about it?  Some of the funding programs receive little or no applicants that the funds just go back into the "pot".  And even more shocking still is that some funding programs are discontinued simply for the reason that there were too little or no applicants!

When you are finding grant programs for the first time it is going to seem like a science.  First you have to find the funding programs and then you have to make sure that you are eligible to apply.

Unfortunately I have dealt with many social agencies who were shocked (and surprised) that I knew of the many different funding programs.  After you find the funding programs you should go right back to this woman and show her just how wrong she is.

The bottom line is that there are programs out there for for-profits - it is sort of comparable to finding a needle in a haystack.  They may be hard to find but they are there just the same and if you can't find them then that still doesn't mean that they don't exist - it just means that you haven't found it yet.

How do you get a grant without paying a fee?

The simple answer is you do the work yourself.  You can also go to a social agency because they know about different programs.

Want to become a real estate investor..................but no money......

If you have absolutely no money then you still have some choices/options.  I read about one guy that want to become a real estate investor and he didn't have any money so what he did was get some investors.  He targeted doctors and sent them a letter and a proposal.  Of course not every doctor accepted his proposal but enough did to help him get started.  He found the properties and used the investors' money.

Now if you don't want to do that then you can start small with single residences and work your way up.  There are government programs to help those who are first time home buyers.  These programs were started because the government wants there to be homeowners (why they want it is a topic for another time).  How do you find these programs?  You look!  They don't come to you - you go to them!  You have Internet access - use the Internet and start looking.  Go to your nearest library and start looking!  90% of every grant program information that I have found I have found online!  So no one can tell me that these kinds of programs don't exist because I know that they do.

If you don't have the money then you use what you do have and that is your time and effort!

Can you apply online for a grant?

Absolutely!  A lot of the organizations that have grant programs also have websites that let you either download their application or let you fill out the application online and submit via their website.

Would it also surprise you to know that some of these organizations provide email addresses so that you can contact them for more information?

But don't forget about the organizations that aren't online yet.  They still have phone numbers and regular "snail" mail addresses too.

"Where can I get free grant help?"

The suggestion about doing some research at the library was very good and I will even take it a step further and suggest you do your research online.  Over 90% of grant program information I have found online and since you have internet access you should use the Internet.

I'm also sorry to tell you that the non-profit that you mentioned is EXACTLY the type of program that gets grant funding(s).  Now you can either find an organization that does the same thing that yours does and ask them how (and where) they got their grant funding, you can ask someone that specifically does this kind of work and ask them to provide you freely with the kind of grant information that you are looking for and then there is the additional option of attending community seminar-like lectures - that are free - that are being held in a lot of communities.

Austrailia Farmers To Get Grants!

These farmers were hit by cyclones which damaged their farmers very badly.  It was recently announced that tax-free grants of $10,000 would be available!

Grants and Daycare?

I  am wanting to open a daycare here in ga. I have been a homedaycare provdier before, so now I want to become a larger building and have alot more children. I would love to create jobs for the people here in brunswick. How do I write a grant? where do I go? Just point me in the direction I would love it!!<<

Even though your enthusiam is good you need to know some basics about the whole grant process.  I can find at least one grant program for 95% of my clients and that goes up to 99% if I really dig for the information.  However the only reason that I can do this is because I have been doing it for a while now.  You have to understand that there is no one place to apply for a grant/funding program. Basically speaking you dont "write" a grant until you know what kind of application materials that you have to submit and you won't know that until you know which funding program you are going to apply to and you won't know that until you find the funding program.  How do you find the funding program(s)?  You look!  It's just like going to the library and doing research - you find the information.

Getting a grant(s) for day/childcare has been a very often asked question.  When you start finding the funding programs that you are eligible to apply for you will see the different criteria that these funding programs will want as far as you applying for them and usually no two are alike so it will depend on the specific funding program.

You should also look "outside" the box meaning that you shouldn't just apply for daycare-related funding programs but funding programs that you can additionally qualify for such as those that are business related, those funding programs that are available for women and if you are a minority you should also look for those kinds of grant programs as well.

Grant?

Hi Rose,

I love your blog site. You provide valuable information. I am interested in starting my own Network marketing business. I have been looking at acquiring a grant to do so.  I currently work and I am a Network marketer, that has a web site, with products and services in the telecommunications area. I no that there are alot of business out there for this type of services and products.  Schools, government agencies local and federal are in need for this. The question is are there any grant monies for my type of business that I want to start?

Any information that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

S~

Thank you for your email.

My most latest client is a single mother who is looking for grant programs.  I was able to find her 3 grant programs that she is eligible to apply for and an additional funding source for her to continue her education.

Your post reminds me of the article I read about the woman who had heard all the talk about grants and decided to find out for herself if she could get one.  She did her own investigating and did find a grant program that she was eligible for.  She applied and she got the grant.  What was the type of business she was in?  Marketing!

Front Page Express?

A potential client emailed me about doing some webpage and graphic work for her.  She mentioned that she is currently using Front Page as her webpage editor.  Personally I don't like using the Front Page program as a html editor because it adds a lot of unnecessary coding.  Mind you I'm talking about an earlier version and the program could have improved since then but I have my favorites that I use for editing my (and others) webpages.  Sometimes I even prefer to edit pages using notepad because I can edit more precisely.

Another email scam?

I would say so.  It's from Wellsfargo saying that they needed me to update my account information.  Strange thing is is that I don't have an account with them!

I do know that there are a lot of email scams going on and for the most part I just delete them and continue on with my other email.  But then I had a thought about wondering how many if any of the people have fallen for it.  So I did a little bit of "research" and found some information from Wellsfargo's own legitimate site.  Here is the link:

https://www.wellsfargo.com/privacy_security/email_fraud/report

Be sure to click on that link if you have ANY questions about whether or not your email might be a fraud.

Do you want to know one of the benefits of working from home?

Its that on a day like today when its cold and raining outside you're working inside!  As I was getting some tea I looked out the window and noted how rainy it was and how quiet it was outside.  I was thinking that everyone was nicely tucked inside their houses (or apartments) and not having to have to go anywhere if they didn't want to.  That brought back memories of my last job when I worked for someone else.  I shudder to think about it because at this moment I would be in bed getting my next four hours of sleep before I would have to get up and get ready to go to work.

Let me tell you a little something about myself - I have always been a night owl kind of person and it shows in the timesheets that I provide to some of my clients.  I also know for a fact that there are others just like me and some are even more of a night owl than I am!

My point is this.  If you want to be able to work at home be aware that whatever it is that you want to do there is already someone out there who is doing just what it is that you want to do or are doing something close to it.

Time and time again I see people posting about how they want to start their own adult site.  I just saw on my local news a profile they did of a guy that owns his own adult site and to tell you the honest truth he is making so much money that it is obscene!  If you even made one tenth of what he was making you would be deleriously happy! 

Still don't think its possible?  Well tell the guy that I mentioned above - tell that to him and he will look at you as if you were crazy!

Looking for investors................

I keep seeing this posted over and over again and a lot of times it is posted in such a way that whoever posts it hopes that investors will come knocking at their door (or at least to their email box).  While I can't rule out this type of method entirely there are more constructive ways of getting this accomplished.  But I get the feeling that people that post this want to go through as little work as possible.

My personal opinion is to avoid investors if you can and the main reason why I say that is because once you take on an investor (or partner) your business isn't your business anymore.  However if you want an investor or partner the best way to accomplish this is to show them "what's in it for them".  Just think about it - why would they want to invest/partner with you?  Take the answer to that question and then put it in presentation form and present it to them. 

And where can you find "them".  Don't let anyone tell you that there aren't any investors around because they are wrong.  There are still angel investors, venture capitalists and just plain individual investors around.  You just have to know where to find them.

"Work At Home" Opportunities?

I know that a lot of people want the security of finding a company that will let them work from home.  I have yet to find such a company.  One of the forums that I belong to has suggested finding others who work from their own home for a company and talking to them to find out how legitimate it is.  There are those that telecommute meaning they do some of their work at home but they also spend time at the "office" as well.  They have usually worked for the company for some time and have built up an honest reputation and are allowed to do some of their work from home.

But as for companies that offer legitimate work from home opportunities I have not found any!

Grant Funding for a church/ministry?

I received an email asking about "religion" grants.  While I did send a private reply back the term got me to thinking.  In its broadest, possible sense I would say that there are religious grants however the problem lies with what you want the grant specifically for.  There are grant programs for studying religion, there are grant programs for teaching religion and there are even grant programs for starting a ministry - for example if you want to provide an extension of a ministry then there are those ministries that will provide funding for you to do so.  There is even a category of grant funding if you wanted to receive funding for doing religious art!  What about designing and providing religious jewelery?  What about funding to write a book about religion?  What about funding to help you "spread the word"? 

So I guess that the answer to the question of whether or not there are "religion" grants out there would be a YES!

Work

I haven't posted for a few days because I have been busy meeting a deadline.  I'm glad to say that I did meet it!  It had to do with the single mother that I mentioned and how she wanted some grant programs that she could apply for.  I was able to find 4 funding programs for her to apply for and I'm awaiting word on what she is going to do next.

Starting A Webcam Business?

Well it doesn't take too much to start a webcam business.  Of course you will need a webcam and depending upon whether or not you want to be able to streamline(show live pictures) or just offer stand alone webcam shots there are some basic things that apply.

I have a webcam page.

If you look at the page you will see the latest webcam shot that I took.  Now streamlining (in my case) is proving to be difficult because I'm still not getting the setting right to be able to upload the latest webcam shots.  But if streamlining is something that you want to do and you don't want to be bothered too much with the technical aspects of uploading recent webcam shots there are websites that will do that for you.  Me on the other hand - I'm going to figure out what it is that I'm not doing right and as soon as I do you will be seeing streamlining on my webcam page.

But getting back to those of you that want to start your own webcam business like I said before you will need a webcam.  I have a logitech webcam which cost me less than $50 and this was sometime ago.  Of course there are more sophisticated webcams out there now.  Hopefully you already have a webcam that came with your computer but if you don't you will want to make sure that the webcam that you do get will be compatible with your computer.  You should be able to find this out by looking on the webcam's packaging.  If not you can always ask the salesperson for help.

Of course you will also need a webpage.  If your Internet Service Provider doesn't provide you with your own webspace then you can use one of the free webhosting sites online.  And that is what a lot of people do now!  There are also some websites that are specifically for webcam users so that's an additional option that you should look into as well.

Since this will be your business you are also going to have to decide how you will be paid.  Are you going to charge for membership/access to your webcam page?  Are you going to accept advertising?  Are you going to "freelance" and take on specific webcam shots for clients?  Or you can do a combination of them all! 

How will you accept payment?  You can accept cash, credit card, money orders and/or checks.  Each has their own specific process for being able to accept that kind of payment.  For instance being able to take credit card payments will require either you having a merchant account or going through a third party.

There are countless examples of those who are doing exactly this - having a webcam business online and they all don't have to do with sex.

If you only knew what I knew!

Some surprising information that I am finding out!  Number one - the information that I posted yesterday about my latest client has to be changed!  One of the funding programs that I mentioned said that the grant award was $20,000.  Well I found out that that is still true HOWEVER they have added another award (which will now be their top award) of $50,000.00!

Number 2 - I have also found out that even the government programs have some surprisingly juicy tidbits of information!  Did you know that there have been government grant funding programs that have not had enough people applying for them!  It is just so hard to believe this kind of stuff!  A $50,000.00 (not the program I mentioned above) went BEGGING for applicants!  And what kind of program was it?  It was grant money to start a business!

This is just too much!

No for-profit grants huh?

As I mentioned before my most latest client is a minority single mother who is currently enrolled in college who is is looking for grant money to help start her own daycare business.  So far the information that I have found for her includes:

1.  An Entrepreneurial Grant program that awards a $20,000 grant to help start one's business.  A business plan has to be submitted and judged by a panel so I will include a sample business plan for them to have a reference.  A copy of the the program's application will also be included as well as the web site address, physical address and telephone number of the program itself.  The deadline is in November so she still has a good amount of time left to apply.

2. Another entrepreneurial grant program that provides $1,000-$5,000 for support of new small businesses. They also have many different programs to help support new businesses.

3.  An organization that celebrates independence through education by awarding grants and scholarships to single parent women and their children.  This funding program provides money directly to the Colleges,  Universities and student loan providers for the purpose of helping these women complete and pay for their education. The program also offer assistance for childcare, books and other basic needs.

So if anyone tells you that there are no grant funding programs for individual or for those starting their own business you can print out this page and show it to them!

Grant Myth #2 - Grants are only given to non-profit organizations?

Again this is another myth.  My most latest client is a single mother that is looking for grants for starting her daycare business in her home.  If she lives in an area that has a very high need for providing daycare services she will be able to apply for the grant programs that are offered in that area.  There are many of these kinds of grants available for for-profit daycare simply because the need for providing daycare is so great.  One daycare received enough grant money to operate their business simply because they provided 24 hour daycare services. 

There are also a number of entrepreneurial grants for both minorities and women for financial help to help start their own business.  Mind you I said business and NOT non-profit!  The government also has grant programs that are open for ALL to apply - meaning the general public and that includes individuals as well as for-profit businesses.

So this is another myth about grants.

If you think that there are grants only for non-profits then you haven't been looking in the right places!  As a matter of fact there are some examples of individuals and for-profits that have received grants that I have on my grants page. 

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

These are not made up people and businesses.  They are actual grant recipients that are not non-profits.  So if you think that only non-profits are eligible for grants then please go to my grants page and read about those that have received grants.

Saturday was "housework" day!

That's right!  Cleaning and scrubbing and mopping and just general stuff!  I think I was at the computer for about an hour!  But here is a handy piece of advice that I have learned and it is that sometimes you have to put your mind on something else.  It helps clear your mind when you go back to work.  Often times a problem will come up and it frustrates and worries me so and I find that when I'm thinking or doing something else an answer will come!

PS - Don't worry though I'm back at the computer now!

Grant Myths!

Here is a comment that I commented on - from another message forum

You mention foundations, and yet they are limited by the IRS to limit their giving to non-profits. Anything between 'big business and corporations' and a for-profit entity is a CONTRACT for services, not a GRANT. For-profit entreprenuers try to hire my firm all the time. I never take them as grant campaign clients, knowing that the chance of them receiving any kind of return on their investment is slim to nil. If that doesn't bother you, fine. We're obviously operating from very different motivations. Just let the buyer beware. There is NO FREE LUNCH. As long as you can sleep at night....

~

We are operating from very different viewpoints. Number one foundations by law are required to give away a percentage of their revenues each year in accordance with their MISSION STATEMENT. In other words the objective of the foundation is what is important and not the entity that applies for their grant.Here is an excerpt from Smartmoney's site:
"ANSWER: The adage "there's no such thing as a free lunch" certainly applies here. The good news is that, yes, in some circumstances the government (at the state or federal level) as well as private foundations will provide grants to people trying to get a fledgling business off the ground. But that doesn't mean the money comes easy."There is a New York based non-profit that provides small GRANTS and business-development assistance to applicants with low income. One woman received $700 to help start her sewing business. Now I already had this information as a result of doing research for a woman that wanted to start her own business. The quote I found because I did research and on and on.As for big companies and corporations operating on a "contract" basis. That is simply not true. There is a big corporation that offers grants in the amount of $100K. Their selection committee invites applications for projects that fall into the following areas: science and medicine; technology and innovation; exploration and discovery; the environment; and cultural heritage. The Selection Committee will choose five awardees who will each receive a check for $100K. What is the eligibility requirement? You have to be an INDIVIDUAL! If a group is applying then one person has to be the designated applicant.Now how did I find this information? I looked!My motivation is this - The one thing that a person needs to start a business is desire. I mean what is one of the primary reasons that we have started businesses of our own? So we can be our own bosses. What motivates me is the fact that people think that there is some kind of secret to starting (and maintaining) one's own business when all there is is work. What motivates (and inspires me) is hearing stories about people who have started their own businesses on LESS than a shoe string. The one that comes immediately to my mind is the woman who is a single mother who started a gift basket business (without a computer mind you!) and got a small grant to grow her business. Another one that comes to mind is a web design company that got a grant because they filled the need of a grant. All examples of "where there is a will there is a way".One more thing. One of the reasons I started this business is the fact that these comments about there being "no grants for no things no time" bugged me no end. I knew this wasn't true for the simple fact that all you have to do is pick up the business section of a Sunday newspaper! Now that we have 24 hours of news, every now and then a business related newstory having to do with grants will come on. So I decided to find out for my own self and I did. I have found more information than one one person could fathom - all on a subject that people say does not exist. The fact that the information is not easy to find does not mean that it is not out there. It just means that it is not easy to find. So people get frustrated, they give up or worse they get angry to the point that they feel that if they can't find it then it doesn't exist! The sad fact of the matter is if you can not find the information you have to keep on looking. That is the only way that you are going to find it. If you want a grant bad enough or your desire is high enough then you will keep on looking - plain and simple!

Blog Troubles!!!!!!!

Hopefully what I see isn't the same thing that you see (hopefully). The format of this blog is coming out wrong! I do remember having this problem before and it kind of solved itself on its own. I'm kind of hoping that the same thing will happen now. But I have been thinking about it and I remember seeing this type of problem on other people's blogs (one in particular that I have a lot of respect for). But that doesn't mean that I want this un-correct format to stay so I'm going to have to analyze the coding to see if I can correct the format.

On another note - As you know I work from home and that is a lot of what this blog is about. So many people want to work from home and that is one of the reasons that I decided to start this blog. First you have to make the decision that you want to work from home. Many people have started their own business (and I am one of them) simply because they hated their regular jobs.

One thing that concerns those that want to work from home is what kind of job can they do at home. Many times I have said that the fastest way to make money is to find a need and fill it. Businesses such as starting a day/childcare business, doing yard work and running errands are good businesses to start because there is always a need for such services. As an example my next door neighbor hired someone to do his yard work and I had a chance to talk to him and he said that he had more work than he could handle!

Unfortunately a lot of people want the type of work at home job where they can work for a company. I have yet to see a company that legitimately has this kind of opportunity. But that is what a lot of people want.

Trees?

I'm always saying that most grants were created to fill a need and this is a very good example of one.  My own local area has started a program where trees will be planted in certain areas (with the property owner's permission).  With about $200,000 in grant money, trees will be planted in the area.  For one thing there are a lot of older trees and some of them have died off leaving gaps in the streetscape.  But there are other reasons for this program as well.  I have a list of them but will tell you about a few of them.

1. They reduce the running water caused by storms and in turn that minimizes that might occur in creeks.

2. They provide shade in the summer and help create a barrier against cold winds which in turn helps to save energy costs.

Not to mention that trees are nice to look at.

It's all in an effort to help the community look more nice and trees do provide beneficial benefits to the area and the community.

If you think that your community would benefit from something like this you should definitely take a look into these kinds of programs.

How soon will I get paid?

So many people want to work from home and/or start their own business but time and time again I have seen them say that they need money fast! Like I have said 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 to do and turn it into a business. If you want money fast try a business that has a high demand like starting a daycare service, running errands for others and even doing yard work! My neighbor next door is elderly and he has hired someone to do his yard work and I had a chance to talk to him and he told me that he has more work than he can handle! Wouldn't you like to be able to say the same about YOUR business?

Funny thing about my blog.....?

Maybe its just my computer but I have had this problem before.  It seems as though my entries are at the bottom of the blog instead of in a frame-like format with the index on the left and my entries on the right.  If I use a rss feed program it looks just fine but when viewing it on a browser the format is wrong.  Like I said I have had this problem before and it just returned to its regular way after a few days - so I'm hoping that the problem will solve itself.

Latest Grant Project In Progress

My latest client is a woman who is a single mother who is interested in finding funding for operating a daycare service in her home.  Since she has young children of her own she thought that this would be a good business for her to start.  There are some problems though with her specific case because of her location and only in that she is open to almost any location.  So instead of finding local funding programs that she can apply for I'll concentrate more on finding the more national programs.

Grant Myth #1 - There are no grants to pay bills. WRONG!

The best example of this would be utility bills - especially heating bills!  Did you know that just a few days ago I was listening to a local radio program and the guest was a represenative of a organization that helps people with helping to pay their utility bills.  There was no advertising for this program, no announcements, flyers, etc.,....I just happened to be listening when it was announced that they would be one in a few minutes.  The thing that stood out the most about this guest was their genuine interest in people contacting them to find out what kinds of programs were available to them.  What were some of the programs?  Well one program totally forgives the back balance of your heating bill PROVIDED pay a monthly amount for a period of months!  And that was just one of the programs they mentioned!  There is an actual program that will provide an assessment of your home's status as far as making it more heating efficient.  This program also includes repairs and even replacement of your heating system at no cost to you.  That includes the cost of the system and installation!  Again at no cost to you.  This is not just a local program because it is available in many areas!  And again this is just but one example of this kind of program.  Last year alone in my own area over 5,000 people were able to use this program!  There are also funding programs that help with other utility-related bills such as phone and water.

So if you don't think that these kinds of programs exist just tell that to the people that have already used this program!

A Contest that awards over $7,000.00 in scholarship awards!

As much as I talk about grants there are also other avenues of raising funds and one of these are contests!  I list a few of them on my grants page at:

http://members.aol.com/Roseb441702/grelated.com

I have now come across another contest that is aimed at high school seniors.  THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 3RD, 2006!  So that means that you still have time to apply.  What do you have to do?  Write a 75 word essay!  That's it!  They even have a website where you can find out EXACTLY what the requirements are to apply! 

Getting Discouraged?

One of my interests is astrology.  I can read and prepare charts and have done so for myself and others.  I also participate in some of the online discussion groups and mailing lists.  One particular message got my attention because it was from a woman who was seeking advice about astrology as a career.  I was surprised by the number of responses that told her to essentially "forget about it".  It made me kind of angry because they were basically telling her that she should forget about pursuing something that she really likes to do.

So what I did was to find some astrologers who were online and who were (more importantly) making money from their astrology business.  I found quite a few of them and sent out emails explaining the situation and basically asking for encouraging words for this woman.  I got a lot of great information and advice sent back to me.  One astrologer said her business works because she MAKES her business work!

I have also read about a woman that has an astrology reading business because she does reading for people's pets!  Another astrologer got a grant to compose astrological charts of serial killers! 

Lets say you wanted to start your own astrology business.  Number one you will have to have customers.  One of the best way to get customers is to show them that you know what you are doing.  How do you do that?  How about making yourself your first customer?  Do readings on yourself and post your results on your website.  You can also do an offline version of this and put it in the form of a newsletter or flyer. 

There is also related work that you can do.  For example you can write articles for an astrology magazine or publication.  Heck, you can start one of your own and accept advertising from others.  You can design astrology-related art, poetry, stories.........There are just so many income-producing possibilities that you can do!

So don't get discourage - get going!

There have been many devastating disasters....

Unfortunately Katrina and Rita were not the only disasters that have occurred.  In Texas there have been wildfires so severe enough that the President has declared certain areas in Texas as disaster areas.  If your home or business was affected by these wildfires you may qualify for individual assistance in the form(s) of home repairs and temporary housing.

Low-cost loans are also available to cover uninsured property losses.

You can either apply online or call the telephone number that is listed.

"Where can I go to find grant information?"

hey my name is j~ and im from alabama and i had and apointment one time too go see about getting me a grant at the local chamber of commerce and the women told me right off that grants dont exist and i laughed at her and jus told her she was wrong cuzz i felt like she was i know ppl thats got grants and all that stuff soo all im askin is were can i go in north alabama too get a grant ive looked every ware and really dont know were to look can u tell me?

Thank you for your email.

Since researching and finding grants is what I do I can tell you that they do definitely exist and I have noted more than one example of grant recipients on my page.

However the problem with your email is that you don't specify what type of grant you are looking for and you don't even say what the grant is for.  To give you a good example my latest client is a single mother that wants to start a daycare service in her home.  I am halfway through the 30 day period and I have already found at least 3 grant programs that she is eligible to apply for and that is because I know the basic information of what she is looking for because as a client she is required to fill out the basic questions that I ask of all of my clients.  These questions appear here:

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

When you start looking for grant programs that you will be eligible to apply for you will see that they each have their own guidelines and requirements that have to be met before you can actually submit your request. 

There is no one place that has grants.  It will depend on what you will want the grant funding for.

Do you wish that you could work from home?

A very popular subject was brought up in one of the mailing lists that I belong to.  It was about people who wished that they could work from home and were looking for "work at home" opportunities.  More specifically I think that they want to be able to find a company that will hire them to do work that they can do at home.  While I won't say that this is 100% out of the question - the problem is  FINDING the company.  If this is still the kind of opportunity that you are seeking you will first have to find a legitimate company - the emphasis being that YOU will have to find the company.

I get a lot of comments to this blog

and while some of it is very nice and complimentary some of it is spam.  I like to add the comments that prove to be the most helpful and inspiring so keep them coming!

A Resume Business?

It's not as impossible as you may think!  I just got finished reading an article about how popular the resume-writing business is.  What would you need to start?  A computer, a printer and maybe a telephone.  If you're reading my post now then you already have a computer - or at least access to one! 

Unfortunately it is a sad fact of life that a lot of people are loosing their jobs and have to apply for new ones.  To some composing a resume is a scary thing and something that they just don't want to be bothered with or they think that they might not do a good job and would rather pay a professional to do it.

This is a PERFECT example of a business that one can start at home! 

How do you get customers!  YOU ADVERTISE!  You can advertise both online and off.  There are some methods of advertising that do not require a lot of money - but they do require some "sweat" equity on your part. 

You should see some of the amounts that professional people charge to write resumes and you don't even have to stop there!  You can branch your business into related areas as well.

And there you have it!  A full-blown business that you can start at home!

AOL IS CHARGING FOR EMAIL?

You can find out more by reading this article from the NY Times......

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/technology/05AOL.html

Movie Review - "Contact"

This is a movie that I have saved and that I watch over and over again.  I like it because one of the messages that I get from this movie is that you should stay "true" to yourself regardless of what everyone else is doing.  I have also found out that the movie is based on a real life woman who has been called "a pain in the neck".  And that is exactly what Jodie Foster is in this movie and I say "more power to her!"

Jodie Foster plays a woman who was always interested in "little green men" ever since she was a child and she had a telescope to look at the stars and a scanner to communicate with others.  (By the way that doesn't sound like a bad idea to me to have both a telescope and a scanner.  My father used to have one of those big clunky scanners and I have come to miss it!)  Her father dies when she is quite young and she goes on to be a scientist.  We see her as she goes to study the "stars" at a facility that has to do with the SETI (Search For Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Program.  (By the way this program is for real and is still in existence!)  Now bear in mind that she is a scientist and the program that she is a part of is being funded.  The funding is cancelled but she doesn't care and says she will "go it alone if she has to" because she has done it before.  What she does is get funding from an organization that provides funding for projects.  The funding she gets lasts for a few years but there is a problem because the area that she uses to listen for signals is leased by the government.  So even though she has the funding to continue to study and monitor signals the area belons to the government and it seems the government was getting pressure from others because they wanted to use the area as well.  Bowing to the pressure the government is "pulling the plug" on her access.  While her program is in the process of being discontinued she hears a signal that is coming from outer space.  Now all heck breaks loose!  You hear a signal coming from outer space so who do you tell?  Jodie Foster's character says "Everybody".  Now the government is involved and with the government comes (of course) politics!  The signal is translated and it turns out to be schematics for a transport system.  Of course now everybody wants to be the one that goes but only one can go.  I won't give away everything in the movie but to continue on......this movie does not have a "black and white" ending.

This movie has a very good cast and I give a special mention to James Woods - he can be quite good at being a pain in the neck!  Of course this movie also relates to grants and I didn't even notice it at first.    I'm not quite clear as to the specifics but I will assume for the purpose of this review that Jodie Foster's character - being a scientist - was working on a pure research project and this is something that she didn't finance herself but received funding for.  When this funding was pulled she sought funding elsewhere and got it from a very large organization that has funding programs.  This is something that is true in real life - as I have said many, many times.  There are funding programs out there for "pure" research - including grant programs from the government.  In fact these are some of the most vied for kinds of grants!

On a personal note I liked the movie because it was one of those "independent" women kind of movies BUT not so independent enough to not to want to have a relationship.  I have read in a review of this movie that the Matthew McConaghy character was really unneccessary but I was glad that his character was included simply because what's wrong with being independent but having a boyfriend - especially one that will stick by you!

I also liked the "politics" aspect of this movie.  Not so much that I, myself would want to have to go through it but the fact that the details of it were just great!  Who gets to ride in the transport?  (And why?), The cost of making the transport, the fact that the signal had to be to be decoded using the signal's broadcast that was heard in not just the United States but outside the United States - which made it a "worldwide" issue - apparently you need permission if you get the signal's broadcast from another county.....and on and on and then this just doesn't become a simple matter.  Religion was brought up, "eggheads" versus military aspects and most interesting of all is that even though Jodie Foster's character "discovered" the whole thing she was slowly being edged out of the whole thing (as the government was getting involved).  It is also very interesting to note that the word "grant" was mentioned near the end of the movie.

Maybe I'm just too "geeky" for my own good.  This isn't a simple plotted movie but I enjoyed it because of all the details and politics that were involved.  (I also liked all the equipement that was being shown). 

So this movie is in my library.  In fact it's one of my inspirational movies.

Selling For Others On Ebay.......

....I am thinking about selling for others on eBay. I don't think there is a place near me that does it so I would be the only one in the area. I just need to know a few things. How much of the money made goes to the customer and how much to me as the seller. What if something doesnt sell? does the customer pay all fees? And last but not least what types of items does it pay to do this for. After all, after all the time you spend making the pictures and listings and shipping the item do you realy come out ahead or do you expend too much time and energy for too little return?

Ebay has a term for this and its called "Trading Assistants".  Your idea doesn't sound like a bad idea but take it from the people that have replied to your post - it aint easy!

I had one woman who wanted me to sell her sports card collection on Ebay.  I see a similar set sold for $30,000!  Well I showed her that information and she was ready and willing to go BUT she didn't want to pay anything and she wanted to hold on to the cards until I got the payment.  Well my main caveat with that was that after I got the payment I would have to chase her all around to get the cards.  Mind you now its not her name on the account and its not her doing the work.  So to make a long story short I did not do it.

I recently made a brochure that I give out to anybody that wants me to sell their stuff on Ebay and in that brochure is the EXACT terms that I'm going to accept.  So I do suggest that if you want to do this that you do the same thing - write it out and then when someone comes to you wanting you to sell their stuff on Ebay - then BAM! - you give them the brochure!

If they balk you can simply tell them to try and sell it theirselves on Ebay.  That will give them a better understanding (and hopefully some respect) for what it is that has to be done.

This Entry Contains Graphic Content!

So many, many people want to work from home but a lot of them say that they don't know what to do.  As I have said many, many times before the fastest way to make money is to find a need and fill it and the best way to make money is to take something that you love and turn it into a business.

There is also a third option too.  How about taking one of the programs that you already have installed on your computer and start a business using it.  People think that that you have to have the latest software and/or the ones with the most "bells and whistles" when really you don't have to.  I am a big fan of "using what you have to get what you want."

On my consultation page I list a few programs and how they can be used to start a business.  A simple program that came with my computer was the Windows "Paint" program which is a basic paint program.  How can you use this program to start a business?  How about designing logos?  Or specialty T-shirt designs?  You can create your picture using this program and then copy the picture and paste it into your wordprocessing program.  Just think of what you could do with capabilities like that!  You could start your own newsletter, doing desk top publishing for others......You want to hear a "strange but true fact?"  Even with all the home computers in use there are still people/businesses and organizations that still use the service of desk top publishers - publishing everything from logos to stationary!  And this is something that you can do using two basic little programs that are already installed on your computer.

What's that?  You say that you can't draw?  In a lot of instances you won't have to be a Picasso at it.  The most basic of paint programs lets you draw shapes and include text and once you start at it you will become more and more familiar with the program itself and then you can start to experiment and acquaint yourself with what your program can and can't do.

Don't think that there is a market for this type of work?  Then you're wrong.  Look at all the websites that offer these kinds of services.  What about businesses that offer this type of service in your area?  If you live in an area that doesn't offer this type of service you can use that to your advantage!

What about a niche market where you do a specific type of design?  Let's say menus, resumes, newsletters, stationary - some type of specific design?

You will have to have clients right?  There are no-cost and low-cost ways to advertise and market your business.  Why don't you design a flyer advertising YOUR business (make yourself your first customer) and distribute it around?  Prepare a business plan so that you will always have the steps that you take written down (and add enough room for the new things that you have come to learn!).  Business plans don't have to be complicated.  You can start with just a simple objective (ie: I want to make $ per month) and add to it as you progress.

You know there are people that are doing this very thing now.  Why not you?

Another grant program that is open for FOR-Profits to apply!

Are you interested in providing shelter for the homeless?  There is a grant program in Wisconsin that provides funding for this.  Again (as I have said before) when there is an overwhelming need for something a grant program is created.  This one has been around for over 15 years!  Both non-profits and private for-profits are eligible to apply.   I was looking at the the listing of past recipients and the list includes organizations like the Salvation Army, community action organizations and a number of religious organizations.

Please remember to bear in mind that this is not the only grant program of its kind that is available.   Taking a look at the bigger picture here this has to do with providing shelter for the homeless and to encourage more shelters - that is why these kinds of programs have been created!

How do I get more people to come to my website?

I a have a Website,trying to make money working at home! I am 67 years old,with very little retirement! Looking for knoweledge to get more people to my website,

One of the first things that you should do is to identify/define your target market. Who is most likely to buy your product and why?

You also should realize that a lot of visitors will happen upon a website because they got the link from a search engine. Well, how does your page(s) rank in the search engines? I try to keep my pages at least in the top numbers of rankings and this is something that I do manually as opposed to paying for high(er) rankings. It is something that I do and that has to be done on a continuing basis. You have to realize that new webpages are coming on the Internet everyday and theoretically speaking the more new pages that are added to the Internet everyday the more your page(s) will get bumped down the list of links.

Also you're going to have to analyze the traffic that you are getting now to see how you can go about increasing it - another thing that should be included in your business plan.

"I Want To Start A Daycare ASAP!"

I want to open/start a home daycare, A.S.A.P.
I want to apply for grant.
Please tell me where to start!


Thank you for your email.

The first place that you should start looking for grants is your own locality.  You can start at the local level of your municipality to see if there are any grant programs for providing daycare services in your area.  You will also have to decide whether or not your daycare will be operated as a for-profit, non-profit or a combination of both.

There are daycare-related grant programs at a federal and national levels but if your own local area also has grant programs than you will have more that you can apply for.  There may also be certain aspects of your daycare that will qualify you for other funding programs such as providing "after-school type" programs, some kind of educational aspect and on and on.

It will all definitely depend on the type of daycare service you will be providing.  In some cases you can even find a grant/funding program that you can tailor your business to in order to qualfy for the funding program(s).  For example if you found an organization that had a grant program for helping to improve a child's math skills (or some subject that you are well acquainted with) then you could include such a program as part of your daycare services.

So the best place for you to start is with a general outline/business plan of the way that your business is going to be.  With this then you can start to find the grant/funding programs that you are eligible to apply for.

"I Am Looking For A Grant........"

When you are "looking for a grant" there are some things that you are going to have to take into consideration.  Number 1 grants are not automatic meaning that you have to apply.  You are most likely to receive a grant when you best meet the guidelines and requirements of the grant program.  Going on your post specifically you have to know that theatre and theatre groups receive grant funding all the time so that makes it definite that there are such grant programs out there. 

You take your endeavor or project and figure out who best would it serve.  Know that the bulk of grant programs out there exist to bring a greater awareness to something and/or to help solve a problem.  How does that relate to your endeavor specifically?  Well since yours is a minority endeavor you should look into sources that are related to that minority.  What can you bring a greater awareness to?  How about those problems that relate to your minority - ie literacy, there has also been in the news a lot lately about illegal immigrants - how about telling their stories?  How about telling the story or stories of those of your minority that have achieve some kind of infamy (good or bad) and there is also the good old "standby" of offering some type of educational aspect to your endeavor.  The above are good for at least 5 different kind of grant programs that you are qualified for and can apply to.

One side note that I want to add is that it is not enough to just say that you have a endeavor and/or project and then say you want a grant for it you are going to have to show why you should receive such a grant.

Little Things Do Count - when you're running a business

I'm looking at some literature from a company.  What is striking to me is that there is no letterhead with the company's contact information.  Please do not make this mistake with your own company's literature.  I don't care how small or how big your company is ALL of your literature should have some type of letterhead even if its just your company's basic contact information either at the top or the bottom of the page.  Remember that you want your business to be remembered!

PS - This also applies to your non-profit business and projects as well!

Marketing/Selling My Artwork

Can someone point me to the best resources for learning how to market my art?
I seem to be inept at using ebay, websites, google etc. I've tried everything and I'm so frustrated I could scream LOL!   The long of the short... I feel as if every place I see on the internet is out to take your money, for a service they know won't work eventually you quit after that they take the next guys buck. I've tried click services, general submissions, paid submissions, I've tried ebay who takes so much when you list and then afterward they take from your profit and they own paypal that also grabs a chunk. I feel used and abused, tired and frustrated I love my artwork, I do many types I am unfortunately a bit of a recluse and I don't have a networking ...my own folly I fear. But how do I go about building a clientel? Target market? I'm kind of crippled at knowing which way to go...also terribly unfocused...I make jewelry, paint watercolors, do poetry, cards, LOL I even tried to add products from places like SMC, crystal manufacturers to round out my own...they just d!
rove me nuts with low inventory, poor turn times etc. I want to crawl back into my cave and just paint LOL...help!! any suggestions?  I made a website/store but it's not "turned on" to shop at...you can't click a basket and buy anything...but it shows the kind of work I do...should I give up online and hit the street with a suitcase full of my work and hope some gallery likes it? I am such a ninny.,..LOL I am NOT a sales person, I'm an artist and need some real guidance ...check out my work and tell me who /how  I should approach to guide me at selling ...there's a fraction on this site...I have so many things LOL... anyway remember, you can't buy any of it, most of it I either gave away by now or it's packed away, but it is good to at least see what I mean by artist...

Well you seem to be quite unfocused.  The first thing that you should do is sit down and determine EXACTLY what it is you want!  AND you should make this the first page of your business plan which is something that you should have and is something that is always advised as having.  Your post is the perfect example of why one should have a business plan.  You're quite unfocused and going every which-a-way!

It just seems that you are in the middle of this big cloud with ideas and words swirling around you.  You're not the first person that has wanted to sell their art online (and you won't be the last).  You should also know too that there are people who are selling their own art online - you need to look no further than the "Artist" Message boards here on AOL.  And you know if there are AOL'ers selling their art online then there are those artists that aren't on AOL who are selling their art as well.

I can see that you're very frustrated and the simple solution to that is just that - MAKE IT SIMPLE!  Even though the Internet gives you a lot of options its easy to want and explore every new thing that comes along - which is all fine and well but have your simple plan and do that while you explore the other things!

What you need is one basic plan to follow.  You can explore other things but have a BASIC plan!  Then while you are carrying that out you can explore other things.

There are so many things in your post  - all of which can be analyzed and should be and then turned around to make them an advantage as opposed to a disadvantage.

"I Need Grant Money To Help Me With My DayCare Business"

From my email box......

Message:
========

I am trying start a home daycare center and need grant money to help me out with my business. Could you please give me so info on grants for   small business for women, etc. I need an name and address so that I can write a proposal for a
grant.

Sincerely,

S~
   

Thank you for your email.

Number one it is not as simple as writing a proposal.  You have to know the guidelines and the requirements of each grant program you are applying to because no two will ever be the same.  Besides there are many grant programs that let you apply online - not all of them but some of them - and that doesn't mean that you should not apply to those that don't have such capabilities - you should (and can) apply to as many grant programs that you are eligible for. 

As for a name and an address once you start finding this information on your own you will see how much time and effort is required.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!) 

"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?

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!

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!

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.

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).