Business Owner

Tutorial

Deciding to start your own business takes more than just a desire to earn money.  Building a successful business will take investment, passion, hard work, and realism.

Investment: The age old adage that you can't get something from nothing is certainly true here.  Building a business takes an investment of money and time.  If you have little money, then invest more time, becoming an expert in your business area.

Passion:  Do what you love, the money will follow.  The first few years of new business take so much hard work that if you do not enjoy what you are doing, you will likely give it up.  It may take a while to uncover your true passion.  What do you think about when you don't have to think about anything.  That's one way to identify something that interests you.  Another step would be to take an on-line personality test like the one at Team Technology which suggests which careers might be best for your personality type.  Browse around and take some time in this phase.  When you think you have an idea, try it out by volunteering or interviewing someone in the business.  Deciding on a business or career is like dating before marriage.  You want to spend enough time finding out if it is a good fit, then once you decide, do it with whole-hearted commitment to its success.

Hard work:  If you are enjoying what you are building, then just keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Most entrepreneurs say they underestimated the amount of work it would take to build a successful business.  But perseverance will pay off in the end.

Realism:  Most startup businesses do not turn a profit in the first few years.  Be prepared for this so you don't get discouraged.  The saying "Build it and they will come" is a movie tag line.  Research shows it takes 7 to 10 introductions to your business before someone is ready to buy, so having a well thought-out and funded advertising plan is a must.

Articles

Career and Business Ideas

FabJob has an extensive list of career guides.  Just browsing their list may give you an idea.  Here are a few that we think are promising businesses that offer good flexibility.

Affiliate On-line Retailer:  Get paid to promote famous brand products on-line.  All you need is a website and some compelling content.  You never have to handle or ship product.

Event Planner: Like to throw a party?  Good with details?  Plan events big and small in your community.

eBay Seller:  If you live near a manufacturer or outlet, you have access to products that could be sold for a profit on eBay.  Name brand or rare items work best but almost anything can sell.

Social Entrepreneur (run a non-profit):  Want to change the world and earn a decent living?  Start your own non-profit organization.

Freelancer:  Freelancing is like owning a one-man business.  You must first start with some skill or hobby you have developed that others would pay for.  Then execute a business plan.

Other

Resources

Find great ideas and tools to help start your business and keep it running smoothly in our Small Business Marketplace.

Also, check out the following for more ideas to kick-start your business:

Next Steps

If you have some money to invest and would like a head start on a good business, look into a franchise opportunity.

If you have little or no money to invest, look into becoming a Direct Sales Rep or Product Advocate for an established business.

If you've found the right business for you, go to our Startup Hub for ideas on how to launch your business.

Learn how to promote your business at our Promotion Hub