Most people have a hard time to grasp that there is no shortcut to success in business. There is no such thing as overnight success. If you have seen successfull people in all walks of life: sports, business, entertainment-they might have been discovered overnight but the bottom line is most, if not all, have had years in the trenches.
We all need to look at overselves. Most of us have had jobs and usually several. Take a look at the last job you had where you had earned the most income. How long did it take for you to get to that level? It will be no different in business. It will take time to climb that mountain.
The big difference is that if you have an Internet business you can leverage yourself and accelerate the pace. All you need is the ability to commit to becoming a good student, persevere, and don't lose HOPE.
Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Learning Curve to Starting a Business
Did you every hear the saying "Everybody wants a job but not everybody wants to work !"
Most people would say they want to have their own business, however, not everybody wants to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to get this done.
When I was in high school my Dad had a men's clothing store. The store was open from 8 A.M to 5:30 P.M Monday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday to 9:30 P.M. Talk about a long week !
We did everything: stocking, pricing, cleaning, displays, ordering. My Dad did the tailoring and my Mom and I filled in as needed.
This led to me to getting a degree in Business Managment and I ended up teaching business for 10 years. ( I did not want to be tied down to a store for all those hours ? )
Eventually I got in involved in an MLM business. This was the best training ground for business I could have found. I did not make alot of money but I learned perseverance, people skills, goal setting, overcoming fears, and how to NOT QUIT.
It takes time to master any business. Don't expect to become a millionaire in the first month. ( Yet maybe you could be the first !). When I got involed in Internet marketing I did not know how to cut and paste. When I learned how to to do this I felt like an Internet guru !
First rule in business: Get to know your business. You are not in a race with anyone. If someone else is successful in this business, you can be also.
The inititial excitement will fade ( usually after the first month !) Then you roll up your sleeves and get started.
Most people would say they want to have their own business, however, not everybody wants to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to get this done.
When I was in high school my Dad had a men's clothing store. The store was open from 8 A.M to 5:30 P.M Monday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday to 9:30 P.M. Talk about a long week !
We did everything: stocking, pricing, cleaning, displays, ordering. My Dad did the tailoring and my Mom and I filled in as needed.
This led to me to getting a degree in Business Managment and I ended up teaching business for 10 years. ( I did not want to be tied down to a store for all those hours ? )
Eventually I got in involved in an MLM business. This was the best training ground for business I could have found. I did not make alot of money but I learned perseverance, people skills, goal setting, overcoming fears, and how to NOT QUIT.
It takes time to master any business. Don't expect to become a millionaire in the first month. ( Yet maybe you could be the first !). When I got involed in Internet marketing I did not know how to cut and paste. When I learned how to to do this I felt like an Internet guru !
First rule in business: Get to know your business. You are not in a race with anyone. If someone else is successful in this business, you can be also.
The inititial excitement will fade ( usually after the first month !) Then you roll up your sleeves and get started.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
You need a business to get really wealthy !
Did you know that the tax laws in the U.S are geared to help businesses? Small businesses are the backbone of the U. S. economy. The large corporations get all the headlines but it is the small businesses that add the most jobs in this country.
If you are an employee you cannot take advantage of the tax laws in this country. Business owners take risks and incur expenses as part of operating a business. That is why the government has put into place incentives for people to go into business.
Businesses keep the economy going, they provide jobs, income flows, etc.
Becoming wealthy requires keeping your personal finances in order and developing several income streams. If you are a W-2 employee right now, it would be prudent to investigate the exciting world of business.
The Internet has changed the way business is being done and people are becoming millionaires in ever increasing numbers.
Becoming wealthy: Live debt free, develop several side businesses while keeping your day job, give in ever increasing amounts.
If you are an employee you cannot take advantage of the tax laws in this country. Business owners take risks and incur expenses as part of operating a business. That is why the government has put into place incentives for people to go into business.
Businesses keep the economy going, they provide jobs, income flows, etc.
Becoming wealthy requires keeping your personal finances in order and developing several income streams. If you are a W-2 employee right now, it would be prudent to investigate the exciting world of business.
The Internet has changed the way business is being done and people are becoming millionaires in ever increasing numbers.
Becoming wealthy: Live debt free, develop several side businesses while keeping your day job, give in ever increasing amounts.
On your way to Financial Freedom !
You got rid of your credit card debt. Great ! Now don't make the same mistake that I did and go back to your old money habits. You need to buy something. Save the money first than buy.
You can pay cash but it might not be the new car you wanted but a good second hand car that is 2-3 years new and you don't have to pay the depreciation on it. I drive my cars till they drop. You can get up to 200, 000 miles on a car. All the time that you are not making monthly payments you can put the money away for the purchase of the next car.
Believe me if you have $15,000, $20,000, or $30,000 in cash you will be very aware of what you are spending on the next car and you will not be so quick to get the new model with all the gadgets. Hey, if you are doing well and can afford to pay cash for the new model, go for it if it does not impact other aspects of your finances.
On a smaller scale, you will be able to pay cash for clothes, things for the kids, a new washer or fridge when the old one goes. The payoff: no stress of where the money is going to come from.
To come: multiple streams of income.
You can pay cash but it might not be the new car you wanted but a good second hand car that is 2-3 years new and you don't have to pay the depreciation on it. I drive my cars till they drop. You can get up to 200, 000 miles on a car. All the time that you are not making monthly payments you can put the money away for the purchase of the next car.
Believe me if you have $15,000, $20,000, or $30,000 in cash you will be very aware of what you are spending on the next car and you will not be so quick to get the new model with all the gadgets. Hey, if you are doing well and can afford to pay cash for the new model, go for it if it does not impact other aspects of your finances.
On a smaller scale, you will be able to pay cash for clothes, things for the kids, a new washer or fridge when the old one goes. The payoff: no stress of where the money is going to come from.
To come: multiple streams of income.
How can I avoid bankruptcy ?
If you want to live life off integrity and keep your peace of mind, no matter how dire your circumstances are-you can make it.
No company wants to drag you through court proceedings. You made your choice to buy on credit and maybe things are tough: you lost your job or your spouse did, the economy tanked and your savings with it but you can prevail.
Years ago I worked for a company that was going through hard times and they could not make all of the payments for stock they had ordered. Here is what they did:
1. They called and also wrote every creditor and told them they had every intention of paying what they owed and wanted to develop a payment plan.
2. The determined an amount they could send and sent this out regularly- at least once a month.
3. They maintained monthly phone contact with them.
The results where that the companies worked with them and they where able to stay in business and later start ordering from these companies again.
There are ways to restructure your debt also but this should be done as a last resort as it usually extends the time to pay off your debt.
Again, don't incur any additional debt in this process.
Believe me, companies will welcome your honesty and will work with you !
No company wants to drag you through court proceedings. You made your choice to buy on credit and maybe things are tough: you lost your job or your spouse did, the economy tanked and your savings with it but you can prevail.
Years ago I worked for a company that was going through hard times and they could not make all of the payments for stock they had ordered. Here is what they did:
1. They called and also wrote every creditor and told them they had every intention of paying what they owed and wanted to develop a payment plan.
2. The determined an amount they could send and sent this out regularly- at least once a month.
3. They maintained monthly phone contact with them.
The results where that the companies worked with them and they where able to stay in business and later start ordering from these companies again.
There are ways to restructure your debt also but this should be done as a last resort as it usually extends the time to pay off your debt.
Again, don't incur any additional debt in this process.
Believe me, companies will welcome your honesty and will work with you !
Are credit cards necessary ?
My feeling originally was that if I did not have a credit card I could not leave the house ! In todays society credit cards are needed for alot of transactions: renting a car, a room at a hotel, etc.
The key is to PAY off the credit card at the end of every month. We use credit cards for all of our house expenses and business expenses for the sole reason of getting air miles. We get several free airline tickets every year by doing this. However, we pay off the cards at the end of every month. If you don't do this, you are not gaining anything.
So you have balances on several cards? I had 11 with balances ! Pay off the card with the highest interest rate first. Add an extra 10 % to the minimum payment if you cannot pay it in full. Do this until the balance is paid.
When this is done, add the amount you where paying on this card on a monthly basis and add it to the second card with the highest interest rate. Keep doing this until all your cards are paid off.
The one major rule is: STOP adding NEW credit card debt. If you keep adding new debt, you are digging yourselft into a bigger hole.
Don't worry about how long this will take. Just DO IT !
The key is to PAY off the credit card at the end of every month. We use credit cards for all of our house expenses and business expenses for the sole reason of getting air miles. We get several free airline tickets every year by doing this. However, we pay off the cards at the end of every month. If you don't do this, you are not gaining anything.
So you have balances on several cards? I had 11 with balances ! Pay off the card with the highest interest rate first. Add an extra 10 % to the minimum payment if you cannot pay it in full. Do this until the balance is paid.
When this is done, add the amount you where paying on this card on a monthly basis and add it to the second card with the highest interest rate. Keep doing this until all your cards are paid off.
The one major rule is: STOP adding NEW credit card debt. If you keep adding new debt, you are digging yourselft into a bigger hole.
Don't worry about how long this will take. Just DO IT !
Thoughts to keep you out of debt !
Since living debt free requires a new mind set, you really need to develop new habits. Do you realize that the more you watch TV the more apt you are to overspend. Why? Advertising!!!!
They want your money ! Do you really need that new car, coat, vacation, dress, etc? The answer is: No you don't need it. You want it but don't need it.
The Internet is the same way. Advertising hits you everywhere. Every try to diet and watch TV, especially late at night. Really tough!
Don't put yourself in a position to get tempted. Read instead. Walk. Play games with your kids.
Don't socialize at the mall. It seems that going to the Mall is the great American hobby.
Be content. Be thankful. We in America are more blessed than 99 % of the rest of the world.
Being thankful and content is the start to living within our means..
Being content should not be confused with being complacent !
Later I will provide insight into ways to increase your cashflow. One step at a time.
They want your money ! Do you really need that new car, coat, vacation, dress, etc? The answer is: No you don't need it. You want it but don't need it.
The Internet is the same way. Advertising hits you everywhere. Every try to diet and watch TV, especially late at night. Really tough!
Don't put yourself in a position to get tempted. Read instead. Walk. Play games with your kids.
Don't socialize at the mall. It seems that going to the Mall is the great American hobby.
Be content. Be thankful. We in America are more blessed than 99 % of the rest of the world.
Being thankful and content is the start to living within our means..
Being content should not be confused with being complacent !
Later I will provide insight into ways to increase your cashflow. One step at a time.
The debt free mindset !
Let's face it, starting up a steep slope is not easy and if the mountain is big it can get discouraging. You will get discouraged. I did !
Do I have to live like a miser? Do I really need to cut out that cup of coffee? No you don't but you can develop new habits. Stop drinking coffee. I can hear you now- Are you nuts !
Hey, it's a process. Just trying to get you to think. When I started jogging years ago I had a hard time to jog for three minutes ! Over a period of time I was able to run for close to 2 hours.
Same with being debt free. Tell yourself you are Debt Free and it is just a matter of time.
Are you an impulsive shopper? Concerned about keeping up with the neighbors? How important is your peace of mind ?
Some ideas:
1. Nothing feels as good as being debt free !
2. Ten seconds to use my credit card-1 year to pay it off.
3. If I don't need it, I don't buy it.
Getting the picture.
Do I have to live like a miser? Do I really need to cut out that cup of coffee? No you don't but you can develop new habits. Stop drinking coffee. I can hear you now- Are you nuts !
Hey, it's a process. Just trying to get you to think. When I started jogging years ago I had a hard time to jog for three minutes ! Over a period of time I was able to run for close to 2 hours.
Same with being debt free. Tell yourself you are Debt Free and it is just a matter of time.
Are you an impulsive shopper? Concerned about keeping up with the neighbors? How important is your peace of mind ?
Some ideas:
1. Nothing feels as good as being debt free !
2. Ten seconds to use my credit card-1 year to pay it off.
3. If I don't need it, I don't buy it.
Getting the picture.
The Magic bullet to getting debt free !
Is there a secret? Can I find this secret? Yes you can!
You might not like the answer: GIVE 10% OF YOUR INCOME !
I told you it would not be what you expected.
You see there is NO lack in the universe. If there was-GOD made a mistake. I can hear you saying: "I can't make it on 100% how can I make it on 90%?
The answer is YOU CAN. It's a spiritual law and it works. Like all laws of the universe you can debate and analyze till your are blue in the face and it will not change anything.
When my wife and I got married we where both in college and living on very little. We always gave a little to different charities and our local church. Never gave it alot of thought. As we looked back on the hard times, we noticed that in all our financial challenges, we never lacked the necessities of life.
We slowly increased until we got to 10% and now our goal is ever increasing year by year. Some people live very well on 20% of their income. As your wealth increases, your level of giving increases and the supply keeps multiplying.
Try it. Start now !
You might not like the answer: GIVE 10% OF YOUR INCOME !
I told you it would not be what you expected.
You see there is NO lack in the universe. If there was-GOD made a mistake. I can hear you saying: "I can't make it on 100% how can I make it on 90%?
The answer is YOU CAN. It's a spiritual law and it works. Like all laws of the universe you can debate and analyze till your are blue in the face and it will not change anything.
When my wife and I got married we where both in college and living on very little. We always gave a little to different charities and our local church. Never gave it alot of thought. As we looked back on the hard times, we noticed that in all our financial challenges, we never lacked the necessities of life.
We slowly increased until we got to 10% and now our goal is ever increasing year by year. Some people live very well on 20% of their income. As your wealth increases, your level of giving increases and the supply keeps multiplying.
Try it. Start now !
How do I begin to get debt free?
There is a beginning to everything. Let's keep this simple. One thing that drove me crazy was tying to put a budget together. When I did the figures nothing added up. There was always more month left at the end of the money.
Step # 1. On a daily basis write down everything thing you spend.
This is so simple do not miss this step! I told you I started out small. I kept a small note pad with me and whenever I spent money I wrote it down. Stop to gas up, buy a newspaper, soda, shop at Walmart, groceries: You spend it-Write it down!
Tally up at the end of the month by catagories and you will be surprised at where your money went.
Have you been stopping at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts on your way to work. Don't be surprised at the end of the month to find out you blew $60 to $70. This does not count your lunch?
Starting to get the picture?
This is where you start to find money that was disappearing.
Step # 1. On a daily basis write down everything thing you spend.
This is so simple do not miss this step! I told you I started out small. I kept a small note pad with me and whenever I spent money I wrote it down. Stop to gas up, buy a newspaper, soda, shop at Walmart, groceries: You spend it-Write it down!
Tally up at the end of the month by catagories and you will be surprised at where your money went.
Have you been stopping at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts on your way to work. Don't be surprised at the end of the month to find out you blew $60 to $70. This does not count your lunch?
Starting to get the picture?
This is where you start to find money that was disappearing.
Road map to true financial freedom !
To build a true foundation for wealth you need a plan and a map to get there. Over the course of time I will develop a system that I found piece meal and deliver it to you on a platter.
Over the years my wife and I made efforts to get out of debt. She was the frugal one and I was the spender. Sound familiar? We got into debt and out of debt three different times. The last time I had to make dramatic changes. It had to start with me.
Debt is a spirit that attaches itself to you and you are blinded and are convinced that you need credit cards, mortgages, and car payments even to survive. Remember this is a process.
From the time I made the decision ( with my wife) it took 7 years to remove all debt including our home mortgage.
Since that time we have paid cash for everything: cars, homes, furniture, travel, etc.
Sound too good to be true? Thats what I thought. Stay tuned.
Over the years my wife and I made efforts to get out of debt. She was the frugal one and I was the spender. Sound familiar? We got into debt and out of debt three different times. The last time I had to make dramatic changes. It had to start with me.
Debt is a spirit that attaches itself to you and you are blinded and are convinced that you need credit cards, mortgages, and car payments even to survive. Remember this is a process.
From the time I made the decision ( with my wife) it took 7 years to remove all debt including our home mortgage.
Since that time we have paid cash for everything: cars, homes, furniture, travel, etc.
Sound too good to be true? Thats what I thought. Stay tuned.
Getting Debt Free !
Does it seem to be an impossiblity to be really debt free? That's what I thought years ago when I was so much in debt that I felt trapped. The economic system encourages a debt life style and few people believe they can survive without credit cards.
There is a better way and believe me-living debt free is the only way to live!
You get alot of conflicting financial information on the web and you need a plan and guidance to get things right. Get debt free for your peace of mind. Get debt free for your family.
YOU CAN DO IT AND PROSPER !
There is a better way and believe me-living debt free is the only way to live!
You get alot of conflicting financial information on the web and you need a plan and guidance to get things right. Get debt free for your peace of mind. Get debt free for your family.
YOU CAN DO IT AND PROSPER !
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