Successful Blog

Is the Time Right for Your Business Aspirations?

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Multi-ethnic Superhero Businessmen Confidence Concept

If you’re considering starting a business during what’s left of 2015 or anytime in 2016, there are a number of factors to keep in mind.

From the current health of the economy to the type of business itself, starting a successful business oftentimes boils down to timing.

Here are just a few tips for starting a successful business the first time around in the coming year:

Strike While the Startup Iron is Hot

Although many small and large businesses alike are still recovering from the financial crisis of 2008, all signs point to a recovering economy. This means good news for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business in the coming year.

The U.S. has regained close to nine million jobs in the past year and banks are beginning to lend to business startups again.

Likewise, if you’re trying to start a business without relying on a line of credit from a bank, crowd-funding through sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter is also at an all-time high.

It’s also important to note that a healthy economy means less competition for industries of all kinds.

Whether you’re starting an online brand or a local business, when the business world struggles less, it gives your business a better opportunity to set up shop without competing with other similar businesses hungry for sales.

Ask for Advice

Regardless of whether you’re starting your business tomorrow or in the New Year, it’s always wise to ask for advice and tips from successful business owners.

As the following article looks at, whether you’re looking for 8 tips for starting a massage therapy business or you just need some help in the marketing department, a little advice goes a long way.

You can reach out to other business owners on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, read up on business blogs, or meet with business owners in person. You’d be surprised at how willing successful entrepreneurs are to share advice on the startup process.

Timing is Everything

Although the economy is currently ripe for new businesses to take shape, that doesn’t mean you should jump right in to starting your business.

Successfully getting your business off the ground takes a ton of planning and perfect timing.

That’s why it’s so important to choose the right time to get the business ball rolling.

For example, if you’re starting a consumer retail business, consider opening your doors closer to the holidays as opposed to after the New Year.

Starting your business at the right time could give you a much-needed sales boost during those critical beginning stages.

Study the Competition

In the weeks and months leading up to your grand opening, be sure to study the competition closely. Keeping an eye on the success rates of industries and local businesses similar to yours will provide you with valuable insights.

Are similar businesses currently struggling or are they experiencing unprecedented sales numbers?

By studying the competition and asking these questions, you’ll know when the best time is to jump in the business arena.

If you’re trying to decide whether to start your business in the coming year, then keep in mind the helpful tips mentioned above.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including business startups and the economy.

Are You a Go-Getter or Just Content Where You Are?

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Life is full of choices. That being said, which ones will you make when it comes to your career?

For better or worse, it is not uncommon for employees to be on the go in this day and age.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker today remains at each of his or her jobs for 4.4 years, while the forecasted tenure of the workforce’s youngest employees is about half that.

Ninety-one percent of Millennials (born between 1977-1997) figure on staying in a job for less than three years, according to the Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” survey of nearly 1,200 employees and 150 managers. If you do the math, that figures out to some 15 – 20 jobs over the course of their working lives.

As 2013 recently finished its first quarter, you still have a sizable year of opportunities awaiting you, some you never could have predicted.

Whether you work in a job you love or one you can’t wait to leave, there are opportunities in both. The question is, will you make the most of them.

For starters, those in a job they can’t wait to get out of need to ask themselves a few pertinent questions.

Among them:

* Why do I not like it here?

* Am I doing all I can to make the best of the situation?

* Is my personality contributing to why this job is not working out?

* If I go get another job, will I feel the same way about my career?

For those in a job that they love, some interesting questions to consider include:

* Why do I like it here?

* What can I do to make this an even better situation?

* Is there an opportunity to move up the ladder and get more responsibility and a raise?

* If I were to leave here, would I end up regretting it?

In a day and age where the economy continues its up and down path, and a day and age where many people remain on the outside looking in when it comes to work, it is even more important that you consider yourself fortunate to have a job. Along with that feeling, never take it for granted, because there is more than likely someone out there who could fill your seat tomorrow.

If 2013 is your year to make things better at work, consider these tips:

* Look to go that extra mile when it comes to helping your co-workers, improving office morale, and giving customers that extra attention;

* Look at the bigger picture. Even if you are currently not happy in your position, leaving it now may hurt you in the future. Sometimes it is better to gut it out in order to win over time;

* Look at taking as many skills away from your present job as possible. Unlike the days when workers stayed at their jobs for several decades, many of today’s workers move around every few years. Learn as much as you can now, allowing you to apply it later.

Whether 2013 is the year you shine at your current job or take your skills elsewhere, always be thinking about how lucky you are to have a job in the first place.

Photo credit: davykestens.be

About the Author: With 23 years’ writing experience, Dave Thomas covers a variety of business topics for different sites, including Reputation.com.

Are You in Business to be Successful?

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Making a go of a small business in 2011 is no easy task.

A troubled economy, fears about the stock market, and where things will go in 2012 with a presidential election have led many individuals considering opening a small business to wait on the sidelines.

That being said, some individuals have found the small business world to their liking. Whether it was always a dream to work for one’s self or being let go at a full-time job and then turning to themselves for employment, some will tell you that opening their own small business was the best decision they ever made.

Know the Risks of Opening a Small Business

The choice on whether or not to open a small business is not to be taken lightly. Individuals must consider the risks and rewards that come with such a decision, including the potential financial losses that can quickly overcome someone and their family should the planned venture fail.

When looking at where to possibly begin a small business, keep in mind that some industries are thriving quite well right now given their importance to consumers. Even when the economy is in trouble, some fields will continue to prosper, so be cognizant of that when looking into a small business venture.

If your dream is to own and operate a small business, some industries to look to include:

  • Elderly care – With an ever-growing number of American senior citizens, it makes sense to have a business supplying them with products and/or services. Whether it is products to make their lives easier or health care items, this market is growing and can in many cases foot the bills;
  • Employment assistance – With many Americans out of work, a large number of them have still not given up hopes of locating a decent paying job. In turn, individuals need services such as resume writing, assistance in job hunting and more. Creating a one-fits-all service for such needs could prove quite valuable in this day and age;
  • Retirement services – As more individuals look at the possibility of having to work longer to meet their financial needs, they need retirement advice in the process. If you have sound financial planning skills and are qualified to work in such an arena, this can prove a steady source of clients;
  • Home repairs – Given that more consumers are looking to save money on their home repair needs, qualified and inexpensive service providers can pick up some steady and decent paying work in this area. The obvious catch here is being both talented and covered by insurance prior to working on someone’s home or business;
  • Health and Fitness – With more Americans being informed by their health professionals that they need to lose weight, lower cholesterol levels etc. it only makes sense. Properly trained fitness experts can cash in on such needs by either opening up their own studios or even coming to people’s homes to help them with their fitness needs;
  • Home organizer/planner – As more and more Americans find it hard to fit all they need to do into a 24-hour period, business planners and organizers can be a great asset to individuals. If you are good at organizing and planning things, your services can be a great small business need for countless individuals;
  • Auto repair – Even when people are struggling financially, 9 out of 10 still need their cars to get them around. Qualified mechanics that may be looking to branch out from their employer and open their own shops can potentially drive off with a good income. Finally, be ready to take on the added responsibilities of running your own shop, both good and bad.

These are but a few of the small business ideas that you should consider if you’re looking to open up your own company.

Running a small business takes time, patience, money and a commitment to seeing the job through.

If you think running a small business is a small task, think again.

Photo credit: Businessinfoguide.com

Dave Thomas, who covers among other subjects’ document management and HR software, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.