Category Archives: Business

Getting Funds For Your Business

If you are thinking of starting a business, there are a number of things you will have to think about. If you plan on offering products, you will need to create a product that people will want or need to use in their everyday lives. If you are building a business around a service, the same concept applies. No matter what your business idea is, you will eventually need investments from outside sources in order to get your business started or to move it to the next level. 

What You Can Expect from Investors

Each business will have different monetary needs and different sources in which to meet those needs. There are no set rules when it comes to the amount of money you can get from investors of any type. Some investors will want to go big and meet as many needs as they can for your business. These investors are rare, however. They will need to be very impressed by your idea to give you most of your funding. 

When it comes to funding, most startups will have to gather smaller investments from a number of investors and other sources such as grants or loans. In order to get a number of investors interested in your business, you will need to have a great business proposal and presentation. If they are impressed, they may choose to put some money in your business. No matter how much is invested per investor, they will expect an eventual return on their investment. 

Getting Investors

The traditional way to get investors for your company is to find people with the capital to invest and convince them that they should invest in your business. You should be able to do this by providing good evidence that you have what it takes to make the business succeed. Your business proposal will provide the investor with all the information they need to make their decision, including your target market, industry research, proof of a need for your product or service and detailed accounting of what capital you need and how you will use it. 

Crowdfunding Options

Crowdfunding, or social lending, is a newer option that allows a startup to go directly to its potential target audience. With social lending options, you can provide a pitch online and ask for a specific amount of money to meet your needs, whatever those needs happen to be. Online options for this type of investing includes website such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter. 

Pros and Cons Of Both Sides

Getting funding through investors has its perks and drawbacks. While you may be able to get money quickly from any of these investment options, each investor will expect something in return. If your business cannot provide that within a certain amount of time, the investors can lose faith in your company. This will lead not only to a quick end to your funding, but it may also lead to a lot more reservation from investors if you start another business venture down the road. 

When you go to your target audience for investments, they too will expect something in return. You may be subject to much more online scrutiny if what these people have invested in does not work out. This can also make it tougher for you to receive investments for other projects in the future. 

Planning is the key to getting your business idea funded. If you don’t know the basics of the market you are entering or what you need the capital for, investors will not think twice about walking away from your plan. They need to know that there is a great potential for success from you to feel confident with investing in your business.

A Job in the Pet Sitting Business

Would you like to create your own work schedule? Or, do wish that you could deal with animals instead of people? If you’ve dealt with these questions before, you may want to start your own pet sitting business. While starting a business can sound like a daunting task, you’ll discover that all you’ll need is some animal handling experience and ways to promote yourself; then you can start to receive the benefits of being your own boss.

Different Types of Petting Sitting Jobs

There are many types of pet sitting jobs available. For example, if you have a large yard or live close to an open field, you may want to open a doggie daycare. This provides dogs the opportunity to socialize and exercise under your supervision. If open spaces are out of the question, you may consider out-of-towner pet sitting. When an owner leaves, you can go over to the owner’s home to make sure the animal is properly exercised, fed and had the chance to go potty. Or, if you consider yourself an active person, consider dog walking as your pet sitting career. Whether it’s doggie daycare, out-of-town animal care, or dog walking, you can have the freedom to set your own schedule and experience the flexibility of business ownership.

Becoming A Pet Sitter

In having your own business, you also possess some major responsibilities too. First of all, you need to be experienced with animals. Having your own pets will make others more likely to trust you with their own pets. If you’ve never owned an animal, consider volunteering at a local veterinarian office to gain animal handling experience. If you plan on working with dogs, it would also be wise of you watch some episodes of Cesar Millan’s, “Dog Whisperer”. Additionally, try getting some pet sitter jobs for people who are going away on vacation or will be away for a job. This is valuable experience that can help you gain organizational and time management skills.

Secondly, you must be a self-starter. People won’t come to you unless you get the word out; I strongly recommend making flyers, handing out cards or advertising on the Internet. A good starting point is by getting yourself recognized on Facebook through facebook advertising.

Now that you know the pet sitting opportunities that are available and how to pursue them, don’t wait any longer to receive the benefits of creating and managing your own business!

Pros and Cons of Owner Operator Jobs

Different jobs in the trucking industry, whether long haul or freight brokers can be the solution for many people looking for work. This industry is very available and attainable to the masses. First, let’s figure out what is an “Owner-Operator” job? Just as described, it is a business owned and operated by the same individual. These jobs have become increasingly popular in today’s economy. Many people who are unable to find employment elsewhere have chosen to start their own business.

The advantages of having your own business are obvious: you can pick your own schedule, you are not answerable to anyone else (except maybe a spouse), and you succeed or fail based on your own efforts. Education is not necessarily a factor, as you are not meeting an employer’s requirements. You will be expected to provide proof of credentials and/or competency to prospective clients for jobs like interior decorating, home repair, accounting, or any other service type of business. Most owner-operators are also required to fulfill state licensing requirements just like any other business; if nothing else you will need a business license.

The risks of being an owner-operator are almost the same as the advantages. You are on your own. All aspects of running a business are your responsibility. This includes the expense of maintaining equipment, advertising, accounting and any needed supplies. You are vulnerable to possible lawsuits by disgruntled clients. Starting out as a “sole proprietor” keeps it simple for accounting and tax purposes, but become a limited liability company or “LLC” as soon as possible. This protects the owner-operator’s personal assets and separates them from those of his company.

Owner-Operator Trucking Jobs

A sub-contractor, a common practice in the construction field or long haul trucking jobs, does not have the same amount of freedom as a sole proprietor. You/your company are employed under another company for a job. This means meeting the contractor’s requirements but also eliminates advertising and possibly some supply and equipment costs. It still requires that you do your own accounting and maintain your own equipment.

Franchises or multi-level marketing are also owner-operator jobs. The purchase of a franchise can be very expensive. Both require adhering to the original business owner’s concept and rules, and purchasing all supplies and goods from them.

Overall, the owner-operator job is best for the disciplined, self-starting type of individual.