The last question that anyone wants to think about is “What would happen to my home business if I was to be seriously injured or if I die? Who would tie up the loose ends?”
It can be difficult to think about these things, but just as it is important to leave a will and/or final personal wishes for your family, it is important to leave information regarding your business. If you become seriously ill, are injured in an accident, or in the event of your death, then you owe it to your customers, clients, or business associates to make sure that things are taken care of in a timely and professional manner. They are the ones that helped you make your business what it is; without them you would not have one. Making sure they are taken care of is extremely important.
Below is a checklist of what types of information you will need to document, along with tips and suggestions for the person you leave in charge.
Make a list of all website names, links, hosts (with contact information), plus usernames and passwords for these accounts. You may also want to leave instructions for accessing any of your website files on your hard drive, how to make changes and how to publish those files.
Make a list of all email addresses detailing which address belongs to which site, along with usernames and passwords for those accounts.
Leave the link to and username/password for your PayPal or any other “merchant” or payment processing accounts. Also if you have a separate business checking account, leave the account numbers, and any online username and passwords to access the account. If you have debit cards associated with those accounts, make a list of the card numbers that go with each account, along with a description of the card(s). For example if you have a PayPal account with a blue MasterCard debit card and a bank account with a red colored VISA, then you could list something like; PayPal, Blue MasterCard, Card Number 1234567812345678
Bank Account at First Federal Bank, Red VISA, Card Number 0987654309876543
Leave instructions for accessing your online store account (if you have one) and retrieving any and all pending orders, plus instructions for filling or refunding those orders, i.e. where to find products, order products, or how you want the money refunded. Leave your preferences such as refunds via money order, business check, PayPal, etc.
If you sell on EBay, Half.com, Amazon (or any other auction-type site), make sure to list usernames/passwords for the account(s), and leave instructions for retrieving any pending auctions or shipments. In the case of Half.com or Amazon, be sure to give detailed information on deleting your inventory.
Make a list of current affiliates, clients, contacts, advertisers, etc. with which you are doing business along with all contact information. A database program such as MS Access would be perfect for this.
Make a list of groups or message boards in which you participate and usernames and passwords for those accounts. Leave instructions on whether or not you want a message posted on these groups or message boards letting others know what has happened to you and when you will be returning to the group.
Make lists of names, addresses, phone numbers of all of your wholesale suppliers, drop shippers, or companies for which you are a representative, etc. along with names and email address or phone number of any particular contact with those companies.
Finally, sit down and type out all of the information that you would like to have in the email that you want sent out, the info to type on the homepage of your website, and the info you want to have posted in your groups. This should include any information on when you will be returning (if you know) or in the event that you will not be returning, final words, wishes, etc.
Go over all of this information with the person you wish to leave in charge. Choose someone that would be able to handle the responsibility professionally as well as emotionally in the event of your death. It would probably be unwise to leave this responsibility to your husband, your mother, or a grown child because this would likely be the last thing they will want to think about. If you can count on a good friend or business associate to do these things for you then it would be better. If you are personally familiar with your web site host, one of your affiliates, your business suppliers, etc. then leave some of the information with them and ask them to take care of it. For example, if your web host is a friend, leave instructions with them on the type of information that needs to be posted on the home page of your site, and whether you want all the pages taken down, etc. If you are personal friends with the owner of any groups of which you are a member, then leave information with them for posting a message on the group on your behalf.
It is important that ANY business have some type of contingency plan in place in the event of an emergency. Remember if YOU were the associate or customer of a business that suddenly closed (and it happens all the time), and you were left hanging, how happy would that make YOU? Use this same consideration when making your own contingency plan. It is not only the professional thing to do, it is the ETHICAL thing to do as well.
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Creating a Contingency Plan for WAHM Businesses
Make Money as a Greeting Card Writer
Even with the millions of electronic greeting cards that are sent every year, giving out personal, printed cards for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or “just because” will never go out of style. Research shows that the majority of people across the world prefer old-fashioned greeting cards – both giving and receiving.
With an estimated 3,000 greeting card publishers in the United States alone, it comes as no surprise that a lot of good greeting card copy is needed. And if you’ve always wanted to write for the greeting card market, that’s great news! It means you have many options on where to submit your work.
Do I have what it takes?
Are you creative? Do you have a knack for coming up with punch-lines unique phrases? When you browse through card shops, do you find yourself thinking, “I could’ve written that.”? Do you grow frustrated because you can never find the exact words you’re looking for in a greeting card?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may just have what it takes to become a greeting card writer.
What are publishers looking for?
There are generally two types of greeting cards: every-day and seasonal. Seasonal copy should be submitted several months before the named holiday and, of course, every-day material is accepted at any time.
What publishers specifically look for varies, depending on the type of greetings published. Some accept only humorous verse (Oatmeal Studios), some only sentimental (Blue Mountain Arts), and some both (Gallant Greetings). Although you probably still see rhyming verse on store racks, most companies today lean towards unrhymed poetry.
But one thing all publishers look for is the “me-to-you factor.” Word it in a way that doesn’t sound cheesy or false, but that you might truly say to your mother, daughter, spouse, friend, etc. Come up with something fresh that hasn’t been done a thousand times before.
Check out each publisher’s writer’s guidelines for exactly the type of copy they are looking for, as well as word count or line restrictions.
What format is required?
Typically, greeting card copy is submitted two different ways. For short quips, humor and one-liners, many companies prefer each one typed on a separate 3 x 5 card. For longer sentiments and prose, submitting each piece on a separate sheet of paper is standard procedure. You’ll want to number each submission for easy reference and also include your name, address, phone number and target audience (such as, “mother”, “friend,” etc.).
One note: many greeting card companies now accept email submissions. Again, follow specific writer’s guidelines on formatting and whether to send in the body of the email or as an attachment.
How much will I get paid?
Greeting card freelancers get paid anywhere from $10 – $500 per card. That’s a vast range, I know. But if you can crank out fresh and creative copy at lightening speed, even the lowest end of that range will earn you some decent cash. If you’re fortunate enough to break into a larger company, well, you do the math.
A few companies offer royalties, although this isn’t the norm. Most pay for “all rights,” which means you will no longer own the piece and cannot submit or sell it elsewhere. Think carefully about whether you want to give up all rights to your work before signing on the dotted line.
Where should I submit my work?
As mentioned above, there are hundreds and hundreds of potential publishers willing to consider your work. Just note, mega-companies like Hallmark and American Greetings have their own in-house writers and it’s nearly impossible to break in. But many other reputable companies welcome submissions from freelancers and willingly work with new writers. Companies like Blue Mountain Arts (or, SPS Studios), Oatmeal Studios, Comstock, and Renaissance, just to name a few.
Recommended Books:
“How to write and sell Greeting Cards, Bumper Stickers, T-Shirts and Other Fun Stuff,” by Molly Wigand
“You Can Write Greeting Cards,” by Karen Ann Moore
“Write Well and Sell: Greeting Cards,” by Sandra M. Louden
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Why I Wouldn’t Think Twice About Hiring a Stay at Home Mom
The world’s unfair. Yes it is. Let’s look at it this way. Staying at home is considered an occupation not many would willingly consider because the following reasons:
• 24 hour work (especially right after birth of children)
• No leave
• No medical coverage
• No insurance coverage
• No salary
• No big job title
• Mentally and Physically challenging (someone please tell me I am wrong on this one)
• “Employers” always fighting among each other and you’re always the arbitrator
• No Life
• And most of all….No appreciation and definitely no PROMOTION
And yet, you won’t find another person who does so much for so little willingly and with a smile on her lips. SAHM could be scrubbing dirty linen while exchanging jokes with kids. SAHM would also forego sleep if ‘employers’ have nightmares or problem sleeping. Even though the SAHM is grouchy, she will do her best to ensure that her mood does not affect the ‘employers’. SAHM will sacrifice her own food for the sake of the ‘employers’ without making a single sound.
The most amazing thing about SAHM is that they often have to do multiple things at the same time and deliver accordingly. For instance, ever tried calming an angry child while cutting onions? Or perhaps paying the milk delivery boy while breastfeeding a baby? How about changing a diaper while reading a magazine? That’s why God decided to give women this amazing ability to multitask.
Now, with all that said, doesn’t it seem clearer now why I would hire a SAHM at the drop of a hat?
Imagine the things that she can do for me! And yet, SAHM have no recognition and are considered to be second-class citizens in some countries. They are regarded so because they do not contribute FINANCIALLY to the family’s expenses. But so what? So what, I ask you?
Here…let’s consider this. Consider the following two instances very carefully. Number one, put a SAHM in a CEO chair and let her run the company for a day…completely on her own. Number two, take the CEO out of the chair and place her in a home with 3 screaming kids for one working day.
Guess who’ll make it and who won’t. No prizes for guessing but my guess is that the SAHM will probably be able to find her way around to survive the day and not mess up the company while the CEO will be done before the day is over.
And that is why the value of a SAHM is priceless and the CEO or corporate rat-racer is priced. Give me a choice and I’d pick the SAHM any time of the day.
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Ril Turnover Exceeds Rs 100000 in Nine Months With Record Qtr Profit
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) today reported its financial performance for the nine months period ended December 31, 2007. According to the un-audited financial results RIL marks a substantial growth in each segment as compared to the previous period.
Overall turnover increased by 13% to Rs. 100,572 crore (US$ 25.5 billion) and the cash profit increases by 51% to Rs. 19,714 crore (US$ 5.0 billion). Net Profit (including exceptional item) increases by 77% to Rs. 15,546 crore (US$ 4.0 billion); exceptional income of Rs. 4,733 crore (US$ 1.2 billion). Net Profit (excluding exceptional item) increases by 29% to Rs. 11,349 crore (US$ 2.9 billion) and a gross refining rargin for 3Q FY 07-08 was at US$ 15.4 / bbl and for 9M FY 07-08 was US$ 14.9 / bbl.
Commenting on the results, Shri Mukesh D. Ambani, CMD, Reliance Industries Limited said,“I am happy to report that Reliance continues to surpass previous records in financial performance. The quality of our manufacturing assets and our people is being recognized through the various awards and recognition that we have been receiving in the recent past. The new growth platforms around Oil and Gas, Organized Retailing and Agro-Retail initiatives are gathering momentum and the initial response to these initiatives have been very encouraging. Each of these initiatives inherently addresses India’s economic and social imperatives.”
During the nine months period ended December 31, 2007, the refinery processed 23.7 million tonnes and achieved an operating rate of 96%. Petrochemicals production grew by 4% to 14.5 million tonnes, against 14.0 million tonnes for the corresponding period of the previous year.
The Company has reserved issuance of 6,96,75,402 equity shares of Rs 10 each for offering to eligible employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under Employees Stock Option Scheme (ESOS). During the year 2006-07, the Company has granted 2,87,28,000 Options to the eligible employees for subscribing to equivalent number of fully paid-up equity shares of the Company. During the period ended December 31, 2007, the Company has further granted 10,35,000 options as per the terms of the ESOS.
Basic earning per share (EPS) for the nine months period was Rs. 107.0 (US$ 2.71). Basic earning per share (EPS), excluding exceptional item, for the nine months period was Rs. 78.1 (US$ 1.98) against Rs. 60.5 for the corresponding period of the previous year. The outstanding debt as on 31st December 2007 was Rs 31,553 crore (US$ 8.0 billion) compared to Rs 27,826 crore as on 31st March 2007. Net gearing as on 31st December 2007 was 21.8% as compared to 25.2% on 31st March 2007. RIL retained it domestic credit ratings which were AAA from CRISIL and Fitch. During the same period, Moody’s and S&P have reaffirmed investment grade ratings, for international debt of RIL, as Baa2 and BBB respectively.
During the period under review, RIL incurred capital expenditure of Rs. 13,891 crore (US$ 3.5 billion). With the completion of major expansion plans in the refining and petrochemicals businesses, the capital expenditure was largely for the Oil and Gas initiatives. The common capital expenditure of Rs. 1,714 crore (US$ 435 million) during the nine months period was mainly on account of purchase of real estate for office purposes.
This was yet another eventful period for RIL’s Oil and Gas Exploration & Production business which resulted in several key achievements. The Empowered Group on Ministers (EGoM) has approved the pricing formula for sale of gas from KG D6. RIL announced two gas discoveries (wells: KG-III-05-P1 and KG-III-05-J1) in Miocene clastics reservoir in the Krishna offshore basin on the east coast of India in the shallow water block, KG-OSN-2001/1 which has an area of 1,100 square kilometers. Four additional discoveries made too Well MD1 in block KG-D4, Well CY-III-D5-A1 in block CY-III-D5, Well KGD6-R1 in block KG D6 and Well GS01-B1 in block GS01. RIL has also submitted development plans for the NEC25 block and MA oil fields (KG D6) to the DGH for approval. The development plan for Sohagpur CBM Blocks (East and West) was approved by the DGH.
RPL successfully completed the second year of implementation of its refinery project with an overall project progress of 82%. Based on the progress made so far, RPL expects to complete the refinery project ahead of its initial schedule of December 2008.
The international business comprises of 10 blocks with acreage of about 80,000 square kilometers – 2 each in Yemen, Oman, Kurdistan and Colombia, 1 each in East Timor and Australia. In addition, Reliance also has 25% interest in a producing block in Yemen. With these blocks, about 70% of Reliance’s total international acreage is slated to be in frontier areas of offshore deepwater. A number of international upstream opportunities are being pursued in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific and are in various stages of negotiation.
The third quarter of FY 2007-08 was an eventful quarter for Reliance Retail. This quarter saw the launch of 6 new formats. Additionally, RRL entered into an alliance with Apple for setting up a chain of Apple Specialty Stores branded as iStore. This is RRL’s first alliance with an international brand. This first iStore was launched during the quarter in Bangalore.
Reliance Fresh started the quarter with 329 stores and opened an additional 112 stores to end the quarter with 441 stores in over 45 towns and cities. As on date there are 453 Reliance Fresh stores operational across India.
The new formats launched by RRL this quarter are Reliance Trends, Reliance Footprint, Reliance Wellness, Reliance TimeOut, Reliance Jewels and Reliance Super. Reliance Digital launched 2 additional stores in Bangalore and Navi Mumbai respectively bringing the total Reliance Digital stores to 3. In the months of October and November, Reliance Trends, a specialty apparel store selling mens’, womens’ and children’s garments was launched at Gurgaon and Delhi. RRL also opened its chain of specialty wellness stores offering pre-emptive, curative and beauty solutions under the brand name of Reliance Wellness in the cities of Hyderabad and Bangalore.
In December 2007, RRL launched another specialty format in Bangalore, with an extensive range of merchandise in Books, Music, Stationery, Toys and Gifts under the brand name Reliance TimeOut. This quarter also saw Reliance’s foray into fine and branded jewellery under the brand name of Reliance Jewels in Bangalore. RRL closed this quarter by opening its ninth format, Reliance Super, in Amrtisar.
With the launch of the new formats, RRL now operates 9 different formats across India.The RelianceOne loyalty membership base continues to grow and has crossed over 2 million loyal customers.
During the nine months period, domestic demand for petroleum products increased by 5.9% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Demand for HSD, which accounts for a third of the consumption of petroleum products, registered a growth of 9.8% while demand for MS was higher by 11.6%. Demand of ATF grew by 15.1% and for LPG by 7.5%. Sale of Naphtha dropped by 15% and Kerosene also declined marginally during the period under review. Domestic marketing margins on MS and HSD continue to be under pressure due to lack of a level playing field for the private sector marketing companies. The period witnessed high crude oil prices without any corresponding improvement in the domestic selling price. RIL is currently maintaining a price differential of Rs. 5.0 per litre over PSUs’ Retail Selling Price on HSD and Rs. 4.50 per litre for MS across India.
RIL added 44 retail outlets during the period under review taking a total number of retail outlets to 1,429. To capture the growth opportunity in the ATF business, RIL has presence at 13 airports in India and is now refueling major airlines. Work at 4 other airports is in advanced stage of completion. All major domestic airlines and few major international airlines (Emirates and Qatar Airways) have started refueling from RIL fuelling stations.
The quarter witnessed volatility in global refining margins on the back of rising crude oil prices. Refining margins in the benchmark US Gulf Coast (WTI) declined from US$ 8.6 / bbl to US$ 3.4 / bbl on a quarter-on-quarter basis primarily due to weak gasoline cracks. However, the benchmark Singapore complex margins increased from US$ 6.4 / bbl to US$ 7.7 / bbl primarily due to near record jet / kerosene and gas oil cracks. Naphtha cracks were also higher but propylene prices remained stable. Light – Heavy differential remained in the US$ 5 / bbl range.
The superior configuration at the Jamnagar refinery allowed RIL the flexibility to focus on the production of middle distillate products (Gasoil and Jet / Kerosene) where margins remained firm with strong global demand.
For the period under review, revenues for the petrochemical segment increased by 3% from Rs 37,799 crore to Rs 38,880 crore. High feedstock prices continue to impact the petrochemicals business. However, strong domestic demand has lowered the extent of impact of current high prices of feed stocks for an integrated producer like RIL. During the quarter, higher naphtha cracks squeezed polyester chain margins. Para xylene and PTA margins were lower compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Further,Para xylene unit at Jamnagar was under planned shutdown for 19 days in December 2007 leading to lower production. All the polyester products witnessed strong domestic demand
growth.
Production volumes of the Polyester (PFY, PSF and PET) increased by 5% to 1,168 thousand tonnes. Production from the new polyester facility has been placed successfully in the market. RIL has maintained its focus on specialty products which account for 54% and 39% of PSF and PFY production respectively. RIL now has a domestic market share in excess of 51% in polyester. RIL’s polyester intermediates (PX, PTA and MEG) production grew by 10% to 3,480 thousand tonnes during the nine months period. The production increase is attributed to the new 730 thousand tonnes PTA plant at Hazira which was commissioned in 2Q FY 2006-07, partially offset by planned shutdown of Para xylene unit at Jamnagar in 3Q FY 2007-08. Reliance’s domestic market share in polyester intermediates stood at 79%.
During the period, RIL signed an agreement to acquire assets of Hualon, Malaysia. Hualon is a leading polyester producer in Malaysia with polyester (fibre, yarn and resin) manufacturing capacity of half a million tons per annum along with downstream textile manufacturing capabilities spread over two locations in Malaysia, namely Nilai and Malacca. Pending the transfer of assets, Reliance through its subsidiary, has commenced operations with the use of the assets during the quarter.
The polymers business witnessed sustained growth with aggregate production volumes of PP, PE and PVC growing by 4% to 2,514 thousand tonnes. The increase in production is attributed to the full impact of the new PP plant at Jamnagar and also to the scheduled maintenance shutdown of the cracker and downstream plants at Hazira during the corresponding period of the previous year. RIL continues to be India’s largest producer of polymers with a domestic market share of 69%. The domestic market of polymers witnessed exciting growth with demand growing at 16% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The growth was seen across polymers – PP demand grew by 17%, PE demand grew by 21% while demand for PVC grew by 11%. The increased demand came largely from end-use segments like flexible packaging, infrastructure, cables, consumer durables and agriculture.
During the period under review, production of Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) remained unchanged at 128 thousand tonnes. Reliance has a market share of 38% in the domestic LAB market. The Butadiene plant produced 130 thousand tonnes, higher by 13% as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
During the quarter Reliance Digital Retail Limited, Reliance Brands Private Limited, Reliance Wellness Limited, Reliance Footprint Limited, Reliance Integrated Agri Solutions Private Limited, Reliance Trends Limited, Reliance Lifestyle Holdings Private Limited, Reliance Universal Ventures Private Limited, Reliance AutoZone Private Limited, Strategic Manpower Solutions Private Limited, Reliance Gems and Jewels Limited, Delight Proteins Private Limited, Reliance F&B Services Private Limited, Reliance Agri Products Distribution Private Limited, Reliance Leisures Private Limited, Reliance Retail Securities and Broking Company Private Limited, Reliance Home Store Private Limited, Reliance Trade Services Centre Private Limited, Reliance Food Processing Solutions Private Limited, Reliance Supply Chain Solutions Private Limited, Reliance Digital Media Private Limited, Reliance Loyalty & Analytics Private Limited have become subsidiaries of the Company.
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Starting An Auto Repair Business On A Shoe String – Costly Mistakes You Must Avoid
What is your greatest hurdle when starting an auto repair business on a shoe string? Beyond your tools, beyond your space, beyond the constant need to check and double check your books your biggest hurdle will be getting the word out.
How do I know this? Because I work with shops who have been in business for decades and they still have a problem keeping the car count up!
In this day and age word of mouth (WoM) is the most powerful tool you have. However, WoM has changed. We’re now seeing reports from shop owners, in the same place servicing the same customers for over 35 years who are seeing drop offs in their numbers.
Is this how you want to launch your new venture?
Starting An Auto Repair Business On A Shoe String – #1 Mistake You Must Avoid
Before I give you some information on what you should look into in order to be successful starting an auto repair business on a shoe string, there is one thing you must NOT do.
GET OUT OF THE PHONEBOOK!!!!
The phonebook is the #1 way you will dump scads of cash down the drain and never see any return. Frequently when we interview new clients we ask them what they do to get their names out there. We hear: direct mail, coupons, internet… but very infrequently will anyone mention the phonebook.
So we ask directly. And they say “Yes, of course we’re in the phonebook!”
The phonebook has become something most shop owners ‘just do’. I have to admit, that’s some amazing persuasive force those phonebook folks have on the auto repair industry! But like so many other rituals, it has simply become a costly and completely useless tradition.
You can live without it. Like they say with drugs: Just say no.
Here are some hard, cold facts about phonebook advertising:
#1: Phonebooks provide nothing in the way of relevant information. They are a list. Furthermore, they are a list which makes every company look pretty much the same. The fact is you need to stand out in a crowd if you’re going to have a prayer of surviving in this massively competitive market.
#2: Your customers are not going to find you in the phonebook. Almost every man, woman and child in America is using the internet to find information. Be there. But be there correctly. (More on this later)
#3: Phonebook readership has declined by an insane amount in the past 5 years. Sure they mail one out to every home in the country, but does anyone read it? No. People use phonebooks as kindling or as something to prop up chairs.
Starting An Auto Repair Business On A Shoe String – Your Biggest Solution
Since you’re starting an auto repair business on a shoe string, you have a massive advantage over your competition. You have not yet fallen prey to the mindless, cookie-cutter advertising traditions your competition has been butchering for decades.
In fact, you may not even need to use traditional advertising to start.
Here’s a question to consider: why does word of mouth work in the first place?
We’ve started asking shop owners that question and what we’ve gotten back is pretty good. Most shop owners give variations of this: “WoM works because we did a good job. People tell their friends when they have car problems and that’s what keeps food on our plates.”
What’s wrong with this statement? Nothing. It’s 100% true. But it’s not the complete picture.
Here’s another question: how can you create WoM before you have any customers to sing your praises?
The answer is tied into the reason WoM works in the first place. WoM works because you have established trust with your customer.
Starting An Auto Repair Business On A Shoe String – The #1 Golden Rule
People buy more goods and services from those who they know and trust. And the #1 way to build trust is to become an information service provider to those people.
Become that information provider to your local market, and you may never have to spend a dime on conventional advertising.
Starting An Auto Repair Business On A Shoe String – Problems = Potential
Did you know that in most markets auto repair shops are frequented by a massive percentage of women drivers? Did you also know most of these women drivers feel they are being completely taken advantage of? They fear taking the car into the shop.
What if you were to address this concern directly?
What do you think would happen if you were to offer free lessons where people who feel scammed could come to your shop and learn how to avoid the problems in the first place?
Who do you think would enjoy this? Women. Your customers. Everyone.
Spreading the word would cost about as much as a sheet of paper. You would create a press release, send it to the local media and then get the information into the hands of the PTA or some other group.
Offer your information completely free and never, never pitch or sell your services. Have the people who come ask questions, give demonstrations and show examples of what they need to watch out for.
Do this 1x per month and you will find yourself so busy you’ll have to double your staff.
What do you think the result would be for your business if you were to be seen as the #1 facility in your town where people can go and not be taken advantage of?
Total Cost: $0. Total Effectiveness: Infinite
Welcome to starting an auto repair business on a shoe string.
About the Author:
Restaurant Fundraisers
Restaurant fundraisers can not only be quite successful, they can be great fun. You like to eat don’t you? Well, so does everyone else. There’s the attraction right there. Offer something that has to do with food and they will come. It’s like dangling a carrot (pun intended).
Why Restaurant Fundraisers Work
They involve food and everyone loves food. They are a way for the whole family to affordably do something together. They set the stage for social interaction with others of like interest. They are a breeding ground for brainstorming fresh ideas. Challenge everyone to come up with another way to raise some funds. They’re an enjoyable way for people to give.
Participating restaurants give a portion of their sales from your group directly to your fund raiser. Most restaurants require everyone identifies themselves with the group in order for the percentage to be in effect. If it’s a fast food establishment, be sure to request that you also get percentages of drive thru sales.
Restaurant Fund Raisers. Get the Word Out!
If you want the best, easiest way to get the word out about your restaurant fund raisers, put down the megaphone and listen up. The web is your best friend. Posting online allows for the use of awesome multi media tools that you can use to your advantage in your quest to spread the word. A simple email containing a link to the web page about your restaurant fund raiser is all it takes.
Bring your guest to a personalized, interactive web page about your event. Add pictures of, for example, the school, the PTA board members, students, and more. How about adding the restaurant’s logo, menu, address, phone number, and hours of operation? Post a blurb on how the money is going to be used and how much you are trying to raise. How about posting a video or an audio related to your fund raiser? Get RSVPs back and allow for all to see through your web page who is or isn’t coming. You made need RSVPS if you are going to be in a small, locally owned restaurant. They’ll need to plan for your guests ahead of time.
Sending out email reminders will also help you out a great deal. Think about it. If this is for PTA, what do you think is more effective? Sending home paper reminders in the kids’ folders that may not get seen until well after dinner or an email popping in front of the parents’ faces at work as they were just thinking what a hectic day they had and don’t feel like cooking while standing on tired feet?
You can also set up to receive donations online for those who can’t make it or for anyone wanting to give extra. Simply go to Events Listed. Everything is easy to set up and easy to manage and you’ll have access to over 60 multi media web tools, none of which require technical experience.
You can also allow for your group to network online together with incredible ease, both before and after your restaurant fund raiser. You can use this web page for as long as you’d like – and it’s free.
Eat well. Make some friends. Use the web. Make some cash. Easy as pie (pun intended).
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Using Auto Responders and Squeeze Pages
Squeeze Pages
Usually when potential business associated meet they shake hands, exchange business cards and discuss their businesses. On the internet, however, it is very different. Potential customers can view your website and all your contact information without even meeting you. This is where you may want to use a squeeze page.
When someone views your squeeze page it prompts them to leave their contact information behind. If this is not done you may end up losing a lot of profitable business relationships because you do not know the prospects name or know how to contact them. In order to develop that one on one relationship with a prospect a squeeze page is a great solution.
In order to get people to leave their information, so you can get to know them, you should offer something of interest. A free e-book is a good choice to offer as a gift for leaving their contact details. People want to know that they are getting something in return for leaving their names and email addresses.
There should not be any out going links on your squeeze page. If you do have any, they should be in smaller print at the bottom of the page. Entering contact information should be the only thing a prospect can do on your squeeze page. Putting banners, pay per clicks or pop ups on the page should be avoided. Provide enough information to peek the interest of the prospect and offer a free e-book download.
Auto Responders
Most auto responder services come with an option to design an opt in form so that makes it a lot easier to make one. Make the submit button compelling enough to get the customer to act. You can change it when designing the form.
In order to create your opt in form for your auto responder follow the directions or video tutorials provided by your auto responder service. After you have created the form add it to your website so that you can begin building a list. Some people may prefer to sign up using email. In that case have an option for them to send a blank email to a certain email address. As the saying goes, the power is in the list, so have a couple options available in order to get as many subscribers as possible.
An opt in form is a great addition for any website. You can offer a newsletter or e-course if the prospect provides their information. Set up the auto responder with information, articles and freebies to be sent out at regular intervals. As long as the prospect stays subscribed you can offer them anything you want without being accused of spam, just make sure there is an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each e-mail.
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Food Fundraising the Healthy Way!
Healthy Food Fundraising
As obesity runs rampant in America, PTA’s, school districts, and school boards are turning more and more often to healthier alternatives to the classic cookie dough fundraiser or candy fundraiser that has dominated the landscape for years. Fundraisers that sell healthy foods instead of unhealthy foods are clearly the future of fundraising.
Problems with “Old Fashioned” Fundraisers
For as long as anyone in the fundraising community can remember, the most popular fundraisers have been those that sell cookie dough or candy.
Cookie dough fundraisers have seller’s pre-sell cookie dough to customers out of catalogues. The dough is delivered frozen, which means that the group who sold the dough needs to be there when the truck arrives so their cookie dough doesn’t spoil. Cookie dough is also ridiculously high in fat and sugar and is made with raw eggs which can make people sick.
Candy fundraisers range from chocolate bar sales to lollipop sales. No matter what kind of candy fundraiser you are doing though, you buy your candy ahead of your sale and then either set up shop on a corner or in front of a store, or, you go door to door. Candy, obviously, is chock full of sweeteners and sugars, among other unhealthy products.
Both candy and cookie dough fundraising are being banned because neither is very healthy.
Why Healthy Food Fundraiser Make Sense
Healthy food fundraisers are just what they sound like and can be conducted in one of two ways. The first way is to have a healthy foods bake sale. Instead of selling cookies, cakes, and other sweets like a traditional bake sale, groups can sell organic breads, all natural preserves, and healthy trail mixes.
The other way to have a healthy food fundraiser is to do a pre-sell fundraiser, similar to frozen cookie dough, but with healthy, non-spoilable products. Some fundraising companies have started offering organic bread kits, organic pizza crust kits, all natural trail mixes, and even organic dog treat mixes that can be sold from a catalogue to raise money.
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Face Painting: A Great Business For Moms
Many stay-at-home moms search for a flexible, home-based way to earn a little extra money. Although it may sound like an unusual career path, becoming a Professional Face Painter could be just the ticket many moms are looking for. Why?
Face Painting = Happiness
What other business can you own where your job is to make a kid smile? Face Painting is a fantastic way to spread smiles, allow kids to be individuals and to express your own creativity.
Investment
For under $50.00, a beginner’s “toolbox” of Face Painting supplies can be purchased. This cost pales in comparison to some of the financial commitments that are encouraged when starting other businesses or purchasing the inventory to sell at craft shows, etc. And it’s never a waste to purchase Face Painting supplies because your kids will love them as much as you do! Don’t be surprised if they offer to paint you sometime.
Training
As in most things in life, the best way to learn is by doing. Once you’ve purchased the appropriate face paints, brushes and other supplies, start painting. There are e-books available to you as well as professional face painters, who network on the Internet, ready and anxious to share their knowledge and advice on getting started and building a business.
Marketing
Armed with a few hundred business cards, a camera and your Face Painting masterpieces as your promotional tools, your marketing efforts can bloom. By volunteering to face paint for friends, neighbors, school, etc., you have the ability to begin booking paid events quite quickly.
Conclusion
This overview of the opportunity to become a Professional Face Painter is not an attempt to oversimplify the business of Professional Face Painting. The great face painters of the world practice their craft extensively, train with the best instructors and meticulously maintain their accounting records and booking calendars.
For a mom or even a creatively inclined college student, Face Painting is a business that should be considered. Work where and when you want. Establish your pricing structure based on your own market. Maintain the flexibility needed to care for your own children. And make a little extra income for your efforts.
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How To Start a Business with Less Than $100
Write your own business and marketing plans rather than hiring a company. For help on how to write your business and marketing plans go to the MIBN Knowledge Center and find the “How To Write a Business Plan” and “How To Write a Marketing Plan” courses. COST: free. SAVINGS: $1500 to$10,000
Buy a Domain Name from GoDaddy.com or NetworkSolutions.com for less than $10 vs. buying your domain name from a more expensive retailer. COST: $10. SAVINGS: $15 – $25
Build your website using a blogging tool such as Google’s Blogger or WordPress.com. For a little more money, you can buy your domain and a website for $120 ($9.95/mon) through NetworkSolutions.com and have a more professional site that’s easy to create yourself. COST: free. SAVINGS: $100 to $2500+
For Business Cards you can get 250 business cards from VistaPrint.com for free (just pay shipping). COST: $4.99 for shipping. SAVINGS: $50
For Brochures: Opt for postcards instead. They can be mailed easier and cheaper. They are cheaper to print. It’s also important to note that most start up businesses change their business offerings, programs, etc. quite often in the start up phase. Brochures often become obsolete before you receive them due to economic changes, vendor cancellations, etc. DON’T spend tons of money on brochures because I guarantee you will have to throw some away. Use your website as your brochure and a postcard as your promotion piece. If you really feel you must have a brochure, then create a downloadable brochure that’s accessible from your website. With OvernightPrints.com, you can receive 100 postcards for $9.95 plus shipping. COST: $15 SAVINGS: $25-$100.
Home Office vs. Commercial Office Space: Some of the most successful moms in business literally started their businesses at their kitchen table. Read the stories of Melanie Corpstein, CEO of AdorableOriginals.com or Lillian Vernon, founder of the Lillian Vernon Catalog Co. There are hundreds more. Home office businesses are all the rage anyway, so you’ll be in on the fashionable trend. COST: free. SAVINGS: $250 to $2000 per month
Use PayPal vs a commercial credit card processor. Until you have sales there is no reason to pay a monthly fee for credit card processing. Paypal is easy to integrate into almost every site, and there’s no monthly fees. You pay only when you make a sale. COST: free. SAVINGS: $49 to $89 per month
Don’t carry stock. There are many ways to sell products from online wholesalers and THEY process the shipments…from print-on-demand booksellers to gift items. You can be a reseller for almost any product and never have to own any stock. Avoid MLM businesses where you have to buy hundreds or thousands of dollars in merchandise. I’ve heard too many stories of the MLM company buying the merchandise back from the reseller for 30-60 cents on the dollar. COST: free. SAVINGS: $500-$1500
Use Twitter vs. a Newsletter. When your businesses is booming then you can convert your Twitter followers into newsletter subscribers, but in the meantime don’t shell out the dough for just a few subscribers unless it’s really necessary. You will also build your following faster with Twitter than with a newsletter. For example, I have one online property that has 79 subscribers of the newsletter, but I have 85 followers on Twitter, and it’s growing very quickly. I have another online property that attracted 25 followers in 48 hours. I learned the expensive way, and I don’t have a newsletter for that second media property! COST: free. SAVINGS: $15 to $50 per month.
Total Savings: $27, 075
KEY TO SUCCESS: Don’t listen to sales people that are trying to sell you services or products you don’t need yet. Put most of your time and money into marketing because marketing, and only marketing, will bring in the money.
Before you go into business, ask your accountant and lawyer for advice. This is in no way considered legal, accounting or any other kind of business consulting advice. These are just tips. Follow us on Twitter.
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