Free daily tips, information, advice, ideas, with
examples drawn from real businesses.
Like ice cream, disasters come in many flavors--they might be served up in cups or cones. Your small business must be ready no matter what.
Big companies have deep pockets. They have relationships with big banks and can ride out disasters--including a bad economy. They can go to the short-term overnight loan market to even out cash shortfalls and disaster recoveries.
Small businesses do not have these resources. The only deep pockets are your own.
Example: Daryl faced ruin when heavy rains resulted in a flooded street. His pet store suffered extensive water damage. It didn't stop there. An electrical fire broke out and did more damage. Daryl had insurance, but it took almost three months to get the store fully operational again. Facing no sales and no income, Daryl struggled to pay on-going bills and get back in business. He contacted his regular customers and supplied standing orders for dog and cat food he had stored in his garage. He temporarily partnered with a local veterinarian to display some of his pet products. He involved his customers in the reconstruction by posting pictures on Facebook every day. When the pet store was finally ready, he held a grand re-opening, and his business thrived again.
Example: Eleanor runs a graphic arts firm. the business was going well when suddenly the landlord informed her that the building was to be completely renovated--she had 60 days to vacate the premises. The lease she had signed granted the landlord that option. It also stated that the landlord could buy out the remaining months of the lease--so Eleanor received a sizable amount of cash. This helped her find another place, move, and transition to new quarters. But the disruption in on-going work was significant. She turned the disaster into a positive by growing into a larger space, buying new equipment, and hiring an additional employee.
Example: Early in my first small business, I had a problem that taught me a valuable lesson. The husband of a key employee called one morning, saying his wife was in the hospital. Doctors were treating her for a ruptured appendix, and she would be absent for at least the next two weeks. I felt badly for her and assured the husband that if we could do anything, just let me know. Then I realized I had a predicament--she was the only one who knew how to run the new computer to produce some critical on-going work. It was a different kind of disaster. I learned that I must always cross-train employees so that someone could jump in to handle any job. It was a valuable lesson that I carried with me through several small businesses later on.
Disasters happen. Think through how you can react when the unthinkable happens. Your planning ahead can help you sleep at night.
More examples of businesses coping with disasters are scattered throughout these write-ups. Fire and flood, even key employees, can be covered with insurance. But the best insurance is your own planning ahead.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Managing tips
Free daily tips, info, advice, and ideas, with
examples drawn from real businesses.
Managing a small business is an art, not a science. You can use inputs from science and a financial infusion, but the on-going balancing act is more akin to a high wire performance.
Artists who create, alternative health practitioners, technology businesses, and any other small business--all these owners must manage the operation.
Managing involves many pieces. You motivate yourself and your employees. You watch the bottom line. You prepare for emergencies. You stay on top of technology. You stay alert to market opportunities. And, most importantly, you listen to your customers/clients.
Example: Alex is an artist who paints in oils. His abstract paintings have attracted some attention, but sales are not enough to support him. To supplement his income, he does portraits, but opportunities are few and far between. At a gallery showing of his works, Alex overheard one of the attendees complain that there was nothing on display that was priced low enough to be considered as gifts to friends. It gave Alex an idea. He began to turn out a series of small paintings, quickly done, and reasonably priced. He frames them himself and sells them on his website, in high-end gift shops, and at special shows. Now he doesn't worry about continuing income while he concentrates on the larger, and expensive, abstracts.
An ear to the ground in the marketplace can help bridge the gap between success and failure. You gotta give 'em what they want--and can afford.
Example: Mary is an expert Reiki practitioner. She works from home, seeing clients at their place. Mary was approached by a wellness center to join the group. For a reasonable monthly payment, she would have her own room to see her clients. With her certifications, she could now teach others at her new place. Further, by being part of the wellness center, she could attract more clients. Mary jumped at the chance.
Joining with compatible business partners can solve problems for small-business owners. It's part of on-going managing to grow the business.
Example: Sue runs a small printing operation. She stays on top of the technology that has revolutionized the industry. Instead of listening to salespeople trying to get her to buy a bigger press, Sue opted for a newer, smaller, cheaper, technologically advanced press that could turn out short-run color work. It was a management decision that has propelled Sue's operation into a narrow, but profitable, market segment.
Managing a small business means you must stay on top of everything. You make all the decisions. And then you take out the trash and turn off the lights.
More examples of managing are scattered throughout these write-ups. Whatever your business, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
examples drawn from real businesses.
Managing a small business is an art, not a science. You can use inputs from science and a financial infusion, but the on-going balancing act is more akin to a high wire performance.
Artists who create, alternative health practitioners, technology businesses, and any other small business--all these owners must manage the operation.
Managing involves many pieces. You motivate yourself and your employees. You watch the bottom line. You prepare for emergencies. You stay on top of technology. You stay alert to market opportunities. And, most importantly, you listen to your customers/clients.
Example: Alex is an artist who paints in oils. His abstract paintings have attracted some attention, but sales are not enough to support him. To supplement his income, he does portraits, but opportunities are few and far between. At a gallery showing of his works, Alex overheard one of the attendees complain that there was nothing on display that was priced low enough to be considered as gifts to friends. It gave Alex an idea. He began to turn out a series of small paintings, quickly done, and reasonably priced. He frames them himself and sells them on his website, in high-end gift shops, and at special shows. Now he doesn't worry about continuing income while he concentrates on the larger, and expensive, abstracts.
An ear to the ground in the marketplace can help bridge the gap between success and failure. You gotta give 'em what they want--and can afford.
Example: Mary is an expert Reiki practitioner. She works from home, seeing clients at their place. Mary was approached by a wellness center to join the group. For a reasonable monthly payment, she would have her own room to see her clients. With her certifications, she could now teach others at her new place. Further, by being part of the wellness center, she could attract more clients. Mary jumped at the chance.
Joining with compatible business partners can solve problems for small-business owners. It's part of on-going managing to grow the business.
Example: Sue runs a small printing operation. She stays on top of the technology that has revolutionized the industry. Instead of listening to salespeople trying to get her to buy a bigger press, Sue opted for a newer, smaller, cheaper, technologically advanced press that could turn out short-run color work. It was a management decision that has propelled Sue's operation into a narrow, but profitable, market segment.
Managing a small business means you must stay on top of everything. You make all the decisions. And then you take out the trash and turn off the lights.
More examples of managing are scattered throughout these write-ups. Whatever your business, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Expanding wellness
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, plus
examples from real businesses.
Therapists face special problems when it comes to the business end of their operation. Too many work alone. Individuals offer therapeutic massage, marriage counseling, reflexology, Reiki, yoga, meditation, and other therapies.
Instead of several people coming together to create a small business, therapists are frequently one person businesses. Clients can be few--it can be a thin market.
To combat this, therapists of diverse backgrounds frequently come together to create wellness centers. Some are today applying the department store/supermarket concept to alternative health. Come to one location and select from several possibilities.
Example: Joyce's specialty is reflexology. Over time she developed a client base passionate about her services. She traveled to them. To get her own office, Joyce partnered with Ella, who specialized in deep tissue massage. Together, they leased a large space--they were planning ahead. They then attracted a life counselor and a nutritionist to join them. Next, they added yoga--one expert who had a following of individuals. Soon, the business had grown to the point they needed a receptionist to schedule appointments. Recently, Joyce and Ella have talked with a practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu about joining the wellness group.
Heading toward establishing a wellness center is one way therapists can tackle their business problems. By bringing together several specialists, a wellness center can attract more attention--and clients--than one therapist acting alone. There is a spillover effect. Clients talk with one another about the center, and the word spreads on Facebook.
Example: Stan is a chiropractor. He, too, needed to attract more clients. He did not want to expand into a wellness center. Instead, he brings in other experts to offer counseling and information sessions at his place. He regularly schedules events open to the public. A nutritionist talks about healthy eating and fields questions from the attendees. At another session, a hypnotist helps people stop smoking. Later, an expert in Chinese herbal medicine talks about treating ailments without pills. These experts do not practice at Stan's place, but the popular sessions educate attendees--and, while there, they get up close and personal with the benefits of chiropractic. Stan is always on hand to talk about and explain chiropractic.
Therapists come in many flavors. If you are expert in one, your business might benefit from your partnering with other therapists to create a wellness center. Or, like the chiropractor, you might turn your place into a healthy living information and education center.
Whatever you do, keep your long term goal firmly in mind. Do the numbers to support a business plan. Only then can you confidently head out into new territory. That great unknown marketplace awaits.
examples from real businesses.
Therapists face special problems when it comes to the business end of their operation. Too many work alone. Individuals offer therapeutic massage, marriage counseling, reflexology, Reiki, yoga, meditation, and other therapies.
Instead of several people coming together to create a small business, therapists are frequently one person businesses. Clients can be few--it can be a thin market.
To combat this, therapists of diverse backgrounds frequently come together to create wellness centers. Some are today applying the department store/supermarket concept to alternative health. Come to one location and select from several possibilities.
Example: Joyce's specialty is reflexology. Over time she developed a client base passionate about her services. She traveled to them. To get her own office, Joyce partnered with Ella, who specialized in deep tissue massage. Together, they leased a large space--they were planning ahead. They then attracted a life counselor and a nutritionist to join them. Next, they added yoga--one expert who had a following of individuals. Soon, the business had grown to the point they needed a receptionist to schedule appointments. Recently, Joyce and Ella have talked with a practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu about joining the wellness group.
Heading toward establishing a wellness center is one way therapists can tackle their business problems. By bringing together several specialists, a wellness center can attract more attention--and clients--than one therapist acting alone. There is a spillover effect. Clients talk with one another about the center, and the word spreads on Facebook.
Example: Stan is a chiropractor. He, too, needed to attract more clients. He did not want to expand into a wellness center. Instead, he brings in other experts to offer counseling and information sessions at his place. He regularly schedules events open to the public. A nutritionist talks about healthy eating and fields questions from the attendees. At another session, a hypnotist helps people stop smoking. Later, an expert in Chinese herbal medicine talks about treating ailments without pills. These experts do not practice at Stan's place, but the popular sessions educate attendees--and, while there, they get up close and personal with the benefits of chiropractic. Stan is always on hand to talk about and explain chiropractic.
Therapists come in many flavors. If you are expert in one, your business might benefit from your partnering with other therapists to create a wellness center. Or, like the chiropractor, you might turn your place into a healthy living information and education center.
Whatever you do, keep your long term goal firmly in mind. Do the numbers to support a business plan. Only then can you confidently head out into new territory. That great unknown marketplace awaits.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Riding out holidays
Free tips, information, advice, ideas, with business examples
from personal experience--been there, done that in business.
Two thirds of Americans are cutting back on spending right now. It's the middle of October, and we're headed into the holiday shopping season. Business people are concerned.
Some experts believe that consumer spending in the coming holiday season will hold its own. These same experts say that the spending will come from savings, not from increases in income. More concern.
All this means that business owners must promote twice as hard--just to stay in the same place. If you want to grow, you must do even more.
Example: Carlos is a chef with his own restaurant. He is doing several things to promote his operation. He regularly posts mouth-watering entrees and desserts on his Facebook page. He puts the word out that he has partnered with local farms to offer fresh, farm-to-table meals. He has arranged to have his own app so that people can order ahead and the meal is ready when they arrive. He partners with non-profit groups to hold fundraisers for them. It's a rat race, but it is working--Carlos is seeing a steady rise in his restaurant's numbers.
Example: Fran is a certified acupuncturist. She sees more and more people looking for relief from stress, aches and pains, post-surgery concerns, and other ailments. To increase awareness, Fran brings in holistic practitioners for informational meetings, free demonstrations, question and answer sessions. This has led to more interest in acupuncture and a wider acceptance of its benefits. In addition, Fran is beginning to plan a wellness center offering several holistic treatments.
Example: Guy runs a fitness center. During the holiday season, people tend to have other things on their minds. To counteract this, Guy is bringing in experts in other fields to stoke interest and attendance. A hypnosis practitioner is set to hold sessions on weight reduction and stopping smoking. A nutritionist will be educating people on better eating habits.
Retail shops usually hold sales during and after the holidays. Shoppers have come to expect this, so consider doing more. Set up an open house, announce a special trunk sale, bring in a guitar player, set up seminars with experts on how to use the products/services you offer.
So the economy is not what it should be right now. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. We'll get through this, and we'll be stronger because of it.
People in small business are nothing if not creative. And hard-headed. And persistent. Remember to wave as you sail through the storm.
from personal experience--been there, done that in business.
Two thirds of Americans are cutting back on spending right now. It's the middle of October, and we're headed into the holiday shopping season. Business people are concerned.
Some experts believe that consumer spending in the coming holiday season will hold its own. These same experts say that the spending will come from savings, not from increases in income. More concern.
All this means that business owners must promote twice as hard--just to stay in the same place. If you want to grow, you must do even more.
Example: Carlos is a chef with his own restaurant. He is doing several things to promote his operation. He regularly posts mouth-watering entrees and desserts on his Facebook page. He puts the word out that he has partnered with local farms to offer fresh, farm-to-table meals. He has arranged to have his own app so that people can order ahead and the meal is ready when they arrive. He partners with non-profit groups to hold fundraisers for them. It's a rat race, but it is working--Carlos is seeing a steady rise in his restaurant's numbers.
Example: Fran is a certified acupuncturist. She sees more and more people looking for relief from stress, aches and pains, post-surgery concerns, and other ailments. To increase awareness, Fran brings in holistic practitioners for informational meetings, free demonstrations, question and answer sessions. This has led to more interest in acupuncture and a wider acceptance of its benefits. In addition, Fran is beginning to plan a wellness center offering several holistic treatments.
Example: Guy runs a fitness center. During the holiday season, people tend to have other things on their minds. To counteract this, Guy is bringing in experts in other fields to stoke interest and attendance. A hypnosis practitioner is set to hold sessions on weight reduction and stopping smoking. A nutritionist will be educating people on better eating habits.
Retail shops usually hold sales during and after the holidays. Shoppers have come to expect this, so consider doing more. Set up an open house, announce a special trunk sale, bring in a guitar player, set up seminars with experts on how to use the products/services you offer.
So the economy is not what it should be right now. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. We'll get through this, and we'll be stronger because of it.
People in small business are nothing if not creative. And hard-headed. And persistent. Remember to wave as you sail through the storm.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Promote with pets
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, with business examples
from the trenches--been there, done that in business.
Pets always generate interest. Pictures of cuddly kittens and playful puppies can promote your business. You don't have to own a pet shop. Any business can use pictures of pets.
Example: Ted is a chiropractor. His website and posts on Facebook include his dog. The dog is big, active, friendly and lovable. Ted is always taking pictures showing the dog running, jumping, chasing a ball, carrying a stick, or curled up by a fireplace. Ted is getting across the message of an active, pain-free life style. The message is not about bones and muscles--that discussion is on the website for viewers who want to read more. The dog is the message that is upfront, captures attention, and draws the viewer inside.
Example: Jan runs a consignment shop. Her big tabby cat really owns the place. He curls up in his basket on the counter, eyeing all comers as he catches cat naps. Jan snaps pictures of him--sleeping or playful, or just wandering around the place. He is in every picture she takes of new things arriving in the shop. She posts the pictures on her Facebook page, generating continuing interest and referrals. Customers develop an attachment to the cat. They look for more pictures on Facebook, and that keeps the consignment shop on their minds.
Example: Tom runs a bar. He wanted to punch up interest, so he installed two pool tables and a dart board. He brought in craft beers. But the thing that really got the place hopping was something else. Tom cleared off one full wall and hired a sign painter to emblazon the words "Man's Best Friend" across the top. He put up a reproduction of a famous painting showing dogs playing cards, and then he invited everyone to pin pictures of their dogs on the wall. The word spread quickly, and soon dozens of pictures of dogs and puppies appeared. Tom takes pictures of the wall pictures and posts them on Facebook. The bar is now affectionately referred to as Tom's Dog House.
Example: Gerta runs a quilting operation. That's the focus, but she is really a fabric artist. She designs and makes exquisite quilts herself--for all bed sizes, including infants. At her working studio, she sells everything needed to make a quilt. But that's only the beginning. She convenes weekly working sessions--people come for an evening with like-minded quilters, leaving their works-in-progress until the next session. Other times, Gerta sets sessions for beginners, instructing them on design and construction. She promotes with a website and on Facebook, and everywhere in all the pictures Gerta's toy poodle captures the camera's attention. Her poodle is a sort of trademark.
Pets can be used in many ways to promote your business. Put your creativity to work in your promotions. Today's social media can offer many opportunities not possible in bygone days.
For more on social media, see other write-ups in this series. Promotional ideas are scattered throughout. Don't have a pet? Not to worry. Take pictures of other things and post them.
from the trenches--been there, done that in business.
Pets always generate interest. Pictures of cuddly kittens and playful puppies can promote your business. You don't have to own a pet shop. Any business can use pictures of pets.
Example: Ted is a chiropractor. His website and posts on Facebook include his dog. The dog is big, active, friendly and lovable. Ted is always taking pictures showing the dog running, jumping, chasing a ball, carrying a stick, or curled up by a fireplace. Ted is getting across the message of an active, pain-free life style. The message is not about bones and muscles--that discussion is on the website for viewers who want to read more. The dog is the message that is upfront, captures attention, and draws the viewer inside.
Example: Jan runs a consignment shop. Her big tabby cat really owns the place. He curls up in his basket on the counter, eyeing all comers as he catches cat naps. Jan snaps pictures of him--sleeping or playful, or just wandering around the place. He is in every picture she takes of new things arriving in the shop. She posts the pictures on her Facebook page, generating continuing interest and referrals. Customers develop an attachment to the cat. They look for more pictures on Facebook, and that keeps the consignment shop on their minds.
Example: Tom runs a bar. He wanted to punch up interest, so he installed two pool tables and a dart board. He brought in craft beers. But the thing that really got the place hopping was something else. Tom cleared off one full wall and hired a sign painter to emblazon the words "Man's Best Friend" across the top. He put up a reproduction of a famous painting showing dogs playing cards, and then he invited everyone to pin pictures of their dogs on the wall. The word spread quickly, and soon dozens of pictures of dogs and puppies appeared. Tom takes pictures of the wall pictures and posts them on Facebook. The bar is now affectionately referred to as Tom's Dog House.
Example: Gerta runs a quilting operation. That's the focus, but she is really a fabric artist. She designs and makes exquisite quilts herself--for all bed sizes, including infants. At her working studio, she sells everything needed to make a quilt. But that's only the beginning. She convenes weekly working sessions--people come for an evening with like-minded quilters, leaving their works-in-progress until the next session. Other times, Gerta sets sessions for beginners, instructing them on design and construction. She promotes with a website and on Facebook, and everywhere in all the pictures Gerta's toy poodle captures the camera's attention. Her poodle is a sort of trademark.
Pets can be used in many ways to promote your business. Put your creativity to work in your promotions. Today's social media can offer many opportunities not possible in bygone days.
For more on social media, see other write-ups in this series. Promotional ideas are scattered throughout. Don't have a pet? Not to worry. Take pictures of other things and post them.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Use social media
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas, with business examples
from personal experience--been there, done that in business.
Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple are the big four in social media. They dominate the customer information space. And they compete ferociously with each other.
The big four and others (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) have developed many opportunities for small business people. Get in there and ride the wave.
Example: You are a holistic therapist specializing in Reiki. You write two sentences on relief from stress and muscle pain and post with a picture showing hands hovering over an ailing body part. Put it up on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Example: You own a restaurant. Get an app so that your customers can check out your specials for the day, make a reservation and place their order while they are on the way to your place. Post pictures of mouth-watering entrees daily on your Facebook page.
Example: You are a graphic artist turned photographer. Get your portfolio together and publish it as an Amazon e-book. Make connections on LinkedIn, teasing with a picture, and point them to your Amazon e-book. If you're looking for a position, grab your Kindle and show your interviewer what you've accomplished using Amazon's technology.
Example: You own a consignment shop. To attract attention you post pictures of newly received items on Facebook. The word spreads to your regulars--and they pass on the pictures to their friends, enlarging your circle of customers. Consignment shops have become more popular in today's lagging economy. Reach out and show the world what you have to offer.
Don't know how to access and use social media? Go to their web pages. They'll guide you through the simple process. And for the most part, it's free.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll be snapping pictures all the time. Post a picture with a few words and you're done with your advertising for the day.
Social media is a godsend for small business. You can reach the world with the click of a button. Your elderly customers/clients might still want to get a postcard delivered by the post office. But the mailbox of the future is filled with pictures delivered by social media.
from personal experience--been there, done that in business.
Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple are the big four in social media. They dominate the customer information space. And they compete ferociously with each other.
The big four and others (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) have developed many opportunities for small business people. Get in there and ride the wave.
Example: You are a holistic therapist specializing in Reiki. You write two sentences on relief from stress and muscle pain and post with a picture showing hands hovering over an ailing body part. Put it up on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Example: You own a restaurant. Get an app so that your customers can check out your specials for the day, make a reservation and place their order while they are on the way to your place. Post pictures of mouth-watering entrees daily on your Facebook page.
Example: You are a graphic artist turned photographer. Get your portfolio together and publish it as an Amazon e-book. Make connections on LinkedIn, teasing with a picture, and point them to your Amazon e-book. If you're looking for a position, grab your Kindle and show your interviewer what you've accomplished using Amazon's technology.
Example: You own a consignment shop. To attract attention you post pictures of newly received items on Facebook. The word spreads to your regulars--and they pass on the pictures to their friends, enlarging your circle of customers. Consignment shops have become more popular in today's lagging economy. Reach out and show the world what you have to offer.
Don't know how to access and use social media? Go to their web pages. They'll guide you through the simple process. And for the most part, it's free.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll be snapping pictures all the time. Post a picture with a few words and you're done with your advertising for the day.
Social media is a godsend for small business. You can reach the world with the click of a button. Your elderly customers/clients might still want to get a postcard delivered by the post office. But the mailbox of the future is filled with pictures delivered by social media.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Early starters
Free tips, information, advice, ideas, with business examples
from a lifetime of experience starting up and operating businesses.
A business frequently grows out of our early years. As a child or teenager, we show an interest in the activity that can later become a business.
Example: As a child, Jennifer watched her grandmother sewing. Needle and thread became magical to Jennifer--things got joined together and became something else. Out of the scraps from her grandmother's work, she made little outfits for her dolls. As a teenager, Jennifer's sewing became more ambitious. Encouraged by her mom, she made blouses and tops to wear herself. Fabric fascinated her. She turned old jeans into jackets and handbags. When she graduated from high school, Jennifer and her grandmother opened a small shop. It was filled with Jennifer's creations and they sold well. While Jennifer created new designs, her grandmother waited on customers and helped with the sewing. They reworked the shop's layout, installed a short runway and small stage, and today they hold regular fashion shows featuring Jennifer's designs.
Example: Jeb worked summers during high school for a small construction company. He learned how to install siding, gutters and downspouts, build steps, paint and pour concrete and more. Jeb saved his earnings. When he graduated high school, Jeb could have started his own renovation and repair business, but he had a bigger idea. He used his savings to make a down payment on a three-family building that needed work. He put the place in tip top shape, rented the apartments to three tenants, and looked around for another building.
Example: Dave and Jim were buddies as teenagers and both were into fitness. They spent hours in the local gym working out and playing sports. When they graduated, they talked with the owner of the local weight training center about how to open a gym. Their idea was not to compete with weight training but to have an up-scale fitness center--offering weight reduction programs, healthy living, with a smoothie bar with vitamins and supplements. To their surprise, the owner proposed that Dave and Jim take over the weight training center and turn it into what they had in mind. The owner offered to structure a loan to cover the payout over several years. Dave and Jim were suddenly in business and on their way.
These examples show how young people can take their interests to the next level. Keep in mind that anything can be turned into a business. It takes time, planning and lots of hard work.
It's not limited to young people. At any age, take your interests to the next level.
More examples of turning your passion into a business can be found in these write-ups. In addition to the hard work, it takes an attitude, confidence, and persistence.
from a lifetime of experience starting up and operating businesses.
A business frequently grows out of our early years. As a child or teenager, we show an interest in the activity that can later become a business.
Example: As a child, Jennifer watched her grandmother sewing. Needle and thread became magical to Jennifer--things got joined together and became something else. Out of the scraps from her grandmother's work, she made little outfits for her dolls. As a teenager, Jennifer's sewing became more ambitious. Encouraged by her mom, she made blouses and tops to wear herself. Fabric fascinated her. She turned old jeans into jackets and handbags. When she graduated from high school, Jennifer and her grandmother opened a small shop. It was filled with Jennifer's creations and they sold well. While Jennifer created new designs, her grandmother waited on customers and helped with the sewing. They reworked the shop's layout, installed a short runway and small stage, and today they hold regular fashion shows featuring Jennifer's designs.
Example: Jeb worked summers during high school for a small construction company. He learned how to install siding, gutters and downspouts, build steps, paint and pour concrete and more. Jeb saved his earnings. When he graduated high school, Jeb could have started his own renovation and repair business, but he had a bigger idea. He used his savings to make a down payment on a three-family building that needed work. He put the place in tip top shape, rented the apartments to three tenants, and looked around for another building.
Example: Dave and Jim were buddies as teenagers and both were into fitness. They spent hours in the local gym working out and playing sports. When they graduated, they talked with the owner of the local weight training center about how to open a gym. Their idea was not to compete with weight training but to have an up-scale fitness center--offering weight reduction programs, healthy living, with a smoothie bar with vitamins and supplements. To their surprise, the owner proposed that Dave and Jim take over the weight training center and turn it into what they had in mind. The owner offered to structure a loan to cover the payout over several years. Dave and Jim were suddenly in business and on their way.
These examples show how young people can take their interests to the next level. Keep in mind that anything can be turned into a business. It takes time, planning and lots of hard work.
It's not limited to young people. At any age, take your interests to the next level.
More examples of turning your passion into a business can be found in these write-ups. In addition to the hard work, it takes an attitude, confidence, and persistence.
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