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BEAT
UNEMPLOYMENT
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Creat Your Own Job
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Given today’s economy, often times it is difficult
to find employment; In many instances, even when employment is found, the salary is not adequate enough, or the
hours are not suitable. In an attempt to solve such problems, many people have decided to start their own businesses,
which, in many cases, they operate out of their homes, therefore cutting away much of the overhead associated with
running a business of your own. The following are just a few of the many businesses that you can start on your
own.
HOME DAY CARE CENTER:
With so many women working full-time jobs these days, the need for day care is a vital one. As of the last report,
a person can care for up to 3 children without a state license, however in order to care for more than 3 children,
you must obtain a license through the Department of Children and Family Services. There are numerous requirements
to be met in order to be approved for licensing, but the effort is well worth it — since not only is this business
an inexpensive one to maintain, but it also allows you to be at home with your family as well. One very important
fact to remember, however, for this you must have a fondness for children if you intend to establish a day care
center, otherwise you are doing the children, as well as yourself a great dis-service. If you find pleasure in
caring for children, then this venture can be both pleasurable and profitable. A few things to consider about a
home day care center are the ages of the children you would like to care for, whether you would like to offer full-time
or part-time day (or night) care, which part of your house you can use for day care (an area for toys & activities),
what type of activities you can offer the children and what type of nutritional meal planning you would work out
to meet the children’s needs. Of course, the Department of Children and Family Services will invite you to a group
meeting (at which time you will receive a licensing application and medical forms) so as to explain in detail day
care requirements and to answer any of the questions you may have in reference to day care. In order to determine
fair rates to charge for your service, simply check out a few local day care centers and ask what their average
charge is — use their rates as a guideline in determining your rates, whether hourly, daily, or weekly.
GROCERY
DELIVERY SERVICE: Many of the chain or independent food markets
do not offer delivery service to their customers, be they restaurants or private individuals. In such a case, many
people would be willing to pay for delivery, since they are either too busy, or simply unable to pick-up their
groceries themselves. Arrange with several grocery stores to establish such a delivery service. Your business would
operate in this fashion — you advertise your delivery service in local publications, using your phone number. When
a person calls with an order, take down the items that they want to purchase, along with their name, address &
phone number — and don’t forget to arrange a delivery time and to inform them of the cost of your service; also
find out if they will be paying by check or with cash (if they are paying by a check, see if the grocery store
will allow you to have them make it payable to the store, this way, if for some reason there is a problem with
the check, the store can more easily collect the money due through their billing department. In this method of
payment, you can cash the check at the store and collect your fee from the store.) Of course, if the customer pays
by cash, there will be no need to return to the store until you need to make another delivery. Perhaps you can
also work out some type of discount arrangement with the grocery stores that you will be dealing with, since by
offering your service and advertising as well, you are also generating sales and income for the store as well.
If you are able to establish such a discount plan, your profits will be even greater, since you will make a percentage
of the grocery purchase in addition to your delivery service charge.
ARTS
AND CRAFTS: Almost everyone has some type of creative hobby
know-how, many people, like yourself, know how to knit, crochet, embroider, sew, macramé, quilt, paint,
make pottery, arrange flowers, make toys, upholster furniture, etc.
There are numerous hobbies that people do day after day that could
bring them money as well as pleasure.
One way of marketing your crafts is to participate in craft fairs,
bazaars, and flea markets. Of course, there will usually be a nominal fee for renting a booth or table
at such functions, but it will be very small in proportion to the profits you could possibly realize. Also
remember that seasonal items are always big money makers, so even if you’re making Christmas wreaths in the heat
of July, you will reap your profits come December! Another point to remember is that most craft materials are cheaper
when purchased in bulk quantities, so plan your purchases so as to realize an even greater profit. A good
method of collecting ideas for your projects is to subscribe to craft magazines. window-shop in gift shops, and
attend craft shows. Once you accumulate some ideas of your own, you can start your production and
arrange to sell your wares. In some cases it is more suitable to advertise your craft, for instance,
upholstery, woodworking. tailoring and dressmaking since these are more service oriented type talents. An
advertisement in a local paper would be sufficient to start the ball rolling for you.
Also, invest in some business cards that way you can do some door-to-door
calling to introduce yourself and your service to the community and don’t forget to leave your card! Also, don’t
forget to contact businesses as well as private individuals.
A good business account could bring not only a generous income,
but a steady one as well!
AUTO
REPAIR: Many people have had some type of auto repair education,
whether their education
has been formal or just learned from having to do work on your own car and cars of friends and neighbors. Where
you go the know how is not important, the important thing is you have to know what you are doing. And having done
mechanical work myself I know there are some things that is so very simply. If you are not too sure of how to something.
Get books from the library and teach your self. Infact, that is how I learned how to change the engine in my car.
I could not afford it so I had no choice. I did it “by the book” so to speak. After I finished and sat in the drivers
seat and turned the key and the new engine started. I felt like super fixer. I had just done a $1,500.00 job in
only a couple of days. Man! I really wanted to learn as much as I could about other auto repairs. Now I still do
auto repairs in my own home garage whenever I feel like it. One way to get customers is by offering customer bargain
prices, this will help assure business volume, but be certain not to under price yourself out of business.
HOUSECLEANING SERVICE:
This business is probably one of the simplest to operate. To
start out, all you need is some advertising exposure and cleaning equipment and products, most of which you probably
already have. Solicit
not only home and apartment dwellers as customers, but businesses as well.
If you get many clients, you may need to hire help of your own,
either on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your schedule and workload.
Try buying your products in larger quantities from a janitorial
supply store-this will save you money and therefore increase your profits.
Once you have work lined up, schedule your work day sensibly, so
as not to waste time or gas. Pricing, as usual, can be determined by pricing established cleaning service
price rates-once again, be competitive in your rates, but don’t cheat yourself in the process.
If you plan to do heavier type cleaning, such as carpet cleaning,
on a regular basis, you should consider purchasing a machine- In time it will more than pay for itself; however,
if you are doing the carpet cleaning infrequently, you should rent one instead.
Business cards, as in the case of most businesses (service-oriented
especially), it would be a wise investment. Pin one of your cards up on your grocery store bulletin boards, as
traffic there is always heavy and someone is sure to notice your card.
I hope this article is helpful to you in navigating these difficult times. I have had great letters for people
who has tried and developed good business for these suggestions. I hope you also have much success.
From the mind of Mesel.
(Mesel Pita)