Set your goals when starting your business from scratch

When our scratch off sticker business was started there were a lot of things to consider. What would we offer our customers that other's didn't? How would we stand apart? How would we continue to grow?


All of these questions are answered on a continuing basis as we grew our business and set large goals with baby steps. This is how we've grown our scratch off sticker business. We now offer 15 varieties of scratch off stickers in an assortment of colors.
This article helps explain big goals in your small business:
Setting Business Goals-

When Setting Business Goals Think BIG
If you are considering starting up a new business venture in the near future, or currently own an established business, it is likely that you may not be sure as to what steps to take next in order to take your business further. When it comes to owning your own business, it is vital that you make goals in order to see your business flourish and grow to its full potential. However, the main issue which stops many business owners from thinking big in terms of their business goals is that they tend to focus on the negative aspects of goal setting. What if my attempts fail? What if I damage the current status of my business? On the other hand, what if you succeed in achieving your goals and realizing your business' true potential?

If you are unable to envision your business going further than it currently is, chances are it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve any big goals. It is understandable that any business owners will fear failure, and so will simply opt to not set large goals in order to dodge any great failure. However, as you see the years pass and your business cease to grow, it is then that you will realize that thinking big when drafting your business goals is one of the most effective ways in which to push yourself and your business to its full potential.

It is unlikely that we can immediately achieve any business goal we set out mind to instantaneously. Anything that is worthwhile takes time. However, by taking the risk to make our business dreams a reality and be realistic with our goals, we will have a higher chance of seeing this reality. One of the most effective ways in which to make your goals is to share these with someone else and make yourself accountable. This may be something you have already done, but for others, communicating their business goals out loud-no matter how small they may be, can be incredibly empowering and can motivate them more to try to achieve them. Many business owners make the mistake of staying small when drafting their business goals as they believe that smaller goals are easier to achieve. In some respect this is true, but with the correct determination, persistance and planning, you can achieve anything. This is not to say that your big goals will be realized in quick succession and without effort, but by continuing with the running and growth of your business, building on your marketing, advertising and so forth in order to achieve your smaller goals, then with time, your big goals will be realized. As you achieve your previous goals, you can create new goals and continuing to grow your business. However, be realistic. Making large goals which you know you will never achieve can dishearten you but stay too small, and you may be de-motivated.

So, how can you make your big goals a reality? Break down your big business goals into section which are realistic and will be achievable. For example, if you aspire to gain 200 new clients, break this down so that you will aim to gain 10 new clients a month, and build on this number as you start to achieve this goal. Changing your big goal into smaller, more manageable goals will make it easier for you to achieve, thus filling you with a sense of accomplishment and motivation as it is realized.


Setting big business goals can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner and you are starting from the basics. However, many businesses fail as they refuse to take the chance to dream big, showing how being safe can be just as dangerous as dreaming big. So, if you want your business to grow to the establishment which you dream and know it can be, don't be afraid to be ambitious, realistic and above all, don't be afraid to dream big.

----------------------------------------------------

Diana Samalot is mother of twin girls, writer, entrepreneur, master internet marketer and success coach. She can help you market your business with a proven system, training, coaching and supperb support. To find out if you qualify to become part of her team of entrepreneurs and future a millionaire, go to >>>> http://thebestmillionairecreator.com

Start a business from scratch

The current trend is geared towards more home-based businesses. They require lower overhead and startup money- making them easier for entrepreneurs with limited funds to start up. If you are thinking about starting a home-based service business, here are a few tips for getting started on the right foot.


What is a service business?
Service businesses are those that provide help to others. This can be anything from mowing the lawn to managing business accounts. The basis of a successful service business is one that supplies a need. In your area, it may take some research to discover the top service needs and then figure out which one you can provide. Use those around you and try to fill a need. Around here we need a fast food delivery place, a drive thru desert place (who also delivers), an entertainment zone for the teens to spend time at. These are just a few examples of service businesses that are needed in my area. My mother owns a business offering residential and business cleaning services. What is the need in your community and how can you fill it?


Benefits of a home-based service business
There are several benefits to running a home-based service business. First of all, you can run the business from your home. Since you already pay a mortgage, utilities and car payments, the only thing you need spend money on now is the equipment for your business. And, if you are running a service that began as a hobby that means you probably already own most of the needed equipment.

Secondly, a home-based service business requires low overhead and startup costs. We alluded to the startup costs above and the low overhead means no employees but you. The key to keeping the overhead low is taking on only as many projects as you can safely and efficiently handle by yourself. Start small and then grow and invest your business. Every business I've ran, I've started small with one client, one service or one product.

Home-based service business options
As we mentioned, you can usually run these service businesses out of your home. Establishing a website for selling your services lowers the overhead even more and maximizes your profit. With the Internet as your potential customer base, the opportunities are endless for marketing and finding clients. Here are some home-based service options.

There are considerations before beginning any type of business even a home-based one.
1. Check out the local laws for registering and zoning a home business. Most home businesses require no zoning issues unless you will be meeting clients in your home and posting signs in the yard.

2. Small business tax laws. Now that you are a business, you are subject to different tax exemptions, deductions and payments. Sites like www.irs.gov can give you the information you need.

3. Set up a separate work space at home. This could be as simple as using a spare bedroom or den with a door to keep your work separate. If you rely on the telephone a separate phone line can be added. When a workshop is needed, consider using a garage or purchasing a large outbuilding.

4. Use on and offline marketing methods to find clients. This includes: viral marketing, newspaper and Yellow Pages ads, flyers, scratch off coupons, direct mailings, email marketing, and article marketing
5. Create a schedule to divide time between work and family. Balancing both is hard. Scheduling time and sticking to it means more gets done and no one is slighted. This is how it's supposed to be, in real life you will have interruptions and feel like you can't get it all done. Hang in there and get your schedule set and teach your friends and family that although you are working from home, you are not availalbe to chat, visit, or run their errands-unless you are running an errand service.

A home-based service business is an alternative for people who want to experience entrepreneurship without spending a lot of money in upfront costs. If you have a talent and can meet a need, consider a home-based business.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terra Williams is a work-at-home entrepreneur who balances a home, career, husband, and four kids . She enjoys helping others market their business using scratch off stickers .