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Donat Start Work From Home Until You Read Others Reviews…

by Franta Shinsky

It’s the American dream! well the new American dream anyway. To sit at home, in your pajamas while you complete your workday. No hassle of a long commute, skyrocketing gas prices, no dry cleaners, just you, at home with your cup of coffee, doing what you please, earning money, without the annoying boss leering over your shoulder or the incessant chatter of co-workers cluttering up your thoughts. It seems almost too good to be true.

Sadly, there are cons too. One rather large problem is that a person could potentially become lazy and not complete what is needed, or they could quite possibly need help that they were unable to receive. Donat start work from home until you read others reviews… you should want to know how other people have fared.

When you weigh in on work at home, make sure you tip the scales in favor of both sides. There are reviews out there talking about the stable, predictable daily schedule that most of us adhere to, getting up the next morning to do it again, and those discussing the happy go lucky coffee drinking, pajama sporting work at home professional. Good reviewers will tell you that the truth of each, often falls somewhere in the middle. The key is not just reading the reviews, but in being honest with yourself about how you will handle each scenario.

This is not to say that working at home can’t be an excellent, viable and lucrative opportunity for those that can handle it. There are a plethora of positives that one can wrap up in like a warm blanket on a winter day. For example, when you’re working at home you don’t have a nagging boss, you aren’t spending half of your paycheck on gas, parking, nice clothes. You’re alone, in your ‘fortress of solitude’, away from the world, and able to get work done. You can concentrate and your life is your own. Everyone works better when they’re alone, right?

All by yourself? It sounds great, at first. Many reviewers of home based opportunities long for and miss the camaraderie they felt in an atypical work environment. They can sometimes feel isolated and alone, and feel like the walls are crashing in on them, and that they have no social life, and no one to talk to. Certain reviews will even stipulate this leading them into depression. While for others, this quiet lifestyle can be a god send, make sure you weigh in on your scale on this topic especially, and find out what type of support your opportunity provides on a social level, as well as an economic one.

While you are busy completing all of this research to find out how a work from home lifestyle can affect your social calendar, you will more likely than not run into reviews talking about distractions that can exist when one starts working from home. As I mentioned before about one bad habit being procrastination, this is a very serious malady for those jumping into this commitment prior to doing their research. Treating working at home like work is the only thing that will make and ensure your success.

Without thoroughly researching opportunities, and honest reactions to them (not just what is posted on that opportunities website) you have a completely full toolbox of knowing how to spot a work at home scam, MLM or pyramid scheme from a mile away. It gives you the ability to differentiate from the opportunities that take your money rather than make your money. Research into these areas is key to your success!

There is a lot to consider when you are thinking about leaving a \”normal job\” to work at home, but none so much as your health and well being. Make time to learn about how this type of change affected people emotionally and physically. Make sure that they had the time for their families that they opportunities claimed that they would, and that the reasons people in that industry were successful is because they are truly, just like \”you\”. Weigh in on working at home, so the scale doesn’t tip over in the wrong direction.

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Is Microgeneration the new clean revolution?

by Tal Potishman

Microgeneration is likely to be an important step towards the Millennium Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability by the year 2015. This is an ambitious, if not idealistic, target which has been well-received by most - less so as an individual burden, and more of a sub-national one. “Let the government do something about it,” is the response of many. Although many argue the benefits of this concept, there are only a few that have actually taken a proactive approach as individuals or private businesses.

While many governments have taken steps to reduce their state’s carbon footprint on our exceedingly fragile earth, Great Britain has often been criticised for not doing as much as other countries to reduce carbon emissions. So how can we, as individuals, be expected to help ensure environmental sustainability?

In the recent years, Britain has done much to catch up to its green rivals, namely in the form of the Microgeneration Strategy, which was introduced two years ago by the Society of British Gas Industry. The Microgeneration Strategy is a mass-scale plan attempting to greatly reduce CO2 emissions. It aims to do this by providing zero- and low- carbon solutions for businesses, domestic homes, and communities. Its main targets are for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016, and all new non-domestic dwellings to achieve the same by 2019. Although this is later than the original timing set by the Millennium goals, it is still a very strong declaration of intent.

But what exactly does microgeneration do? Microgeneration involves the producing of energy through small-scale energy generators such wind turbines and solar photo voltaic electricity generating panels. It means that in the future, all buildings will be equipped with these small generators, allowing them to produce and supply their own energy, and in the process, reducing the mass impact that big energy generators have on the environment today.

Microgenerators are therefore highly beneficial for certain dwellings, particularly those with no access to the main gas network. Additionally, this newly acquired self-sufficiency of households, businesses, and communities reduces their dependency on central power networks. Not to mention that we are able to help lead the new ‘clean revolution’ and make our own contribution to making the world a greener, cleaner place.

Like any new method, Microgeneration does have its hurdles that need to be assessed and overtaken. For one, it is not suitable for all types of homes. It is, for example, not readily available for local shops, nor is it easy to find many who are specialized in installing these microgenerators. Affordability is also a problem for many, reaffirming the old argument that ecological sustainability is only attainable by those who can afford it.

So is microgeneration the best way forward? Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, among others, agree that it is. With the proper government support schemes in place, such as grants as well as more information regarding the pros and cons of microgeneration, more people will be ready to embrace it. It has the potential to have a massive impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions, so the more accessible microgeneration is made to the British public, the more individuals can do to reduce their ecological footprint. For now, it’s back to recycling for most of us until we can afford to produce our own energy.

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Tax Help for Homebuyers

by Rick Gibson

The housing market has taken about as big a beating as it can. The bailout the government is rolling out to save banks from bad mortgage securities is stunning, but not the only piece of legislation designed to help the housing market.

The housing market is a bottom up feeder system. Simply put, you buy a home, build some equity in it over time and then sell it. You use your gain to buy a bigger house and so on through life.

Take first time homebuyers out of the system and things get ugly quickly. The homeowners above this level suddenly have nobody to buy their homes. If they cannot sell, they are not buying and the entire market starts to fall apart.

First time buyers are staying away from the current market. Regardless of all the other issues hurting this market, this is a giant problem. The government has acted swiftly to change things and get these buyers active again.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 is the magic pill. It provides a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home up to a maximum of $7,500. Only the government would think a $75,000 home can be found, but there you go.

If you hate paying taxes, you should love tax credits. Why? The tax credit is not deducted from your income. It is deducted directly from the amount you are supposed to pay Uncle Sam. Take a minute to think about that.

Taxes can be mind numbing, so consider an example. I have a tax credit of $6,000. My accountant does my taxes and tells me I owe the IRS $3,000. Will I be writing the agency a check? Nope. When my tax credit is applied, they will be writing me a check for $3,000.

It may see dangerous to ask the IRS for more than I actually owe. In general, it is a bad strategy, but not here. This is a fully refundable tax credit, which means it does not matter what I owe. The IRS will be writing checks a lot.

Before you go rushing off to look at homes, you should know there is a slight catch. Okay, a huge catch. The government wants the tax credit back. You have 15 years to repay it, which means about $500 buck a year if you take the max credit amount.

Can anyone claim the credit? No. It is limited by the amount of money you make. If you are married and making more than $170,000, you are ineligible. Other taxpayers making more than 75K need to talk to an accountant to get an answer.

Will this tax credit get first time buyers back into the market? Nothing is certain with this wild market, but it certainly cannot hurt? Now if the banks would just get their acts together.

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Home based business is fun or what

by business card secrets

Most successful businesses are successful in part because the people who own and run them are serious about doing business. Employees and customers may have fun, but make no mistake about it: Businesses have products and services to sell and money to make. If you don’t sell your products and services, and you don’t make money, you don’t have a business - it’s just that simple.

Your home-based business is no different from any other business. Most likely, you originally chose to start it because you were looking for something that working for someone else couldn’t provide. Maybe it was freedom, autonomy, control, flexibility, money, or any number of other reasons. A home-based business, though, is a business first and foremost, and if you hope to be successful (and we’re sure you do), you have to treat it like a serious business.

This means your business is not:

A hobby Something you do just every once in a while Merely a tax shelter A get-rich-quick scheme A lark

It’s fine to have fun in your business - in fact, you should - but don’t forget that your home-based business can be your ticket for leaving the rat race behind once and for all. Many successful home-based business owners have done just that. You can, too.

Starting your own business can cause nervousness and trepidation. If you’ve always worked for someone else, the thought of working for yourself can truly feel like a step into the great unknown. And in many ways, you are braving an unknown world: Will customers buy your products? Will you be able to make enough money to support your family? Will you be able to get health insurance? What happens if a competitor tries to steal away all your business?

Having a serious business attitude starts on the inside. It starts with being knowledgeable about your services and products, and having the confidence that comes with that knowledge. Above all, it starts with a decision: that your dream of starting your own home-based business is no longer going to be just a dream, but a reality. Here are some of the things that come from inside you that can make building a home-based business a successful proposition:

Have confidence. Confidence - or the lack thereof - can make all the difference in the world when starting and growing your own business. When you’re confident, you feel as if you can overcome any hurdle that’s put in your way. And you know what? You probably can!

Keep a positive attitude. Most successful entrepreneurs tend to be optimistic about themselves, their businesses, and the future. They see the glass as half full rather than half empty. A positive attitude can take you far in this world, both in business and in your personal life.

Expect the best from yourself and others. Set your standards high, and refuse to settle for less. The quality of your products and services begins - and ends - with you.

Care about your customers. Whom would you rather do business with: someone who really cares about you and who takes the time to show it or someone who doesn’t? If you take care of your customers and clients, they’ll take care of you.

Make the decision. Plant your foot firmly on the other side of the fence, and make the decision once and for all to turn your home-based business dream into reality. Quit talking about it; just do it!

Take the time to build your serious business attitude from the inside out. If you already have all the self-confidence and positive attitude in the world, that’s great - you’ve got a big head start toward business success!

If, however, you still have some way to go, don’t be afraid to work into your business slowly, one step at a time. Instead of leaving your regular job to start your own business, consider starting your home-based business while still working your regular job. Not only will this take much of the pressure off you to create an immediately successful enterprise - boosting your self-confidence in the process - but it will also give you the time you need to really get to know your products and services and to network with potential customers and clients.

About the Author:

Writing Your Business Plan, Part 2

by business card secrets

Legal Aspects

In this section you should include details of any legal matters or requirements which may impinge on your business. For example, if your particular business requires a permit or a licence, you should state here how this will be obtained, what it will cost, what delays are likely between applying and receiving it, and what are the criteria you and the business will have to meet to qualify.

Also in this section you might mention patents (where you are making an original product and wish to prevent others copying it), planning permission (where such permission is required to operate your proposed business) and so on. It is most important that your business fulfils all the legal requirements before you start trading, and backers will want to see that you have taken this into account.

Financial Information

This is probably the most important part of the whole business plan, because it must demonstrate to potential lenders that you have a clear plan and targets for your business’s finances, both now and over the coming months. Specifically, it will show that you know how much money you need, what you need it for, how much you expect to receive and to pay out during the business’s first twelve months, and how much margin for error you have given yourself.

This section should also explain your policy on pricing. With products you should state the mark-up you intend to use, while for service businesses you should state your hourly rate. It is customary to mention the normal mark-ups or hourly rates of your particular industry, and give the reasons if yours differ from this. This is very important, as new businesses often under-price, often with dire results.

The section should also include a forecast profit and loss account and a cash flow forecast. The former shows the profits you expect to make, while the latter shows the predicted flow of cash into and out of your business (especially crucial in the first few months). With all financial projections you should avoid being over-optimistic and allow reasonable amounts for contingencies (especially overheads, which always seem to be larger than anticipated). You should also state any assumptions you are making, e.g. concerning credit you are given by suppliers and have to extend to customers.

Risk Assessment

In this section you will discuss the risks which are attached to your project, and how you propose to control them. Every business carries some element of risk, and any potential backer will want to see evidence that you have taken this into consideration. Potential risk could come from a number of sources:

A competitor setting up near you; A major customer going into liquidation or taking his business elsewhere; Your main supplier or sub-contractor ceasing to trade; Customers taking longer than anticipated to pay their bills; A long-term decline in demand for your product or service; Lower than expected levels of sales; Changes in the law making your product/service harder to sell; Increases in taxation; Variations in interest rates; Variations in foreign exchange rates (where the business is involved in trading with other countries); Accident or illness; Flood or fire.

In this section you should explain the main risks your business is likely to face, and how you intend to monitor and control them. You should also comment on any contingency plans you have to meet setbacks, such as who will take over if you are ill.

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Why People Admire The Yankee Stadium

by Tom O

Yankee stadium is one of the oldest ballpark in America. Boxing events and football games were played during the time the stadium was there. In 2009, the new York Yankees will move into the new Yankee stadium, leaving the old stadium. The stadium is known for the House that Ruth built.

You should use public transportation instead of a car when going to the Yankee stadium because it would save you money and time. You would not have to go real early like you do if you are using a car. A subway is fine and rather fast. A subway is definitely not as complicated in regards to parking. The shuttle bus is good to, though you may have to pay twenty-five dollars. If you want to go to the stadium, buy the tickets a few months beforehand to get the best seat, for over fifty-two thousand people will be attending. The price of the ticket you buy will cost around fifteen to one hundred fifty dollars. Upper deck seats for most families would cost fifteen to twenty dollars, though lower outfield seats would cost around twenty-five to fifty dollars. As you can see, the pricing is average compared to most stadiums. If you are looking for something to eat, however, the price may be on the expensive side. A water bottle costs three dollars while a hot dog costs three dollars and fifty cents.

many people go to Yankee stadium to witness history and watch superstars like Derek Jeter perform their job. The atmosphere is fun and you can get to have a chance to snag a baseball. most people wear their home team jersey to support the Yankees. Children often bring their baseball gloves to catch any balls in the area. Many people will find Yankee stadium a place to go because many hall of fame athletes played at this ballpark. Many people who visit the stadium often visit the monument park to see statues or a plaque of the hall of fame players like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gherig, etc. On a side note, monument park used to be a part of an outfield until the stadium was renovated in 1973.

Like some stadiums, the Yankee stadium does traditional actions. For example, the section thirty-nine or right and center field bleachers would holler out all the position names (beginning with the core fielder) when the very first pitch is thrown. The cry stops after the third basemen, which is also the last position, is called by name. Some individuals feel as though this certain roll call is one of a kind because no other stadiums would do it. When it is time for the seventh inning, the ground crew members will play the YMCA song while the infield is being refurnished. Another song would play too at the end of the game. This song is known as the New York New York by Frank Sinatra. Since year 1951, the public announcer Bob Sheppard has been declaring the Yankees, so it is easy to remember who it is. He also makes his speech before the game starts as well.

there are several restaurants located near Yankee stadium which people can go before or after the game. Yankees fan can take the advantage to eat at a restaurant rather than spending a lot of money on foods at Yankee stadium. having restaurants near Yankee Stadium would certainly help the business because some people think its convenient to eat at a restaurant. the food quality is better than the stadium.

In the early ages, Babe Ruth was an icon to the New York Yankees. He was known for his home runs and his offensive stats. He led the team to win several world series. Many elders have mentioned the Yankees ruled baseball since the acquisition of Babe Ruth. He turned the Yankees to the most dangerous team in Major League baseball. Whenever every one hears about the Yankees, Babe Ruth will come up in their mind the first thing. He was such a great athlete that American presidents visit the Yankee stadium. He was the first player ever to hit the first home run at Yankee stadium.

You may have seen a celebrity such as Tom brady, Adam Sandler, and LeBron James on his/her visit to the Yankee stadium. They can also be watched wearing Yankee caps. If you went to the final home game, you may have even saw Spike Lee. Celebrities, well aware of how much the Yankees were winning games, liked to visit the Yankee stadium often.

Since the early year of 1920, the Yankee stadium has made history when its traditions and fame. Very few people could see the old stadium before it was torn down. Some opposing players even kept the dirt found there so they could remember that day and tell their children about it. History of the old Yankee stadium will definitely be moved to the new one.

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Ways to Apply The Law Of Attraction

by Rebecca Hicks

If you have heard about the Law of Attraction, you are learning to appreciate all that is entering your life as a result of practicing it. Life should be easier and you should have more abundance. Sometimes though you may actually need to start with just learning to feel appreciation before you can begin to have good things to come. This is the essence of what the Law of Attraction is about.

When you believe fantastic things are already happening for you, you will be so much more appreciative. According to the Law of Attraction, it is important to believe. Furthermore, being appreciative for something you believe is happening sends out positive vibrations into the universe. This brings the good things to you by way of the Law of Attraction.

Without even giving thought of the future, you will use LOA to bring in many wonderful things to you. When you begin on a foundation of gratitude for the many things in your life, you are then focused on the good energy that comes from a happy and grateful mind. The Laws of Attraction become apparent because like attracts like and so being grateful brings you more to be grateful for.

Lets think about water for instance. Think of the ways water can be both good and the bad. Water can be nourishing or water can cause floods, everything has two sides to it. For instance, you may wake up in a foul mood because your roommate partied all night and kept you up. If you go through out the day with that cloud over you, Law of Attraction in Action proves that more negative things will seem to appear through out your day. Only you can control if it will continue on that way, if you know the universal laws of attraction you will know how to control this.

When you decide that you want to control this bad mood, you can now brush off the feelings of doom and gloom and replace them with ones of appreciation. Watch a funny movie or walk in the park or pet your cat, and you will be surprised at how much better your day will go. When you use the Law of Attraction to help you along it is easier to be grateful. When you wake up just try to find ways to be thankful for loving spouse, or your good paying job. Whatever it is, by applying the Law of Attraction you will make it work for you.

So, the Law of Attraction works on a system of appreciation and reward. You need a way to remind yourself to always be thankful for the good things in your life. Some people set aside a certain time each day to list the things they’re appreciative of. They might compile them in a journal and look over them all from time to time.

The Law of Attraction is built on good habits. You can carry some sort of talisman. It can be anything from a rock to a coin. It can be anything you will handle daily. Some people put these items in their pockets. Some put them on a string around their necks.

Be constant. The idea is that every time you touch your item it helps you to feel appreciation. Then pay it forward by expressing your appreciation to others. Over time you will find that your thoughts become more and more positive and thankful. This is key to the art of allowing the Law of Attraction to work.

Your mind controls who and what you are. According to the Law of Attraction, it can also change what you have. This may be material possessions, relationships, or health. If you are in a mindset of appreciation, you are in a position to make the Law of Attraction bring to you all that you desire.

About the Author:

Writing Your Business Plan, Part 1

by business card secrets

Your business plan will need to include most or all of the following sections.

Introduction Product or service details Personnel Market research and marketing plan Premises, equipment and transport Suppliers and sub-contractors Legal aspects Financial information Risk assessment Financial requirements Appendices.

Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail.

Introduction

This is where you explain the nature of the business and its proposed structure (e.g. sole trader, partnership, limited company). It should be no longer than one or two paragraphs. If the plan has been written for a specific purpose - e.g. to support an application for a loan - this should also be mentioned here.

Product or Service Details

In this section you describe in some detail the product or service you will be providing. If it is a product, you should show clearly how it will be made, explaining all the stages involved. If instead you are providing a service, you need to explain precisely what this is and what type of customers you expect to require it.

Personnel

In this section you include information about the person or people who are behind the business and will be managing it. If you intend to be a sole trader, this will of course be yourself. In partnerships and limited companies, it will also include your partners or fellow directors.

You should describe briefly your past work experience, especially where this is obviously relevant to the new business. Include any educational or occupational qualifications, and any previous experience of running a business. You should also mention here any business-related training you are undertaking. If you are receiving active advice and support from a business development agency (for example), state this here also. Your overall aim is to demonstrate to a potential lender or backer that you, as the person behind the business, are well prepared for self-employment, and have the experience and training to make it a success.

Finally, in this section you should mention whether you intend to employ any staff. You should indicate how many you will need, what skills they will require, how much you expect to have to pay them, whether they will be full- or part-time, and what training they will need.

Market Research and Marketing Plan

This is a very important section which will normally take up at least a page of text, and in many cases more. Its purpose is to convince the reader that there will be enough demand for your product or service to make the business viable within the market in which you intend to operate.

This section should therefore summarise your market research, and in particular answer the following questions:

Who will be your customers, and what will be their requirements? How large will your potential market be? Who will be your competitors - their names, addresses and details? What are the main strengths of these competitors? What will be your advantages over them - or, to put this another way, why will people buy from you rather than them?

All your answers should be backed up with facts and figures from your market research. When you are describing die market size, for instance, you should explain clearly how you have arrived at this figure. Statements such as ‘There is considerable demand for…’ or ‘Many people require…’ are worthless without some market research data to back them up.

Also in this section you should describe your marketing plan. This concerns how you will advertise, promote and sell your product or service. It should answer the following questions:

How and where will you advertise your product or service? What other forms of promotion will you use (e.g. direct mail, exhibitions, telephone selling)? How will your product or service be sold (e.g. wholesale, retail or through agents)? What features and benefits will you emphasise when trying to attract customers?

Premises, Equipment and Transport

This section will state the premises to be used. If you will be working from an office in your home, or perhaps a converted garage or shed, this should be mentioned as well. Remember, the aim is to convince backers that working from home is a sensible option for your business and you have all the facilities and space required.

Similarly with equipment and transport, you should explain what you need, how it will be obtained - e.g. by leasing, hire purchase or outright payment - and whether it will be new or second-hand.

Suppliers and Sub-contractors

Many businesses rely on other businesses to supply them with raw materials, components or services. Any problems in obtaining these can result in disaster for the business, especially if it is a new one. In this section you should therefore explain who your main suppliers and subcontractors will be and why you have chosen them, stating alternatives where possible. You should also comment on any discussions you have already had with suppliers, agreements reached, credit facilities negotiated, and so on.

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Life insurance policy provides security from financial situation.

by Todd Martin

No one in this world is going to live forever; this is reality that every person has to face in his entire life. Now a day’s every human wants to protect himself and his loved ones for present and future. He can do this very without any difficulty buy purchasing a term life insurance; according to the needs of the family he can select one depending on his requirements. When the person dies, he not only leaves sadness for his loved ones but also leaves accumulated bills, including medical bills, as well as funeral costs. A whole life insurance makes sure that when death takes place; the whole family is secure during the financial difficulties or strains which occur.

It is always better to compare between the different policies available in the market, this will help you in taking a wise decision. Depending on the family requirements one can choose a policy which can protect them for the entire life. Certain policies require five year wait period before you can transform your policy. This is not at all bad decision as it gives you time to think about what exactly you want from your life insurance policy. A good conversion clause is one which allows you to change up until age seventy-five. Before converting it is also important that you look into what your permanent policy will include and how it will affect your future.

Among all the different policies available two policies which are much in demand are term life insurance and whole life insurance policy. A person can find many differences between the two; the main difference is the cost factor. Term life insurance policy is one of the simple, flexible and least expensive among all the policies available today. This policy is flexible in terms of agreement that is for which period of time you need the policy and when you want to withdraw the policy. If a person wants added coverage then he can go for permanent life insurance policy.

If a person wants added coverage then he can go for permanent life insurance policy. You will never regret getting yourself a whole life insurance policy. If you are not aware of where to get the right information from then counseling through experts will help you make your decision easier. They will understand your reasonable needs and the premium you can pay and will make the purchase of this policy so smooth for you. The insurance markets are full of huge varieties of options.

The best place to shop is through Online Internet which allows you the ease to do your research and shop around, and take time to make your own decision under no pressure. Within no time a person can access Hundreds of websites of insurance policy that to very easily and quickly. If you have no information about the policies then it’s always good to gather all the information by doing some research or from counseling through experts which will help you to take your decision very easily. So, it is a wise thing to invest our hard earned money so that you and your family can have a safe future.

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Global Resorts Network: Perpetual Leverage v. Franchise Ownership

by Bob Matthews

“I’ll take one pound of ham and one - no make that two - pounds of thinly shaved smoked turkey,” said a slim elderly woman who was little higher than the full cart of groceries she had pushed over to the meat counter.

Sam nodded as he picked up the last pair of latex gloves. It was a long, hot day. And he was just glad that Mrs. Allen was his last customer. Normally he didn’t mind filling in after butchering for the day, but today seemed so long and boring.

Pulling out of the store parking lot, Sam began to muse over the situation. How could he make more money? What skills did he have other than butchering?

Then while stopping at the last intersection light, his eyes focused on a scene at his local sandwich shop. “Look at that guy’s carryout bag - must be dinner for the family,” he thought. “And that elderly group is heading in for dinner.”

Sizing up the place, Sam said to himself, “It’s pretty clean, and business seems to be solid. Every night on my way home from work, in good days and bad, that sandwich shop always has customers. And all sorts of people hurry inside to order their dinner - moms, managers, kids. They are satisfied. The proprietor is, too, and do I ever wish that I were that proprietor!”

Perhaps Sam’s aspiration is quixotic, but he has it, nonetheless, and he’s probably not alone. How ’bout you? Has the thought of owning your own fast food restaurant, auto body shop, or retail store ever crossed your mind?

In order to know whether or not franchising is for you, ask some of the owners of your local franchises what the dislike. (Bring a notepad and marker.) To help you get started, here are a few cons as compared to an average home business.

First, let’s compare standard investment requirements. Franchise investments usually run anywhere between $60,000 and $500,000. This includes basic things like your land, building, machinery, and office equipment. That’s a lot of capital, especially in today’s financially turbulent times.

A small but solid home-based business will cost you considerably less because you won’t have the added expenses of land and building. Start-up cost is typically between $1,500 and $3,000.

Second, let’s compare the typical operating expenses. In a franchise you must pay employee payroll, payroll tax, workers compensation, insurance/inventory, liability insurance, utilities, freight/postage, ad valorem tax, licenses/permits, advertising, telephone, franchise fees, depreciation, and sales tax just to keep your business open.

For an online home business, your expenditures are minimized but, nonetheless, still exist. You still must pay for liability insurance, utilities, telephone, advertising, and depreciation (e.g., office equipment).

Third, here are a few extra things to consider: Your gross franchising profit generally averages 30-40% with a net profit of around 5-10%. You will work at least 50 hours per week-closer to 70 and maybe even more. You shoulder 100% of the risk factor and leverage none of the compensation from others-that’s what you’re doing for your chain store. You will have tax advantages, but these will be offset by your unchangeable time commitment, need to supply products, and confinement to a fixed location as well as limited income potential which averages out to $35-85K.

With a good home biz, you can make more gross and net profits working a flexible schedule and leverage your income to unlimited potential.

The light turns green. As Sam pushes the gas pedal, what would you tell him to do?

About the Author: