Hi,\nOkay I'm applying for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY... Basically it's an intensive, weeklong program focused on developing creativity, teamwork, and business skills. Participants will be divided into teams with daily "apprentice like" competitons. I need some advice from you guys because I really MUST get into this program...it's not even an option! Here's the problem--- It says "Briefly describe the type of business you would like to start." I need a unique type of business that would really help my community as well. I want my answer to stand out. Any ideas???? Please help!\n\nAlso please help with these questions as well---\n1. Please list you extracurricular activities -- high school, community, church, hobbies. (What would look good)\n\n2.Please list you work related activities for which you have been paid.\n(I don't have a job... what else looks good)\n\n3. What are your favorite classes in High School?\n(What classes would look the best?)\n\n4. What are your career goals?\n(I want to either be an engineer or a doctor of some sort... I also want to go to graduate school)\n\n5. Briefly describe the type of business you would like to start.\n(I NEED HELP WITH THIS ONE THE MOST)\n\n6.Why are you interested in starting a business.\n(MAJOR HELP PLEASE)\n\n7.Why do you think you can succeed in starting a new business?\n(What qualities look good) what should I say???\n\nPLEASE HELP... thank you!
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Alright, I find your question disturbing.  If this program is to foster creativity and entrepreneurial leadership, you should be fired up with your own juicy ideas.\n\nIf you just want to regurgitate stuff or worse, try and write what you think the committee wants to hear (bad move, sport), then you really have no business trying to get into this program.  You will be outed for the fraud that you are in about 5 seconds.\n\nReguritation and brown nosing is more of an MBA tract, but even with that they still expect you to have your own ideas.
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What you did was so great. It's nice to hear of these very positive stories.\n\nI have found a website that compiles various resources on starting a non profit. I especially like the Minnesota Council of NonProfits because the site gives information on governance, developing strategic alliances, fund raising and other ingredients of successfully running a non profit. \n\nhttp://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm\n\nAs for funding your non profit, I suggest you check out Foundation Center to help you gain ideas on how to properly establish your organization and get support from private foundations. They have the most extensive database of private donors, and they publish a magazine that can be very helpful to your new non profit.\n\nhttp://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html\n\nI was previously involved in the setup of a non profit, and we were able to get a pro-bono lawyer who set up everything for us, including getting the 501c3 tax status. Contact other non profits in your area and check if there are lawyers willing to work for free to get you started. \n\nNon profits are just like any business - you need to get the word out in order to get the needed funding to help support your activities. Here are some tips to help you market your non profit:\n\n1. Determine your your target audiences: who are the groups and audiences that your non profit wants to reach. Remember that one target group may respond differently to a marketing message as another group so make sure that each strategy is tailor made for each audience.\n\n2. Develop a communications strategy, creating timelines for marketing efforts such as newsletters, press releases, special events, and others.\n\n3. Develop a visual image. Prepare your logo and other branding tools - and use them consistently across various mediums. Make sure that you repeat your branding messages, slogans in everything you make from brochures to newsletters.\n\n4. Employ multiple communications tactics: Nonprofit organizations often target several audiences, which may respond to different approaches. Various communications campaigns can help establish and maintain a more widespread positive image.\n\n5. Select and use appropriate media: Plan to use a combination of approaches best suited to reaching your targeted audiences and that make best use of your financial resources. Include a variety of methods including phone calls, letters, e-mail, newsletters, PSAs, press releases, and editorials.\n\nFor detailed information on how to start a non profit, I suggest you read the following books:\n\n- Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization -- by Joan M. Hummel\n- Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs\n- Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo
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Yes, just like cat said-Do your homework.  Know the company, so you can ask questions in a way to show that you have done research.  \n\nOne question that a lot of people start with, is "tell me about the typical day about a person in this position"\nWhat are you looking for in a successful person for this position?\n\nCan you describe to me why you selected Company A.  What made you decide this as your career *great introspective question to help you learn about their personality* How long have you been with the company?\n\nHow much growth potential is there for this position?\nCan you explain the high turnover rate? (this could be related to growth, as to why the position is open, b/c the person was promoted)  Only ask that if they do have high turnover rate, asking the first of these two could lead you right into the answer of the 2nd.\n\nWhat are the goals for the company and or the department\nHow do you see the role of this person to achieve those goals?\n\nThese should be a good starter. Good Luck!
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Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?\n\nHave you thought about tutoring or teaching a night class at an adult school? \n\nBy researching the prospect of starting your own business -- what it entails, what you need to know, helpful hints, etc -- you'll feel better prepared to take that plunge.\n\nI found some book titles that are relevant to your specific question about finances:\n\nFinancing Your Business Dreams With Other People's Money: How and Where to Find Money for Start-Up and Growing Businesses by Harold R. Lacy\nThe Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo, Peg Healy (Editor)\nFinding Money : The Small Business Guide to Financing by Kate Lister\nFree Money for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs by Laurie Blum\n\nI also posted some article links in the source box.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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I disagree. I think an entrepreneurial spirit is a great benefit for your business. What you don't need is someone that brings no fresh ideas to your business.\n\nConsider using a professional virtual assistant. If you select a VA with a real estate background you will have the benefit of experience without the need to train from the "ground up." You can also locate the TYPE of assistance you need by selecting one or more virtual professionals -- and pay only for the time you actually need the help.\n\nIt will lower your in-office expenses, your overhead, your taxes, etc.\n\nYou won't need to worry about the business theft concern, since most of the work will be done offsite, probably out of your geographic region, by remote delivery (electronic delivery) and by a professional dedicated to a career in assisting. Basically, they don't want to take your business, they just want to help you to succeed, as a partner in your success.\n\nGood help is always hard to find -- onsite or offsite. Take the time needed to properly interview any person you take on as an employee or a contractor. Check references. Be picky.\n\nFor more information about how this works, how to select and keep a good remote professional visit:
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Then it's time for you to think different.  Many of us are drilled by our parents go to college so you can get a good job.  Ha! Now I drill into my five children's head start your own business.  I'm sure you think this is a joke, but it's not....email me at rcuevas34@yahoo.com\nThis is the best thing i ever did.  You can afford the start up cost and will get it back sooner than anywhere else I know of.  We have many people in college, or just graduated (one guy on our team just made 20,000 dollars in three months) Email me and I will help you.  Please let me know what State you live in when you email me. Best of luck to you...
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Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck. \n\nSome things you need to consider:\n- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?" \n- "What are my abilities?" \n- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?" \n- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?" \n\nYou may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:\n\n1. Provide a benefit.\n2. Determine the fit with your market.\n3. Right timing is everything\n4. Be ready to support your business\n5. Develop a blueprint for success\n6. Market, market, market\n\nI recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed \n\nAs for grants, it is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nHere is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.\nhttp://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "stud
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What should you look for in an "ideal" internet business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about  (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business  (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support  (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that.  Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nIf you would like to get all the details... contact me through IM or Yahoo360.  The information is FREE and there is no obligation to join... If it makes sense to you... we can work WITH you to reach your goals from home.  If you deside to give it a try... the $29.00 start-up fee is refundable for up to 120 days.\n\nMy websites: http://learn2.momsmakemore or http://learn2.ownanewbusiness.com
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Congratulations! Well you can contact any major local company and ask them if they will be willing to sponsor you. We wrote a letter to Georgia paper and they sent us a check for $2500. I know that it only puts a small dent in the large expense. The other thing you can do is contact your state officers they might be able to work some thing out. Georgia FBLA pays for every thing maybe your state will do the same. I know that your advisers had to go to some meetings in order to get some of the help for nationals. I wish that I could have the opportunity to see you compete but I moved to California so I could not go with our school. If you meet the girl from South Effingham high school from Georgia tell her good luck, it is her first year and first national competition.  Good Luck!!
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Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?\n\nWhat types of management appeal to you? Business? Artist? Project? It could be easier to narrow your search once you focus in on a particular type of management.\n\nBy researching the prospect of starting your own business -- what it entails, what you need to know, helpful hints, etc -- you'll feel better prepared to take that plunge.\n\nI found some book titles that are relevant to your specific question:\n\n* 101 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home by Susan Sweeney\n* The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century by Paul Edwards\n* Selling Online: How to Become a Successful E-Commerce Merchant by Jim Carroll\n* I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It by Barbara Sher\n* I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work by Julie Jansen\n\nMANAGEMENT SPECIFIC:\n* This Business Of Artist Management by Jr. Xavier M. Frascogna, H. Lee Hetherington \n* The Complete Guide to Special Event Management : Business Insights, Financial Advice, and Successful Strategies from Ernst & Young...by Dwight W. Catherwood, Richard L. Van Kirk \n* Careers in Management Consulting: The WetFeet Insider Guide (2005 Edition) by Wetfeet\n* The Harvard Business School Guide to Careers in Management Consulting, 2002 by Maggie Lu\n \nI also posted some article links in the source box.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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I would think about some of the kinds of challenges and games they do on the TV program Survivor, things that get groups working together.\n\nOne good activity is HOuse of Cards.  Divide into teams and each team has 15 minutes to build a house using only the materials supplied and resources available in the room.  EAch group gets 32 index cards, a stack of post it notes, a box of paper clips, tape and colored markers and can use whatever else is in the room that is useful.  When done the group chooses a spokesperson to describe the process they used.  Each team walks around the room to look at the other projects and to comment on the good points.  Use a flip chart to record the processes and commnents for later review.  Discuss the unique contributions people made to  the group.\n\nAnother good activity is Grab Bag.  Students work in teams to identify 10, (or 20 or as many as you want) unique and creative uses for the ordinary objects found in their grab bag, not including the intended use of the items.  The teams can race against each other to be the first to finish.  Groups of three or four work best for this activity.  Each team gets a bag with the same items - could be a pencil, a clothes hanger, a rubber band, a piece of string, anything you want.  Only one item at a time is pulled from the bag and the uses are listed for one item at a time.  Teams present their solutions to the class.\n\nThe Group Resume is also a good project.  The teams do a reusme combining all the skills of the group into one resume.  Record it on chart paper, including age, volunteer service, jobs they've done, clubs, sports activiities, special interests, special training, etc.  They present their resumes to the class.\n\nI have attached a couple of websites that offer a variety of suggestions.  I hope this helps.
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This is what I would do:\n(1) Go to my school counselor and ask her to provide you with the names of some local facilities that support homeless and/or poverty stricten families such as the Food Banks, Shelters for Women and Children (this would be safer).  The counselors always have this kind of information to help families at your school.  The counselor might be able to call ahead for you and make arrangements for you to visit and speak with people who work or live there.\n(2) Schedule a visit and go immediately.  Talk to people and look around.  After you have spoken to employees or people who receive assistance, you should be able to narrow the theme of your paper to a more specific topic.  Also, this will make your paper more personal and give you a "cause" or justificiation for your paper.  Plan to spend some time touring the failities, talking to people...this will be interesting for you.  Just ask tons of questions!  Pretend like you are a reporter!\n(3)  Take good notes about everything~you might learn of another theme you might want to look into.  Take a digital camera with you so you can record your experiences (ask for permission first~some places like to keep low key about some things).\n(4)  Go home and start writing about what struck a nerve, what moves you, what you could improve, how you improve it, etc.  Make sure you tailor your paper to your interviews!\n(5)  Then research information on the internet and at the library about further information that could provide you with statical information, ideas for improvement, studies conducted and government information about your topic.  This helps add a little "fluff" to your paper~makes you look smart and gives you references for your bibliography and such.\n(6)  Create your presentation from your most thoughful points and pictures that you took on your visits.  You could really impress with a Powerpoint or slide show!\n\nAfter this, you should have a fantastic paper without learning anything at all!  Guaranteed!
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I am going to make a few assumptions here, based only on your posting, first attempting to analyze where you're at, and then from there, where to go next.  \n\nANALYSIS:\n(a) You do have a desire to work in a leadership capacity -- leading projects small or large, people, ad hoc teams -- but you did not feel fulfilled by the hierarchical structure of the big corporate world. \n\n(b) You probably *DO* like business and probably have a good talent for it (despite your statement to the contrary), but you definately dislike the politics and go-go-GO! pace of the corporate world.  \n\n(c) The consulting role definately doesn't suit you because it's even MORE political, sometimes MORE fast-paced than your big corporate job.  However, I suspect that you also have found consulting to be less hierarchical, and that this small part of the consulting role you like; in fact, I would bet that was what attracted you to the consulting gig in the first place.\n\nSUMMARY: Now, you feel wholly unfulfilled by your life in both the consulting and corporate arenas. You disliked each for slightly different reasons.  You now feel stuck.\n\nOPTIONS: You need to meet a few conditions to find satisfaction:\n\n1) You would work better in a small or mid-sized organization rather than a big one.\n\n2) You want to lead -- not the whole organization -- but a small part of it.  Since you were in HR, I take it you're a "people person".  Great!  That's a plus for you.  \n\n3) I also think you'd be better off in an organization that "just gets the job done", rather than one that is always worrying about offending some other department or organization.  Focus on organizations that are apolitical (or goal-oriented, rather than process-oriented).  \n\nOPTIONS: Consider getting a job in a management capacity of a small-to-mid size nonprofit.  Not something large and political, like a school system or Red Cross, but rather, something small and growing like a charity, community service organization, arts group, etc. Get a job high-enough up in the organization to lead a team, but don't get into a job where financial, fund-raising & development, and budgeting is a primary part of the job. Understand that ALL management deals with budgeting and finances, so you cannot avoid it completely, but don't take a job as a Development Director for the XYZ Arts Council.
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Even if you don't have a degree and a job you want to apply for requires one, you can still get the job. I know someone who applied for the job of an accountant position for a business even though the individual did not have a degree in anything. He got the position because he answered a math question correctly during the interview. The math question...9x9=?   Also, you could start your own business. You can make things to sell, or even sell items for companies for commission. If you want to create your own business, focus on your exact talents. If you are artistic, create murals for money, or if you are good at interior design, market your ideas to new home owners and businesses. If you know that you want to manage a business, look into companies that will train you. For example, Lowes and Home depot train assistant managers. And you could even go to college. You can get enough in student loans to live on while you are in school. The key to success is persuverance and hard work. I know what I'm talking about. I began flipping houses 6 years ago, at the age of 22. I started small, getting a loan on a house for 13,000 and then living in it while I fixed it up. After I sold it, I used the money to buy the next house and so on. The house I'm working on now should net me a return of about 100,000. I do all the work myself. It's great to look back and see what you achieve with hard work. You can do that, too. Set a goal and a deadline in which to achieve it. Follow your goals and make sure that whatever you do you will be happy in that line of work. Remember, it's always better to be poor and happy than to be rich and miserable. I wish you the best of luck. You can contact me if you need any other info on the things I listed.
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I want to open my own business someday. I had troubles thinking about what is good to open, but then I figure if its gonna be my business, open something I know I would enjoy for the rest of my life.  And since its the business you know you'll love, it shouldn't matter if you can start it in your town or have to move across the state because you need to be in a place where your business is demanded. OH, make sure you know all the finacial stuff or find someone who does :)
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Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck. \n\nSome things you need to consider:\n- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?" \n- "What are my abilities?" \n- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?" \n- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?" \n\nYou may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:\n\n1. Provide a benefit.\n2. Determine the fit with your market.\n3. Right timing is everything\n4. Be ready to support your business\n5. Develop a blueprint for success\n6. Market, market, market\n\nTo give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business  “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Home Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .\n\nI recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed \n\nRegarding your desire to start a clothing design business, you may start by reading the article "Starting a Clothing Line or Apparel Manufacturing Business" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol66/clothing.htm  . The article contains information on the startup steps, knowing your market, how to enter the market, the question of production and financing the business\n\nFor in-depth information, you may want to read the following books http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/clothing/clothing.htm :\n\nThe Official Step by Step Guide to Starting a Clothing Line \nStart Your Own Clothing Store (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) \nThe Business of Fashion: Designing Manufacturing, and Marketing \nThe World of Fashion Merchandising \nSo You Want to Work in the Fashion Business? A Practical Look at Apparel Product Development and Global Manufacturing \nThe Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing \nFashion: From Concept to Consumer \n\nYou may also want to check out the resources of the following associations:\n\nProfessional Apparel Association http://www.proapparel.com \nAmerican Apparel Producer’s Network http://www.usawear.org/ \nWorldwide Responsible Apparel Manufacture http://www.wrapapparel.org/ \nAmerican Apparel and Footwear Association http://www.americanapparel.org/\nNational Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers http://www.nafad.com/ \nFashion Group International http://www.fgi.org \nApparel News http://www.apparelnews.net/\n\nI recommend that you read Kathleen Fasanella's blog at http://fashion-incubator.com . She is the author of the book "The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing" and her blog is full of answers to questions on how to start a clothing line\n\nAs for manufacturing sources, I suggest you check out the manufacturers listed in the National Association of Manufacturers  http://www.nam.org/s_nam/index.asp
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I have started my own Business... while looking I used this guide to help me determine WHICH business to get into:\n\nWhat should you look for in an "ideal" internet/home business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about  (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business  (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support  (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that.  Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nVisit my website to get more info: http://learn2.momsmakemore.com or http://learn2.ownanewbusiness.com