I'm 18 years old and I'm trying to become successful but don't know what to do. I live with my mother and older sister in a 1 bedroom above garage apartment. My father left when I was very little and barely pays for child support and doesn't contact us, nt even with a birthday card. My mom works 2 jobs and we are all trying to get a better life for ourselves. \n\nI have started 4 internet businesses but haven't been successful. I also ave tried to market one of my many inventions but no luck.\n\nI want to do so much when I get older like own a casino, record company, electronics company, movie company, and much more. I can't start many of my business ideas because I need money.\n\nWhere can I start and see results within the next 6 months? Do you have any ideas?
209691
I can understand how desperate you feel to become a success and change your situation, but you can't expect a get-rich-scheme to take you there. Real success takes time and effort. At this point in your young life you have much to learn. You do not talk about education, yet that is  real key to future success. Going to college full time may not be economically feasible but you should look into community college programs, which are generally inexpensive. You should be eligible for financial assistance as well. Since you want to own a business, you should be taking business administration and marketing and accounting courses to understand how to be successful not only starting but running a business. Even if someone handed you the money you need to start a business today, if you don't have the know how to run it successfully, it will not work. If you are out of high school or soon graduating, look for a job with an entrepreneurial type person, someone who started their own business and made it a success, and learn from that person. Or try to get a job in the kind of business you someday hope to own and understand, from the inside, what it takes to make that business work. It is wonderful that you have the kind of ambitions that you describe. Your drive and ambition can take you far, but you also need patience and perseverance. Don't waste your time pursuing quick money. Focus on your goals and work hard. Even though your current financial situation is desperate, find a way to save some portion of everything you earn. You have already learned something from your business failures -- that success doesn't necessarily come easy, even when you have what seems to be a good idea. Don't give yourself artificial deadlines for achieving success. You are only 18. The world will open up for you. The fact that you have been trying so hard is wonderful, but you need to find a mentor in the real world who can guide you. Education and hard work are the keys to the success you desire. Most people who have succeeded building businesses on the Internet have done so because of their experience with real world commerce, so you have to get yourself out there to learn all the stuff they don't teach you in high school. You ARE going to be a success, so go for it. Good luck. I'd love to hear from you in six months to see what steps you have taken toward achieving your goals.
328694
I have bartended for over 20 years... owned a floral shop for 15, but am currently working to replace both incomes with a home based business.  If you are interested in getting into any of these fields I can show you how I did. (I would reccommend the home business above the others- Why?)\n\nThere are many different work from home businesses that you can get into... Many offer a way to promote them on or off line.\n\nI know our company can be done successfully either way (or using BOTH if you prefer)  I love the versitility of it all.  If you would like more details on what we do you may visit my site: http://learn2.momsmakemore.com \n\nTo help you in your search here is a little advice you should consider:\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\nContact me, through Yahoo360 or IM, for more information.
91079
I'm 28 and just became a mom - my goals haved changed a bit - but I'm more motivated - I want to run my own bussiness selling baby items that I make - and I plan to write children's books and get back into singing and writing songs - I also have a ton of ideas for some inventions I'd like to get out there- I've been sort of a slacker and party-er in my twenties - now its time to get serious - I have a daughter, a step-son and Fiance' to think about - I want us to be able to live life to the fullest and that's exactly what I'm going to do -I dont want to have to struggle like my folks had to from time to time and niether does my Fiance'- I know my family (not just me ) will be a success. And I plan on becoming the most amazing ,loving and fun mommy ever
617956
Maybe you want to consider starting your own business.  When I lost my job a few years ago, I felt about like you did for about 1 day. After that, I made a decision that while searching for another job (which is Just Over Broke) I would search for something I could do to start my own business. \n\nDid you get what I said? I "made a decision" and then took action.\n\nIf you can't do this then don't expect things to get better any time soon. Should you consider your own business, you can get some ideas on this site.\n\nWhatever you decide to do (and you have to decide yourself) \ndo it with great passion and you will succeed.
130963
I tell you what;  if you want, you can contact me at info@gdifreedom.ws and I can help you get started in a good online business that I myself am currently enrolled in and am doing very very well with.  You must commit yourself to it if you want to be successful though.  This is the way I have done it and I see fit that others must as well.  Please do a good overview of the company before joining though and I'll help you get started with it and help you with advertising it.  I'll show you the routes that I have taken in order to make myself a success along with others that I have shown.
398530
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.
531806
I do three different things to make money.  One is on mylot.com  you can do what you are doing here and get paid for it.  Just post questions and answer questions.  It's a nickel and dime thing but it does pay and I do it just to fill in some extra time.  The second is I am an ebay seller.  I sell old stuff that I had around the house, I make lap quilts and sold those or I will even by something really cheap on sale in a store and list it on ebay and make a profit on it.  The third business I have is with Stayin Home and Lovin It!  they are partnered with a wellness company that is 21 years old and a member of the Better Business Buerau.  I do the advertising for the company to sign up people to shop directly with the company.  I enroll them to just shop or to even start their own home business by doing the same.  The response I have gotton has been amazing.  It is no risk and you don't have to do deliveries or taking orders, just bring them to the company and if they want to also work at home with the company you will help them get started.  I have had such great support and training and with really nice people.  There is no risk in trying to see if it is for you.  If you are interested go to http://healthybetterme.com/  and request more information from there.  \n\nA great sourse to look up all companies is at http://search.bbb.org/    there you can search by name, address, or url.  It really saved me form being scamed and if they don't show up on there I wouldn't trust it.  A lot of work at home promises are scams so becareful.
319144
My ex-boss started her own company from the ground up at the age of 22, she is now 26 and is the CEO and her company is expanding nationwide. I just met a 17 year old kid at a franchise convention who wrote a business plan to start his own franchise and won some awards. My little sister began investing when she was 16. \n\nYou can do anything you want...put your mind to it, treat people with respect, and take risks. Good luck.
304774
Look around and see where people/businesses are spending their money.  Stationery is one thing, but there might not be enough spending in that area, or there might be too much competition, for you to make a full living.  The nice thing about stationery is that it constantly gets used up, so people are always buying more.  Even if you're not getting rich, there is always going to be a market.\n\nYou say you cannot do services due to a sleeping disorder.  I would suggest working VERY HARD to overcome that disorder.  In fact, it might not be a disorder at all, but simply depression which could be cured by becoming more successful at your goals in life.\n\nBut for now, instead of services on a schedule, try going around when you are awake and asking what kinds of services people would be willing to pay you to do.  Offer cleaning of all types, or helping people organize their furniture for the best use of space, or handy repairs, ... there are all kinds of opportunities that don't need much money to start.\n\nAlso maybe you have some toys/games that are expensive and people can't buy them.  But you might be able to RENT them to people for a party or gathering.  You don't need to compete directly with your competitors.  Change your business so that you are the only one offering the product/service.\n\nIs there a game rental company in town?\n\nMaybe you can offer not only stationery, but also printing and mailing services?\n\nI don't know your market, but those are some things that come to mind...good luck!
47851
Not too early, I suggest that you find a mentor. Talk to people who are already in business, especially in the type of business you want to own. Even try to get a job or be a apprentice in the field, so you can learn the ins and outs of the field. They can tell you the ups and downs of the business and guide you in getting started.\nGood luck and be persistant.
281754
I have two suggestions for great home based businesses. Both companies are new and have excellent products and great income possibilities. One sells a product that increases your car's gas mileage by 7% to 19% guaranteed. Gasoline savings is a very hot topic right now. This one can make you money really fast.\n\nThe other company sells a new and totally unique nutritional supplement that has been proven in human clinical trials to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis, and lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood sugar and lowers heart rate. Most users report great boost in energy and stamina. This company will likely be around for the rest of your life. Even though the income may start of slower than the one above, the health benefits for you and your family are phenomenal. \n\nTell me which of these products is most interesting to you. I will share full details and show you how to get started with almost no money. I will show you how to earn up to thousands of dollars each month. Write back to Bruce at boatclub@go.com for more info.
402508
WITH all of the talk about corporate downsizing, it seems that now is a good time to become your own boss.\n\nBut starting a business requires a lot more than dreams of independence, unfettered creativity and a pot of money at the end of the rainbow. It requires would-be entrepreneurs to map out a plan for success and to stick with it.\n\nWhile it's good to have a certain degree of caution about branching out on your own, experts like Walt F.J. Goodridge, author of Turn Your Passion Into Profit, says that wariness can sometimes result in paralysis, or "entrepreneurophobia." The solution, according to Goodridge and other financial experts, is to tackle the thing you're most afraid of. "It may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it," Goodridge writes. "Remember, you can always find excuses not to do something you're afraid of."\n\n\n Develop a Unique Idea. Experts agree that a successful business needs to satisfy distinct needs or interests. Use the problems you have experienced at past jobs, or in life in general, to develop an entrepreneurial idea. Consider turning your passion into a business. Focus on a segment of the community that is underserved and develop ways to provide needed or desired services to that segment.\n\nDefine and Research Your Market. Know your target market. Define age, race, income level, and any other category of consumers you want to reach. Targeting your market makes it easier to design your products or services to meet consumer needs. You can always expand your business to other groups. Before launching a product or service, study the market to predict the necessity for your services. Information can be gathered at the library and online.\n\nDevelop a Business Plan. Experts strongly warn against skipping this step. Although a plan can be mapped out mentally, experts say you should put your ideas on paper. Record your ideas in a notebook, and map out a step-by-step plan to start your business. Call schools in your area or check newspapers for classes on developing business plans.\n\nFinance Your Business. This is the biggest hurdle for most would-be entrepreneurs. Start your business part-time, while keeping your full-time job. This route ensures a steady income, health insurance, and stability until your business is self-sufficient. Save enough cash to last at least six months if you plan to quit your job. Other options include bank loans, grants and borrowing from family or close friends.\n\nLocation, Location, Location. When choosing a location, consider the cost of utilities and rent. Other factors include foot traffic, accessibility to targeted customers, competition, demographics and proximity to other businesses. As a cost-saving move, consider starting as a home-based business. Ask local organizations such as churches, schools and community centers to lease you space for less money than traditional means or in exchange for your volunteer services.\n\nMedia Campaign. Experts advise exploring all possible avenues to make people aware of your business. Word of mouth is one of the most productive advertising tactics. Other strategies include newspapers, flyers, business cards and developing a Web site.\n\nThese tips could put you on that road to the financial security you have always dreamed of, but be cautious. "Success in business is never automatic," according to the United States Small Business Association. "It isn't strictly based on luck--although a little never hurts. It depends primarily on the owner's foresight and organization. Even then, of course, there are no guarantees."
244685
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
36400
You could venture into the home-based business field...you know, PrePaid Legal, Avon, etc.  Or honestly, Ebay is awesome.  My stepdad gets broken computers and fixes them.  He makes a pretty penny doing that.  Or, you could go to yard sales or thirft shops and find things worth MUCH more than the asking price.  Sell them on Ebay.  Or you could buy and sell houses.  I saw an infomercial on TV the other day for something like that.  Really, there are a MILLION and one things you could do.  If I wasn't too helpful, try googling for "home-based business" or "work at home".  You may pull up some things I haven't thought of.  Good luck to you!
466890
Have you checked with a bank or the Small Business Administration in your state?  If not, I would begin there.  They may be able to tell you where to go (ha, ha).\n\nI hate to be a pessimist but don't forget that over 80% or more of new businesses fail.  Given the economy right now I would reconsider unless you have a product which people need as opposed to a business where people can get along without your product or services.\n\nI worked with a guy who left his job that he had for almost 15  yrs & withdrew the money in his retirement account to start up his business.  Within 2 years he had to close up his store & he returned to the employer he worked for previously.  Not only did he lose the security of having a retirement account but he was also in debt & had to refinance his mortgage.  Unfortunately there are too many more like him.\n\nIf you decide to go forward with your plans, I wish you the best of luck in your venture.
580952
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\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* The Best Internet Businesses You Can Start by Marian Betancourt\n* The Shoestring Entrepreneur's Guide to Internet Start-Ups by Robert Spiegel \n* Making a Living Without a Job : Winning Ways For Creating Work That You Love by Barbara Winter\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!
389497
OK, do you really want to nock your brothers socks off?\n\nTry following some or all of this:\n\nAnytime you want to start any kind of business, there are several basics that you will need:\n\n* You should first sit down and think about what it is you want to do and then write out the scenario in detail!  This may sound tedious, but it will help you clarify what it is you are thinking about.  Also, when you talk to anyone about the business (mentor, bank, clients, prospective investor), you will have a clear vision to share with him or her.  You can check any number of books at your local library or the Internet for ideas on creating a business plan or goals list.\n\n* Is there anyone out there doing something like what you want to do already?  Can you research what it is that they do and maybe even talk with them about what they do?\n\n* Are there businesses out there that are doing some aspect that you want to do?  In this case, you want to create an online drop shipment business.  What websites have you seen that you like (can you talk with them)?  How does the local McDonalds or other retail outlet do business that might help you in yours (i.e. how is McDonalds able to provide a product to a customer on demand at almost anytime of day – and do it with a much of high school kids)?\n\n* Never listen to anyone who says that you CANNOT do something UNLESS they have been there and tried that!!!!!  Anyone can tell you the good things that you can try or do, however, only someone who has actually tried the specific thing your are thinking can truly give you advise on the pitfalls that could await the unsuspecting.\n\n* If you want to look for a mentor (free or paid – although mentors usually offer their time at no cost), the question that you should be ready to address is WIIFM (What In It For Me {the mentor})!  What are you willing to do for your mentor to help them with something that they may need (for me it’s simple – I am looking for 10 points :-)\n\n\nContacts:\n\n* Contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce – they have business people who will help start up operations.\n\n* Contact your local high school, community college or university and find out whom the teachers are for courses related to your business (like business or computer/internet classes).  Contact these teachers to get some ideas or even to see if they will take you company startup on as a class project or special project for some of the student to work on (might give the students extra credit and you a free startup).  In the worst case, you might get the names of some good students whom you might hire to do certain aspects of what you need at a very low cost.\n\n* Contact you local, county or state governments (check their websites) – many areas have small business administrations (or some other agency that can help with various things) that have any number of references and resources available at little or no cost.\n\n* Go to your local library in the Reference Section and find the Encyclopedia of Associations.  It is a three-book set published by Gale Research.  The first book lists thousands of tiles of professional organizations and groups.  It will give a code number to use in the other two books to find out more about that organization.  Contact the organizations who have something to do with your idea and find out if they have a services to give you advise or local groups that you can network with.  In many cases, just asking for membership and publications information may give you a lot of useful stuff.\n\n\nOther outstanding sources that I have used in running my four businesses:\n\n* Nightingale-Conant – the largest producer of audio/video training programs in the world.  Many of their programs can be borrowed for free from local libraries.  http://www.nightingale.com\n\n* Entrepreneur Magazine (http://www.entrepreneurmag.com) – many great tips and ideas about running a company.\n\n* Rich Dad Poor Dad - http://