By Arthur Orchid

One of the key in such project is to put passion before profit. This is probably the best way to ensure your real success.

You've decided to quit your job and go out on your own. You have in mind your own business where you make the sales and manage your own schedule. That's what you call being my own boss. You're tired of getting nowhere, working for a paycheck that is stagnant, while your boss makes all the profits. Even if this boring job pays the bills, more or less, you want to be safe and not jump the gun with an abrupt move that leaves you with no income at all. This is a critical decision.

You're looking at all of the possible businesses to own that will increase your finances and improve your personal satisfaction as you wish to be your own boss. Even if you have not quit your day job, owning a business can be an intimidating proposition. The up side is that yes, you're making all the money from your efforts and choose your own hours. The down side is that unfortunately it's possible to fail. It's readily visible that a complete analysis of what you want out of your own business, both in personal terms and financially, is a prerequisite. Where do you start?

When considering businesses to own where you're running the show, your first consideration should be to search a business you will truly enjoy. When you enjoy what you do, your chances to meet success are far better than when you are conducting business in a field where you're just unenthusiastic. Please think about it. You must feel only a flat attachment to your current line of work, or you wouldn't be so dissatisfied. You definitely don't want to jump out of the frying pan into the fire, so to speak. If you love what you do, success tends to follow.

After all, financial success is one of your goals, but you must balance that objective with your interests. While your next door neighbor may make a ton of money in the stock market, if stocks aren't your cup of tea, stock market ventures have no place on your short list of businesses to own. On the other hand, maybe you're an avid scuba diver and can think of nothing better than scuba diving and spending your time and energy on a business that allows you to converse, participate – and profit – from participating and promoting scuba diving events. You will probably do very well with a scuba diving shop. It is a very smart way to share your passion with customers. And this sounds true.

Before you make any decisions or business plans, make a list of activities and subjects that turn you on, businesses where you can satisfy both your heart and financial obligations. No matter who you are or what your interests may be, there are plenty of businesses to own that are both profitable and personally satisfying. You can have it all.

To Your Success!

By Arthur Orchid

Have you ever experienced people giving you more advices that you really wanted?

I almost sure you had...

At these times people mean well; however there bombardment of thought and ideas can be more detrimental then helpful. I experienced this recently when I left my job and career of twenty five years to do something different. I had worked as a social worker for that time span and was feeling that I needed to take a break from the emotional turmoil of dealing with other peoples issues, crisis’s and problems on a day to day basis. I hate the term burned out, but I guess that is what I was.

I wanted to do something completely different. I knew I had skills in many areas; however when you do not have the experience or education to back that up it is hard to convince a perspective employer to give you an interview. I was trying to come up with small business ideas so I could be self employed.

When I mentioned this to people they either discouraged me by stating all the headaches that go with self employment, or they told me a number of small business ideas that they had considered. Although some of the advice was sound, I wanted this venture to be mine. Through the years I have done many different crafts. Working with yarns, beads and the sewing machine was my way of working through the stress of dealing with people all day long.

There have been many times when people have seen my handiwork and have told me that I could sell my creations. I had given away a great share of the things that I had made as gifts; however I had many pieces of jewelry, several quilts, multiple quilted pillows and several afghans.

I had also started making knit purses as well as canvas bags. Of all the small business ideas that I had considered the idea of a craft boutique was the one that I thought was the most feasible. I thought I could have my own things displayed, have an area for consignment craft items and a line of quality gift items. I also love to bake so I thought I could sell baked items in addition to the other things.

We live in a resort area so there are many visitors that come to the area. A small town four miles from our house has several gift shops and has specialized in drawing people to the community with special shopping event through the year. I spoke with several of the business owners about my small business ideas.

They thought a shop like this would be a great compliment to the existing shops. There was a space to rent that had a kitchen area that has passed state inspection where I could make the baked goods.

I have decided that I am going to rent the space for six months and see what happens. If things do not go well I will not be out a great deal of money and if they take off I will extend the lease. It will be a nice change of pace.

To Your Success!