How Small Businesses Can Bounce Back From Unexpected Setbacks

Key Takeaways:

• Developing a comprehensive contingency plan is essential for navigating unforeseen challenges.
• Maintaining financial resilience through cash reserves and diversified revenue streams can safeguard against disruptions.
• Leveraging community support and professional networks provides valuable resources and guidance during recovery.

Understanding the Impact of Setbacks on Small Businesses

Every business faces unexpected challenges, but small businesses are particularly affected by even small setbacks such as natural disasters, economic shifts, or supply chain disruptions. Owners often have a personal stake in their work, so setbacks can cause financial problems as well as emotional and psychological stress. Whether it is a sudden market decline or unexpected equipment failure, unpreparedness can disrupt operations or strain limited resources.

It is crucial to anticipate challenges and build a safety net well before a setback strikes. One practical way to buffer your business against disaster is to get business insurance that fits your needs and reduces exposure to risk. Comprehensive coverage can help you manage everything from property damage to lawsuits, providing peace of mind and practical support when the unexpected happens.

Setbacks can not only threaten your financial health but also test your leadership and team cohesion. The road to recovery starts with recognizing how deeply the event has affected your operations, clients, and staff. An honest assessment of the immediate damage, both tangible and intangible, is crucial. Taking stock of vulnerabilities and learning from others who have weathered similar storms can put your business back on track more quickly. Remember, being transparent with your team during these times can inspire loyalty and innovation in the face of adversity.

Developing a Comprehensive Contingency Plan

Preparation is a business’s strongest defense. Having a solid contingency plan lets you respond quickly rather than scrambling for solutions amid chaos. A well-thought-out plan not only identifies potential risks but also prepares your team to address them directly. Start by mapping all critical operational areas in your business and outlining actions to take in response to unexpected events, such as a cyberattack, fire, or public health emergency.

Assign clear responsibilities to staff to avoid confusion during a crisis. For instance, designate who is in charge of communications, who will manage customer service, and who oversees logistics. Develop both internal and external communication strategies, ensuring employees, customers, and partners are kept informed with timely and accurate updates. Involve your team in disaster drills or scenario planning to increase overall preparedness and confidence.

Maintaining Financial Resilience

A financial cushion is essential for weathering setbacks. Businesses should aim to save at least three months' worth of expenses, gradually building this reserve while regularly reviewing their goals. Tracking budgets and market trends helps identify vulnerabilities early, and keeping expenses low alongside negotiating better deals strengthens financial stability. Diversifying revenue sources can reduce risk, especially during seasonal downturns in primary services, by expanding product offerings, entering new markets, or forming strategic partnerships. Maintaining positive relationships with lenders ensures access to emergency funds, providing an extra layer of protection.

Leveraging Community and Professional Networks

A strong support network can make all the difference in navigating times of crisis. Engaging with local business associations, industry groups, and digital forums can help you find practical guidance and collaborative opportunities. When facing a setback, connecting with others who have survived similar situations can provide both emotional support and actionable advice.

After the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the business community rallied together through initiatives like the LA Strong Comms Coalition. This coalition exemplifies what can be achieved when expertise is pooled and morale is reinforced. Whether it’s sharing resources, exchanging referrals, or forming joint marketing efforts, the collective strength of a community can accelerate recovery and drive innovation.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to local chambers of commerce, peer mentorship groups, or online entrepreneurial forums. These connections can help you address immediate problems while also opening doors for future growth. Even short-term collaborations can build lasting alliances that benefit everyone involved.

Embracing Flexibility and Innovation

The ability to adapt ensures your business doesn’t just survive, but thrives. Setbacks often force businesses out of their comfort zones, making adaptability and creativity essential traits. Innovation may come through introducing new products, rethinking your business model, or tapping technology to streamline distribution and sales. For example, exploring digital storefronts, establishing an online scheduling system, or supporting remote teams can open avenues that weren’t visible before the crisis.

Maintaining operational flexibility prepares your business to pivot quickly when needed. Being proactive about industry trends, customer feedback, and competitor moves will help you stay a step ahead and seize opportunities as they arise.

Creating a culture that values adaptability, encourages new ideas, and helps everyone respond positively to shifting circumstances. Regularly solicit feedback from staff and customers, and recognize innovative solutions that help navigate tough times. Businesses that prioritize innovation often report greater customer retention and faster recovery after setbacks.

Prioritizing Customer Satisfaction

Customer loyalty is developed during both stable and difficult times. By maintaining high standards and responsive service, you foster repeat business, even when circumstances are tough. Responding quickly to issues, offering flexible solutions such as alternative products or delivery options, and showing empathy in your communications all work together to demonstrate to customers that their trust in your business is justified.

Open dialogue with customers, through surveys and feedback tools, ensures you’re meeting changing needs and signals your commitment to their satisfaction. Quick, transparent communication about disruptions can turn an inconvenience into an opportunity to deepen relationships. Consider offering small gestures of goodwill, such as discounts or loyalty rewards, to thank customers for their patience and continued support.

Regularly studying your reviews and acting on constructive criticism demonstrates you value your customers and are willing to make improvements for them. Not only does this help enhance your reputation, but it also allows you to fix recurring issues, ensuring a better customer experience in the long run.

Building a Strong Business Credit Profile

Establishing business credit independent of your personal credit opens the door to better financing options and more attractive terms. Good credit can be your lifeline in turbulent times, giving you access to vital capital for repairs, inventory, or other needs. Start by registering your business as a separate entity, opening dedicated business bank accounts, and ensuring bills are paid on time to build a positive credit history.

As your history grows, use your credit responsibly by avoiding unnecessary debt and staying within your credit limits. Regularly monitor your business credit reports and address any issues promptly.

Conclusion

Weathering unforeseen setbacks requires foresight and flexibility. By establishing a comprehensive contingency plan, strengthening your finances, leveraging professional networks, embracing innovation, prioritizing customer service, and enhancing your credit profile, your small business can recover and achieve long-term success. Resilience, collaboration, and proactive planning are essential for overcoming difficult times and emerging stronger. These strategies help build a resilient organization that inspires confidence among employees, customers, and partners.

What To Take Care Of Before Starting A Business

Starting a business is a journey, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. The road to success doesn’t happen overnight but instead occurs gradually the more passion, time, money, and effort you invest. Being an entrepreneur will test more than your educational or professional experience; it will challenge your relationships, your well-being, and even your self-confidence. This isn’t to discourage you from taking a chance but to ensure that you understand and prepare for being the boss. Continue reading for advice. 

Define Your “Why” 

While reasons like money or quitting your job may seem like good reasons to start a business, these aren’t good motivators. Generating reasonable revenue from a startup can take months or even years. Not to mention, the life of an entrepreneur isn’t all peaches and cream. There are going to be instances where you probably wish you were back at the office. 

Your reason for starting a business needs to be something that you can stand on through the good and the bad. For example, if you start a business in a field you are passionate about, your passion will drive you. Maybe you want to live a life of purpose and help others; it is that sense of purpose that will guide you. If you dream of building generational wealth or leaving a legacy for your family, that’s another solid reason. 

Talk To A Mentor Or Business Coach 

If you want to know the ups and downs of starting a business, talk to someone that’s where you want to be. Experienced entrepreneurs can offer advice, assist you in defining your goals, help you avoid costly or time-consuming mistakes, make more informed decisions, and even open the door to potential opportunities for growth. 

If there is an entrepreneur in your personal or professional life you look up to, don’t be afraid to reach out. There is also the option to talk with a business coach as they can help ensure that you are prepared personally and professionally to go the distance in the world of business and life. 

Get Support From Your Partner 

If you’re in a committed relationship or marriage, it’s essential to have a conversation with your significant other. The amount of dedication it will take to get your business where you want it will impact your relationship. The long hours, financial investments, and the physical and emotional toll of owning a business will trickle down to your personal life. 

Now that you know why you are starting a business and you’ve learned what it takes to run a business, you are ready to talk to your partner. Once you have shared your idea, why you want to do it, and how it might impact your relationship, give them a chance to express themselves. Ask for their support as you move forward on this journey. 

Fix Your Finances 

Whether you plan to take out a small business loan, start a crowdfunding campaign, or bootstrap, fixing your finances before starting a business is recommended. Reduce your debts as much as you can, work on improving your credit score, and develop a healthy relationship with money. These steps make it easier for you to acquire loans or other sources of funding for your business. 

Another financial move to make before starting a business is to build a nest egg. Especially individuals that plan on quitting their jobs. It can take weeks, months, or longer to supplement your income. You want to ensure that you have enough money to cover your household expenses for at least three to six months. 

Build A Better Business

Being a business owner is going to take everything you have. Although the saying is that anything worth having is worth fighting for, you have to be prepared for the fight. Before taking a leap of faith, spreading the word about your idea, or even conducting market research, make sure you have taken care of the suggestions above. When you know why you are in this, what it takes to succeed, and you have the support of your partner and your finances are intact, you have a better chance of making it to the top.

10 Mindset Tips To Thrive In MLM And Profit

Most people fail in Network Marketing because of their Mindset. Find out the 10 Mental Mindset Tips to Thrive in Network Marketing and Profit with the best MLM companies. Mindset matters in multi-level marketing for 2023! 

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10 Top Mindset Tips For MLM Mastery

1. Becoming Inspired By Your Product Or Service 

The biggest driver to your success in MLM is to actually use the company’s products or services and love them. One of the most powerful tools to use in promoting your business is to create a personal testimonial of what it’s done for you. The leaders in network marketing usually blog or shoot video on their experiences, but stay away from just hyping the products and tell their personal experience. These stories usually tell a transformative experience with the product, which makes people want what you have. 

No one cares if your MLM product has Omega 3’s. They want to hear how you feel, because they basically want to change how they feel also. This testimonial also solidifies a commitment for the distributor or customer. They are less likely to quit during hard times in the business when they have such a strong experience with the product. 

2. It’s A Business, Not A Hobby 

Most distributors in Direct Sales make little money, because they are doing it a few hours here and there like a hobby. But, once they develop a belief of the power of this business and it’s earning potential many step it up and treat it like a business. This means full time, or any free time outside of their job to build it. People that make this shift from hobby to business begin to educate themselves with all the skills necessary to become successful and attend all company webinars and events. 

They also implement the best methods to get MLM leads and quality prospects. They fully commit to learn their new profession like it is a million dollar business. It takes 120 semester hours and 360 to 720 hours of study to get a Bachelor’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree barely gets a student an entry-level job. If people in network marketing put 360 to 720 hours of study into their profession they would more than likely succeed, but many don’t because they don’t fully believe in MLM yet. 

3. Recruit People Who Are Looking 

Many new MLM distributors are excited about their business and run out and try to sell their family and friends on the idea. They are then rejected by their loved ones and quit. New distributors do not usually know how to talk about their business yet. This is the equivalent of someone thinking they can jump on a car lot and sell a Lamborghini without any knowledge of that car. Enthusiasm alone will not work. 

What’s even more counter-productive is that most family and friends aren’t interested in your life-changing product and don’t want to build a successful MLM business. Or they agree to join you because they love and support you, but secretly don’t have any desire to do anything. The better thing to do is to tap into the millions of people online who are looking for an opportunity, or hang fliers and newspaper ads for offline marketing. 

This is called “Attraction Marketing” and sounds exactly like what it is, “People are attracted to your offer and seek you out.” When people seek you out you don’t need to feel pushy or sell anything to anyone. The people that find you first are motivated because it was their idea, not yours. The most powerful motivator is someone believing it was their idea. This works whether you join a top coffee MLM business or a CBD multi-level marketing opportunity.

4. Building Posture 

Confidence in your ability to promote your MLM business is crucial for success. If you don’t have confidence, it will show and people will say no. The best way to build confidence is by believing in the product or service (testimonial) and by mentoring and learning from the leaders. Posture also means you aren’t desperate for people to join your business. People can smell desperation. You want the attitude of “I am going to build this MLM success story with or without you, but I prefer building it with you.” 

Your business is important to you, and you don’t need to rush out and throw it in anyone’s face. Posture is about staying focused on your objectives without worrying what others think. Like Michael Jordan, you’re going to win the game whether you get booed, feel sick, or the other team his heckling you. Be laser-focused on the end result you want for your MLM company and ignore the white noise around you. 

5. Handling Objections To Your Network Marketing Opportunity 

By prospecting large numbers in a network marketing business, you will run into people that raise objections. Every objection has a proper technique to disarm the prospect with the right education. If the objection is just rude or has a “lack” mentality behind it, you have the choice to not pursue them. 

This is your business and you have a choice of who you want to work with. This is a partnership that can potentially last the rest of your life, you don’t want to work with people that hold you back or bring you down. If the objection to join an MLM does seem sincere, try to pinpoint it by asking questions. Keep asking “why” until the real problem is revealed. Then, provide solutions to their worry. If they keep objecting, cut them loose. There’s too many fish in the sea. 

6. Going Through The Multi-Level Marketing Numbers 

Building a successful network marketing business is about showing your opportunity to thousands of people. When I first joined my MLM I thought every lead would upgrade to paid member. I eventually realized that my conversion rate was 1 to 2%. In LiveGood it can be more like 15-30% though so it depends on the network marketing company along with timing. That means usually out of a hundred people, only one would upgrade in your direct selling or affiliate marketing business. At first these numbers depressed me, but then I was also glad that I knew mathematically what I needed to do to get one new distributor. 

There is power in numbers and although you may start out getting one or two leads here or there, like I did, eventually you learn the marketing techniques to bring in a hundred MLM leads a day. Think about the number of people in India and that MLM business potential. Going through the numbers means not expecting anyone to join, even if you have a thousand Leads. It also means to keep recruiting and never stop, even if you have a large team because they copy what you do. If you stop recruiting, they stop recruiting and your business comes to a halt. 

7. Stop Looking At Short Term MLM Results 

One of the most maddening, counter-productive things to do in this business is look at your business stats every ten minutes. I remember logging on every hour in the beginning and worrying why I only had a 100 views instead of 232 like I did the day before; this just drives you crazy and if you want those numbers to look better, start producing more content and value for people. The results will come the more you put out there in MLM and blogging. This can take a couple years, especially with Blogging, but the results are automatic Leads 24/7 and a top MLM position and praise within your company. 

8. Detaching From People Who Leave Your MLM Team 

I forgot who said this, but your business is like a train. People will hop on board and ride a little ways and get off because they aren't able to live good. Others will ride a little further, and some will take your train all the way in hopes to live pure. Sometimes people who you thought would be great at the business quit, and the ones you thought would fail, go on to be successful in LiveGood or LivePure. Mark Yarnell talked about having a doctor in his business and a guy who lived in a small trailer in his business. He thought for sure the doctor would be wildly successful selling multi-level marketing products, but he quit in three months and the guy on his downline in the trailer park went on to make millions. 

Never prejudge anyone. People had assumptions about me and I am still here and they are long gone. People are going to quit no matter what. The thing to do is keep recruiting new people and they will naturally sift through and become quitters or winners. Yes, a leader or two might even quit to join the next exciting MLM opportunity, but don’t fall for it. Stay the course and new leaders will join you. 

9. MLM Mastermind And Events 

One of the most exciting and enthusiasm-producing things to do in this business is attend company events. Many people that have changed from hobbyists to pros said they made the switch by attending a big company event. Masterminds are also great for building a strong community that promotes self-growth and networking ideas. It is quite hard to quit your business when you have a few leaders looking out for you and caring that you succeed. 

10. The Grass Is Not Always Greener In MLM

Most top network marketing distributors quit because they joined with false expectations, or they were misled by a marketer who lied about the numbers. Without proper guidance, a new distributor will feel that they were left behind or just another number and within 3 to 6 months will just quit, or even sooner on average. But all of the top earning MLMer professionals stay laser focused on one opportunity at a time, and usually for several years or longer to earn their fortunes.

 Master Your MLM Mindset

Another huge lure and distraction for new multi-level marketing distributors is a new company opportunity. This is the “grass is greener” trigger. They are all over the internet and some are very tempting, but if you are not making money in the one you are in now, you will not make money by moving to another company. It doesn’t work that way in multi-level marketing, even for Pakistanis. 

A successful MLM leader could move from one company to another and make it work no matter what, because they have a mindset of a leader. The best thing to do is work on yourself and success will happen. There is no magic solution or better wealth opportunities by just switching MLM companies. 

Keep these top tips in mind to master your mental mindset in a multi-level marketing for company success! Wellness can help you do really well in an MLM business! So get your mind right and start putting in the work with your network marketing biz. 

It is time you survive, thrive, and feel more alive with the best network marketing business opportunities available.

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Starting Your Own Business Is The Path To Independence

The saying that “you’re never paid what you’re worth” is significantly more true in work where you are an employee to someone. In a job, you’re part of the equation that considers profit margins that will be made by someone else, whether a boss, corporation or what-have-you. 

You get paid a percentage of the value you bring to your employer, and though you may do well, the truth is that you’re only receiving a portion of the real value you’re getting to your job. 

Also, as an employee, you have limitations in decision-making. Depending on the type of structure and organization you’re working in, the lack of control over the direction of your work can cause real consternation and worry. 

However, one of the more significant advantages to working independently, whether as a freelance contractor or entrepreneur, is the freedom of decision-making that it brings. It pays to be your own boss as an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder.

Of course, there is a risk involved with being self-employed, but there are tremendous upsides to offset the risks. Of course, there are tremendous upsides to offset the risks. You just need to know how to do things effectively. 

Many employees dream about the upside that you don’t need approval for the type of decisions that need to be made. The downfall is that if something doesn’t go right, or at the end of it all, your business fails; there’s nobody else you can blame or point a finger. 

Another advantage, albeit minor (at least related to office politics and Human Resources needs), is that you don’t need proof of legal work status or identification to begin your job as your own boss. 

That means if you lose your personal identity, you don’t need to go through the hassle of getting your I.D. and social security card replacement organized before you get paid. 

That said, having your EIN or SSI number is critical for quarterly and end-of-the-year tax purposes, and getting that together and organized with your local, state, and federal tax boards is essential, to say the least. 

To start out on your own, either as a freelancer or entrepreneur, there are a few key steps to consider before making your first sale. These steps will help you avoid any headaches, missteps, and errors that may detract from your goal of being independent in your business. 

To get started, first create a plan of the type of business you want and outline the steps to achieve that goal. 

Legal Entity 

Before you start your business, decide the type of legal entity you will be organizing. For example, if you plan on providing professional services and only work alone, then a sole proprietorship makes the most sense. 

In essence, there are four different types of legal entities in business, and each has its own tax benefits and limitations: 

Sole Proprietorship: 

A sole proprietorship is owned by a single entity or person. This is a typical form for most freelancers, especially starting. Another option is a DBA or doing business, a legal entity that allows you multiple companies under one name. 

Partnership: 

The benefit to a partnership is that you each bring different strengths to the table, but when conflict arises, without proper organization ahead of time, resolving those differences may be difficult. 

Limited Liability Company: 

A limited liability company, or LLC, protects the individual assets of the ownership group while providing sole proprietorship control and taxation benefits. 

Corporation: 

A corporation is a legal entity that shields individuals and is recognized by the taxation board as a legal “person.” The benefit to this structure is that you can limit liabilities while adding some security to the principals involved. 

Business Name 

Once you decide the legal entity you’re going to operate, picking a business name and registering it as a recognized entity is the next step. A legally recognized, licensed business offers some legal protections and tax benefits in addition to giving you a recognizable brand. 

Keep branding, domain names, and SEO in mind when deciding on your business name.

Delegate Tasks 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Fortune 500 corporation or operate a boutique freelance service; delegating tasks to an outside expert is an extraordinary suggestion. You can choose between various outsourced expertise, from finding a digital marketing agency to help market your products and services. 

Or delegate all of your bookkeeping needs (this is critically important as the IRS is changing some of the third-party payment apps like PayPal and Venmo’s reporting requirements). 

Another possibility is to utilize the advantages of a fulfillment center to handle your logistics, shipping, warehousing, and labor needs. 

Conclusion

There are numerous benefits of working independently and on your own. Still, if you don’t spend time organizing your business ahead of time, you may be creating some unforced errors that are hard to overcome.

Why You Should Deal With Your Debt Before You Start Your Business

Many people start a new business in hopes that it will get them out of debt. This can work. But it is dangerous. There are a lot of risky financial moves you can make that have a chance of working. After all, people do win the lottery and make those jackpot bells ring in Vegas. It literally happens everyday and several times a day all over the world. If it happened for them, it could happen for you. But rolling the dice with your finances is not a plan; it is a cry for help. Consider this an intervention. 

Your money is too valuable to risk on questionable strategies, especially when you are on a budget. It takes money to make money. That is a vicious circle that offers no real help. It is the kind of advice provided by people who have plenty of money already and never had to start from a position of personal debt. Yet as frustrating as it is, you really do have to address that debt before you can flip over the OPEN sign. Here are a few reasons why, and some advice on how to make it happen: 

Debt Consolidation 

This is what happens when you visit a debt consolidation consultant: 

1. You compile all your bills representing those high-interest, unsecured debts such as credit cards, loans, and the like. 

2. A professional totals everything up and crafts a loan that covers the entire pile of debt at a lower interest rate than what you were paying. 

3. In the words of one of the most famous advertisements in history, there is no step three. 

If you just want to invent another step, you count your savings and use them to pay off your debt a little faster. Or, you could save those savings and pour them into an account just for your business when it is ready to open. 

Unlike other loans, a consolidation loan is intended and designed to help get you out of debt rather than to get you further into trouble. It should not be confused with something like a payday loan or a title loan. Those are the types of moves that got you into the situation you are in right now. Just remember that not all loans are created equally. So before applying for that huge business loan, try setting up the consolidation loan first. 

You Have To Start With A Budget 

It seems trivially obvious that you cannot grow your business on a budget if you do not have a budget in the first place. You can’t really initiate a useful budget until you get your head above water. Until you get out of debt, your budget is essentially debt service and racing to beat the disconnection notices. Setting aside $1,000 for business cash flow is out of the question in a situation like that. 

If you start your business while you are buried under a ton of personal debt, you are likely to borrow from your business to service your debt, thus saddling your business with debt. Rather than the business solving your debt problem, Your debt problem will drag your business down. This will not be a concern if you settle your debt before making your grand opening. 

You Have Something To Prove To Yourself 

If you want to borrow money in the form of a business loan, you will have to prove you are creditworthy to the lenders. You also have something to prove to yourself. You don’t have to be ashamed of your debt. It happens to the best of us. But you have to be realistic about the fact that you have some changes to make with regard to how you think of finances. You want to be sure you have made all the right adjustments because if you don’t, you will bring the same financially destructive practices to your business. If you can’t deal with your personal debt, there is no way you will be able to deal with a much larger business debt. 

Ditch Debt

Using debt consolidation along with living lean, you can start fresh with a sensible budget and prove to yourself and your creditors that you can handle a large business that will help you achieve your dreams. Ditch your debt starting now!

Increase Introvert Income With Business Blogging

How To Empower Your Introversion Through Business Blogging

Blogging is an introvert’s best friend. Why? Introverts are deep. They usually have a lot of thoughts that don’t come out vocally. Blogging allows an introvert to organize their thoughts while writing them out. But, what to write about? Introverts are usually creative. They have unique ideas that they sometimes feel shouldn’t be shared. But, a blog doesn’t judge. A blog takes on whatever you express without opinion. Yes, eventually you will hit the publish button and the world will see, Or, maybe not. 

Being an introvert is not painful as it is being in the external world, like at a job. A job can suck. Noisy extroverts can drain an introvert in business environments. I always hated my jobs. I found that I saved up all my expression from the day and injected it into my writing at night. Unfortunately, writing eBooks is not that financially rewarding, whereas Blogging is. 

Over 12,000 blogs are created everyday, but many die after having published 3 to 20 blog posts. There’s a sea of dead blogs with no SEO. Some have even become popular because of their age on the internet, but the blog owner has given up and hasn’t seen this. Many give up right before their blog takes off, But, isn’t that the story of being an Entrepreneur? In order to get success in any endeavor, you have to have an insane perseverance, which usually is driven by an undying passion. It’s okay if that “insane perseverance” isn’t there yet. Many take “baby steps” towards success along a pathway of little setbacks, but the reward is usually the combination and force of all your actions. Striking “momentum” of readership is everyone’s aim with blogging. 

There are many analogies that explain the momentum of success for an introverted business blogger. Like a snowball that gets bigger as it rolls down a hill, or a jet plane that uses most of it’s gas while taking off. Getting momentum in any endeavor takes the most effort in the beginning. But, pretty soon this momentum, caused by your consistent content production, is exciting shit. You will have amassed a ton of great posts that are yours and only yours, and all these posts are out there on the internet collecting interest and leads. 

I remember when this Marketing Masterminds blog had only 50 awkward posts. Then it had 100 okay posts. Now, it has 150+ pretty good posts. I basically have 160+ “fishing poles” out in the “internet sea” collecting an audience and leads. That's called attraction marketing, a specific type of content marketing.

I have the freedom to promote anything I want on this blog, and so can you. The first step in creating a successful blog is to just be yourself and write down your thoughts. The act of writing everyday in the beginning is the hardest “snowball” to get rolling. Concentrate on your theme and niche. Discover exactly what topic you want to cover on your blog. I started this blog writing about network marketing techniques to help network marketers, but I have narrowed this niche down to basically helping introverts who want to finally make money online by blogging. Of course, I will cover other topics, but you want to stick to a specific niche, and the more focused you are on a very small, specific niche the better. 

Why? Because, there are people in the world who are just like you. They have the same problems you have. So, when you have discovered solutions to your specific problems and have provided these solutions in your posts, you get instant trust and respect. They have instant trust for you because you nailed their problem exactly on the head. You spoke about their problem exactly and provided a solution. That usually equals instant trust in my book. You also want to brand yourself with your blog. Ideally, your WordPress blog is called either your full name, or it is called something that will relate to your niche. But, if you call it something related to your niche, you are pretty much stuck in that niche. 

For example: it’s going to be hard to talk about “marketing” if your blog is called “MarysFishingPoles .com” You have more freedom, in case your niche changes, by calling your blog your name. But, if you feel really confident that you will always talk about “Income” then add that word in your blog name, like “IncomeSuccessTips.” This site has the word "Marketing" in it, but it also has the generic term "Masterminds" as well which allows for more wide-ranging blog post topics. But regardless of what your website or blog's domain name is, you can still always write about whatever you want.

Being introverted no longer is debilitating because of the internet. We can create any type of style or brand we want. If you’re an introvert who eats grasshoppers, there’s an audience waiting to read your stuff! It might take time for them to find you, but once they come, you will surely go viral and profit. Earn your introvert income: build your blog bigger and better!

How Parents Inspire Our Businesses: Lessons From Dad

If you’re doing business online, you probably have a story of being inspired by your father. Here’s, How did your Dad Inspire your Marketing? Growing up in Newport Beach, California, my parents loved to sail. My dad had spent five years building our first sailboat in the backyard, and then a second one in two years later on. He named the sailboat after my mom, which was clever marketing right there! dad business It always amazed me that he built a huge sailboat in our tiny backyard in the suburbs of Southern California. 

We eventually moved to Washington State and I remember the whole family being sick upon arriving and throwing up in the motel. We eventually got a house and my dad went off to work. I didn’t know what his work was for a while until I watched my mom and dad build risers for the new heavy equipment he would be renting out. It was his first business, which took a lot of courage for trying out a new business in a new town. Later I realized that he had planned out what the town needed and provided that service, that of equipment for contractors who needed to build homes, since the area was booming with development. Are you supplying a service your clients truly need? 

My father's business went on to be pretty successful, but he always kept it small enough to run it by himself and my mom. He went to work 6 days a week for over 20 years. Even when there was no business and he was depressed, probably from my grades! Are you surviving the slow times in your business? He raised a family and maintained a house and cars and restoring cars and yard work on Sundays. He was driven to succeed and I never heard him complain or cry about going to work. He just did it and got the job done day after day. 

A few years later, he made a more adventurous move and opened up an old-fashioned soda fountain that served malts and Banana Splits. working at soda fountain He bought old equipment around the West coast and restored all of it back to mint condition. 

He believed in giving the best and had high quality ice cream and espresso. When he opened it to the public there was a line around the block. 

It made him so nervous, because he wanted to provide everyone the best service possible, that he couldn’t sleep at night. My mom and dad worked 16 hours a day working the soda fountain. My mom scooped the ice cream and my dad washed the dishes. They did what it took. 

Eventually they sold it and the new owners immediately brought in cheap ice cream and espresso. My dad wanted the best, even if the profit margin wasn’t the best. 

He believed the customer should have a completely unique experience and experience a 50’s style soda fountain in the best manner possible. 

Are you providing the best service possible? My dad knew what worked and it seemed like he knew it all along, even though I never saw him studying or reading business books. Apparently he got his Associates Degree in Business, but I wasn’t born yet. 

The point is that we learn from our parents. They might have bothered us when we were growing up, but in the end they were probably right all along. What special talents have you learned from your father or mother? And, how has your family helped your business and marketing?

7 Side Hustles for College Students To Do Online

Being broke at college is something that most students experience. After all, you are shelling out a fortune for it. It teaches you how to budget and get thrifty, which is always a good skill.

But you don't need to stay broke throughout college. There are plenty of side hustles for college students that can help you earn more money. Of course, you can't fit a full-time job between classes, but side gigs can help a lot.

More than 5% of Americans work from home now, and it is a great way for college students to earn money. It means you don't have to stay broke.


There's Always a Way Through It

If you're a cash strapped college student, life can get pretty stressful. If you've got bad credit, it becomes overwhelming, but there's always a way out. There are lots of options available to you and you can read this page for more information. But here are a few ways you can make some cash as a college student.

Want a side hustle you can do online? Check out these 7 college side hustles that can help you out.


1. Start an Online Store

One great way to start making money fast and easy is by opening up your own online store. If you've got lots of clothes to sell, set up an online clothing store. 

If you've got a talent for making things, sell them through an online craft store, or make custom items. Market your online business using social media to attract sales.

It's an effective way to make money online and you could help it grow into a successful business.


2. Start Writing

Got a skill for writing and want to make a few bucks out of it? Lucky for you, lots of businesses are willing to pay for it. Becoming a freelance copywriter could be perfect for you.

There are sites you can use that advertise writing jobs for companies who need web content. You can use them to build a portfolio and if you want to, start your own copywriting business.

All you need is a laptop and the Internet to do it and you can do it anywhere in the world. It's the perfect job to do between classes and if it goes well, you could turn it into a career.


3. Teach English

If you speak English at a native level, you can make some money out of it. There are lots of sites out there for people who are looking to learn English from a native speaker.

Sign up to teach and set your own rates and hours. You get to meet people from all around the world and help them improve their language skills. You can teach students and adults how to get better at English around your own schedule.

All you need to do it is a webcam, Internet and a computer. As you get more experience, you can earn more money from it and it can boost your income well.


4. Become a Virtual Assistant

Consider yourself to be an organized person? Do you have basic office experience and want to put it to good use? You could become a virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants provide organization skills such as filing, scheduling and more for businesses. It's all done online so you don't need to go to an office to do it. You can fit it around your free time and it can pay pretty well.

Virtual assistants touch base with their employer via Skype and email. But apart from that, you work alone. It's a good experience to put on a CV and it can help you make some extra cash.


5. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is taking the world by storm and becoming more popular than mainstream media. More and more people around the world are turning to YouTube as their main form of entertainment.

If you've got a good camera presence and a creative streak, YouTube could be perfect for you. It's not a guaranteed way to make money, but if you get successful you could make a lot of cash. 

Most YouTubers make money through ad revenue and social selling for companies. It's not easy to get into but could be worth trying out. Even if you don't hit it big, at least it's a fun new hobby!


6. Become an Influencer

One look through your Instagram feed will turn up a whole bunch of Influencers living the dream. If you've got a good number of followers and take good photos, you could become one too.

This year, it is predicted that there will be over 35 million sponsored posts on Instagram. With so much popularity, influencers are cropping up everywhere and you could become one too.

Again, it's by no means a guaranteed form of income. But successful influencers can make thousands of dollars per post. If it sounds like something you're interested in, you can always try it out.


7. Sell Your Skills

Are you skilled at something and want to make some money from it? Are you a graphic designer? Songwriter? Video editor? Lots of people pay good money for these skills, so you might as well charge for it!

Sites like Fiverr and Upwork with strong lead generation opportunities allow you to set a freelance profile and set your own rate for your services. People can order a logo, video, song or pretty much anything you're offering from you.

It is a great way to build a portfolio for the future and you can work it around your college schedule too. Who knows, it could help you launch the freelance career of your dreams!


Try Out These Side Hustles for College Students 

Being a college student doesn't mean you have to go broke. The internet has given us a lot of great tools and these are some of the best side hustles for college students. If you're cash-strapped in a university and need to find a way to save money, why not try some of these out?

Looking for more helpful career and side hustle tips? Check out our blog article on how to adjust your career when moving. And remember to keep the hustle going. Hustle hard and never give up college kids!