You gotta spend money to make money, the adage goes. So what if you don’t have money. Scott Allen gives some outside the box ideas.
By Scott Allen, About.com Guide to Entrepreneurs since 2002
Thinking Outside the Funding Box
The three basic ways to fund an entrepreneurial venture are 1) your own savings, 2) finding investors and 3) borrowing the money. When first starting, entrepreneurs usually look for investors and creditors among friends and family, or perhaps former business associates or previous investors. For larger sums of capital, they may turn to organized angel investor groups or bank loans.
But there are other alternatives, and you may want to explore some of them even before the more conventional methods. For example, did you know that you can:
* Use Your IRA to Fund Your Business - With a so-called "self-directed" IRA, you can invest in closely held stock, real estate, oil and gas royalty interests and a variety of other investments.
* Find Grants to Help Fund Your Business - The government may not be handing money out quite as freely as those late-night TV ads want you to believe, but billions of dollars are given out every year to help start and grow a wide variety of businesses.
* Using Private Lenders as Alternative Funding - Where do you go when the bank says "no"? Private lenders can often become valuable advisors to the companies they work with, much like angel or VC investors.
There are so many ways that you can get funding for your business. Explore all your options, and don't give up just because one or two approaches don't work. Of course, any time you get turned down, make sure you take whatever feedback you can get and refine your business plan and pitch before you go to the next one. But don't give up -- if your idea is really worthwhile, you'll find the funding eventually.
When potential students call me I always advise them to have 6 months of living expenses in the bank before they get started. So as you dig through the sofa cushions, work a second job and sell all your stuff to get the funds for our school or any business venture remember to find enough money to live on for a half a year so you have time to make some solid sales before you’re money runs out.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
10 Fun Ways
I’m getting older so this article caught my eye. I edited it a little to quicken the read. Anyone else out there need to be reminded how to zest up your life??
Top 10 Fun Ways to Live Longer
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com
1. Drink Red Wine
Drink one or two glasses of red wine. It’s packed with an antioxidant that protects your body against the effects of aging.
2. Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
3. Smile
Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
4. Have More Sex (with your spouse, please)
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
5. Relax
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. Relaxation techniques can turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
6. Make Exercise Play
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well as your body, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
7. Sleep
Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. Health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
8. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness.
9. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.
10. Be Positive
Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.
Well I’m off to grab a piece of chocolate and glass of wine while smiling before I take a nap with my wife or maybe do a puzzle, with a positive attitude, of course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Top 10 Fun Ways to Live Longer
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com
1. Drink Red Wine
Drink one or two glasses of red wine. It’s packed with an antioxidant that protects your body against the effects of aging.
2. Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
3. Smile
Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
4. Have More Sex (with your spouse, please)
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
5. Relax
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. Relaxation techniques can turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
6. Make Exercise Play
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well as your body, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
7. Sleep
Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. Health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
8. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness.
9. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.
10. Be Positive
Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.
Well I’m off to grab a piece of chocolate and glass of wine while smiling before I take a nap with my wife or maybe do a puzzle, with a positive attitude, of course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Franchise?
I was chatting with an industrious entrepreneur today. He was retired from the car business. He and his daughter decided to invest in a business of their own. Dad did a little research and decided going the franchise route would be smart. So for $50,000 they bought a well-known delivery service franchise (I won’t name names).
Then he started asking himself, “What do I do? Who are my customers? How do I get customers?” He googled freight broker training schools and found our school. Then he called me. I was glad to talk with him but sad to inform him that he didn’t need to spend $50,000. For less than $3,000 he could have his own freight delivery business and the know how to run it. Our course not only teaches you how to be a successful freight broker and competent small business owner we also give our students the opportunity to affiliate with top notched, established freight brokers.
Each student is encouraged to figure out a niche that fits him or her. That niche can be type of freight (like refrigerated or refer), type of customer (like Spanish speaking) or type of delivery (like expedited).
People choose franchising because of the support and name recognition. Our graduates get both those of things. We are dedicated to helping our students before, during and after their course with advanced class offerings and consulting. I chat with our graduates on the phone regularly when they call with questions and concerns. I blog things I think will help motivate and educate our graduates.
Take time to research whatever career move you desire. I'd enjoy the opportunity to talk to you about our course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com
Then he started asking himself, “What do I do? Who are my customers? How do I get customers?” He googled freight broker training schools and found our school. Then he called me. I was glad to talk with him but sad to inform him that he didn’t need to spend $50,000. For less than $3,000 he could have his own freight delivery business and the know how to run it. Our course not only teaches you how to be a successful freight broker and competent small business owner we also give our students the opportunity to affiliate with top notched, established freight brokers.
Each student is encouraged to figure out a niche that fits him or her. That niche can be type of freight (like refrigerated or refer), type of customer (like Spanish speaking) or type of delivery (like expedited).
People choose franchising because of the support and name recognition. Our graduates get both those of things. We are dedicated to helping our students before, during and after their course with advanced class offerings and consulting. I chat with our graduates on the phone regularly when they call with questions and concerns. I blog things I think will help motivate and educate our graduates.
Take time to research whatever career move you desire. I'd enjoy the opportunity to talk to you about our course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com
Meet Pete
In my phone calling today (remember 50 a day) I chatted with Pete from Michigan. He spent his career as a commercial fisherman and recently retired. He sat around for 10 days then decided he wanted to start something new. So he bought an 18-wheeler and decided to start moving loads for people.
I have great respect for truck drivers. They are hard working, down home people who keep our country running. If it weren’t for truck drivers the grocery shelves would be empty, industry couldn’t make whatever they make because they depend largely on the truckers to bring them raw materials, then the end products would not get into your favorite store because the truckers deliver merchandise. Yet truck drivers get a bad rap. There are some who drive too tired or steal merchandise but that is a rare few. Most are simply trying to make enough money to feed and clothe their family, like the rest of us. They deserve a pat on the back for the amount of time they spend away from family yet keep on trucking.
My new friend Pete said something that struck a chord with me:
“I’ve never seen an industry so thirsty for respect.” He feels that it is the best time to get in the industry if you do it right. So if you see Pete on the road. Thank him for his contribution to our great country. I’ve heard it said, if you can read, thank a teacher. Well if you found something you needed in the store today, thank a trucker.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.justintimefreight.com
I have great respect for truck drivers. They are hard working, down home people who keep our country running. If it weren’t for truck drivers the grocery shelves would be empty, industry couldn’t make whatever they make because they depend largely on the truckers to bring them raw materials, then the end products would not get into your favorite store because the truckers deliver merchandise. Yet truck drivers get a bad rap. There are some who drive too tired or steal merchandise but that is a rare few. Most are simply trying to make enough money to feed and clothe their family, like the rest of us. They deserve a pat on the back for the amount of time they spend away from family yet keep on trucking.
My new friend Pete said something that struck a chord with me:
“I’ve never seen an industry so thirsty for respect.” He feels that it is the best time to get in the industry if you do it right. So if you see Pete on the road. Thank him for his contribution to our great country. I’ve heard it said, if you can read, thank a teacher. Well if you found something you needed in the store today, thank a trucker.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.justintimefreight.com
Creativity
Think of all the gas not being used because school is out for the summer. The buses are staying parked at the bus barn for the most part. Now families are most likely spending more on fuel to go on summer vacation, shuttle the kids to Vacation Bible Schools, day camps and the swimming pool. We need to all use our creative juices to cut back on fuel usage where we can and support seeking legislation that would find more fuel and alternate fuel sources in our own country. I understand that people don’t want to be sitting on a beautiful beach and watch oil pumps out in the ocean but there are creative solutions for that dilemma as well.
I recently had dinner with a man in the oil business. He told me about an oil derrick that is disguised as a resort. An “ugly” oil contraption does not mar the beautiful beach landscape. I’m amazed by the ingenuity in our country to consider not only the production aspect but also the aesthetic impact of their industry.
The waste industry is turning landfills into golf courses and construction companies even put nice looking wooden fences around the outhouse.
I walk to some of my errands. It doesn’t save a ton of gas but if we all do a little it will add up to a lot. It also gives me a little more exercise for the day.
I heard of a group who are promoting stretching the gas you buy by coasting in neutral when you can, driving outside the groove of the tire tracks on the road and filling your tank in the cool of the morning rather than the heat of the day among other things.
My mind is always racing with creative ways to promote my business and land the next sale. Think outside the box today and you will get a new lease on life.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
I recently had dinner with a man in the oil business. He told me about an oil derrick that is disguised as a resort. An “ugly” oil contraption does not mar the beautiful beach landscape. I’m amazed by the ingenuity in our country to consider not only the production aspect but also the aesthetic impact of their industry.
The waste industry is turning landfills into golf courses and construction companies even put nice looking wooden fences around the outhouse.
I walk to some of my errands. It doesn’t save a ton of gas but if we all do a little it will add up to a lot. It also gives me a little more exercise for the day.
I heard of a group who are promoting stretching the gas you buy by coasting in neutral when you can, driving outside the groove of the tire tracks on the road and filling your tank in the cool of the morning rather than the heat of the day among other things.
My mind is always racing with creative ways to promote my business and land the next sale. Think outside the box today and you will get a new lease on life.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Work to Win
I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you'll win. If you don't you won't.
Bruce Jenner
There you have, want to succeed, work hard. Do you think it is our natural tendency to seek for the “get rich quick” scheme or is it that our instant gratification society that teaches us from birth to seek out the short cut? I work hard and have found success but do still seek for an easier way at times. I’ve read a fair number of get rich quick stories to find that their richneshttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifs didn’t really come quick. They worked hard for a long time before they hit it rich. The millionaire next door is all about regular people who do their job every day, spend less than they make and save the rest. Do that long enough and you too can become a millionaire.
After getting Bruce Jenner’s quote from Zig this morning I googled to remind myself about his background. He is quite an impressive guy. In 1976 he was named “World’s greatest athlete” for his 8,634 score in the decathalon. He hasn’t sat back on his laurels or endorsements since then. He has given enormous support to numerous great organizations like Special Olympics and National Dyslexia Foundation. Bruce’s battle with dyslexia gave him a strong work ethic. Whatever weakness we have can actually become the thing that pushes us to achieve more.
At the end of the day, take time to reflect on something tough you overcame. Take on a new challenge everyday and you will have a great sense of accomplishment.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Bruce Jenner
There you have, want to succeed, work hard. Do you think it is our natural tendency to seek for the “get rich quick” scheme or is it that our instant gratification society that teaches us from birth to seek out the short cut? I work hard and have found success but do still seek for an easier way at times. I’ve read a fair number of get rich quick stories to find that their richneshttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifs didn’t really come quick. They worked hard for a long time before they hit it rich. The millionaire next door is all about regular people who do their job every day, spend less than they make and save the rest. Do that long enough and you too can become a millionaire.
After getting Bruce Jenner’s quote from Zig this morning I googled to remind myself about his background. He is quite an impressive guy. In 1976 he was named “World’s greatest athlete” for his 8,634 score in the decathalon. He hasn’t sat back on his laurels or endorsements since then. He has given enormous support to numerous great organizations like Special Olympics and National Dyslexia Foundation. Bruce’s battle with dyslexia gave him a strong work ethic. Whatever weakness we have can actually become the thing that pushes us to achieve more.
At the end of the day, take time to reflect on something tough you overcame. Take on a new challenge everyday and you will have a great sense of accomplishment.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Life is Like a Baseball
Today I’d like to share a book excerpt from Krish Dhanam’s American Dream from an Indian Heart. He often comes in as one of our training class guest speakers.
Life is Like a Baseball
On January 26, 1989, I heard Zig Ziglar speak for the very first time. I had won a sales contest and was asked to attend his seminar. With slight nervousness at the prospect of learning something new, I accepted the opportunity to change my life. I am absolutely convinced that if I had received a monetary reward for the sales contest, today I would be another performing statistic in life. That day Zig changed my life when he sold me on a concept that I interpreted as baseball advice. In life every attempt will not be a hit, and every hit will not be a home run, but every home run has to an attempt and a hit. Advice that correlates to a notion that you cannot always skill yourself out of the dumps. Sometimes you have to will yourself out of the slumps of life.
I often hearing how important, how healthy, how invigorating it is to learn a new thing. I also agree with Krish, learning something new can be nerve racking. But then if it is life changing, a few nerves may get in the way. I am glad to be in the education business. I thrill to those who take their new learning and succeed. I am saddened when others decide to not put the lessons learned to task. I try to be encouraging to those I see and to those who read the blog so perhaps a few, who might throw in the towel, don’t.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Life is Like a Baseball
On January 26, 1989, I heard Zig Ziglar speak for the very first time. I had won a sales contest and was asked to attend his seminar. With slight nervousness at the prospect of learning something new, I accepted the opportunity to change my life. I am absolutely convinced that if I had received a monetary reward for the sales contest, today I would be another performing statistic in life. That day Zig changed my life when he sold me on a concept that I interpreted as baseball advice. In life every attempt will not be a hit, and every hit will not be a home run, but every home run has to an attempt and a hit. Advice that correlates to a notion that you cannot always skill yourself out of the dumps. Sometimes you have to will yourself out of the slumps of life.
I often hearing how important, how healthy, how invigorating it is to learn a new thing. I also agree with Krish, learning something new can be nerve racking. But then if it is life changing, a few nerves may get in the way. I am glad to be in the education business. I thrill to those who take their new learning and succeed. I am saddened when others decide to not put the lessons learned to task. I try to be encouraging to those I see and to those who read the blog so perhaps a few, who might throw in the towel, don’t.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
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