Business Entrepreneurship

In recent days, how to ease the employment problem as representatives of two members to participate in a common topic of concern. Counterparts in the relevant provinces and municipalities with the assistance of party newspaper, I interviewed a number of delegates, their common approach to expanding employment, pointing to a virtual network that the “network of employment,” the time has come. Blind students on-line business In Shanghai, the delegation, I heard the story of a business:
As of January 10, blind students from the five Shanghai Taobao shop founded by “intention create the world” more than 70 transactions completed, the credit rating to a “three hearts”, which means that their shops had been broken The island business successfully survive. This is the world’s first completely blind to create a successful online store, founded in September last year. Blind students using the software to read out the contents of the computer screen to complete the product Management , Customer communication and online Marketing , Is really “hearing” to business. To this end, they overcome a lot of difficulties, such as ordinary people a simple click Login, they need seven or eight steps in the operation of the keyboard. For consumers, this is only tens of millions of home Taobao, a general store. They do not rely on to win the sympathy of others to complete the transaction, because across the computer screen, most of the customers and their transactions do not know the owner is a special group of people who like Other Like chat, bargain, to complete the transaction. National People’s Congress Standing Committee Deputy Director of Hangzhou Huida to the author about such a case: Xuzhou sand town, used to be a lack of resources, existing industry just “Shou Polan” place, but Internet business boom, driven by market town now has more than 1,200 sand Online Shop, 33 furniture factories, products are sold to major cities, courier companies, computer stores, carton plant, Adhesive Tape Factory, Hardware Accessories factory peripheral industries are also developing, at present, the town up to 6 million yuan in courier fees. “Network is virtual, but the job is real. As a viable channel in employment, the importance of the network is increasingly apparent.” Network of long-term in the NPC, vice president of Qingdao University, Shao Fengjing introduction, the study said: the end of 2009, Taobao direct jobs created over more than 80 million, will drive about 2.28 million indirect jobs. Electronics Business Unlimited Potential 2010 years of government work report, the first proposed “strengthening the commercial circulation system and other infrastructure, and actively developing e-commerce.” Reason for the development of e-commerce, an important reason why it has become an important way to increase employment. National People’s Congress, China Mobile Guangdong Xu Long, General Manager introduced e-commerce transaction costs reduce the role of society, many consumers have by way of online shopping has personal experience. Asia’s largest network of retail platform Taobao, for example, in 2009 the trade volume of over 200 billion yuan. As of the end of 2009, Taobao has created 808,800 direct jobs, lead logistics, payment, marketing and other industry chain to 2,305,100 jobs. In addition, B2B features of the Alibaba Group has become a global influence e-commerce businesses, as of the third quarter of last year, Alibaba B2B platform for registered users reached 45.3 million, with 6.1 million enterprise shops. Which only engage in foreign trade business of international trading market to reach 10.5 million users, 10 million mark for the first time.

Been considering giving up that anonymous office cubicle for something a little more comfortable and accommodating, like your living room couch or your own home office? You’re not alone. Working jobs from home has become one of the most attractive professional options available today for many people during this slow economic recovery period when new employee hiring just isn’t happening.

According to some recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

- More than $430 billion dollars in sales are generated annually by 20 million home-based businesses

- A full 52 percent of all small businesses are now based in the home.

- In the United States, a new home-based business is begun every 11 seconds.

- 25% of home businesses today generate 100% of the business owner’s personal income.

- The productivity of home-based workers or telecommuters is higher (more than 7 hours of an 8 hour day) than that of the average office worker (less than 6 hours).

What is the reason work-at-home jobs have jumped so dramatically in popularity? There are a few issues, when combined, are fueling this major change in how business is conducted today:

Economic business pressures. As many brick-and-mortar businesses struggle to remain solvent in these trying economic times, shrewd businesspeople are finding that they can save their companies a lot of money simply by using remote workers, or “teleworkers”, instead of filling jobs with on-site workers. They can save literally thousands of dollars per worker in overhead costs like office space, furniture, utilities, parking, and many other expenses by shifting much of it to the from-home workers.

Cheap high technology. When the internet came along, it drastically changed – and is still changing – the way global business is conducted today. Just as Henry Ford’s assembly line elevated America rapidly into the industrial age, and the advent of the personal computer then shot us from the industrial age into the information age, the internet is forcing that same kind of radical change on our economy. Just about every residence today now has access to these inexpensive, networked, and easy-to-use tools that allow business to be conducted from practically anywhere.

Gen-X worker demographics. Because that high-powered technology didn’t really start becoming widely available to the general public until the 1990’s, previous generations of workers were bound by the stereotypical 8 – 5 Monday through Friday office job model, usually working for the same employer the majority of their careers. By contrast, today’s working generation, having literally grown up surrounded by advanced technology, sees and understands that this same technology gives them many more choices about how they can spend their professional careers. Working at home appeals to many people because of the freedom, flexibility, and self-expression this technology can provide.

What you don’t spend, you essentially save. Have you ever taken the time to determine just how much your current or past office jobs have actually cost you? Most people would be absolutely shocked if they knew how large a part of their paycheck gets spent on clothing, transportation, meals, parking, and the other expenses that come with holding down an office job. And just how much time – the most valuable resource of all – would you keep for yourself if you didn’t have to make that daily commute?

So if you’re currently considering something other than a typical 8 – 5 office job routine, now is by far the best time to consider a home-based job. There have never been more great working jobs from home out there than right now!

Today, I spoke with Dr. Ken Gibson, Founder of LearningRx, and listened to quite a fascinating story of an entrepreneur. Ken was an Optometrist, with a strong interest in business, and at some point, provided business consulting to over 300 Optometrists, before developing the methodology for training people to learn that is now at the heart of LearningRx.

LearningRx provides cognitive skills training that improve the brain’s ability to process information. The LearningRx training programs go beyond the symptoms of academic struggles to attack the root problem – the limitations to the student’s ability to learn. The training enhances underlying cognitive skills required to learn effectively – auditory processing, attention skills, comprehension, visual processing, memory, and problem solving. Once strengthened, these skills enhance the student’s capacity to learn.

Ken stresses, “It’s training, not teaching or tutoring. It’s like giving a lecture on Piano versus training someone to play the Piano …”

The best competing reading & learning program called Lindamood provides 2.3 years worth of improvement in 142 sessions. Ken’s program provides 4.8 years worth of improvement in 72 sessions.

In 1989, Ken started licensing this methodology to doctor’s offices and such, but soon realized that he needed a franchise infrastructure to reach more people. In 2002, he opened a Colorado Springs center, which within 4 months of existence threw up $225,000, with about 70 students participating over 3-6 month average duration.

Ken believes, engineers, not necessarily teachers, make his best trainers. Many engineers work at his centers, wanting to make a difference. Ken doesn’t allow any trainer to work for more than 15-18 hours a week, or 3 hours at a stretch. The process is intense, hence the precaution.

The first franchisee opened in 2004. Today, LearningRx has 32 centers around the country, with about 50 average active students bringing in anywhere between $250k-$500k / year. The number will surely go up, as the franchises mature! All franchisees have been recruited by Word-of-Mouth. Customer recruitment has been through a mix of newspaper and radio ads, although now moving largely toward direct marketing.

Our VCs invest money in so many incremental businesses … Ken Gibson’s bootstrapped jewel is one that makes a difference in many lives, and in my opinion, is worth scaling!

Asian countries, such as China, Japan, India, are using cost advantages and software without any fear to attract the investors of the world. As we have earlier discussed that people are well equipped and well informed and making great changes to develop the region and challenging America’s innovation. The recent survey of 200 mostly Fortune 500 companies found an “irreversible process” of traditional white-collar jobs being sent to Asia. Different data findings have shown that major leading American companies are not puling down this innovation in Asia. They are struggling to reduce the shortage of qualified and trained people by giving them fresh knowledge. They recognize that technology is a factor that can make a company and nation powerful. And without it, it is hard to achieve the economic goals. The great example is Japan and Korea, Japan has covered the Korean companies using technology.

China felt that they had several excellent sources, but their manufacturing capacity was limited. When orders swelled, it was decided to establish more industries in China to produce the more quality items and for this purpose America invested in it. This was the time when China entrepreneurs were working carefully with their partner. China however, continued to be interested in foreign investment, and Meringola found that he was welcomed by the Chinese, who helped set up “cooperative manufacturing” contracts, for his medical supplies. On the contrary, China assumed that America is obliged to make contracts with china.

In Asia, every company of different countries is trading and doing business at a large scale to generate new horizons and opportunities to their business and business people and this will definitely help in the development of region. Japan and China, for example, doing business and exchanging even their customers. They are utilizing innovative ideas and inventing new ways of business.

In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business – but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business. Carefully consider each of the following questions:

Are you a self-starter? It will be entirely up to you to develop projects, organize your time, and follow through on details.

How well do you get along with different personalities? Business owners need to develop working relationships with a variety of people including customers, vendors, staff, bankers, and professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants. Can you deal with a demanding client, an unreliable vendor, or a cranky receptionist if your business interests demand it?

How good are you at making decisions? Small business owners are required to make decisions constantly – often quickly, independently, and under pressure.

Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business? Business ownership can be exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. Can you face six or seven 12-hour workdays every week?

How well do you plan and organize? Research indicates that poor planning is responsible for most business failures. Good organization of financials, inventory, schedules, and production can help you avoid many pitfalls.

Is your drive strong enough? Running a business can wear you down emotionally. Some business owners burn out quickly from having to carry all the responsibility for the success of their business on their own shoulders. Strong motivation will help you survive slowdowns and periods of burnout.

How will the business affect your family? The first few years of business startup can be hard on family life. It’s important for family members to know what to expect and for you to be able to trust that they will support you during this time. There also may be financial difficulties until the business becomes profitable, which could take months or years. You may have to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets at risk in the short-term.

Why Choose a Franchise?

If you are concerned about the risk involved in a new, independent business venture, then franchising may be the best business option for you. Remember, however, that hard work, dedication and sacrifice are key elements in the success of any business venture, including franchising.

Starting a franchise has two main advantages. It could span over 75 different product lines and services. The business model is already created and set in place for an upcoming entrepreneur like you and it establishes a specific niche for you.

The first step is to decide what type of service or product that you would really enjoy. Be sure that you would like to spend your days involved in this type of business since it requires a substantial investment. For example, according to entrepreneur.com McDonald’s total investment is $506K-1.6M

Franchise fee: $45K

Ongoing royalty fee: 12.5%+

Renewal fee: $45K

Your next step is to do some research on your own to see the demand for the product or service. Take a close look at your competition and see how they are doing. Competition is good because it helps you to learn more about the market or industry.

Look into how recognized this franchise is in the marketplace because name recognition plays a significant role in a franchise business. Does the franchise have a potential for growth? What is the latest trend in the products or services offered by the franchise? This will make or break your franchise business.

Make sure you will be receiving adequate support from the franchiser including training and staff support. Talk to other franchisees that have similar franchise product or service to get a feel for how they are doing and how helpful the franchisor has been to them. Get the negative and positive feedback since you want to make an informed decision. This is a serious business and you don’t want too many surprises.

Utilize your work experience since this will help you in choosing the right franchise business. For example a retail franchise might be better for you than a food franchise, if you were a retail manager.

Find a franchise partner if that is possible. Maybe you can ask a family member or a previous coworker to join you. If you use your past skills, then there is a good chance that you will succeed.

Before you go to the franchise interview, be sure to find out about the start-up capital and if you don’t have all the money then you can probably seek a partnership for a 50/50 or any amount that you see fit.

Purchase a franchise magazine and scout out the competition or find a franchise that you can read about and get tons of information including contact number or website to do further investigation. Research is very important before you start a franchise. Choosing the right franchise is so vitally important to your success.

Remember, starting a small business is always risky, and the chance of success is slim. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, roughly 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years.

It is time to stop worrying about how you are going to afford to live the rest of your life, and instead, take the first step towards securing your financial future.