Starting a new business, is not a magical or mystical process. Many people think that starting a business is unrealistic or too demanding of their time. Some just do not know where to begin or in what field to begin in. If you are a person with the desires to be your own boss, and embark on a passion that you’ve had for many years, there is no reason not to. Stop saying “I can’t!” and start saying, “I can!” By the end of this article, you will understand the ways to develop an idea for a business and how to take action on it.

Starting the Idea Process: As an English major, I have always approached all idea driven developments by one simple method; Pen & Paper! I have learned throughout the years that writing is the key to success, no matter what the goal is. What is needed at the beginning of every process is a brainstorm. Brainstorming is a great way to pour your opinions and concepts onto a paper, and make the necessary adjustments for satisfaction. Now that you have a pen and paper, let’s begin. At the top of the page, write: “About Me.” There is no way to figure out what business idea will work for you, unless you have given a comprehensive and efficient look at yourself as a person, and at your abilities and likes, therefore, this why we are starting the process to start a business with a focus on you.

About Me!

As we start our journey into self concept, we are to begin assessing many of the most critical questions you can ask yourself, truthfully. Label your paper from 1 through 10. At number one, List six things that you are good at or like to do. This includes hobbies, current involvements, and perhaps, things that you find interest in, but never found the time to do so. Here are some examples: I love kids, I love to read, I enjoy cooking, and I love the arts even though I have little time to take pleasure in them. Let’s move on. At question two, list six things that you either absolutely hate or just dislike. Or even things that you are not good at, even if you had ALL the time in the world to participate in. (lol, hey, not everything is for everyone!) You might write related elements and aspects of what you wrote for the things you love. For example, you might have written, in the first question, I am good at developing advertising concepts, but for question two, you might put, I hate to speak in public, or face-to-face with people. Just jot down the first things that come to mind. Does your page look like mine?

About me!

1.I love to Read, I love children, I am a writer, I am excellent at presentations and public speaking, and I am good at accounting and mathematics.
2.I hate outdoor events (like hiking), I am not good at any instruments, I tend to work alone, I do not like to commute to work, I do not like the winter, (sorry, I could only think of five things, its okay if you did too!)

Now, I will leave the rest of the questions in your hands.
3.List two products or services that will better your business life, or allow you to embark on a business.
4.What do you do? (your current occupation or your last occupation)
5.List six or seven things you enjoy about your current occupation or last occupation
6.List six or seven things you dislike about your current occupation or last occupation
7.If someone had to describe you, what five terms would they use?
8.What traits do others like about you the most?
9.List other skills that you possess, that are not in current use.

And finally, number ten. What would you like to accomplish when staring your business, other than being financially independent?

Now, re-read your page, and sigh in relief, because one of the hardest parts of the process had been done. You now have a basis and a foundation in which you can adjust and mold into your very own Business Idea page. Look through your answers carefully and with an open-mind. For these answers hold the key that will unlock the doors of ideas.

Here are the top ten business ideas for 2008:

1.Graphic Design/Web design
2.Children’s Tutor
3.Dessert and Wine restaurants and cafés
4.Party Planner/Event Planner
5.Pet Sitter
6.Specialty Coach
7.Debt Collection Agency
8.Plus-Size Fashion
9.Marketing/Advertising firm
10.Niche Gym

Special thanks to Giselle Rivera at Eliteresumes.org for todays contribution.

* If you’d like to contribute as a writer to Obzokee.com, please visit us at: http://www.obzokee.com/write-for-us/

I recall my mom saying to me many years ago “son, don’t bite off more than you can chew“, she starts everything with son, when she speaks to me on a serious note. But I think I’ve gone ahead and done just that! 2008 is the year I’ve decided to hit this netpreneur life from all angles. This means creating income sources from various websites and communities. Over the past 2 months I’ve been wearing the thinking-cap for days at a time and I’ve come up several ideas to get me going. The trouble is, I kinda started all of them at the same time. So I have programmers (outsourced) working on 3 new projects for me. Which means working closely with then through the entire process .. concept - design - troubleshooting - launch. Then I’m in the process of hiring a couple freelance writers and an assistant. Oh how I look forward to… the task - getting them up to speed on the help I need.

Added to my internet existence, I have a few offline projects I’ve been playing with. We wanted to open a restaurant late last year, here in Hamilton but finding the right location is keeping us back. I have a couple investment opportunities in the Caribbean that’s been placed on my plate for review. Then this morning I had a conference call with a couple friends, one from Miami and the other from Trinidad, with another opportunity they wanted me to partner with them on.

Here’s the icing on the cake.. I want to go to culinary school!

TIP! - Don’t even consider any new projects without first completing the one you’re working on. Sure, the new ones will sound very inviting but the stress of having to look after them all is killer! So back to the drawing board for me. I have to decide which one takes priority and complete then one at a time.

The one constant I’ve noticed over the years on the internet is, all these supposed Internet Marketing Gurus wanting to share the secret to making millions. Day after day you’re hounded with ads by some “guru” who wants to show you how simple it is to not just make money, but do so while sitting by a pool with your laptop and the beverage of your choice at your side. Sign-up now and I’ll share with you my winning secret to earn an amazing amount of cash - My easy to follow, step by step program. I’ll hold you by the hand. So simple a 3rd grader can do it. No experience necessary! Talk about hogwash!

Yea.. you’ve made so much money, but you’re still trying to sell this $97 ebook to me. Wait, you’ve included some bonuses so I should steal the wife’s credit card and get cracking on this! Well, if I had made millions and had a secret clear-cut plan on doing it… I’d beat that sucka till the banks were refusing my deposits. Why would I want to share? If I had the means of making such cash, why would I reduce myself to selling a “how it’s done” ebook?

Don’t get me wrong. Not everyone peddling information is full of hype and lives to hear people suggest they’re a guru. There are the hard workers, who actually loves the business they’re in and actually preach a good sermon and not constantly hounding you like a dog in heat to get you to buy something. A couple days ago I was reading an interesting article/blog post by Derek Gehl and it hit home. How to Turn $200 Into $1000 This fella makes a lot of sense in this post and I thought I’d share it with you. After-all, who wouldn’t want to Turn $200 Into $1000?

So who are the people I’d classify as true Internet Gurus?  Ahhh.. you’ll have to buy my ebook to find out

Same time last week I had just finished making my morning cup of tea and was heading down to the pool. Big difference today… I’ve already scanned the news sites, answered a few emails and making a list of things I need to get completed today. Oh yea! I did make my cup of tea

As I peer through my office window I can see the trees being whipped around by the wind and I can only imagine how cold it is out there today. We’ve not seen the lawn since early January, since it’s been snow storm after snow storm. To be quite honest, I’ve had enough and it’s time for change.

I’ll tell you, nothing beats waking up early and going for a swim. It’s even better than a hot tub, since you still have to get out of the tub and hit the freezing temps as you work your way back into the house. Our recent trip revealed to me that I want more. I want to wake up and go swimming in the morning, I don’t want to limit my outdoor activities according to seasons… I want some of the wealth and prosperity I saw around me.

I’ve now made a long term to-do list, something I’ve never done before. An action plan to get me where I want to be within the next 8 months! There’s no better motivation than seeing and doing what you want, even for a brief moment.

Enjoy the day!

So you got the kid across the street to create your website for you. It was cheap and at least your business now has it’s own website. It shows! But let’s not get into that today. What I really want to discuss is the fact that many websites invite you to contact them, but like that youthful appearance you had 10 years ago.. it goes missing.

The past week I’ve been busy researching vacation villas and automobile rental for our upcoming trip to the Caribbean. I’ve contacted several companies through the email address or contact form on their website without any responses. Why bother putting up an email address or “Contact Us” text if you have no intentions of answering my concerns? Is this website of yours being used to generate business or is it there so you can tell your friends and business associates that you have a website. Let me guess.. having this website makes you “cool”!

Here’s the reality of my unanswered emails - I MOVED ON! Right now I’m about to book with your competition. The fella who knows that I needed a response so I could give him my business. You must realize that the same way I found your website, I also found your competition.

If you don’t have the time or resources to answer each email as they come in, set it up so at least I get an autoresponder message saying that you received my email… that it’s important and when I can expect a response from you. WAIT! The important part is.. you must actually follow up! We can all understand that your business keeps you busy (it’s a sign that you’re doing something good to attract all these customers, that’s keeping you busy) so we don’t mind waiting for a response.

Don’t leave potential customers hanging.