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One indisputable fact is that not everyone will secure a
white-collar job. The issue of unemployment plaguing many countries makes it
difficult to get any job at all, let alone such being a white-collar one. In
such a situation, there are two options open to an individual: he either keeps
searching endlessly for a job, or he creates one for himself. Yes, creating a
job for yourself is the antidote to that challenge of unemployment you are
presently faced with. And believe me, even if you have a place where you work,
nothing compares to being your own boss.
However, I know that starting a job or business of your own
can be very challenging, especially when one considers the needed capital; but
that should not stop you from being your own boss as there are lots of
profitable businesses that can be done on a small scale. There are lots of
services you can render to people around you, and make good money in return.
Businesses like Photography, Barbing/hair Salon, Catering services, Fashion
designing, Shoe making, etc., are services that are always needed, and which
you can start with little capital. All you need do is hit the streets and meet
the needs of people.
Having said that, there are certain things you need to know that will help you achieve success with such businesses. I therefore present these ten tips to help you make money from the streets.
Related: Tips on how to become successful
1. Don't be afraid to start small
You probably have seen well-established shops or businesses
doing the same or similar thing to what you have in mind, and you wonder when
you would get to achieve their kind of success. You must however know that
those big businesses didn't attain their level of success in a day. In fact,
some of them started from scratch, and it took some time - actually, some years
- before they became big. Therefore, you too should not be afraid to start that
business. A popular adage says that “Rome wasn't built in a day”. Your business
will also become a force to reckon with but it won't happen overnight. So start
small, and see it become very big.
2. Venture into the
right kind of business
You cannot wake up one morning and pick just any business
that comes to your mind without considering the potentials of such. One of the
questions you should ask yourself is that will your intended business be one
that would consistently be on high demand? In order to get the answer to that,
you must consider if the business is one which can meet the needs of those
around you. When you get involved in something that people like and cannot do
without, then you can be sure that it’s likely going to be a very successful
business.
Also, it is advisable that you choose a business that
requires little start off capital and that has bulk profit as returns. Unless
you already have some huge amount in your bank account, or some persons have
promised to invest in your business, you must know that you have to cut your
coat according to your cloth. You should choose a business you can start off
with your personal savings or that, which you can easily source for its capital.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider in deciding
the right kind of business for you is the passion you have for it. You may not
succeed in that business if you have little or no passion for it. You must
remember that like every human endeavour, you will certainly face challenges in
the course of running your business; and in such situations, your passion for
the business is what would sustain you and help you overcome.
3. Deal with your ego
Your ego is one thing which can stand on your way to being
your own boss. You may feel too big to do certain kinds of jobs. For instance,
as a university graduate, you may see shoe making as a low status jobs, but the
truth is that there are many graduates who are into making of shoes and who are
making good money from it.
Also, you may feel too big to learn a job from someone of a
lower social status. In such a case, you would only succeed in denying yourself
the opportunity to tap into the person’s wealth of knowledge, and you’d
certainly be the one on the losing side. You should therefore be humble, and
purge yourself of every egoistic mentality.
4. Be prepared for
challenges
You cannot run away from challenges because they will
certainly come. You must however understand that facing challenges is not as
important as how you deal with them. The way you go about dealing with the
challenges that will come up will determine how successful your business would
be.
One of the challenges you should be prepared for is that you
might lose some money in the early days of your business. This could be as a
result of inexperience or the fact that you are not yet known by many people
who could patronize you. You must however not be deterred by that as it is a
phase that would pass away sooner than you think. All you need do is to believe
in yourself and in your abilities, and keep working hard. You must also make up
your mind not to give up no matter the challenges that come your way.
Related: Don't give up
5. Know that there’s a time for growth
The Good book states that “to everything there is a season
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” The growth stage is a phase you
will surely pass through in your business. It is a time for you to develop
yourself, master the needed skills, and get to be on your feet. You must know
that it is not a time to chase after money – yes, you are in business to make
money, but at the growth phase, making maximum profit should not be your aim.
The time to make money will come, but at this stage, your aim should be to
develop yourself maximally.
6. Always showcase
what you know how to do best
No one would know what you are capable of without you
showing it to them. You should seize every opportunity that comes your way to
let people know about your business. From your family members, to friends, to
neighbours, to all those you come across; let everyone know the business you
are into.
The social media is a powerful tool you must not overlook as
millions of people make use of it daily. What that means is that when you start
publicizing your business on the various social media platforms, people all
over the world would get to know about it, and before you know it, they would
start contacting you on how to benefit from what you have to offer.
However, you must know that the patronage you will get
depends on the quality you present. If the goods or services you are
advertising is of low quality, then be sure that you cannot make any profit
from such. People will always go for quality no matter how high the price may
be, therefore endeavour to present the best you can at all times.
7. Control your
temperament
In the course of running your business, you will daily come
across different kinds of people. While some would be easy to deal with, others
would not be. The behaviour and words of some will make you so angry that you
would be tempted to shout at them, or to push them out of your shop or office.
That is why you need to learn how to control your temperament, especially if
you are the type with a bad temper. No matter how annoying the behaviour of
some of your customers may be, learn to accommodate their excesses. Even if it
is on a day in which you are not in a good mood, still, you should react to
such customers in a civil way. A good temperament will lead to a good
relationship with your customers, which is Key to the success of any kind of
business.
8. Move with
positive-minded people
If you truly want to be successful, then you must avoid
people who cannot make any positive contribution to your business. No matter
how hard you try, some will never see anything good in what you are doing, and
if you are not careful, such people’s words can make your morale very low,
which in turn can have a negative impact on your business. Therefore carefully
choose those you move with – make sure they are positive-minded people whose
morale support you can count on.
9. Keep Records
Never make the mistake of thinking that: because you are
just starting out, your business does not need much record keeping. You must
learn to keep records at all times beginning from the first step you take
concerning your business. You must know where your business stands in terms of
income and expenditure, profit and losses, assets and liabilities, and every
other relevant information. Having a good record of your business will not only
make you know where your business stands at the moment, it will also help you
plan for the future. A good record is also important in writing and defending a
business plan. You must therefore keep proper records of your business
10. Have a mentor
Do you wish to move faster on the ladder of success? Do you
desire to be better than your colleagues? Do you want to avoid the mistakes
others have made in the past? If your answer is yes, then you should have a
mentor. A mentor will not only give you the needed advice, but can also see
when you are about to make a big mistake, and will direct you to the right
path. (S)he can also share inspiring success stories with you; and with a
mentor, you can ask any question you need answers to.
I am sure you have learnt a thing or two from these shared tips. All that is left to do is for you to hit the streets with the little resources at your disposal. Create a business of your own, and confidently take on the challenges that come with it. In no distant future, you will rule your world!
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