Easiest Way to Become A Speaker

July 29, 2015

Dear Cathy:

It’s been my lifelong dream to become a Speaker but I have a fear of speaking.  I wanted to join Toastmasters or the National Speakers Association but I heard you have to get in front of an audience and be criticized for the way you speak.  I don’t think I like that method so do you have any suggestions on how I should proceed?  Trying Hard To Become A Speaker, Georgia

Dear Trying Hard to Become A Speaker:

Speaking is one of the most sought after careers out there right now.  Everyone is doing it and many others would like to do it but they lack confidence and self-esteem -- even though they have great stories that need to be told. 

The Public Speakers Association (PSA) (www.PublicSpeakersAssociation.com) that has been around for two years welcome people who are imperfect -- so they will not only welcome you with opened arms but they will work with you to become a better speaker.

The PSA love having fun, nice, imperfect people who want to go out and change lives with their message, products and services.

There are 3 things you need to know about the Public Speakers Association:

-The Public Speakers Association believe in changing the world from in front of the room.

-Unlike other speakers that compete with each other -- they don't -- instead they help each other become better speakers by providing continuous speaker training.

-They are like Toastmasters (www.Toastmasters.org) and the National Speakers Association (http://www.nsaspeaker.org) but they are looking for people who are IMPERFECT.

It's time to up your game in business.  What you have to remember is that no one is an island and you can't be successful as a solo business owner.  In order to be successful you have to form business alliances, strategic partnerships, co-ops, and joint ventures with other businesses and that is what you will be doing with the Public Speakers Association.  

So if you are imperfect and want to improve your speaking skills, sign up today to become a general or featured speaker with the Public Speakers Association. Of course you will have more perks as a featured speaker.  You can be a part of the leadership team by becoming an Executive Director; Co-Executive Director; or join the Communications or Membership Chair in your city.

To find out more reach out to the CEO and Founder of the Public Speakers Association (PSA), Tonya Hofmann (www.TonyaHofmann.com) from Austin, TX, on the website or email: Tonya@publicspeakersassociation.com.

To learn more about speaking careers or for a list of speaking careers read "The New CEO: 185 Easy-To-Set Up Businesses for Youth and Adult Entrepreneurs" -- available as an e-book or paperback.
 

Who Are Consumer Credit Counseling Services?

July 28, 2015

Dear Cathy:

My husband and I recently got married.  Are there any agencies that can help counsel my husband and me on our credit?  Need Credit Counseling Help, Oklahoma

Dear Need Credit Counseling Help:

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) (NFCC.org) (800-388-2227) -- along with many others is known as Consumer Credit Counseling Services. There are a ton of these counseling services that have sprung up due to this recession. So be careful.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services or other counseling agencies should be contacted as soon as you find yourself being overextended.  Most of these agencies are government-run and you can find them in the government section of your phone book.

If you are under pressure from creditors, a counseling service counselor can negotiate with your creditors to repay your debts through a financial management plan.  It allows you to lower your credit card interest rates to zero in some cases and cut your monthly payments without filing for bankruptcy.

Sometimes creditors will agree to reduce payments, lower or drop interest and finance charges, and waive late fees.  If you are accepted in this program, you make one monthly payment to these counseling agencies. They distribute the agreed-upon amounts to your various creditors for a small fee.

Many people recommend this option, however, be aware that if you use this service, it shows up on your credit report and can be viewed as a red flag to future lenders. Many people who go to these counseling agencies are able to get their bills together without utilizing any more help from these counseling agencies simply because they learn to get organized.

How Do I Get Started in A Gift Basket Business?

July 27, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I have been told by many friends that I am good with my hands especially when it comes to putting together gift baskets.  This is a hobby but I would like to start a business around these talents so how would I get started in my gift basket business? Gift Basket Entrepreneur, Missouri

Dear Gift Basket Entrepreneur:

Gift baskets aren't just for those get-well times.  Many people would love to receive gift baskets especially women on special holidays. They come in all shapes and sizes.

Gift basket entrepreneurs need to produce truly beautiful baskets and must have creativity to come up with great ideas.  They need wholesale sources from whom they can purchase their baskets and the items that will fill and wrap them.

This is a very flexible business that you can run from your home on a part-time or full-time basic.  You can start a gift basket business out of your home or tie in the service with a local florist, card store, sports shop or just about any other type of business you can think of that might want to also offer gift baskets to their clients.

You can learn more about business by reading “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Starting Your Own Business” – available as an e-book and paperback.

Should My Family Open a Restaurant?

July 22, 2015

Dear Cathy:

My family would like to open a restaurant. What are some of the things we need to know before we go into this venture? Future Restaurateur

Dear Future Restaurateur:

All businesses are risky but opening a restaurant is a business that is on the top of the list. Over 7 out of 10 restaurants go out of business. Don’t pick a location simply because another restaurant was located at that same spot. 

That might have been the reason the restaurant went out of business in the first place. Was it surrounded by 4 or 5 other restaurants that provided better services than that particular restaurant? Do your research and find out why other restaurants do not succeed. 

The biggest problem with most restaurants is they open their doors and don't even have the menu ready or the chef in place. Before opening your doors have employees trained in customer service; have menus ready; and advertise by using coupons and discounts especially in your local newspaper to draw customers to your restaurant. And don't forget to buy a sign for your car.

If patrons have to go a mile or two down the street and take a U-Turn to come back to your restaurant then they will not want to come to the restaurant so accessibility will be key. Make sure the location is easily accessible from the freeway with plenty of parking in a crime free area. Women especially will not come out if they don't feel secure. 

For more info on how to set up a business read “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Starting Your Own Business” – available as an e-book and paperback book.

Should I Start A Franchise?

July 20, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I am trying to find out more about business ownership. Is opening a franchise a good idea?  New Future Franchisee, Indianapolis

Dear New Future Franchisee:

For those of you who don’t want to start a business from scratch, opening a franchise might be what you are looking for.  The franchise governs the method of conducting business between two parties.  Generally, a franchisee sells goods or services supplied by the franchiser or that meet the franchiser’s quality standards.  That master franchisee is usually responsible for recruiting the individual franchisees and providing all training and support they need, both initially and on an ongoing basis.

It’s important to remember if you open a franchise to make sure you have a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or get Incorporated in case the business fails and the franchiser tries to sue you.  If you have a credit score over 700, collateral and meet other requirements required by the Small Business Administration or Banks, then a franchise just might be what you are looking for.  Again, conduct extensive research before you sign any paperwork.

You can read more about how to start a business at “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Starting Your Own Business” -- available as e-book and paperback.

First Time Author Would Like To Be a Publisher

July 17, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I am writing my first book but I am also thinking about publishing books for other authors.  What would be some of the pros and cons of setting up my business in this manner?  First Time Author, Ohio

Dear First Time Author:

There are many advantages to writing a book and being an author will set you up in many ways to gain free publicity for your business.  If you chose to be a self-publisher, which means only writing your book and not putting other authors under your publishing company, you can still give seminars and workshops so this is how I set up my company, AngelsPress.com.

If you chose to write a book and start your own publishing company then you will still be in a position to grow a lucrative business by helping other authors with their books.  However, when you are dealing with other people, especially other authors, then more problems will arise. 

For instance, if you put these authors under your company and tell them in their contracts that you will market their books, if their books are not selling, they will be ready to sue you.  This is one reason I decided not to set my business up in this manner.

So instead of starting a Sole Proprietorship for this type of business, you will need to get incorporated or make sure you have a Limited Liability Corporation (or Company). 

There are many more pros and cons to being a self-publisher or publisher so check out my writing book “How To Write A Book:The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling Your Own Paperback or E-book" -- available as an e-book, paperback and audiobook.

Mate Addicted to News on TV

July 16, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I have been with my mate for a while and it bothers me that he is glued to the TV watching news for at least 6 hours every night.  He thinks I am the strange one because I don’t look at news period on TV.  I get all my news from independent media online.  Am I strange for not being addicted to the media on TV like him?  Addicted to News, Alabama

Dear Addicted to News:

The corporate media (aka mainstream media) is junk food for your brain.  Watching these shows is like eating an addictive junk food.   No you are not strange at all.  Many men especially spend their evenings watching news on TV. 

There are even people that think if a story don’t appear on CNN, that the story is not really happening -- like CNN is everywhere -- 24/7.

Personally I agree with you about mainstream media.  I get all my news online from independent media which is written by real people.  I watch very little TV because I can’t deal with the 5, 8 or 10 minute commercials.  

When I want to watch a movie, I usually prefer Netflix or Amazon Instant Video Streaming but I avoid news and other programs on TV at all costs – so again, no you are not strange.