Is Self-employment Right For You?

Business ownership can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences – under the right circumstances and at the right time! It’s not necessarily “better” than having a job – it’s just different. For some, self-employment is the ideal career solution. How about you?
The exercises below are designed to help you ask the “tough questions,” and quickly discover whether self-employment would be right for you or not. So, take out paper and pen – or get comfortable in front of your computer – because you’re about to do some important “homework!”
If you’re seriously considering the self-employment option, there are two main questions to ask yourself:
1. Is self-employment potentially right for you?
2. If so, which of the four paths to business ownership would be most appropriate for you?
Let’s address both of these important questions.
In the world of work, you have two main career paths: Self-Employment and “Getting a Job.” You’ve probably already gone the “getting a job” route. If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’ve found your jobs unsatisfying. So, now you’re probably asking yourself, “Could self-employment be right for me?”
The following three questions will provide some direction:
1. Why are you exploring entrepreneurial alternatives at this time?
2. Rate your desire/motivation/commitment to have your own business, 1 to 10 (10 being the highest)?
3. If you could land the ideal job OR start your ideal business, which would you choose TODAY?
Focus now on the first of these three questions, because you must first understand your core motivators:
- What’s your WHY? (Lifestyle, income, image/prestige, leave a legacy, control, build equity, self-expression, independence, make a difference, passionate interest, etc.??) Unless you identify and hold onto your deepest need and desire, you will not have a strong likelihood of succeeding. So, spend some time writing about your WHY!
There are Four Paths to Business Ownership:
1. Become a Consultant
2. Buy an Existing Business
3. Start a New Business
4. Buy a Franchise
Below, you will see the “unique considerations” for each of these entrepreneurial pathways. Take some time to answer all the questions in the four categories.
BECOME A CONSULTANT - UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- What markets will you serve?
- What services will you offer?
- Who will be your competition?
- How will you price your services?
- How will you market and sell your services?
BUY AN EXISTING BUSINESS - UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- What type of business do you want to buy?
- How do you envision your own role?
- How will you finance the purchase?
- What will you expect of the seller?
START A NEW BUSINESS - UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- What markets will the business serve?
- What products or services will you offer?
- Who will be your competition?
- How will you market and sell your products or services?
- How will you finance the business?
BUY A FRANCHISE - UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- What type of business do you want to be in?
- How do you envision your own role?
- What will you expect from the Franchisor?
- How will you finance the purchase?
Go back now, and review all your answers. Then address the questions below, as thoroughly as you can.
What are your “Pros and Cons” for each entrepreneurial option?
1. Become a Consultant
Pros:
Cons:
2. Buy an Existing Business
Pros:
Cons:
3. Start a New Business
Pros:
Cons:
4. Buy a Franchise
Pros:
Cons:
In reviewing this brief list of “Pros and Cons” for each of the four business options, which choice seems best for you right now? Why?
Another way to determine if self-employment could work for you is to consider your own qualifications and preferences. Many people THINK they could successfully own and manage a business – but in reality, this takes a particular kind of person with a specific set of skills. This section will help you do an honest self-assessment.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR OWNING A BUSINESS
The main categories of ability include:
- Marketing and Sales
- Financial Management
- Operations and Administration
- Human Resources
- General Management
For each category above, answer these questions:
- What results will the business require each year to become and remain successful?
- What education, training or experience do you have to indicate that you will be capable of producing desired results?
- Are you personally interested in, and willing to do, the required tasks?
- If you do not plan to lead specific parts of the business, who will manage them, and how much will you need to pay those people?
Every business has its challenges, but some of the biggest challenges of self-employment often come from “the inside.” Here are some of the most common personal issues faced by new entrepreneurs.
PREDICTABLE CHALLENGES
- Do you feel certain or doubtful about becoming self-employed?
- What are the major challenges or obstacles you will face?
- What are your biggest concerns or fears?
- What questions or issues do you still have?
There are definitely answers to your questions, and there is help to get you through the transition effectively!
Here are five more questions for you to consider:
1. Two years from now, the qualities that you want most in your work/career are:
2. Will you have those qualities in your work if you continue doing what you’ve been doing?
3. If not, what changes must you make in order to make these qualities a reality?
4. Could business ownership or franchising help you create these desired qualities in your work/career? How?
5. If you’re still interested in business ownership, what are the next steps you will take (include approximate dates for completion):
If these exercises have made you decide that self-employment is NOT for you, that’s actually a positive outcome. Think of all the time, frustration and money you’ll save by not going into business! On the other hand, if the questions above have crystallized and clarified your intention to own a business, then nothing should hold you back from the great entrepreneurial adventure.
May you achieve success greater than your dreams!
Self-employment

Where To Find Online Job Applications

Many times skilled individuals spend months on the unemployment list simply because they do not know where to find or how to fill out a job application. In recent years, the Internet has become a useful tool for people looking for work. The web offers many job opportunities in fields that are specific to individual skills, and several places online provide online job applications for individuals wanting to be hired for the best job possible. Many of these sites also aim to educate individuals on how to fill out an online job application properly and successfully so that nothing will stand in the way of them finding the job they have always wanted.

One of the most popular accredited sites on the Internet, About.com, has created a search engine specifically designed to help people find job applications online. Jobsearch.about.com is one of the best places to search for job applications. The site has many resources that allow individuals to fill out applications right on the Internet. They also include samples and templates of successful applications to show people the correct form so that finding a job will be even easier. The site has several articles posted by experienced professionals that help address any questions and concerns related to completing a job application. One of the most helpful tools offered there is a guide to writing a successful resume, which gives individuals a better chance at being hired. Most importantly, the site offers government sponsored applications, proving its legitimacy and recommendation from the Better Business Bureau.

In addition to search engines, many well-known and respected businesses are now allowing applicants to apply for work online. Corporations, government jobs, and even teaching positions can now be applied for right on the Internet. Many states have also established sites that allow individuals to search for work in various fields in the state of their choice. Some states that have jumped on the online application bandwagon are California, Ohio, Colorado, and South Carolina. FindLegalForms.com is a great site that lists various applications according to state and job market, allowing individuals to find an application in the field and destination that is best for them. This site offers the convenience of searching several states on one site rather than looking for particular states all over the web. Each website is sponsored by its state government and provides several types of applications to choose from. Many sites also offer the option of printing the forms to be mailed or simply submitting them online.

Although some sites include examples of how to fill out a job application properly, it is a good idea to research how to do this before beginning the process. Nhlink.net is a good site to check out that provides examples of various types of job applications for individuals to study before filling out their own. They also offer a training link that offers advice and step-by-step instructions for filling out job applications. The site even has special sections on applying for internships and volunteer positions.

A job application is one of the first things an employer sees when searching for a new employee. If the applications are filled out incorrectly or carelessly, the individual applying for the position could be overlooked even if they are highly qualified for the position. Many times people do not know the proper procedures for filling out applications, and they have a hard time finding work for that reason. If individuals do the proper amount of research and complete applications with deliberation, they will have a major leg up on the competition and be hired in no time.

Why Pay For New When Used Machinery Is In Abundance Online?

Investment in plant and machinery more often than not represents a huge proportion of outlay undertaken by most farmers and contractors. Any possibilities of cutting plant and machinery costs are of course met with delight.

There are three primary reasons why cost savings are so valued. The first simply being that cost savings have a beneficial effect on the bottom line which is good news for any purchaser. The second is that any savings can be reallocated to the purchase of additional equipment and potentially improve efficiency. The third is that higher quality, more effective and efficient used machinery can now be brought in for no additional overall expenditure.

Traditionally, used machinery has largely been bought and sold through local auctions and sales. New machinery and used machinery is sometimes surplus to requirements, sometimes available through insolvency. Farming and construction publications also display advertisements for new and used machinery.

In recent years a vast new market in used machinery has evolved driven by the Internet, including numerous industry related sites offering huge data bases of equipment much of it with detailed specifications and images and sophisticated search options to help you find the specific machine to suit your needs. Products from a range of well known manufactures such as Bobcat, Case IH, Caterpillar, Claas, Fiat-Hitachi, Fendt, Ford, Hitachi, Ingersoll Rand, JCB, John Deere, Komatsu, Leibherr, Link-Belt, Massey Ferguson, Steyr, Valtra, and Volvo are all readily available.

Not only has purchasing of used farming machinery and plant machinery never been easier, it’s also never been better value for money. Online competition is hot and so are many prices. From tractors, sprayers, spreaders, tippers and trailers to irrigation equipment, pumps, mowers and harvesters it’s all out there and it’s often excellent value.

The usual advantages of buying online can all be seen to apply to machinery:

1. Price: items are usually cheaper on the Web because of online competition. Storage, staff costs and overheads in general tend to be lower.

2. Convenience: purchasing can be much easier on the Internet. It can be done at home, at a convenient time and be very quick.

3. Breadth of choice: Internet shopping allows you access to a wide range of suppliers all around the world. Online suppliers can also carry a much larger stock by aggregating products from a range of smaller suppliers or acting as a dealer portal.

4. Quick delivery: most Internet sites are able to deliver within a few days.

Of course there are sensible precautions that it would be wise to take before investing hard earned money in used machinery. You’ll ideally want to personally inspect and test any equipment and take delivery of logbooks, certificates and warranties. You may even wish to have a certified third party inspect the equipment. You may have to pay a little extra to get hold of it but clean, good conditioned low use kit will likely save you time and money in the long run.

If it’s great value farm machinery you’re looking for have a look online today - you may well find yourself a bargain!