Business Women's Day: Why Women Naturally Do it Better

September 22nd is Business Women's Day. Hail to all the female entrepreneurs who are rockin' it in business today. Today it's all about you.

 

The Facts Don't Lie.

Women in business are highly successful in business, and the facts don't lie. The number of women-owned businesses and startups have almost doubled the last decade alone. Women have proven to become better managers, accountants, networkers and sales representatives, and even crowd funding entrepreneurs better than men. Recent studies have also detected some some pretty interesting differences between female and male entrepreneurs. 

• More than half of female entrepreneurs consider multitasking, creativity, and empathy to be major strengths compared to men. 
• Men consider confidence as their biggest strength.
• Women are more likely to sacrifice their personal time and social lives for the success of their businesses. 
• Men are more likely to sacrifice time with their spouse and children. 
• Women are also more likely to hire their own children to work with them in their businesses than men.

Personality and Passion. 

It's all about personality that separates one business from another. Women who run successful businesses embrace change, are empathetic with customers and team members, are willing to trust others, and are reliable. Some of these personality traits may be difficult to acquire when running a business, particularly being open to and embracing change. After a length of time, women or female entrepreneurs can become very attached to their routines and "set in their ways". While there's nothing really wrong with this, it can make adapting to change a little difficult. Each woman's individual personality, however, plays a huge role in this. A female entrepreneur who open, empathetic, are willing to trust, and are reliable will have an easier time dealing with change and will run successful businesses.

So this begs the question...Is entrepreneurialship inborn? Or is it learned and based on gender?

In this blog and many others, we've talked a lot about personality and how it is a key component in leadership and being an entrepreneur. So this begs the question...is entrepreneurialship inborn, or can it be learned? In addition to the top five key personality traits that are necessary to running a successful business, we dive into a little bit more detail here and look at what most entrepreneurs have in common...both male and female. Most entrepreneurs have a high level of intellect, have good instincts, are passionate and energized, have an exceptional drive like no other, are excellent communicators, leaders, and motivators, and are fearless. Does this sound like anyone you know?

So which comes first...the chicken or the egg? Are these characteristics that an entrepreneur learns? Or is are these innate personality traits that an entrepreneur is born with? You be the judge...

Show Us the Money, Ladies. 

In addition to the above, women are also believed to naturally be better money managers, which is obviously a crucial area of business. In fact, women have proven to be pretty successful crowd funders. According to a report released by Bank of America earlier this spring, about 40 percent of women began startup businesses within the last five years. Furthermore, 70 percent of those successful female entrepreneurs expect their revenue to increase over last year, which is more than the percentage of male-owned businesses. This is likely due to women's success with crowd funding.

While studies have shown that businesses and startups owned and operated by men receive more venture capital, traditional funding, and sponsors than women, women have proven to be more successful with crowd funding websites. This even goes for female-owned small businesses that are technical in nature or provide a tech-based service.

So we've covered quite a bit here. But what is the reason for all this? Why are more women killing it in business and becoming entrepreneurs? Is it because we are finally entering a more equal society? Are women taking charge and closing the pay gap? Is it because the economy has forced more women to take on second and third jobs? Does technology make it easier to operate a business for stay-at-home moms? Maybe all of these are legit reasons. But maybe the shortest answer is because women do it better...

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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

Why We Love Our Mothers and Female Entrepreneurs (And You Should, Too!)

You may recall an older post that I published a couple years ago titled, “What is a Mother?” I’m revisiting this post briefly today in celebration and recognition of Mothers’ Day. For those of you reading this how who haven’t read it or choose not to (it is quite lengthy…), the brief summary is that “mothers” can be in all forms, figures, and relationships. We now live in a society where a “mother” can be anyone: a grandmother, a stepmother, an aunt, a friend, or other type of “guardian”. A mother doesn’t even have to be a woman!

But…this year’s Mothers’ Day should be a shout out to all female entrepreneurs. And with the increasing amount of female entrepreneurs out there, there is a great deal of them who are also mothers. Being a female entrepreneur isn’t easy. Not only is being an entrepreneur hard itself, but being a woman on top of that can bring on additional challenges. Now, being a mother on TOP of all those, and you probably have the hardest job of all.

Ask any mother who is also an entrepreneur, and she will tell you that it is a tough balance. So why do female entrepreneurs claim that they are happier than stay-at-home moms or those who work in corporate atmospheres or hold down executive-level roles? This is because most female entrepreneurs get into business doing something they love or that they are passionate. In fact, many female entrepreneurs are breaking the glass ceiling with their online businesses and dominating e-commerce by selling furniture, cosmetics, and décor products, just to name a few.

So what do female entrepreneurs have to do with Mothers’ Day? The point here is that many mothers and female entrepreneurs are one in the same amazing woman. Take some time today to thank that special woman in your life that has helped raise you or your children, the “mother” figure, or that female entrepreneur who does it all. 

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 Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

The Morning Routine You'll Learn to Love

We all have our own morning routines. Some include walking the dog, having coffee, watching the news, getting up before the sun, exercising, having breakfast, or even hitting snooze. Regardless of what your morning routine consists of, no one likes to think about it...especially on a Monday morning. But if you are an entrepreneur, your morning routine is the most important part of your day.

The daily routine of any small business owner or entrepreneur is jammed packed to max with calls, answering emails, going out on appointments, or working with employees. Most entrepreneurs' days begin very early and end very late. They are similar to sales reps, except entrepreneurs and small business owners have all the responsibilities of running and operating a business to worry about in addition to making sales and closing deals. This is why entrepreneurs need to begin their days off on the right foot.

Some entrepreneurs spend the evening the night before creating to-do lists, organizing their email inbox as much as possible, and checking their calendars for meetings, appointments, calls, deadlines, and tasks that are scheduled for the day. The next morning, some entrepreneurs start the day off right with some form of exercise. We all know exercise gets the blood flowing, increases energy, and boosts the body's metabolism. Studies have shown that morning exercise is when it is the most effective as it gives entrepreneurs energy to tackle the day ahead.

Of course, not all entrepreneurs and small business owners have the option to get up early, because in most cases, the time you get up depends on when you go to bed...unless you are one of those people that can function on very little sleep. So what about restaurant owners? Most restaurant owners don't go to bed until 3AM, especially during the weekends which are typically peak business times with customers. However, morning routines are all relative. For example, if an entrepreneur goes to bed at 3AM, waking up at 10AM the next morning could be equivalent to another entrepreneur's 5AM.

As an entrepreneur I can tell you that setting and sticking to a morning routine is tough. Most of you know that in addition to running my business, I also work a full time job that involves commuting a total of 90 minutes, one way, each day. I'm up at 4:15AM most mornings to get in at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise. While I exercise, I'm on my iPad going over my calendar and email, all while mentally planning and anticipating my day. I'm dressed and out the door with the morning's first cup of coffee by 6AM, to be on the train by 6:34AM. I have at least an hour-long train ride, so I use that hour to get work done. By the time I sit down in the office by 7:30AM - 7:45AM, I'm ready for my next cup of coffee, my breakfast, and to start my full time job. 

My days end between 4PM and 5PM depending on the day and the season. Again, I use the hour train ride home to get work done. I'm typically home for the evening by 6PM and 7PM. I make myself a healthy dinner, play with the cats, and then it's back to my office (or my couch some nights) with my laptop for more of my business work. On slower or quieter evenings, sometimes I'll fit in an evening work out to unwind and relieve stress and tension from the day. I'm typically in bed by 9 - 9:30PM because I'm up so early the next morning.

In any given week, I work between 80 and 90 hours per week. And that's not a made up number or an estimate. The challenge sometimes is my family and friends. They often complain to me about my schedule. Why is my schedule so important? Why can't you come out with us? Why do you schedule things so tightly? My only reply is that it's the only way I can do both.

I have personally found that once I started incorporating a rigorous morning routine that I not only became healthier, but I developed a more positive and happier outlook on the day. It allowed me to get in the right frame of mind to tackle the day. I don't tell my own story to boast, but rather explain the sacrifices that are necessary to run your own business. And if I can do it, you can. Of course, not everyone's life is the same. Some of you have families, children, taking care of sick loved ones, or even work a part time job in the evenings. Even if you take 30 minutes for yourself each day, you'd be surprised what you can accomplish and how different you will feel.

Many entrepreneurs have similar stories to tell about how they go about their days and how they start their days. It's a choice, really. How you choose to start your day or the attitude you carry with you during the day is a choice, most of the time. Sure, we all have bad days. Sure, things happen that we can't control. And, sure, some days just flat out suck no matter what you do. But at the end of the day, literally, tomorrow is a new one. So start it out right.

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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

Popcorn Post: Women's Day!

What represents a woman? What makes a woman a woman? Is it compassion? The ability to nurture? A mother? Or solely her biological reproductive parts that make up her gender? Maybe a combination of all of the above. But a woman can be anything she wants to be. That's just one part of what makes up her beauty. There are no more limitations on women. Women have become powerful beings and play crucial roles in today's world.

So if you come across someone today who is compassionate, nurturing, intelligent, powerful, and beautiful in every way, thank her...because she is most likely a woman. Happy Women's Day!






Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

4 Secrets to Why Female Entrepreneurs Are Happier

The overall increase in startups this country has seen over the last several years to a decade shouldn’t come as anything but a shock. What’s more of a shock is how many of these startups have a woman behind them. In fact, there were 8.1 million female owned or operated businesses in the U.S. in 2011 alone. Additionally, most are still surprised to discover that the amount of startups has taken off and increased significantly over the last five years, to make up one of the highest entrepreneurial peaks in history. 

And why is this? How and why are so many females, of various ages, experience levels, and education, jumping into the entrepreneurial world with both feet…and spike heels? The reasons are plentiful…and make sense.

Women Are Crazy. If you were to interview or ask any entrepreneurial female why she came up with the crazy idea of owning her own business, what do you think she would say? The most common reasons are to be expected: it is a great opportunity for stay-at-home moms, it offers flexibility and a chance for women to be successful in an entrepreneurial and even executive role, it allows for a woman to be in business for what she is passionate about…and for something she truly loves. 

The truth is, women are more apt to take on a second job than men. Women also stand to make more money as an entrepreneur than they would working for Corporate America, or in a position where they compete with men. And all in all, women are tired of being victims to the pay gap…which is still a problem in today’s working world. 

So how’s that for crazy?

Passion, Patience, and Positions: Keys to Making a Difference. All in all, a female entrepreneur could give you all the reasons we just listed above for choosing to start her own business. However, one of the most common reasons and responses is that women are in business to make a difference. Female entrepreneurs by nature are compassionate and nurturers. Therefore, it is no surprise that they put their all into their business, or their “babies”. This in turn will no doubt contribute to the superb excellence and outstanding performance behind a woman’s attitude and desire to succeed. The key here is passion. This is often what makes those successful women who are CEOs, business owners, or hold executive level positions better and more successful in their positions than men.

Beauty and Brains. There is a stereotype floating around in society that women naturally do not have a head for business. Well, guys, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we are rising to power. The female entrepreneurial world is creating a synergy, and generating a lot of buzz today. In support of this effort, there are many training programs, grants, and organizations that support female entrepreneurs, both organizationally and financially. Many technology training programs offer female entrepreneurs e-business tools, brand promotion techniques, marketing research, and general best business practices. 

Women Are Just Happier… In addition to being in business because it is a great opportunity, it gives women self-confidence and gain and use their skills, being able to stay home with the kids, make more money, and to make a difference and really be passionate about something, women are just generally happier as entrepreneurs. Recent studies have shown that women get more life and work satisfaction out of being and entrepreneur. We enjoy the flexibility, and we know that it takes patience, nurturing, dedication, and passion to drive it all home and make it work. Female entrepreneurs know what it takes to run a successful business and to excel as an entrepreneur.

Female-owned businesses range from event planning and consulting services to bakeries and flower shops, scientific forensics and technical services, and even legal consulting services. In the span of a decade, the number of businesses in the United States increased by 34%. And of that 34%, 50% were female-owned and operated. Don’t underestimate the power of women in business.

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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

 

J. H. Language Solutions: "Behind the Music"

Just like the professional musicians do at the end of a rock concert, I'd like to start this post off by thanking my fans, clients, and anyone out there who has taken the time to read through my blogs and services. I am proud to work with such a diverse clientele and workload on a regular basis. This allows me to grow and learn as business owner and entrepreneur in how better serve my clients...spoken from a true musician at heart.

Regardless of what role you play in my "audience", I want to share with you the true tale of J. H. Language Solutions and what sparked me to start my own business, the challenges I faced and currently face, and where I am now as well as my plans for the future. Here’s the story of J. H. Language Solutions.

The year 2010 was one pivotal year in my life. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it meant “change” in every area. Prior to 2010, I moved from one dead-end job to the next, of no fault of my own, endured financial strain and stress as a result, and was just trying to find my corner of life where I was meant to be. I was on the journey in search of something that made me “me”, or “finding myself”, if you will…just like everyone.

After months and even years of stress, and a period of “bad luck”, I knew I needed to start doing something different. I knew I needed to make a change, but I wasn’t sure how. Like anyone would, I started with money. I needed to make extra money to pay down my debts and ensure a healthy financial future. By taking some advice from a former supervisor, I began looking for freelance work. I signed up with oDesk, a freelance website. I immediately began bidding for jobs, but nothing fell through. After almost three straight months of bidding, I landed my first “job” proofreading an eBook.

Then, also around the same time, I headed to Boston for a full time offer as an Associate Editor with Pearson. With over an hour’s ride by train each way every day, and my newly found freelance work, I knew I had my word cut out for me. But with a very promising and aspiring career in publishing, I knew Pearson was the place to go. I would just make it work. However, Pearson is not the easiest company to get into, but even there, the chips began falling into place. I got to meet and work with some of the most amazing people and my love and interest for publishing grew and developed into a love and appreciation for project management. In 2011, I was promoted to Associate Project Manager, and in 2013 I was promoted to Senior Project Manager and became an assistant manager, and another potential promotion on the horizon.

From 2010 on, I was able to take my full time experience, as well as the experience I gained from working with different clients on a freelance basis, and tie them both together. I began applying my skills and experience in both places, and was finally lucky enough to say that my hard work was starting to pay off. Then, since my freelance workload had dramatically increased over only a period of six months, I began to see a huge demand for what the services I was currently offering, which was only proofreading, copyediting, and English/Spanish translation at the time. By the end of January 2011, I registered my DBA, J. H. Language Solutions (which stands for “Julie Anne”, my first name, and “Helen”, the first name of my last surviving grandparent) with the state of Massachusetts.

It was official. I owned my own business. I felt on top of the world. One of my lifelong dreams finally came true. One of the first things I did was buy a laptop and opened a business checking account. I spent an hour each morning on the way in on the train and the hour home doing work, getting my name out there, trying to establish a good online and social media presence. Then as time went on, the two to three hours per day wasn’t enough. I began working at home in the morning, at night, and even at a local Starbucks in downtown Boston on my lunch breaks. I established a small business office in my home, which I learned comes along with some pretty nice tax benefits. All in all, it was hard work and I was SO tired every day…but I hit the pillow every night feeling accomplished.

Over the next two years, my business work load grew to an unimaginable amount. Each year I set my own “sales goals”, and exceeded them every time. Each year I also set “business goals”, and have begun meeting and exceeding those as well. One year I developed my blog and website, one year I bought all new technology to help me keep in contact with clients since I certainly spend a lot of time “on the go”. Another year I started attending seminars, networking events, and trying to meet other people in business and get my name out there.

In 2012, I went back to school for my Master’s in Project Management, which also comes with a PMP certification upon program completion. Presently I’m about halfway through the program, with an estimated completion date of spring 2015. Oh, and to date I have a 4.0.

This year, which was probably the biggest hurdle yet, I became insured. After nine long months, I am so incredibly proud to say that as of August 2013, J. H. Language Solutions is a fully insured entity. Next year will be another larger hurdle, and that is to project myself and my business intellectual property and establish legal contracts to work with all my clients.

So now here I am, at the close of 2013 pushing four full years “in business” (though it is officially three under my DBA), and I think about how much I have grown, both my business and as an entrepreneur. I have grown from small proofreading, translation, and copyediting jobs to copywriting, managing blogs and websites, managing content strategies and marketing plans, managing social media marketing and email marketing…and it all started with $5 to open a business checking account, a girl in her mid-20s, and a dream.

So how do I do it all? Whenever people ask me that, I grin and say, “I have excellent time management skills”. And I do. I have to. Some people ask me if and when will I quit Pearson and work as my business full time. And the truthful answer to that is I don’t know. While business is doing well, I have a long way to go before I can open a separate office space and live off what my business brings in after all expenses and taxes are paid. But would I love to? Hell yes. But that is still a long way off, and also a huge risk that I’m not quite ready to take.

But through it all, the ups and downs in business, the challenges and the successes, I can honestly say that through the years I have developed a deep and passionate love for my business. It’s a ton of work, and it’s hard work, but I love each and every second of it. Not because of my own personal and professional success and achievements, but because of the difference I truly believe I make each day in my clients’ projects and in their lives. I am truly thankful for each and every client I work with and have worked with through the years, and I just only hope and pray that it continues. I’d be nowhere today without them. So let the show continue, because I don't want the music to stop.

3 Facts about Women in Business and Business Growth

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It’s no secret that the number of successful and professional women grabbing hold and empowering the entrepreneurial world has grown exponentially not only in the last decade, but even more so in the last several years. More and more women are working in executive roles such as CEOs, VPs, other various high level or managerial positions, and even becoming business owners.

Regardless of the position or level, women all over the world are developing new networking skills and strategies and even experimenting with their entrepreneurial skills and abilities. Interestingly enough, women were stereotyped in working secretarial, educational, or nursing roles not thirty years ago. While these positions are still predominantly held by women, they are also branching out into other roles and industries that are commonly stereotyped as “male roles”, such as doctors and physicians, scientists, lawyers, and even military service members and law enforcers.

In fact, here are some renown facts related to women in business that prove that exceptional females are working out of the homes, out of the secretarial pools, and up the corporate ladders:

Trust the facts, Jack:

• In the last decade (approximately between 1997 and 2006), women-owned and operated businesses grew more than any other business in the U.S. As of 2011, it was estimated that at least ten million businesses had ownership of 50% or more women.
  
• In 2012, approximately 6,000 companies in the world have at least one female director working at an executive level.
  
• As of 2008, women hold approximately 46.3% of the labor force in the U.S. Approximately 15% of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. have female corporate officers.
  

While some of this data was from several years to almost a decade ago, it is almost certain that these numbers have increased at the rate that small businesses and start ups are growing in the U.S.

So this now begs the question: Why the gradual and astonishing increase in the number of female business owners, directors, and CEOs? This could be due to economic changes and pressure for women to survive in the work force, the desire for women to be successful as men, or even in an attempt to help close the pay gap between men and women.

Regardless of the reason why more and more women are pouring into business, the statistics are still surprising. On the flip side, however, it's also true that women still have a long way to go to catch up with men in the work force. But look on the bright side, ladies, there are even organizations and foundations established to help women in business succeed. In fact, there are also grants available to those women who are looking to start up small businesses. It's out there and it's possible. You've just got to know where to look.

So hats off to the ladies who have been busy networking, consulting, solution-ing, and just rocking it in the world of the business in the last few months, the last year, and in the last decade. 

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How Running Business Can Be Your Heart's Desire...or Give You a Heart Attack

Do you own or operate your own business or have you ever thought about it? Sure. Most people would love to say they run their own business, but the truth is, it's fear that stops most people from jumping in with both feet. It's a big risk, especially financially. The sad fact is most start ups don't last longer than five years. However, if you've got a great idea or offer something that others need or is otherwise in high demand, now is the time to run with your business idea.

Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Of course. Who wouldn't like the extra income or surround themselves with success? We all would. But there are definite drawbacks to owning your own business. While many businesses can be started on virtually nothing, there are some start up costs that just can't be avoided. Some of the major costs may include a computer or any special software that may be required, whereas some of the minor costs may include office supplies, a permit to operate in your current city or town, or even a small amount to fund a bank account.

Taxes. Depending on how business owners handle this, taxes can either be a positive or negative experience. When owning and operating your business, especially out of your own, you are able to claim a lot. You can claim a portion of your rent or mortgage, a portion of your car, office supplies, a portion of your utilities, travel expenses, equipment, insurance, and many other things as they apply to doing business.

While there are definite benefits to this, on the flip side, business owners must also pay taxes on revenue, just like any part or full time job. Nope...Uncle Sam doesn't forget about the self-employed individuals or the sole proprietorships or corporations. In fact, the self-employment tax just increased and affected those businesses or self-employed individuals who filed business taxes for 2012. 

Time. The other factor one must consider before jumping into his or her own business is time. If you are able to dedicate to developing and growing your business full time, more power to you. In fact, your business will most likely grow faster since you have the time to dedicate to it. However, most start up business owners hold down at least a part or a full time job while working on the side. In these cases, setting aside time for business planning, speaking and setting up conference calls with clients, recording and keeping track of revenue and expenses, and doing the actual work can be extremely challenging.

Oh...and forget free time. Once you've established your business and you are getting regular work and business, you've sold your soul. The thing with your business is you take it everywhere with you, whether it's your email, iPhone, your business cards, or even having it on your head, it's always with you. This is also the test to see who your true friends and family are. Those who are annoyed with you pulling out your phone every five minutes when you feel/hear the email buzz, text, or even phone calls clearly don't get it. Is there a point when it reaches an obnoxious level? Well, yes. There obviously is a time and place to be dealing with business, and a definite line between "personal" and "business"...but when you run your own business, that line is a little more difficult to define.

Travel. Depending on the type of business you run, this may mean more travel. Travel in the sense of around the country or even the world attending seminars, trade shows, and client meetings, or travel around town for errands. 

Traveling for business can mean more time away from families, friends, or another full time job. This can be exciting and an excellent networking opportunity for those who may not have as many home obligations or who are single and living it up. Either way, love it or hate it, traveling for business is in fact tax deductible, even if it means running errands for office supplies, making trips to and from the bank, or meeting with clients in public places.

Networking. On the other hand, running and operating your own business certainly opens up a lot of networking opportunities. It gives entrepreneurs the ability to meet and work with various companies and clients from all over the world. If your business is really shaping up to be successful, then this paves the way for more exciting opportunities as an entrepreneur and even within business itself and sales.

So how does one go about beginning the networking process? The good news is it is easier than ever today with the ability to take advantage of social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are just some social media networking sites that have proven to be huge networking assets for businesses of all different shapes and sizes.

In addition to online marketing, print advertising isn't exactly dead. Business cards still proven to be just as successful and a vital component that no business owner should be without. They are still used in trade shows, networking events, or other social gatherings.

Success. All in all, being an entrepreneur does mean success. Regardless of the size or mission of your business, it still spells success. If you are one of those business owners who also holds down a full time job, having your own company listed on your resume is a HUGE plus. This no doubt impresses your interviewer. Running your own business certainly speaks volumes about a particular person: their motivation, drive, and desire to succeed and make a difference.

Clearly there is good and bad to being an entrepreneur and running your own business. It certainly doesn't come without its stress, sleepless nights, and time management requirements, but like anything, if you're smart and take your business seriously, the hard work can pay off.

So what's the best advice from one business owner to another? Before starting your own business, do your homework. Ask what people think of your idea, do your market research to see if there is a demand for what you want to create or offer, and think long and hard how you will fund your business up front, if you need to, and if you are willing to sacrifice free time, hobbies, and maybe even relationships to give it the time it requires. Remember, your business is only grow as much as the time and money you put into it.





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Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J. H. Language Solutions

Small Business Ideas for 2013

Have you ever thought of starting your own business? Maybe you have but you weren't sure what to do or what service to provide. After the country's economic recessions which resulted in job loss and never ending unemployment rates, many have looked to other employment and career options. This includes business start ups and online entrepreneurships. So if you fall into any of these categories, here are some great small business ideas and trends for 2013.

1) Design a mobile app. Mobile apps are still where it's at. However, the market has become flooded with them. There is an app for just about everything imaginable, even down to the most ridiculous. The advice here? If you've got a good idea for an app, run with it. But take the time and do research and invest in proper programming and development.

If you are unsure of where to start your market research, consider using social media. You can post general updates or questions on Facebook or Twitter and get feedback from fans. You can even create a Facebook fan page devoted entirely to your app. This will help give you some idea to your app's potential popularity, reviews, and revenue.

2) Tech start ups. Although this seems like another area that has flooded the market, companies based in both the U.S. and overseas are still looking to outsource IT departments and and even looking for consultants to help them with their technical needs...especially with the constantly changing technology.

Also, a recent article published on the New York Times states that tech start ups are worth billions and are most definitely in high demand for 2013. Of course this requires a background and education in a technical or related field, but if you've got a technical background, make it happen. You can't afford not to.

3) Personal training. Who doesn't want to get in shape today? Personal training is another area in high demand. Although it may seem like most people can't afford to feed themselves let alone hire a personal trainer, there are many out there desperate to get in shape and are seeking out reputable and affordable personal trainers. Personal training does require some knowledge and background. There are several certifications and trainings required, including CPR, but it is not as vast as what is required to establish technical training, knowledge, and expertise.

All in all, personal training is said to be one of the least stressful jobs out there. Not to mention you can make and set your own schedule, you have the choice to work at a gym or visit clients in their homes, and you would be working in a field that helps and makes others feel good about themselves. What is better than that?

Advice for your new start up.

Becoming an entrepreneur and investing your time and money in a start up is definitely something to give careful consideration to. It takes time, money, research, and even a little business savvy up front. However, regardless of what kind of start up you choose or in what industry, here are some areas of additional advice to consider:

1) Consulting. If you've got to jump into business with limited or no capital, consider becoming a consultant. This can be accomplished in just about any field, whether you are a lawyer, teacher, a project manager, human resources, or a health care physician of any kind, you can most certainly use your skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise and work independently.

The only out-of-pocket expenses you may incur is for any necessary certifications, insurance (such as a professional liability insurance), and/or having business cards printed up. However, if you choose to really function as a business, set up and register a DBA, and you will be able to claim any out-of-pocket expenses when you file your yearly income taxes.

2) Use social media and start a blog. In order to promote your business or your start up idea, consider creating a Facebook fan page or other social media site or medium to share what you are doing. You can also write and start a blog and post articles, share information, or write press releases on what's going on in your business or even in your industry.

If you aren't a writer, you can always hire a freelancer or ghost writer to write and post content for you. You can write and post content as often as you want, but be sure it is on a regular basis. At least once or several times per week. This will keep visitors returning to your site, which will increase your site's overall traffic as well as your Google rank. Taking advantage of social media will also increase your audience, your fans and "likes", and even your client base.


3) Take Copyright seriously. Yes, I saved one of the most important bits for last. Copyright is no joke. Regardless of whether you are creating or designing an app, putting together a website, using a logo or any photo, or even writing your own blog, please, please, please consider Copyright laws. Most think when they are posting a blog post, or using a photo or logo on their social media sites, or even "sharing" photos on Facebook or Pinterest that it's okay. It's not. Just because it's online doesn't mean it's free. In fact, there are many laws out there that now protect businesses, particularly online businesses from plagiarism, or "borrowing" material.

My advice? Use your own photos, write your own material, research logos before you use them, and register your own published work through the official Copyright office. Protect yourself, protect your business, and respect others' works.

The moral to this story? If you've ever thought about creating your own start up, what are you waiting for? There are many new start ups and small businesses on the market more than ever before. Regardless of what product or service you offer, you are bound to offer something unique that others will find valuable. Make 2013 count for your business.



 © Photo credit: Anatoliy Babiychuk | Dreamstime.com

 © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Content written and owned by J.H. Language Solutions. Usage by permission only.

Local Business Shout Out: Caked By Melissa

What is the most savory and delicious treat you've ever had? You might say your wedding cake, cupcakes you’ve had at a party or other special event, or a birthday cake that featured your favorite characters as a child. Regardless of what comes to your mind, it's nothing compared to the delicious, stylish, creative, and unique items created by Caked By Melissa.

Ms. Melissa Potter, founder of Caked By Melissa, specializes in cupcakes, cookies, and cakes for any occasion (birthday, wedding, baby showers, christenings, and other formal and informal occasions), scones, breads, and the list goes on. Melissa is never afraid to try something new, creative, and unique. In the last several years she began to experiment with different techniques, designs, and flavors.

“My mom taught me to cook when I was little. I’ve been doing cakes for about twelve years or so, but it’s really over the past few years that I’ve been experimenting with more interesting techniques. I love to experiment with new recipes. One of my favorite things to bake are pumpkin craisin cookies because EVERYBODY loves them, and blood orange scones because I love them!”

And it’s true. Anyone who has had the privilege of tasting one of Melissa’s fabulous creations would agree: The pumpkin craisin cookies are to die for. But of all her experience and skill, her favorite things to create are birthday cakes! She loves making birthday cakes because they are personalized to each unique and individual person. Each person has his or her own interests and hobbies whether it’s a specific sports team, a favorite character, or even a beloved family pet.

Of all her creations, Melissa is most proud of a wedding cake she made for two of her closest friends. This particular cake involved multiple techniques that she had never used before, particularly in making the roses. While this certainly took a lot of time and effort, and certainly proved to be a challenge, Melissa knows it was well worth it because she knew it meant a lot to them.

So whether you are planning a party or any type of formal or informal occasion, consider Caked By Melissa for adding a touch of deliciousness and personalization to your next event. Not only are Melissa’s creations one of a kind, they are also delicious. She nails each flavor one at a time, every time. Not matter what it is she makes, it is bound to melt in your mouth.

 © Photo taken by Melissa Potter, Caked By Melissa. 

 © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Content written and owned by J.H. Language Solutions. Usage by written permission only. Posted and written by and on behalf of a third party with third party permission.