Not Enough Education:

If you're concerned you lack the proper education to chase your dream consider these options:

1) Can you still chase your dream at a slightly lower level of expertise: For example, if you love law, but can’t afford the education to become a lawyer, what about a legal assistant? Are there services lawyers need that you can create a business out of (research for example).
Try Fabjob guides. If you're interested in a particular career like these affordable ebooks can give you quick insight on the industry.

2) Consider pairing with a specialist who has the expertise: Do you know a lawyer, doctor, counselor etc. that’s willing to partner with you? It’s worth looking into. Check back for future blogs on cross marketing tips.

3) Going for it. In most cases, you can’t go wrong with a higher education. Consider taking one or two classes at a time to see if you truly enjoy the industry you’re considering. This way you can still work a day job and you won’t be forking out a fortune in tuition.

4) Work up to it: It takes time to get a company up and running. Can you start your company at a lower level of expertise (see number one) and work your way up to the full gig (while obtaining the proper education)? If you have the time and energy this could be an option. See my blog on time.

Updating your Skills for FREE

You want to start a company, but fear you lack the significant training needed to get started, In some cases a proper education, such as obtaining a bachelor’s degree, is necessary. But often you can skip that expensive tuition and gain experience the old-fashioned way—by doing. Here are five ways to improve your skills/training/education that will cost you little to nothing, except your time.

1) Free on-line courses:
You can learn almost anything on line, including html basics, organizing skills, tax tips, etc. Do keep in mind accuracy of on-line content is not always guaranteed. You'll also have few options if you need help processing the information. Here are some great FREE links to help you get started:

myownbusiness.org: Check out the tutorials

sba.gov./training/courses.html

I thought I'd include free online html tutorials. If you plan to do any web writing at all, including blogs, this is a worthwhile link.


2) Volunteering/Internship: You can't beat hands-on-experience or one-on-one training. If you don't want to pay tuition for the next two years, you should consider taking up a volunteer position or internship in the industry or position that you need to obtain skills. Yes, these options will require both time and commitment. You'll also be working for free—but the education is free and invaluable. (For internships, I recommend contacting companies that fit your interest/industry and offering your services. Professionalism counts. Send a resume, a cover letter and dress profesionally.

volunteermatch. com is an excellent source for volunteer opportunities:

3) Join an association: Associations hold so much value. First, they're industry specific. (Make sure you target the right association.) You’ll meet influential people in your field of interest: that usually includes mentors, vendors, associates, the competition, and even potential customers. You’ll also be updated with the latest and greatest information in your industry. Do expect to pay a minimal yearly fee. Rather than providing a link, I recommend an internet search for organizations that fit your industry. Before you join any association, it's a good idea to check their reputation first.

4) Barter services: If you want affordable short-term, one-on-one training from a specialist, consider bartering. Let’s say you’re an accountant and you’re in need of web design direction, why not offer a to prepare a designer's tax return in exchange for two hours of basic design tips?

Note: while there are plenty of bartering programs on line for a fee-it's worthwhile to check locally first. Craigslist is one place to start. You can also contact your local business association to see if they have a program in place.

freedigitalphotos.net provided the photos

Highlighting Entrepreneurs

Just wanted to drop you a line. I'm researching the following REAL companies that used creativity to turn a hobby into a lucrative business. Here are just a few of the upcoming highlights:

1) Suzyque's Originals--handmade stylish clothes for dogs that have made it to Hollywood's red carpet.

2) Pooktree--the art of live tree shaping, includes a bench grown (not cut) out of a tree, a tree with a stick figure trunk, and more awesome creations. Definitely worthy of coming back next week for some pictures.

3) Pets Are Inn--prescreens private homes willing to take in pets while owners travel. No more boarding Fido while you're gone. Franchises are available.

4) Second Childhood--Second Childhood started out as a collection of antique dolls and turned into a publishing opportunity.

5) Snap Caps--The creation of a twelve-year-old girl (you read that right) who wanted to spruce up her locker with unique designs. The result, Snap Caps, has now reached the million dollar mark in sales.

Check back in the next few days for several new blogs on skills, updating your education for free and highlights from these companies.

freedigitalphotos.net supplied the photo

Time is Crucial--and Necessary

Whether you have hours a day to work toward your dream job or just a few hours a week, time is significant to your success.

Here are five areas worthy of your time.

1. Training: Whether you pay for your education or choose to learn by trial and error, knowing the ins and outs of the market you're about to tackle will be the difference between customers looking at you as the expert or just an EX. Click here for tips on obtaining FREE training.

2. Doing things right the first time: You can't afford to look sloppy, disorganized, or inept. Simple things like editing and spell check are a must. Taking care of customers from top to bottom is a must. You will make mistakes, but you'll make fewer mistakes if you take the time to double check your progress. Here are some worthy links on organization and editing:

Lifeorganizers.com is a great site for organization tips

Lifehack offers editing tips here

3. Study the market: Learn how to watch trends, keep an eye out on your competition and check popular forums that match your industry, and stay involved with relevant associations. The more time you spend observing your market, the better you'll be able to prepare for changes and take advantage of valuable trends.

data and articles are available at stat-usa.gov

smallbusinessforums.org is a useful place for questions.

Clicking: 17 Trends That Drive Your Business--And Your Life: This book takes an interesting look at market trends.


4. Promote yourself: Marketing is essential, without it, how will potential customers know you exist? You can spend a lot of money on marketing, or you can spend a lot of time (of course, you can do both). Self-promotion comes in so many forms. I could start a blog on just the options alone. Marketing includes: word-of-mouth, community involvement, and association involvement. You can also use logo'd trinkets (pencils, bags, etc.), plan speaking engagements, create press releases.

5. Contacts: The more influential people you know, the more influential and successful your company can be. In this case, influential simply means anyone who has access to your customer base and potential supplier base. But just knowing these people isn't usually good enough--they need to get to know you. Can they trust you enough to recommend you to potential customers? Do they feel you can deliver? How do you get to know influential people: join relevant clubs and associations. Volunteer at these organizations. You get the idea.

If your time's already stretched, don't fret, and don't give up. You can still Create Your Dream Job at a slower pace. It's not the race to the finish line that matters here, it's getting to it in the first place.

photos provided by freedigitalphotos.net

Determining Your Passion

If everyone on this planet had the same interests and same capabilities our progress would be very limited.

It is our differences that provide value. It is our interests that provide the drive.

Future Gardener

Know anyone driven by a hobby? Someone that spends their evening tinkering in the garage or the weekend chasing deals at flea markets?

If you don't know what your passion is, it's time to find out.

If you already know what you love to do, find out how you can make money doing what you love. Check out Creative Thinking--helping you find your niche.

Determine Your Passion:

Step One: Start with "Passion" Lists:
-Write down all the things you enjoy doing in your free time
-What hobbies/activities really get you excited?
-Write down all the things you wish you could do or have always wanted to do
-Write down the fun activities you'd enjoy if you had a free weekend all to yourself. (Note the word activities. Sleeping doesn't count!)

Step Two: Evaluate your Passion Lists:
-Circle any repetitve or similar answers
-Put these items in order by preference or enjoyment level
-Consider your top choices. These should reflect your current interests. If you don't feel comfortable with the results, visit buzzle.com to get a list of hobbies you might want to learn more about.
-Whittle down your Passion Lists to the top five, or better yet, the top two favorites.
-But DON'T delete your other entries. Dream jobs often combine several passions and hobbies.
-You now have your Passion List

Step Three: Consider what you currently think your dream job would be:
-What do you think your job dream is and why?
-Visit www.fabjob.com if you need some ideas.

Step Four: Evaluate your dream jobs (try to choose less than four jobs)
-How do your dream jobs match any of the favorites on your passion list?
-Did you choose your dream jobs for the money potential? Did you choose them because you've heard others describe them as exciting? Or did you select these jobs because they truly fit your interest level? Remember, just because someone else has found the "perfect" job, doesn't mean you'll find it perfect for you.
-If you feel any of these dream jobs fit your personality add them to your Passion List

Step Five: Consider your Passion List for a few days
-Add or remove any items you feel is necessary, or change the order of the top listings
-If you haven't already done so, whittle your list down to the top two

Step Six: Determining your skills
-Make a list of all the skills you have (include hands-on learning, actual training, education and experience) that relates to your passion list
-Make a list of all the skills you have that relate to business or could be considered useful. Examples include: sales experience, organizational skills, people skills, writing, seminar training, phone skills. Also consider any additional skills you are good at, particularly if you enjoy them. Examples include: bargain shopping, internet research, texting skills, etc.
Revisit the blog later this week for tips on how to use your current skills to fulfill your dream. I'll also be adding a blog soon on how to get free education and training.

Step Seven: Creative Thinking
This step is the most critical, most exciting part of the whole process. If you're ready for this stage visit check out my post on Creative Thinking.

Creative Thinking--Coming Up With A Marketable Niche

1) Search passion words
Type in your key passion words and see what pops up. Visit Discover Your Passion if you need help determining what some of your interests are.

For example, if your passion is gardening: search “gardening”

If your passion is more targeted, such as roof-top gardening or herb gardening, use “roof top gardening” or “herb gardening.”

Make notes of the types of businesses, products and services that pop up from your search

Also make notes of the forums and blogs that pop up from your search

You can also modify your search by adding "Businesses" or "unique" or "popular” or other reasonable keywords.

For example, your passion is pets: try searching “pet businesses”, “unique pet businesses”, “top pet businesses”

-Again, make notes of any relevant results

2) Now visit the blogs and forums that came up with your search.

Take a quick moment to scan for popular topics, and common needs or questions that relate to your passion.

For example: a large pet forum has a special section dedicated to pet travel. You notice a lot of questions related to "tips for transporting a pet" or "finding hotels for pets", and even "How can I find a hotel that will let me brings my dog, but doesn’t smell stinky or look ratty?"

If any of these topics interest you jot them down. It doesn't hurt to do a quick search on these expanded topics to see what businesses are doing to address them.

Example: Search "problems finding hotels that allow pets" "hotels pets accepted"

If you find there's not much of an industry, or if you find businesses aren't properly addressing customers' needs: voila, you've just found a potential career opportunity!

3) Discover a super-niche

Another way to find a potential market is to create a super-niche (Don’t look in the dictionary; I made it up.) But it’s a great way to describe a very specific need.

For this example, let’s go back to pets. Make a list of the potential markets related to pets: pet shops, kennels, pet parlors, pet bakeries, etc. Pretty common stuff, right? Common can mean a lot of competition. So you don’t want common. You want unique. You want a niche.

Back to creative thinking. Zone in on some of the markets that interest you.

Use the market ideas and trends from your searches to come up with ideas that pair some of your interests.

For example: Not only do you love dogs, but you enjoy sewing. Instead of selling standard pet products, why not sell handmade sweaters for dogs?

Don’t stop there. Take your niche to the second level—the super-niche. Find a niche from that niche. After all, there's surprisingly a lot of competition for people making handmade sweaters for dogs.

So how do you niche a niche? Simple: make that niche even more unique. The trick here is to be reasonable. (Don’t go for freaky or something that will make people think to themselves: "what drug is that woman on?")

Here’s an example of taking a niche a step further: Sell dog/owner coordinating sets: handmade sweaters for dogs and matching sweaters for the owners.

Okay, I admit that sounds silly—actually creepy and way to obsessive of an owner. But what about trendy sweaters for dogs and matching scarves for owners? It’s cute, fashionable and fun. I don’t even own a dog, and I love this idea!

4) Test your idea:

-Enter your super-niche and see what comes up.
-Ask trusted friends (You want friends that will be honest with thier answers and aren't likely to take your idea. Also make sure they fit your target market.) what they think of your idea.

-Don’t worry if you think your idea is too narrow—super-niches have specific purposes and can be a great marketing tool. See upcoming blogs that explain the value of super-niches. Also coming soon, blogs on how, when and why you should expand beyond your super-niche. (Super-niches are NOT meant to lock you in to a limited market. They are great starting tools and for marketing purposes.)

If you’ve found your super-niche or a low-competition niche, you are well on your way to your Dream!

In the next few days, I will be adding blogs on your next steps, including:

-Successful Super-niche entrepreneurs all over the world! (blog will include links to these entrepreneurs for one-on-one advice!)
-Using your current skills to reach your dream
-How to learn new skills and gain education for free
-Time is valuable—and absolutely necessary to reaching your dream
-Limitations-what could be stopping you from obtaining your dream and how to get passed these limitations
-Marketing yourself for free

Other blogs to come SOON:
-Advice and links to successful entrepreneurs
-A day in the life of a dream chaser (On-going reports from a woman that has faced the ups and downs of starting her own company.)

freedigitalphotos.net provided the photos.

Intro To Dream Jobs

You've heard the sayings before:

"Live to work: don't work to live"

"Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life"

"Success doesn't create happiness; happiness creates success"

"Chase a dream; not a pay check"

Uhmm, well, I made the last one up.

That's because my dream job is to make things up. (Actually, my dream job is writing, but writing includes fiction; so I really do get to make things up.)

If you're reading this for some solid advice, don't worry. I'm a journalist too. I'm more than happy to work with facts when my job requires it.

Whoa--did you see that? I used "happy" and "job" in the same sentence. You can too! I'm not talking about getting rich quick or work-at-home schemes. I'm talking about honest-to-goodness hard working, pounding the pavement every day (sometimes every night), and just plain putting yourself out there for the business world to see. The difference is you are putting your "true" self out there. The self that makes you smile, makes you happy, makes you shine. Make no mistake, when you shine you get noticed.

I'm doing what I love--writing--and I'm good at it. I'm in national magazines, I have a published book title, and my fiction has appeared in literary magazines. So there, you can listen to me for good advice :) How did I get here? I discovered my passion, was willing to work hard at it (and shrug off all those editors who that I wasn't worth the time); and oh, yeah, I found out how to make a niche for myself doing what I enjoy.

Can you really make a living doing what you love? I'll teach you how to:

-Determine your true passion

-Discover your hidden talents

-Make money doing what you love

-Improve your skills without spending a lot of money

-Promote yourself and your business through free PR

-Become known as the expert in your field

-Gain sales through cross-marketing

You'll also:

-Hear the real scoop from successful entrepreneurs, including the ups and downs of chasing a dream

-Connect and pool resources with others in compatible industries

-Get daily and weekly links to resources that can make you a success

Blog to you soon,

Susan

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ provided the photos