“FULL TIME, PART TIME, SPARE TIME, SOMETIME”
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Who hasn’t been lured into a Home-Based Business, Network Marketing Business, Multi-Level Business or even a Direct Sales Business by the idea of working part-time hours to create full-time revenue? The problem with this line of thinking for the vast majority of people is, they are not business people they are employees. There is a tremendous mind-set change that has to take place when you stop being the worker and start being the owner. What most workers don’t realize is that the owner of the business didn’t get paid for quite awhile after they started that business and may not even be getting paid right now even though they have employees. There needs to be a willingness on the part of every new business owner to do some work, maybe even a lot of work for a significant period of time before they get paid.
The amount of time you are willing to contribute to your new venture is directly proportional to when you can expect to start getting paid. If you are jumping in to your new business full-time, your return is going to come much sooner than if you are working part-time. Most people start a Home-Based, or Network Marketing business because they don’t want to take the risk of jumping into something full time, but they know the value of owning your own business, so they agree to start out part-time.
The part-timers are torn on two fronts. First, the financial reward is much, much slower and even more sporadic. The wise entrepreneur sets up a separate bank account and commits to reinvesting all of the income into the business for marketing tools, supplies, training etc. However, more often than not this money is mingled with their general expense money and even though the earnings may be substantial, it never seems to launch the part-timer over the hump to become a full-timer. Second, the part-timer is constantly staring into the future and watching the lifestyles of the full-timers. This pull coupled with the drive from the full-time “up line” creates a conundrum of motivation to succeed and frustration that part-time efforts are not creating full-time results.
If success doesn’t come relatively quickly, i.e. the part-timer is able to jump to being a full-timer, one of two things happens. Either the part-timer will jump to full-time status prematurely, with a “sink-or-swim” attitude, or they become discouraged and drop off of their regular routine. The spare-timer is that unique person that still believes in the product, the company, and the opportunity but they just can’t seem to justify making the commitment to time and activity to expand their business. They may be in a place where revenue needs dictate that they stay primarily committed to their J-O-B and as opportunity presents itself they will make a sale or recruit a new business associate. All it would really take for the spare-timer to once again become a part-timer, or maybe even make the jump to being a full-timer is one or two quality recruits.
If a spare-timer lingers too long, however, they may become a some-timer. These are the folks that for whatever reason have kept their status active with the company, but they are not actively engaged in the daily activity necessary to be productive in growing their business. The pitfalls of becoming a some-timer are first of all developing a romance with “sometime I’m going to be able to do this, or sometime I’m going to hit it big, or sometime I’ll get back into that thing”. The romance aspect of business keeps us from ever making the commitment to become successful, or from making the commitment to just quit. Most all networking marketing businesses, in fact most all businesses have some degree of success built in to them. The one finality to any business is quitting. As is stated in an ancient Hebrew proverb, “Better a live dog than a dead lion, for while there is life there is yet hope”.
Maybe today is the day you’ll pull out that old list of names you made when you were new, plan to attend your company’s next opportunity meeting, and take some action to affect your destiny. Your next big sale or next great recruit may be a phone call away. One of my mentors likes to say, “Don’t let the reason you didn’t make the sale be you didn’t make the call.
Who knows, with a little effort you could become a “Just-In-Timer”.
Gary Russell
503-519-3592
www.DefendMyLife.com
Ed Bejarana @ February 3, 2010
Stress on Life's Highway
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Life sometimes feels like a highway which is bumper to bumper in expectations, wants and needs. Have you ever tried getting somewhere when you were rudely cut off, tailgated, or delayed by an agonizingly slow driver? What was your reaction? Often we don’t take the time to look at these incidents objectively. We read too much into things, saying to ourselves, Why is this person slowing me down? I’m in a hurry and they need to get out of the way! We forget that the annoying driver is a someone also trying to get somewhere. Our fast-paced society makes us all feel anxious about getting where we need to go. In the end, this can even lead to road rage.
Have you ever been at an intersection, minding your own business, when a honk startles you out of your daydream? You feel offended and upset. What you may forget is that the intrusion wasn’t anything personal. That driver behind you felt the stress and anxiousness you yourself have felt. She didn’t realize that this offense was nothing personal, just a simple case of not seeing the light turn green.
It may be tempting to “get even” with other impatient drivers, perhaps with a glare as they zoom past you. On the other hand, when I’m the offending driver, I may offer a sorry smile. But the important thing is to understand the reason for the driver’s behavior. Recall what it is to be stressed and in a hurry. Acknowledge this, and as much as you can, move out of the way and let the anxious driver – and all those negative thoughts – go on past.
Ed Bejarana @ February 2, 2010
Members For Members
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What does the local chambers of commerce do for their members? In most cases they keep their members up to date on current affairs with e-mails, scheduled events, and the web. Networking events and meetings are one of the most important ways to get, and keep your name out there. During these, you develop relationships that hopefully help grow, what ever business you’re in. Chambers do work if you get involved. But, what if you don’t have the time to devote to meetings, what then? Do you feel the dues don’t justify a return on investment? Belonging to a chamber does give you some clout, I believe. Chambers do stand for community involvement and members are given credit for that.
One chamber has gone a little further to help its members in this economic down turn. The North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce has started a new program. It is call BizBoosters! We didn’t come up with the idea ourselves, but we embrace it. It is away the members can directly help one another. Last Friday, for example, we had 29 members and friends attend lunch at Bajio’s Mexican Grill on 82nd. It was an informal get together and all that participated had a good time. Nothing better than breaking bread with friends! The NCCC plans to extend this program to service, retail, and other members that supply consumer goods. Want to know more? Visit: www.yourchamber.com (events calendar)
Ed Bejarana @ January 30, 2010
Realtors Know This, But Do You?
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Our house is usually our biggest investment. For that reason, we take great care in keeping it in good shape. All those Sundays when you want to watch the game, but make the decision to mow the yard instead. You want it to look good, right? We pull weeds, fertilize, water, and landscape the yard. We change the air filters every month or so to keep the air in the house dust free and the equipment in good shape. We walk the foundation to check for insect entry points and repair when necessary. The house gets a new coat of paint when needed. All and all we take care of our houses inside and out.
But! Who thinks about the appliances, plumbing, water heater, furnace, air conditioning, or washer and dyer? We usually take these for granted until they break down. Ever notice, they break down just at the time you can’t afford a repair bill. When was the last time you had to load all of your clothes into the car and take’em to the laundry? Furnaces and air conditioners break down when you need them the most.
There is such a thing has a Home Warranty. Now, I’m not selling these things, but I thought you might like to know they exist. As a real Estate Broker, I encourage sellers to offer one or the buyers to buy one. There are two major ones:
First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation: www.firstam.com/warranty
American Home Shield: www.ahswarranty.com
You might just want to check them out.
Ed Bejarana @ January 22, 2010
A Success Story
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It is always a pleasure to report success stories during this difficult economy. The following story is about someone who “turned lemons into lemonade” and then sold the drink for a profit.
Let me introduce you to a wonderful lady I met in 2009. Her name is Jamie Teasdale. She became unemployed in March of 2009, when the business she was working for, closed their doors. Rather then hiding in a dark closet, Jamie decided to explore her options. She investigated purchasing a franchise, but that requires a lot of capital.
She comes from a family of businesspeople who have started companies in the past so the idea of owning a business was not foreign to her. Jamie has enjoyed business strategies and activities, while serving customers and planning events in the past. A friend of her parents simply needed more time in the day to accomplish everything, so they hired Jamie. That first customer encouraged Jamie to consider starting a business helping others.
Ms. Teasdale currently owns JJT Solutions. She specializes in assisting Small Business, Event Management and Individuals. She opened her doors in June of 2009 and currently has numerous clients. Jamie has accomplished a wide variety of projects since starting her business. So far, her company has been successful because of her attitude. Jamie is not afraid to tackle complex tasks like a wedding or even running errands for a client who has run out of time. She has also filled in, when some of her business clients have needed a project managed.
Jamie has currently replaced about 75% of her former income. She has utilized the services of other individuals as temporary contract workers and may be hiring them as employees in 2010.
You will enjoy her pleasant demeanor and intelligent input regarding your project. So if you need some temporary assistance, call Jamie.
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
Ed Bejarana @ January 20, 2010
Get To Know A House Inspector
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Now, we all know we should use a home inspector when we buy a home. You want to know what your are buying, right! They find things that the average person just doesn’t see. They crawl under, over, and through the house to look into every little corner looking for things that should not be there. You know, the little things, that over time de-value or sometimes almost destroy a house! Unnoticed small water leaks, insects that only come out at night, mold, and mildew, heating and cooling issues, are just some of the issues that can cause major repairs with home ownership.
This idea came to me today after talking to a few folks . What if we had a professional inspector come out, as little as every 2 years, to just to go through our house. Potential problems might be found and repaired before they became larger issues. Automobiles that have set maintenance programs tend to surpass their life expectancy. Is now the time to put our homes on a contract? Food for thought!
Ed Bejarana @ January 14, 2010
Don't Worry, You Can Still Get Mortgage Loans
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Well, 2010 is here, and with it comes some new guide lines for mortgage loans. Shockingly, this has been on the table for over 5 years with the feds. Some of the changes were the result of predatory lending practices we so fondly remember from 2006-2007. You know the ones where buyers were treated to low low rates for 3 to 5 years on homes they really should not have purchased. The loans where the loan officer looked the husband in the eyes and said” Don’t you think you’ll be making much more money when it’s time to pay the much larger amount” ? It is good for us, those types of lending practices, are going to the wayside. Another issue with some of the loans came at the table when the closing took place. Sometimes the loan officer made a slight mistake in the calculations and the buyer had to pay more than expected to get the deal done. 2010′s programs or rules will help with the process. Here’s how.
The loan officer will need the buyer’s full name, SS#, date of birth, 2 years address history, and a signed credit authorization form to pull their credit. They should not ask for a loan application or give any loan information at this time. They can however give the buyer a verbal estimate of what they could possibly purchase. Once a property is found, they will ask for all of the above plus the loan application, property address, property value or sales price, and gross monthly income. Once all information is recieved, a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of all charges can be given to the buyer. The buyer will have 10 days to agree with the amounts. In 2009, this information could be given just as an estimate and was likely to change. The difference now is the GFE can only change in the buyer’s favor.
So, you can still find a house, apply for the loan, and buy it with the help of a good real estate broker and loan officer. It might take a little longer, but it’s worth it. Good home hunting. Hunting season is open until April 30, when the $8000 tax credit is scheduled to go away.
Ed Bejarana @ January 8, 2010
Would You Like to Help Your Kids Buy a House?
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Wow, the holidays are over, the new year has arrived, and it’s time to get back to living a normal life. Normal to some folks, and maybe including your own kids, is going home to an apartment or rental house. As a family, we always want to help when we can, especially when it concerns our children. There is away you can help if ones able. The IRS says a person can “gift” up to $13,000 towards another person purchasing a home. There is no tax consequences when gifting as long as it is done correctly. Just think?-if both sides of the family”gift” the amount or any part of it, there would exist the possibility of a down payment for the home purchase for the kids.
The $8000 tax credit still applies when “gifts” are given for a first time home purchase. Mortgage rates are still low but the housing inventory is shrinking due to current sales trends. Wow, one of the greatest feelings I had as a parent, was helping my son purchase his first home. I wanted his young family to have their own house they could call home.
Ed Bejarana @ January 5, 2010
The 401K Housing Down Payment
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Real Estate is still one of the best investments to have. Even in a down market like we are in today. No one knows when the prices of homes will start to rise, but they will. Those who have a chance to buy now will have the property increase in value in the future. Real estate, sort of has a 5 year roller coaster effect, much like any large business. In 2006, the real state market was at it’s peak and then the decline started. We are at the midway point of this cycle. Currently we are still in a buyer’s market due to the amount of homes on the market. In my last article, RMLS showed a decline in the months of inventory from 19.2 in January to 7.6 in September, 2009. In October it fell to 6.5. Now is the time to consider owning a home.
A lot of folks don’t know they have the ability to take from their 401K, without penalty, to purchase a first time primary residence. The IRS gives us permission to do it. The first time home buyer’s tax credits still apply. So, if you know of someone who has the means of paying a monthly mortgage, but they don’t have enough for a down payment, share this information with them. Thanks, they will appreciate it.
Ed Bejarana @ December 14, 2009
So, You Would Like To Buy A Home?
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There are numerous folks out there who have the monthly means to afford a home mortgage. Sometimes the ability to save enough money for the down payment and what is called closing costs ,which could amount to over$14,000 for a $200,000 home, can be tough to accomplished. Do not let this hinder your quest for home ownership! Here are two programs that will help with either, or both, down payment assistance and closing costs.
Rural Development Program: www.rurdev.usda.gov. This programs provides up to 100% financing on loans originated by approved lenders. The program eliminates the need of a down payment and mortgage insurance on properties located in eligible rural areas. There is a household income limit in these areas. Go to the above website to find out more information, or call a realtor to get you started. Home ownership could be within your reach.
C.H.A.P. Clackamas Home Buyer Assistance Program: www.co.clackamas.or.us. the CHAP program can loan up to $14,000 to help qualified first time home buyers pay down payments and closing costs. The loan must first qualify through an approved lender. Please go to the above website or call a realtor to find out if this could be right for you.
Both of these programs allow for the first time home buyer tax credit of $8000.00 So get started or tell someone that you know that could possibly benefit from this information. Happy house hunting!
Ed Bejarana @ December 6, 2009
