Like a moment captured in time, I remember leaving work on my 25^th birthday, heading for the train to whisk me to my sactuary: my home base.  En route towards the subway station, I peered at all the magazines in a newsstand.  After a long, exhausting, anxiety-provoking day, I decided to take a few moments, gather myself, collect my composure, and read – one of my favorite diversions.

My eye immediately caught sight of a plethora of money-making, small business, and home-based business opportunity magazines.  They beckoned me closer, promising that I, too, could escape the rat race if I followed the secret blueprints included within the magazines’ contents.  Moreover, according to so many magazine authors, the transformation from work place peon to entrepreneurial magnate could readily occur without too much work and at breathtaking speed.

I never envisioned that I was a home-based business opportunity seeker.  But perhaps it was fate (in my 20’s, I believed that fate was responsible for everything!) that led me to these myriad opportunities, guiding me in a direction away from Corporate America to my favorite place in the world, my home. 

The thought of working at home, serving as my own boss, was tantamount to winning a lottery – freedom from demanding bosses, gossipy coworkers, long commutes, capped salaries, etc.  I was going to do everything in my power so that I could head towards the seemingly greener pastures of self-employment.  With inexhaustible determination, I was going to empower myself -- to become my own boss, to pull my own strings.  This was the birthday present that I was going to give myself!

Toward this end, I stayed up all night reading the five business opportunity magazines that I had purchased at the newsstand.  There were so many home-based business opportunities to explore.  The people who were disclosing the secrets of their success seemed so earnest and caring, so intelligent, perceptive and friendly.  Surely they wanted the reader to join them in the good life.  (Interestingly, it seemed as though every picture of such people revealed wealth beyond measure.  Mansions, expensive cars, awe-inspiring surrounding landscape were staples of each image.  And the smiling countenance of all connected me to the “benefactors.”)

If financial constraints were not a problem at the time, I would have purchased all the programs offered in all the magazines I had read.  Still, I narrowed my selection down and purchased 10 of the best of the best home-based business opportunities available.  $300 was a small price to pay for one’s freedom. 

With credit card in hand, I called each company making small talk with each representative, wondering why they had not simply taken advantage of the wisdom provided by the information that was so accessible to them.  Perhaps it was fine to work for someone – as long as the boss was not just a cog in a corporate wheel, but a truly inspirational and creative entrepreneur.

Nevertheless, my entrepreneurial path was already set and I would soon graduate from mere home-based business opportunity seeker to home-based business opportunity doer.  Of course, I needed the coveted blueprints from my prudent purchases but they were due to arrive within a week.  I could hardly wait!

Anticipatory excitement reached a feverish pitch and I remember racing to my room to open the first business opportunities package that was delivered.  But in the mere course of 15 minutes, I knew that this program did not come with an accompanying blueprint for success.  It seemed incomplete, poorly written and organized, and merely rehashed the benefits of multi-level marketing (MLM) – something that I had been exposed to (reluctantly) when I was in college.  I was to promote their product, gaining direct commission, and then benefit from those I had signed under me when their promotion efforts were rewarded.

Feeling deflated and defeated, I subsequently compared the ad with the actual program.  I thought if they invested half as much time to create a viable program as the creation of this clever ad, I might have found a means to an end: finding the Shangri La of self-employment.  Still, when I read the ad closer, it appeared that the purveyor of the program never indicated what the program entailed!  The ad only pointed out what was not entailed. 

The nine other packages followed suit – all providing useless information that would not propel me towards entrepreneurship.  Upon reflection, closely examining the ads, the purveyors misled the reader, dissembled motives, embellished the potential profit, negated the work involved, etc.  I suppose I received a $300 education as to how NOT to become your own boss.  Actually, some of the companies honored their money back guarantee, so my cost was not as high.  Still, I believed that the road to an entrepreneurial venture could be uncovered.  But it is vital that the home-based opportunity seeker considers the following points: 

. It is unreasonable to expect earning a considerable sum of money in a short duration of time.  Yes, others have accomplished this feat but it is certainly the exception and not the rule.  It takes time to build a business, including a home-based business.

. It is similarly illogical for you to expect that hard work will not be a prerequisite for business success to be attained.  There are many business owners who delegate responsibilities but not typically at the beginning stages of their business.  I have heard many entrepreneurs mention that at the inception of their business, they worked 50-60 hours per week and longer.  The “work smart and not hard” principle is not always easy to apply. 

. While the lure of an Internet home-based business is seductive, there is much competition.  Be realistic in your goals but aspire towards greatness.  You can succeed but understand the underpinnings of your business.  You may have to learn about or contract with those with expertise in web design, shopping carts, gateways, merchant accounts, search engine optimization, marketing, etc.  As your knowledge base grows about your field and about the online world of business in general, you will prosper.

. The ability to market and even advertise your business may be the most important factors to its long-term survival.  Regardless of how great your product or service is, it is meaningless if potential customers do not know you exist.  Realize that you have to gain marketing prowess for your business to flourish or be willing to pay someone who possesses marketing skill.  You need to consider free and paid advertising sources as well.

. As you assume the role of home-based business opportunity seeker, consider what type of business you want to own.  Do you want to pursue multi-level marketing projects?  Would you rather participate in drop shipping programs or affiliate marketing programs?  Perhaps you create your own product or offer a particular service.  As you consider the all-important direction that you want to take, factor in your interests, hobbies, passion, experience, aptitude and even potential. 

. Reach out and find people that you trust where you can bounce ideas off each other.  Certain business forums offer a wealth of information.  Many members truly want to contribute, ensuring the success of others.  You can even visit your local SCORE office – an organization designed to help new business owners, free of charge.

. Do not believe everything that you read and embrace the “If it is too good to be true, it probably is” truism.  Be wary of business opportunities that require an investment, do not have a money back guarantee, are vague with their business description, etc.  You should know all parameters of a potential business.  Let common sense prevail.

. You don’t necessarily need to buy a designed program or follow in anyone else’s footsteps.  We tell children to “Use your imagination.”  We should follow suit.  

. As you engage in the research and preparation of the business, promise yourself that you will not forever remain a home-based business opportunity seeker.  You will take action when the time is right!  Indeed, success will never materialize if you remain on the complex and convoluted home-based business opportunities fence.  Eventually, choose a direction and never look back!

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 To learn more about our merchant account services, please visit us at http://www.intelli-collect.com.

We have all seen the inviting headlines: “The Best Home-based Business to Launch”; “The Hottest Home-Based Businesses in America Today”; “Be Your Own Boss Owning a Successful Home-Based Business.”  The list of such headlines is endless, followed by articles that galvanize the reader’s interest in starting his/her own enterprise with visions of “happily ever after” outcomes.

But the first idea that I must present is that envisioning and dreaming about a home-based business is only a prerequisite towards successful entrepreneurship.  Constructive action must follow! 

There exist so many entrepreneurial wannabees who remain in a constant state of immobilization.  Such individuals often possess intelligence and creativity, even thinking outside of the box, but remain entrapped in the idea that they cannot pursue a home-based venture due to time or financial constraints.  Others feel powerless to take action because they don’t know where to start.  Indeed, they are uncertain as to what steps to take, going from inspiration and cognition to actual business production.  Still, other aspiring entrepreneurs must confront self-imposed limitations, believing that they are incapable, incompetent souls who are not deserving of acquiring good fortune.  Fear often predominates their collective mindset as there is much trepidation that the outcome of any home-based business will be an unfavorable one. 

Regardless of the reason, refuse to remain in a state of immobilization.  If you have an idea for a home-based business, go forward with it!  Of course, any idea for a business venture must be thoroughly researched and evaluated.  One needs to consider the competition, costs, labor and time involved, the methods and procedures of the given business, potential return on investment and a host of other issues.  The importance of business preparation cannot be underestimated.  However, if you determine that the idea is viable and has merit after engaging in exhaustive research (even calling upon experts for advice), you owe it to yourself to implement it.

But many people who want to quit their jobs and discover their ideal home-based business may not have a concrete idea as to the type of enterprise to launch.  Others may possess a few simmering thoughts as to which direction to go but the primary idea that resides in the cyberspace of their minds is that they are just desperate to work at home!

In order for an idea to germinate about a particular home-based business, perhaps one must first explore one’s own interests.  Is it possible for an avocation to become a vocation?  If you are passionate about creating jewelry, for example, that may be the underpinning of a home-based startup jewelry business.  If you are a photography aficionado, photography may be the means to gain self-employment. 

Successful Internet marketers always trumpet the importance of finding a niche.  Your interest may uncover a niche that proves profitable.  If you can tailor your hobby and interest to meet the needs and demands of a particular market, you can quickly prosper. 

Local markets can even be tapped to develop a money-making enterprise.  Consider a home-based entrepreneur who creates a free community newsletter, receiving advertising dollars.  Another may find it more creative and profitable to sell a map of the local establishments, designed on a placemat presented by a given restaurant.  The businesses listed on the map pay to be highlighted.  Think about those who have created local surveys and reviews (comparing restaurants, hotels, etc.) and selling the resource at bookstores.  The jeweler and photography, in our example above, may create work that reflects local influences, and thereby, gains local popularity.  For example, I have a friend who resides in Alaska who is a sculptor and photographer.  He has an inherent love of nature and outdoors, and captures the Alaskan wilderness and myriad forms of wildlife in his work.  His creations subsequently capture the attention and dollars of his fellow Alaskan residents.

Obviously, an interest or passion in a particular field should be accompanied by a certain amount of competence or skill.  It is difficult, for instance, to become a successful artist if one does not know how to draw.  Proficiency need not be inherent; it can be developed.  But one should have a firm grasp of one’s abilities, talents and, don’t minimize it – potential.  As Carol Brady, celebrated TV mother of the Brady Bunch series once wisely declared, “Find out what you do best and do your best with it.”

(When developing an entrepreneurial mindset, be open to all resources, including popular 1970’s television sitcoms.  Indeed, as actress Melanie Griffith said in her role as Tess McGill in the movie, “Working Girl”: “You never know where the big ideas will come from.”)

While exploring your interests and aptitudes, as you are open to a plethora of possibilities and opportunities, think about the prevailing winds of societal needs that change from time to time.  Are there any national or local trends that you observe?  What are some fundamental needs that can be satisfied on a local and/or national level.

Unfortunately, for example, consumer debt continues to skyrocket in the United States.  Millions of Americans owe more money than they make.  So many people merely pay the interest portion, not the principal, of their credit card bills and find it increasingly difficult to pay crucial bills, such as a home mortgage.  Any real estate agent can attest to the steady and scary upward climb in the rates of foreclosures.  Opportunistic companies are responding to this alarming trend.  Home-based businesses relating to the burgeoning consumer debt are proportionately increasing, specializing in credit counseling, debt consolidation and even collection.

Consider another trend: While we continue to become more health and fitness-conscious, the rate of obesity remains on an upswing.  Certain home-based businesses cater to each demographic and some to both.  A self-employed fitness trainer primarily taps into our collective interest to get into better shape.  A purveyor of weight loss products gains from our national obsession to lose weight.  Those who are designing programs that incorporate an exercise regime with a recommended protocol of dietary modifications may prove to be doubly fortunate.

So keep your finger on the pulse of “hot markets” and you may warm up to a very profitable undertaking.  But don’t be afraid to compete in popular, yet tried and true home-based endeavors either.  You may have an idea to add a twist to any business and deliver your own brand of special service.

Among the most frequently touted best home-based businesses include computer repair, childcare, coaching (life coach or Internet business coach) and tutoring, distributing and selling tangible goods or information-related services, interior decorating, photography, transcription services, dealing antiques and collectibles, handicrafts, baking, sewing and gardening and farming.  The list is not exhaustive but presents fields that have proven profitable for the home-based business owner.

Many home-based business entrepreneurs decide not to walk or run on the conventional path.  Look at this creative entrepreneurial venture: Providing surf reports to those who want to “hang 10.”  The owners of this business are hanging a lot more zeros when it comes to their bottom line.  Another company profits from the absent-minded by offering a “reminder service,” reminding clients about special dates or occasions several days in advance.  Many home-based business owners make a living by providing specialized instruction: Stop smoking groups, public speaking courses, women’s empowerment seminars are all variations on the theme of providing direct instruction.  Maybe I should start a tutorial center on viable home-based business opportunities … but then again, this field is already saturated.      

Even absurd ideas can take off, leading to early retirement for the home-based business owner.  The Pet Rock, Designer Dirt, deeds to land that once belonged to famous people (e.g, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley) have all contributed nicely to the financial coffers of their creators.  Certain television programs love to highlight the offbeat, out-of the-box home-based business owner who has a unique idea.  Think of something unusual and you will get massive publicity, especially if it involves a celebrity.  I’m sure there are entrepreneurs right now, for example, who are getting a fat wallet with their “Free Paris” t-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons and posters.  They can even cater to the “Anti-Paris” community with their “Don’t Free Paris” paraphernalia.

In conclusion, it is crucial to act on the idea of pursuing a home-based business venture.  Do the required research and preparation and consider your talents, abilities and potential. Think about any trends in business that you can use to your advantage.  Learn about businesses that have proven to be profitable for other home-based business owners.  And do not, under any circumstances, be afraid or hesitant to think outside the box.  In our culture, a crazy idea can very well lead to crazy money.

These home-based business ideas may transform your aspirations into action.  You deserve to be your own boss – the captain of your own ship.  Let your ship come into port! 

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To learn more about our merchant account services, please visit us at http://www.intelli-collect.com.

I have spoken to countless number of new small business owners who all-too-often have a negative mindset when launching their operation.  One new owner bluntly stated, "I don't even know why I should even try to work for myself.  I know I am going to fail!"  (Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy!)  Other new owners are more optimistic about the end result but feel that such success will materialize without hard work or sacrifice.  Still others are cautiously optimistic, willing to work long hours and feel that through the combination of preparation and diligence, consistently trying to enhance product/service and operations, success will result.

Regardless of where one falls on this mindset spectrum, it is always instructive to learn from those business owners who have achieved success to better place ourselves on a similar path.  If nothing else, the following vignettes are offered to inspire and motivate and galvanize the idea that you, too, can one day become a "success story."  

LEDO Pizza Franchise

Bruce Johnston is a 20-year veteran of the Army and Army National Guard. He wanted to enter business and did not know where to start. After eating at a LEDO Pizza outlet in Salisbury, Md., he knew that he had found his business. Back home at Seaford, he took a franchise of LEDO Pizza and opened up his small restaurant in April, 2002, at the Wal-Mart Shopping Center in Seaford. Johnston financed his start up costs with a $300,000 U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) loan through the Bank of Delmarva. Within two years, the business had established a name. The business’ focus on customer service is widely recognized. In August 2004, the Seaford Chamber of Commerce honored LEDO Pizza, Seaford, with the “Exceptional Customer Service Award,” as voted by the local community.

The advice given to new entrepreneurs by Bruce Johnston is:

• lot of long hours have to be devoted, more so in the initial stages
• the initial phase is like a baby. As the business gets older, it can take care of itself
• every area of the business is critical. Attention should be given to every area.
• cross training the employees helps them to step into other roles if required. Another employee or the owner must be ready to take on the role of an employee who has not come to work, if the business has to survive. Cross training reduces long-term costs.

Software Services of Delaware (SSD)

Barbara Hines worked in the technology field at a McDonald's franchisee in Kansas. Her abilities were noted and she was recruited to work for the McDonald's national office, where she spent a number of years installing software systems for local franchisees, spread all over the country. Hines realized the market demand for her expertise, and she quit McDonald and started her own New Castle-based information technology company, Software Services of Delaware (SSD), which offered design, implementation, and support services for computer and telecommunication systems. Hines initially started the company with her own funds but soon sought bank financing to support her growing business. She expanded her business after she got two U.S. Small Business Administration-backed (SBA) 7(a) loans through Wilmington Trust. She grew her staff from three to eventually 18 employees. SSD has received the Delaware State Chamber’s Superstar in Business Award and the News Journal’s Best in Business Up and Coming Technology Company and Technology Company to Watch Awards. Hines encourages new entrepreneurs to recruit a support network including a lawyer, an accountant and mentors who will tell it like it is. She says, "Helping others, specifically other women who are in business or starting a business, is something I want to do. I seem to have a talent for running a business, so I’d like to share my knowledge with others who are willing to listen and learn.”

Barbara Hines credits her success to:

• a supportive family, business mentors and financial support from the SBA and Wilmington Trust as invaluable to SSD’s success
• counseling she received from SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business, a resource partner co-located with the SBA Delaware District Office.
• recognition of her strengths and weaknesses
• a well-balanced management team
• giving employees enough autonomy to make the right decision for the customer and the firm
• ability to face challenges like rapid growth, continuous reinvention to keep pace with new technology, and creating an increased demand for the company’s services

ABC Country Store

Eddie Lopez worked in the Texas Department of Safety as a Criminal Intelligence Agent. He was about to retire in 4 years, and he always dreamed of owning a retail business. With his supportive wife Rosanne, he opened up a traditional country store providing feed to local animal enthusiasts, in September 1994, at Katy, Texas, Fort Bend County, Houston District. They sell a variety of unique country gifts, lawn, garden, and pet products. ABC Country Store was nominated for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), Houston District Office’s Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year Award.

Eddie and Rozanne Lopez think their success is due to:

• Joe Decker, the Director of the Fort Bend county SBDC, who reviewed their inventory levels, costs of goods sold, and margins and made some recommendations, which helped ABC Country Store. Joe also brought in other consultants experienced in the industry to help evaluate the business.
• advertising campaign in the local media
• changing the elevation of the building to attract more customers
• taking a customer survey
• sponsoring fun and educational activities at the store
• Eddie’s passion about lawn and garden
• combined effort of all people who work for them
• most importantly, as Eddie says, "There are many struggles in owning a business. People who are considering going into business should have enough working capital, a good location, and a good understanding of the product and/or service they are providing.”

Summing up

From the above three small business stories, we can use the summation technique that is frequently employed in statistics, to find out the generality amongst the individual success stories.

• All the persons had a vision, and the enthusiasm to transform their vision into a real achievable goal.
• All of them needed capital, and they managed to obtain it through loans.
• They utilized the amount of the loan in a justifiable manner, for the growth of their business.
• They understood the importance of hard labor and removed all stops to reach their goal.
• They took help of outside opinion from experts because sometimes when you are in the thick of fire, you are not able to see how far the fire has spread.
• In spite of many adversities, they never lost hope and went on with their vision.
• All of them realized that you need people to grow, and understood the importance of a team and efficient team management.
• All of them finally reached their goals

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To learn more about our merchant account services, please visit us at  http://www.intelli-collect.com.

I was introduced to the concept of “Thank you notes” when I was about five years old.  My teenage cousin just presented me with a coveted new birthday present – a soft, cuddly, gray and white teddy bear.  I was overjoyed receiving this bundle of joy but my cousin, who could not attend my birthday party, was unaware of the unbridled happiness stemming from her gift.

My grandmother – someone who could have taken over the reigns for “Ms. Manners” – soon afterwards advised me to write a thank you note.  I inquired, “Can I call my cousin on the phone to thank her”?  “Yes,” she replied, “Right after you write her this thank you note.”  (I could never take any shortcuts when my grandmother was nearby.)

Sitting down at the table trying to write my first thank you letter was a difficult exercise for me.  I had better things to do than trying to formulate words on a blank page – like playing with my cherished teddy bear.  But once my grandmother offered some ideas, the thank you note almost wrote itself. 

She listed the following recipe: a) Say thank you and write the reason for the expression of appreciation; b) Make the note personal and indicate what you are planning to do with the gift; c) Describe your feelings resulting from receiving the gift; d) Connect the present with the person who gave the present; e) Thank the gift-giver one last time; and f) End the note with any final thoughts (e.g., sending warm regards); and g) Use terms like “Love” or “Best Wishes,” and sign your name. 

Although I don’t recall the actual thank you note word for word, the following represents a close approximation:

Dear Arlene:

Thank you so much for my birthday present.  I was jumping up and down when I saw the teddy bear!  He is going to be my new best friend and I plan on taking him everywhere, including the baseball game.

I am sorry that you could not go to my birthday party.  Next time I see you, we can play with the bear together.  Thanks again for your generosity!  (My grandmother told me to include this big word.)  I miss you and can’t wait to see you.

Love,

Andy

No, the letter is not in the same league as one written by Ernest Hemingway or F Scott Fitzgerald, but remember, I was only five years old at the time.  (My writing has improved, hasn’t it?)  Still, the compilation of the letter was significant as it reinforced the notion of the importance of thanking others, genuinely expressing appreciation for another’s act of thoughtfulness, consideration and … yes, generosity.

The thank you letter has served me well in business.  Our customers truly know that we are so grateful for their patronage and express our sentiment in a genuine, authentic manner.  In turn, customers appreciate the display of courtesy, reflective in a sincere thank you note.  Such a display of appreciation solidifies a relationship, building mutual trust and respect.

Business owners who refrain from the practice of writing thank you notes truly do not understand their importance.  Perhaps they need to adopt a customer’s perspective.  When I assume the role of customer, I want – no expect – a company to value my business.  The company does not have to be overzealous in their appreciation, but a simple “thank you” satisfies my desire to be recognized and appreciated.

And don’t we all want this in our personal lives, too?  When we hold the door open for someone, don’t we want to hear the magical words, “Thank you”?  When we go to pick up food at a restaurant, don’t we want to be sent off with a “Thank you”?  When we go out of our way for someone else, isn’t a simple “thank you” almost considered currency of reciprocation?

Albeit, writing a business letter takes more time and effort than uttering a “thank you.”  (By the way, if you are going to say “thank you”, say it like you mean it!  And you should mean it!)   But customers will be even that much more impressed with the written word, opposed to the spoken word, because they recognize the greater labor involved.  In addition, people are apt to remember a written token of appreciation since receiving one is a rare occurrence.

My fellow business owners, please keep the following points in mind regarding business thank you notes and letters:

Add my name to the burgeoning list of people that Donald Trump has categorized as a loser. Where’s Rosie O’Donnell’s shoulder when you need it? Trump’s comment "Show me someone with no ego and I will show you a big loser" seems like a direct attack. After all, I have been raised to be humble, soft-spoken and overly-conscious of other’s feelings. Spiritual writer, Louise Hay, reminded me, too, that I would rather be happy than right. All my life, or so it seems, I have yielded to the wants and demands of my super-ego counterparts.

Sheepishly I have to admit that I thought the Higher Power would reward my unpretentious, almost apologetic manner. Mahatma Gandhi and his ilk would smile upon my meek and modest ways, and advocate for the blessings of the universe to fall in my direction. I would be rewarded for my conscious decision to refrain from the following ego-driven actions: Controlling, if not devaluing others, living with an air of superiority because of job or accomplishments, speaking or treating others in an arrogant or haughty manner, especially to those who are deemed unsuccessful, or boasting about The Car, The House, the Stock Dividends or anything that elevates one’s status in others’ eyes.

It is not difficult for me to recognize individuals who possess an over abundance of ego. From the time that I was a little boy, for example, my uncle seemed very fond of his own voice. A much better speaker than listener, he offered opinions about any subject, definitive this his views and judgments were always right. He consistently acted in a condescending and patronizing manner, seemingly bolstered by the success and concomitant wealth he attained in business. His humor was not good-natured but rather caustic and acerbic, offered to take others down a peg. After all, he HAD to assume the highest position in any pecking order – the equivalent of renting (no buying) the Penthouse because it is considered the best.

It seemed counter-intuitive to me that my uncle achieved such success in the workplace. Didn’t his personality grate others? Could I be the only one perceptive enough to notice all his shortcomings stemming from an ego gone wild? As I consider the matter from my perspective now, maybe his ego served him well in Corporate America.

Perhaps his ego galvanized his sense of purpose. Desperate to be a "winner" – one that even Donald Trump would be impressed by – meant that he would make the necessary sacrifices to attain business success. My uncle did work long hours, took work home and assumed great responsibility.

But many of us (myself included) make a myriad of similar sacrifices and are still not on the "fast track," climbing up the proverbial corporate ladder. But my uncle expected success and many of us only hope that our efforts will be rewarded. His "Trumpesque ego" led him to the belief that no one could do his job better and that his employer was fortunate to have him in their employ. He approached his job with unabashed confidence and it is likely that his employer felt a large of measure of reassurance stemming from it.

Executives running a basketball team enjoy the brashness and confidence of a superstar, exclaiming that he wants to take the last shot in a ball game. Similarly, CEOs and CFOs hire and keep employees who are convinced that they can run with a project – faster and farther than anyone else. Of course, confidence without competence is meaningless.

Another consideration regarding my uncle’s success: Perhaps he did check his ego at the front of his employer’s door, containing his swagger and pompous demeanor. (He certainly compensated for this restraint at home.) In his book, "How to Get Rich," Trump writes: "The ego works to keep our conscious and unconscious aspects in balance. Too much either way can be detrimental. No ego means very little life force, and too much means a dictatorial personality." At work, perhaps my uncle controlled his ego rather than letting his ego control him. I’m sure his co-workers and underlings saw and witnessed my uncle’s unrestrained ego at times but I’m sure the frequency was a lot less than what I observed.

Where my uncle has an overabundance of ego, perhaps I need to infuse and build my own. I want to believe and conceive my success through feelings of empowerment and a healthy ego – not one that is unbridled. Mr. Trump, due to your influence, I declare the following affirmation: "I will not be a loser much longer. My ego is in the gestation process." How can it not be so? I’m reading your book!

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To learn more about our merchant account services, please visit us at  http://www.intelli-collect.com.

A  mission statement is simply an encapsulation of the mission of a particular organization – its purpose, its goals and how to achieve them.  A A mission statement may also be considered a blueprint for success, streamlining the efforts of an organization’s executives as all decide the direction the organization must head, delineating the perceived best paths towards objective fulfillment.

It is not an easy exercise to target, define and create a mission statement – at least one that motivates employees, has bold and aspirational qualities, outlines concrete strategies, and galvanizes interest in those outside the organization.  As with any important aspect of business, a mission statement must be carefully weighed, reviewed and altered when necessary.  It will serve as a foundation for the building blocks of the organization, representing the choices that the organization must make to satisfy its objectives and to achieve a strong foothold in a competitive environment.

 

When developing a mission statement, one needs to consider the following key elements:

- Seek input from as many sources as possible. Those highest in the
organization are not the only individuals who possess ideas.  By gaining
feedback from a myriad of viewpoints, an effective mission statement may
become more crystalline.

- The accountability of any mission statement rests with the person or
people who create the mission statement.  Consequently, the leadership of
the organization must assume the responsibility for creating the mission
statement since they are accountable for the projected mission itself.
While others’ may contribute ideas, the leaders of the organization are
the ones who must target, mold and define the mission statement as the buck stops
with them.

- The language of a mission statement should not be too general or
amorphous.  Resume experts caution prospective employees from using
general jargon such as “customer-oriented” or “thrive under pressure.”
They assert that employees must refrain from such inane, trite
descriptions and replace them with bold examples.  Similarly, mission
statements must avoid platitudes, replacing them with more descriptive
language, using many proactive verbs.

- The mission statement should inspire those within the organization and
strike a responsive chord with those outside the organization.  The
mission statement is similar in scope to a politician’s buzz phrase.  Are
you reading my lips?  An organization must ensure the ongoing support and
commitment from all.  The mission statement can jumpstart such commitment.

- A complete mission statement should include the purpose of the
organization and the needs it aspires to fulfill, how to address those
needs, and the values that the organization embodies.  Specific business
strategies need not be delineated here.  However, the reader of a mission
statement should have some understanding of how the organization plans to
achieve its aims.

- The mission statement must balance realistic goals (the possible) with
lofty aspirations (what seemingly may even be impossible to achieve).  An
organization must always strive to grow and advance and reach to become
preeminent in its field, regardless of all challenges, including the
competition.

- The mission statement should be concise and not a dissertation.  It is
best if the reader can remember the mission statement, at least most of
statement, well after it has been viewed.

Keeping the aforementioned principles in mind, perhaps one of the best mission statements originates from the original owners of Ben and Jerry’s, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.  Listed right on the home page (benjerry.com), are various mission statements.  The Product Mission is as follows:

“To make, distribute & sell the finest quality all natural ice cream & euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating
wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment."

It is short and sweet (no pun intended) and may easily be recalled.  It lists the purpose of the business (make, distribute and sell ice cream), one way it will accomplish goals (using wholesome, natural ingredients) and the values that the company ascribes to (respect for earth and environment).  It is lofty in its message yet presents a possible, realistic outcome.

The founders of Ben & Jerry’s must understand the importance of the mission statement because the homepage of their site highlights all of the following: Product Mission, Economic Mission and Social Mission.  According to Ben and Jerry, the three-tier mission are all important in their own scope yet interdependent, ensuring that the complete mission of the company is attained.  The homepage of the site also depicts the company’s progressive values.  Ben and Jerry want you to know that their business entails a lot more than just selling ice cream.

Indeed, the mission statement writer/creator must let others know about the business’ grandest plans and aspirations.  A mission statement is like a “wish list” – but one that can be attained.  It comprises all the elements: who we are, what we do, how we do it, and the influence our efforts will have on the world around us.  Our company’s mission statement follows:

“We strive to be the ‘Walmart of electronic payment processing,’ offering the most affordable solutions to business owners who need credit card and check payment processing  capability.  Our programs will be tailored to meet the needs of each individual client and all associated rates and fees will be openly disclosed.

Merchant account information and enlightenment will consistently be provided as the merchant must not only know the particulars of our program but must be aware of the ins and outs of the payment processing field tself.  Through our low-cost services and by facilitating client
education, we will continue to grow our client base and renew others’ faith in the merchant account field, not known for its integrity.

Well, this mission statement may not be perfect but is perfect for us.  And any merchant statement must first please those who create it.  However, merchant statements need not be set in stone but flexible and malleable.  As a given company evolves, the merchant statement should also evolve.  Mission statements are always a work in progress.

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To learn more about our merchant account services, please visit us at  http://www.intelli-collect.com.