Tag Archives: how to start a business

201+ Amazing Tools and Resources for the Freelancer

June 22, 2010 – 8:46 pm
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I have been receiving a bunch of emails requesting more blog posts for the freelancer. I went through some of my favorite blogs and websites and compiled a list of over 201+ tools and resources:
35+ Online Tools to Make Your Life Easier
5 Online Tools For Dealing With Clients in Other Time Zones
PIXELMATOR : LOW BUDGET TOOL
15 Online Financial Tools for Freelance Designers
25 Free Online Tools for Web Designers, Developers, Freelancers and Individuals
14 Free Things for Writers
You can also bid for work on Elance or Freelance.com
What are your favorite Freelancing tools and websites? Feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear about them.
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By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

10 Vital Entrepreneurial Lessons I Learned from My Dad

June 21, 2010 – 12:36 pm
starting a business how to start a business with no money freelancing freelancer outsourcing women and funding leadership how to leader how to manage management tips

My father and I have not always had the best relationship. While he and my mother were going through their divorce, I found that I resented him more and more for abandoning us in such a horrific situation. This led to tons of conflict and I was constantly fighting any advice he would give, even when I knew he was right. Ah, the joys of teenage angst!
Though we have mended our relationship, there are tons of things that we still do not see eye to eye on. So, when I started my first business, dad was more than happy to offer me advice. Some of it I was willing to absorb. I mean, here is a man who has had a successful company with my aunt and uncle for over 15 years. I may be rebellious, but I am not stupid. They were obviously doing something right and I am a sponge for knowledge. So, in honor of my dad and Father’s Day (Yes, I know I am a day late) here are the 10 vital lessons I learned from him about starting a business and building it successfully:
1. Respect: At my father’s 50th birthday party, I had the pleasure [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , | Comments (4)

Business Tip: 3 Ways HR MUST Use Social Media

June 18, 2010 – 8:37 am
talent management strategy social media basics social media marketing hr and social media talent acquisituin the talent age

I have been so pleased to see more and more Recruiters and HR Professionals using social media to acquire great talent. Even small business owners are having their virtual assistants use it to recruit new candidates. However, most of what I see are companies broadcasting their message out. Though that is useful on some level, here are 3 ways your HR department MUST use social media to save you money:
1. Listen and Observe: If someone is contacting your company to apply for a job, observe how they interact with their “social circles”.  Do they share information? What do they value? What is their online personality like? Do they come across as someone who would be a good fit for your company?
2. Run a Virtual Open House: Allow people to get to know the company, its values,  and its culture. Invite candidates and the general public to a virtual open house.  This could be done once a week or once a month. Run it as a phone conference, on Skype, on your Facebook page, or over Twitter. This will also give people a chance to ask questions that they might have about the company or a specific position.
In the end, you [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (2)

How to Negotiate: Godfather Style!

June 16, 2010 – 12:49 pm
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“Don’t forget the cannoli!” That is one of my favorite Godfather lines. Of course, I have Italia on the mind with the Arts Institute coming up. But with that comes the memory of learning how to negotiate Italian style.
Many are afraid to negotiate or ask for what they deserve, even in business. Negotiations can be done in a respectful manner, which is one of the things I talk about in “How to Start Your Business with $100″.  So, here are 3 tips on how to do just that (NOTE: The following quotes are said in my best Italian-American accent):
1. “What?” Know exactly what you want. What is important to you? What are you willing to compromise within the negotiation? Have those ideas in line and ready to go before you start negotiating with anyone.
2. “I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” When negotiating, it has to be a win/win. Everyone needs to feel good about the end result. So, ask the other party what they need or what is important to them. Also, ask if they are willing to compromise with you.  If they are not willing or not in a position to, then it would be [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , | Comments (1)

Facebook It!

June 9, 2010 – 9:06 am
starting a business how to start a business women and funding working from home how to become rich teach me how to become rich freelancers outsourcing social media tools social media basics social media 101

I have some amazing people in my life and that includes my “social circles.”  Thank you to those who have said, “Ja-Naé, what do you need? How can I help get the word out about the book?” First of all, you guys rock! That means a lot to me.
If you’re on Facebook, here are three simple things that you could do to help that would make a world of a difference:
I) Share on your Wall: Post this URL on your wall http://ja-nae.net/blog/all-new-a-step-by-step-guide-to-starting-a-business-with-little-to-no-money and tell people your thoughts on the book. You can also click here and then click on the “Facebook Like” button on the page.
II) Fan/Like the Book: Well, those fan pages no longer exist. However, you can like the book on Facebook. Here is the Facebook fan page. You can also just click on the Facebook box that is on the right hand side of this page.
III. Comment on Facebook Posts: People like a party! So, they will engage when others have something to say or share. This is how we build trust within our community. So, feel free to share your thoughts and ask your questions on my wall and the book’s page. Let’s get people talking [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

50+ Achievable Tasks in Under 15 Minutes

June 8, 2010 – 12:33 pm
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Time is really just a man made concept. I know, it’s a little hard to swallow sometimes, particularly since everything in our lives seems to revolve around it. My favorite excuse when talking to people about time management, is that they don’t have enough of it to do what they really need to do. When I recommend breaking down time and tasks up into 15 minute increments, people tend to say, “I can’t do anything in 15 minutes!” Well, here is a list of 50+ achievable tasks that you absolutely can do:
1) Clear emails
2) Connect and network on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn
3) Throw a load of laundry in
4) Make a business phone call
5) Write a hand written note
6) Make a list of things still needed to be done for the day
7) Delegate out a task to someone
Exercise
9) Make a healthy meal
10) Make a cup of coffee
11) Take a power nap (this is my favorite)
12) Talk to a friend
13) Update your blog
14) Respond to comments on your blog
15) Thank a colleague
16) Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails
17) Shop online
18) Assess your goals
19) Speak to a child
20) Make an appointment
21) Send a birthday wish
22) Wish all of your friends Happy Birthday on [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

In Business? Discovering Peoples’ Stories

June 6, 2010 – 9:48 am

When starting a business, it is sometimes hard to connect with people. Business owners try so hard to get themselves and their brand out there, that it turns into the “ME” show.
If you have ever been guilty of that (I promise, I won’t tell), then this is for you:

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Marketing, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , | Comments (1)

What Do You Believe In?

June 1, 2010 – 7:00 am

Life can be fun, but have its challenges along the way. Am I right? Whether you’re starting a business, raising a family, or relocating to a new city, at times it take a large amount of strength and faith just to put one foot in front of the other. I know, I’ve been there. We all have from time to time.
I was down in Boston’s North End last week and came across the church of St. Leonard. As I was walking with my canoli, I began to wonder “What do people believe in? What keeps them going when things seem hopeless or a struggle?” Though I know what keeps me going every day, no matter what life hands to me, I would like to share two other stories with you:
Dave had had a home-based business (T-shirt designer) for over 3 years. He considered himself successful making $27K a year. However, when the recession hit, orders were canceled and a major client did not pay. Needless to say, Dave’s business was hit pretty hard. But is the great thing about Dave. He knew that this was a make or break moment for his business. So, what did he do? He tripled [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Money 101: Money Worksheets, Budget Guides and Lifestyle Calculators

June 1, 2010 – 1:00 am

Many people start a business because they want financial freedom and flexibility in managing time. There are also some, that are looking to retire early.
No matter where you fit into the mix, here are a list of financial resources you may want to take a look at:
Money 101: Money Worksheets, Budget Guides and Lifestyle Calculators
Free Budget Guide
Instant Budget Maker
Basic Budget Worksheet
Retirement Calculator. When can you retire?
Ideal Lifestyle Cost
Simple Savings Calculator

Money and Personal Finance Blogs, Websites, and Tips

Mint.com: If you are looking for a great personal finance resource, I highly recommend Mint.com.
I Will Teach You How to Become Rich
Moms and Mompreneurs: This is a blog geared towards you will tons of templates.
559+ Ways to Save Money
Moolanomy – Personal Finance
The Digerati Life – Personal Finance Insights
Being Frugal – Live More Spend Less
Gather Little By Little
Plonkee Money – An english-er’s thoughts on personal finance
The Dough Roller – Make More. Spend Less. Invest the Rest
Mrs. Micah- Finance for a Freelance Life
Single Guy Money – Personal Finance from a single guy’s point of view
Get Rich Slowly – Personal Finance That Makes Cents
Blueprint for Financial Prosperity
Generation X Finance – Helping a unique generation achieve financial independence
Brip Blap – Wealth, Work and Life Success Blog
Money, [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Business Tools, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

The Holy Grail: One Secret Coaches & Experts Don’t Tell You

May 25, 2010 – 7:36 am

We are all looking for the secret. That one golden ticket (I love Willy Wonka) that will change our lives forever. Some are looking for financial freedom and to retire early. Some are looking for the key to happiness. While others just want to ask a Social Media guru how to tweet. Am I right?
Of course, we believe that there are a few chosen ones who get it. Who MUST have all the answers to Life and Facebook themselves. And people pay thousands of dollars a year in books, CDs, retreats, conferences, healings, mastermind sessions….yes, this list can go on. However, what they don’t tell you is this..this one thing….do you want to know what it is? Are you sure? Well, it’s that:
We are all coaches and experts!
Each of us has life experience, areas of expertise, loving compassionate hearts that will tell you to get off your pity pot and make a change if you don’t like your life. WE are your own personal Tony Robbins, your Oprahs, your Jack Canfields, your Chris Brogans. We are your Community!

Ask questions of your community
Look at every situation and ask, “What can I learn from this?”
Treat your community with the respect and attention [...]

By Ja-Naé Duane | Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , | Comments (1)