Immigrant groups have always contributed to the momentum of American business, and today’s immigrants are no exception. In some cases, of course, immigrants gravitate toward starting business because they have not yet assimilated enough into American society to succeed in standard careers. Many come to the United States, however, with the idea of succeeding in …
If you are in business at any level, it pays to find sources for supplies, cleaning and other services at the best possible rates. Discount office supply mega-stores like Staples, Office Depot and Office Max exist in every neighborhood, and ship Internet orders. In addition to business supplies like printing paper, toner and ink, tags …
While some government agencies, like the Small Business Administration, provide advice and loans to business start-ups, most entrepreneurs are on their own. Those who have the insight and skill to make a business succeed, make money. Those who don’t are doomed to fail. The market makes the ultimate decision. It is changeable and unforgiving. Many …
The first step to starting a business in the United States is learning, gathering information. Entrepreneurs need to acquire good working knowledge of most of the different aspects of running a business: sales, marketing, money management, people management. Ultimately, as a business grows, the entrepreneur will be able to bring in specialists for all these …
When many people think of starting their own businesses, they often think of a retail store, but service business of various kinds are easier to begin with less financial risk. A simple Internet site, a few classified ads, or a free craiglist advertisement, are enough to get a real service business started. Some good examples: Errand …
Sales businesses may seem on the outside to resemble employment, but when they do not involve working out of a retail location, they function as an independent entrepreneurial business, often requiring very little or no financial outlay. Sales areas are relatively easy to enter, and difficult to master. In many sales situations, the salesperson will …
At some point, no matter how you run your business, you will need the services of a lawyer and an accountant. The purpose of the lawyer is to give your business a proper legal structure and to protect you from legal difficulties in the future. The accountant sets up financial record keeping systems, keeps your …
One of the most accessible low investment businesses in the United States is peddling: buying consumer goods and selling them informally on the street, from cars and vans or in organized “flea markets” and fairs. Many Americans think of this kind of work as demeaning, which is just fine with the peddlers, since many of …
This material courtesy of Philadelphia-based consultant Erin Flynn. Networking can be an intimidating task. Many businesspeople don’t know how to go about this process, but there are ways to make it more enjoyable and rewarding. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to foster new business alliances. How do you network for …
In towns and cities, by roadsides and in parking lots, all over America, you will find carts and trucks that prepare and sell food directly to the public. Hot dogs (frankfurters) are sold by the millions in this fashion, but food trucks can sell nearly any type of food: ethnic cuisines, health foods, ice cream …