Is starting and owning your own business the answer to job security today? For many it is, but there are many things one must consider before taking the plunge.

Which is More Stable, a Full Time Job or Owning Your Own Business?

This can be a difficult question to find consensus with as many different people will favor one or the other. Some will say having direct deposit from a day job allows for peace of mind. Others will report that the constant pressure of what will happen in the next company re-org is worth the gamble of launching out on your own.

Am I an Entrepreneur?

Not everyone is. Life as an entrepreneur is likely more uncertain than it is having a full time job. The uncertainty lies in the idea and execution. You may love your business idea, but does the rest of the world? The National Federation of Independent Business estimates that 39% of businesses succeed with a profit, 30% break even, and 30% lose money. The odds are, you’ll have an uncertain future, but the reward could be worth it.

How Much Free Time Will I Have?

More than likely, a lot less than you would at a full-time job. Starting a business means more than providing the product or service you want to offer. In most cases it also means assuming the role of sales or business development, account payables and receivables, customer support, secretary, etc which will likely fill all of your waking hours. A new business will need your constant attention for it to succeed but once it does, it’s up to you how much free time you’ll have.

Can I Afford it?

Starting a business is expensive. Without regular income you’ll need to tap a savings or a loan to afford both your start-up costs and regular living expenses. You may want to add an additional layer of protection with business insurance that can reduce your liability, provide loss recovery, or satisfy legal requirements.

Despite the hurdles entrepreneurs may face, it may just pay off. If you become the roughly 40% who does succeed, you will most certainly thank yourself. Now you will be the one to make the decisions, create the strategy, hire the talent, and even nurture the company culture.

Written for Premier Line Business Insurance
For more information on your business Insurance, please visit our website.

Today’s job climate demands one to be different in order to stand out from the crowd. Being different is absolutely KEY and it means you must be creative. Below are four creative ideas to help get you thinking about approaches to get you in the door to your next gig. Remember, once you get in the door – keep the creativity coming! This could mean asking the hiring manager to have your interview over lunch, or even a beer after work. Use your own ideas – just remember to be different and stand out!

1. Send a Business Improvement Idea

This could be anything – something on operations efficiency for their industry; a super clever marketing ad they could consider; a new product idea; even a lucrative referral. Add this to your cover letter with a note saying “Give me ten minutes and I can explain how this could add to your bottom line”. There are many ways you can approach this: 1, setting the hook by revealing just enough to get their interest, or 2, sharing full details and letting them know that those ideas are just the beginning.  If that doesn’t get you in the door, keep it going. Follow up the next week detailing your previous ideas while adding a Part II. Chances are good that they will have already discussed your ideas and will be hungry for more.

2. Advertise to Your Target Companies

Pardee, 22 of Lakeview, built some self-promotional Facebook ads to target Conde Nast employees. He got the job. Things are also looking positive for Mark Heuer of Milwaukee after he created a web site Mark4Hire.com then marketed it via billboard. People are even known to advertise with signs at stop-lights or in front of target corporation headquarters. Be creative and try something new – the world is changing and it means you need to compete more for that next job.

3. Offer a Finders Fee

Offering a finders fee can help motivate your network to help you land your next job. Michael Checkoway used his public relations expertise to craft a finder’s fee based on the salary of next job. He even offered trips to Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, and New York to grab attention as a grand prize. He then put a website together that outlined the details which were more than generous – asking only for leads and referrals.

4. Create Something Viral

This is something companies do to create stealth marketing campaigns for brand awareness or other marketing objectives. These techniques use pre-existing social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or even chain emails and can take the form of funny videos, images, games etc. Jeremy Hunt and Bruce Branit were widely known as the first to use this medium for success with their 3 minute digital short movie ‘405’. Following the films launch, Hunt and Branit saw their lives turned upside down by the media attention that followed. They were signed by talent agents CAA, offered directing deals, and now sell merchandise related to the film. Be creative – be yourself – just remember to tag your viral with your website or contact details!

We have just compiled a list of America’s highest paid jobs for 2010 and beyond. These aren’t careers that will fizzle out next year either – their growth curves are all over 10% and reach out to 2018. If you’re early in college – you might want to consider these!
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Below is an actual resume of a Financial Advisor seeking $102,000 annual salary.

We have made some minor changes i.e. dates and names, to his resume for privacy concerns.

John Sharp

Financial Investment Advisor, Stockbroker, Securities Principle

101 E 9th
New York, NY 90021

Objective:

Financial Advisor

Brief Intro

Series 7, 24, 63, and 66 licensed financial professional with a four-year record of success as a financial advisor, stockbroker, and trader. I currently manage more than $12 million in capital assets and serve as a principle/partner of more than $150 million in portfolio assets.

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Interview with a Web Designer

by Mark Sotell

What is the job like to be a Web Designer: 

Being a web designer makes work fun every day because I am able to use my own creativity in almost every process. Its also rewarding as many people look at my work on a daily basis, some websites see my work more than 10,000 times a day. The work environment is great as I’m a gadget head – I get to geek out on computers and software all day. 
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