Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Craig:

I really cannot get a part-time job, as I am disabled and am on disability and they would cut it off. I also cannot work. However, the funds would be for my wife to start this business. So, it is really for her not me, although, I am going to try and help her in the way of support as much as I can, whether it be emotional or any other type of support.

 

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Frank Sita
policyagent@aol.com (e-mail)

What`s your wife doing in regard to adding to the initial investment capital? Could she perhaps make something, or sell something on eBay?

I`ve found that in any kind of business, or strategic endeavor, really, there`s the action part and the planning part. Nothing new there. But sometimes people are very good at planning, where others are good at making those plans happen.

It really doesn`t matter much, in one context, if you`re disabled....IF you can use your mind to develop strategic plans and put them into motion. What level of disability do you have? Can you use a computer, for instance, to put together eBay ads, edit photos of products, and write copy?

Craig:

My wife has worked from home as a virtual assistant for the last 15 years. I can write copy, because I have a degree in journalism and used to be a sports writer for 15 years.

My disability is bipolar disorder, which makes it hard for me to concentrate. Although, I can type 60 words per minute, I am not very good with the computer (internet). That is my wife`s forte. That is what she does. She knows more about the computer than I`ll ever know.

I do not own a digital camera. I wouldn`t know how to do eBay and my wife is not to keen on eBay given the fact that she used to have an account with eBay and there are tons of scammers on the site.

Just my take on the issue. I do know how to utilize a 35mm camera though, because I used to take pictures when covering sports as a sportswriter. My degree is in photojournalism.

 

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Frank Sita
policyagent@aol.com (e-mail)

You first mentioned getting a loan of $2000 without mentioning that you already have $1300 of it.  If all you have left to save is $700, then why do you think it will take a long time to do it?

You`ve gotten a lot of good suggestions but you seem to have an excuse for each one.

You don`t have to sell something on ebay, Craig was only making a suggestion.  I want to use it as an example though.  You had three reasons why that wasn`t an option.

1. You are not good with the computer or internet.
2. You don`t have a digital camera.
3. Your wife is not keen on ebay.

First of all, you seem to be fine on the internet and using this forum.

And maybe you don`t like ebay but the suggestion is about how to make a few extra dollars, not about ebay.  The idea is to sell something whether you use ebay, Craigslist or have a yard sale in front of your house.

I want to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zones.  Stop making excuses in favor of trying something new.  Learn a little more about computers.  Learn more about business.  If $700 is your remaining goal, try new budgeting techniques.  Take some chances!

Steve:

Believe it or not, this is what I am doing. I cannot have a yard sale, because I live in a mobile home park, of which I pay lot rent. If this makes any sense and this is not an excuse. It is a fact.

However, I am not going to worry, because I will figure out a way to come up with the funds in some way.

Thank you again for the suggestions.

Frank

 

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Frank Sita
policyagent@aol.com (e-mail)

Frank,
I understand bipolar disorder, and I`m sure you have ways to mitigate the problem with pharmaceuticals and therapy. However, what bothers me, now knowing where this disablement comes from, is that you seem to be allowing the depressive side of things to gain a foothold.

As a copywriter, you would be a HYOOOGE asset to ANY business your wife runs! If you`ve read the many topics on these forums you`ve seen that bad copywriting is arguably one of the main reasons startup sites don`t do well.

If you know how to use a 35mm camera, don`t bother with a digital camera. Just take print pictures and use a scanner. But if you like photography at all, then you would really enjoy the features and benefits of either Corel`s Paint Shop Pro, or Adobe`s Photoshop.

Yes, the learning curve is very steep! But if you take some books from the library, then use the many tutorials online, you can pick it up. The benefits are incalculable, regardless of what you do online or in e-commerce.

I think you`re maybe putting a bit too much stock in funding for a new venture. Kathy and I have started with $400. We scrambled for that, and we`ve had to learn how to do everything, including enough HTML to have any kind online presence. We`ve taken whatever money we get from anything else, including initial sales on eBay, and put it back into materials.

It`s a major struggle, but like you, we have almost no credit, lots of financial problems, and stress up the wazoo (to use a technical term). But!...we have a product, and that`s key!

Instead of worrying about not having money, focus on developing a unique new product. That`ll get you where you want to go, if you`re willing to work at the details and overcome the biochemical pessimism. Y`know? :-)

Great advise CraigL !

It`s a major struggle, but like you, we have almost no credit, lots of financial problems, and stress up the wazoo (to use a technical term). But!...we have a product, and that`s key!

Cordially Stephane passing by to say hello!

Hi! Frank

I juste want to encourage you to keep on going and to take all the negatif point out of your mind there is some kid on the planet that do not eat and do not have doctor or anything to dream but you ! you have the chance to be able to dream!

Cordially Stephane I will never give-up !

Good to see you`re still working on things and moving ahead, Stephane. Often, sheer persistance and determination are what`s required.

Here a great example about one of my best friend on internet that never stop!