All posts tagged business resources

Free Educational Series for Entrepreneurs

Free Educational Series for Entrepreneurs

Money Wise Women Educational Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women to live financially healthy lives. DSEF proudly sponsors the free Money Wi$e Women Get Smart Teleseminar Series hosted by Marcia Brixey, Founder and President of Money Wise Women Educational Services and author of The Money Therapist: A Woman’s Guide to Creating a Healthy Financial Life. The series covers topics related to business and finances and provides women the opportunity to learn from professional experts in a safe, comfortable environment.

Here are only some of the topics that can empower your business, money and life. Listen to past interviews with professional experts:

  • The 5-Keys to Unlocking Passion, Purpose and Prosperity: A Transformational Approach to Goal Setting
  • Managing Your Time and Multiple Commitments
  • Tax Tips For The Self Employed
  • Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress
  • Your Money Personality And Self-Employment
  • Power of Vision Using Dream Boards
  • So You Want to be an Entrepreneur
  • Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift
  • Create the Life You Imagine: Dream It, Believe It, Be It
  • Goal Setting for Financial Success and Prosperity
  • Train your Brain
  • Achieving a Lifetime of Financial Security
  • Women And Leadership – A perfect match
  • Email writing that counts

And many more! To see the complete list and access each recording, visit http://www.moneywisewomengetsmart.com/past_teleseminars.html

To find out about and register for upcoming teleseminars, visit http://www.moneywisewomengetsmart.com/

Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Want to Work From Home? Tips for Getting Started as an Entrepreneur

Do you wish you could find a job that will let you work from home and make your own schedule? Have you ever considered becoming an entrepreneur and owning your own business?

Many people start a business because they think they have a great idea, or a product or service that will make money. Some people start because think that they can do something better than the businesses already out there. Other people are introduced to a business by a friend, and join because the timing is right or they love the product line.

When you decide to jump into entrepreneurship, here are some thoughts to consider:

  • Who would be your customers?
  • Where could you find these customers?
  • How much money do you need to start this business?
  • What makes your business special?
  • Are you passionate about what you will be doing?
  • What other resources do you need?
  • What’s your financial goal?
  • Are you willing to invest a lot of time and energy into this business?

If you’re still interested in pursuing a business, here is a handy site from the Small Business Administration. It contains step-by-step instructions and advice to starting your own business. http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business

 

You might also consider a direct selling business. Legitimate direct selling businesses offer low start-up costs, a proven product line, training, and support. Many of these companies are members of the Direct Selling Association, and agree to comply with the DSA Code of Ethics. You can learn more about direct selling, and how to find an opportunity that’s right for you, here: http://www.directselling411.com/

And if you do decide to take the leap and start your own business, we congratulate you! Great countries are built upon entrepreneurs like you.

The DSEF is here to help. If you have any questions we’re here to provide the answers and support for you to succeed! So, what’s your first question? We’d love to hear how your business is going!

How to Break Bad Money Habits

How to Break Bad Money Habits

We know how it is. You’re busy. You meant to make that bank deposit yesterday, but there just wasn’t time. Now you’re staring at $56 in small bills and have no idea who gave it to you. You’d deposit the cash anyway, but your bank, which is on the other side of town, is closed on Saturdays.

If this scenario reflects the way you run your business, maybe it’s time to take a look at your money management process as you break your bad habits. Here’s how to get started:

Banking

  • You should have a business checking account in your name that’s separate from any other personal or business accounts
  • Your account should be with a bank that’s conveniently located and has opening hours that fit your needs
  • Look into the services the bank offers — and use them! Most accounts can now be securely accessed online and via phone; some banks offer an online check deposit service

Cash Handling

  • Keep envelopes in your bag to separate cash and checks from various sources; write identifying details on each envelope
  • If you do a lot of business on a cash basis, get into the habit of making daily deposits; invest in a small safe to hold cash between deposits
  • Be safe! Make cash deposits during daylight hours when possible

Check Handling

  • Double check every check as it’s handed to you to be sure the date and amount are correct and make sure the numeral amount is the same as the written amount
  • Make sure each check is signed
  • Follow your company’s guidelines for accepting checks (ask for photo ID, stamp with “for deposit only,” etc.

Resources

Recordkeeping for your Business: What do you need to track?

Recordkeeping for your Business: What do you need to track?

As a business professional, keeping accurate records is essential to your success. Doing this allows you to:

  • Monitor the progress of your business
  • Prepare any financial statements
  • Identify the source of receipts
  • Keep track of deductible expenses
  • Prepare your tax returns
  • Support items reported on tax returns

Recordkeeping Systems
Which system works best? The quick answer is “the one that works for you.” Opting for expensive and elaborate recordkeeping software may not be the best choice if you’re just starting your business — and if your business is large and well-established, tossing paperwork into a shoebox will likely cause headaches at tax time.

The system you choose should be one that allows you to easily track your income and expenses and keep your business documents in an orderly fashion and in a safe place.

What to Keep?
Saving these items is a must as you’ll need them to prepare your tax returns (and as support for items reported on tax returns):

  • Paid bills
  • Invoices
  • Receipts
  • Deposit slips
  • Cancelled checks

What Else?
The links below are to sites that are great sources of recordkeeping information. They’ll help you determine exactly which items you need to keep to ensure your business runs smoothly — and legally!

  • Moneywise Women Get SmartFree monthly educational teleseminars on a range of financial topics.
  • The IRS Which records to keep, how long to keep them and why. Articles, videos, publications and answers to frequently asked questions.
  • SCOREThis nonprofit resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides info on local-area recordkeeping workshops and more.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration Information on how to manage your tax obligations, tax recordkeeping and more.

Online Resources for Women in Small Business

Online Resources for Women in Small Business

Are you a female small business owner?   Are you looking for a pool of resources that will be able to advance your growing business?  Well, look no further.  There is a wealth of information on the internet that can help you grow your business and do it quickly.  There are plenty of on-line resources that are safe to access and right at your fingertips.

  • MoneyWise Women Get Smart – Sponsored by the Direct Selling Education Foundation, this free teleconference series helps you make smart decisions about money. Held the 2nd Tuesday of each month, you’ll find amazing content delivered by experts to help you make better decisions, and more money! Register here: http://moneywisewomengetsmart.com/upcoming.html
  • Women’s Business Centers – Since it was established in response to an executive order in 1979, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership has fostered the participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy, especially those who have been historically under-served or excluded. OWBO reaches out to women entrepreneurs through a number of programs that are coordinated through every SBA district office. OWBO’s programs provide business training and counseling, access to credit and capital, and marketing opportunities, including federal contracts. http://www.sba.gov/content/about-office-women-business-ownership
  • Womeninbusiness.About.com – About.com is a resource that has a specific link for women in business http://womeninbusiness.about.com/.   This site is updated regularly and has tabs entitled: Start-up and Funding, Manage and Grow, and News and Legal Issues.  It takes you from the start-up practices you should have in place and maintains support of your business with helpful hints and insights.  About.com also offers examples of commentaries on successful women in business.  They are both insightful and inspirational to the entrepreneur.
  • Women Grow Business Blog – The dynamic experience of how women emerge their business is the primary conversation of the Women Grow Business blog. With articles contributed regularly by successful female entrepreneurs, you are sure to find daily insight that will support you as a female business owner. Find it at http://womengrowbusiness.com/
  • Allbusiness.com – Allbusiness.com is a comprehensive website that offers you a wealth of information and resources for your growing business.  There is information regarding grants and bloggers input as well of business owners just like you.  Articles contain information and frequently asked questions regarding typical success strategies as well as articles regarding typical challenges for the small business owner are also here.  http://www.allbusiness.com/
  • NAWBO – The National Association of Women Business Owners is a dues member organization that prides itself on supporting women business owners across the country by providing the most recent information and resources available as well as providing a network of successful women as a support structure for those women starting out. Check out all the valuable resources here: http://www.nawbo.org

There is a wealth of information for women in business online.  Whether you are researching on how to get started or trying to find tools to help your business grow, resources are a click away.  Take advantage, and watch your business grow.

What are your favorite online resources for business? Please share them in the comments below!

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