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Archive for July, 2010

I want to start my own cleaning business… any tips?

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Question by xBrokenxHeartedx: I want to start my own cleaning business… any tips?
I’m not really sure where to start. Any ideas from people who have started their own business. What it will cost me? I know I can start small doing a few homes myself, and then add employees and more clients. But what are the basics? Do I need insurance? What all do I need? Any tips would be appreciated!
Thank You in Advance!

Best answer:

Answer by heyteach
You want to be insured and licensed and bonded. You need a legit business structure, probably an LLC would be good for you. You need to do the paperwork.

Good basic article and yes a business plan does make sense for you as you do need to figure out costs, charges, equipment, supplies, billing, payroll, taxes, advertising, do you want homes or commercial cleaning? Willing to do one shot deals or you want long-term contracts with weekly or biweekly cleanings? Etc.

http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2006/st0504.htm

http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html

will have resources for you.

Good luck! If people want to pay you less to start tell them you’ll consider a break on the price for awhile IF they will serve as a reference for you.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Written by Nick

July 31st, 2010 at 10:49 pm

Posted in Business

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What are some discounts that many auto insurance companies offer that might help save some money?

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Question by Tara H: What are some discounts that many auto insurance companies offer that might help save some money?
10pts to best answer. Question about auto insurance policies?

I just earned my drivers liscence. My father is dreading the cost of adding another driver to the family auto insurance policy. What are some discounts that many insurance companies offer that might help save my dad some money when the premium is due?

Best answer:

Answer by Amy E
good grades
some offer programs you can do to become a good driver..that gives a discount.
Don’t be put as the primary driver on the newest vehicle..

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Written by Nick

July 31st, 2010 at 6:15 pm

What is a good auto insurance company in florida for dui drivers?

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Question by rayna amin: What is a good auto insurance company in florida for dui drivers?
Am trying to find a auto insurance company that covers first offense dui drivers. With low cost auto insurance. Does anyone know of any?

Best answer:

Answer by PamelaS
Okay, short list of companies I am familiar with that in many states cater to or are affordable for “high-risk” drivers. I am not in FL, but these are fairly nationwide, there may be others who are less expensive, and there are certainly lots out there besides these few: Dairyland, Viking, Progressive, Geico.

Give your answer to this question below!

Written by Nick

July 30th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

Posted in Automotive

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How do you start a internet home based business from stretch?

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Question by dickson: How do you start a internet home based business from stretch?
Is there any avenue that I can start my internet home based business from home without any experience. And technical skill whatsoever cause I heard that you can make money with it. But had no idea to start off. Thank if anyone could give sound advice.

Best answer:

Answer by Jenny F
Are you working in a full time job as well? You may not have a lot of time to devote to your online business, so think carefully about that – also how much money you have available as many opportunities require an initial investment.

My websites will give you some good ideas about businesses you could try and also the training and resources you will need to be successful.

Sendoutcards is a good example of a homebased business with a product everyone uses.

http://www.jennyfletcher.ws

http://www.mygreetings2u.ws

or go straight to my Sendoutcards site here

http://www.mygreetings2u.co.uk

Jenny Fletcher

What do you think? Answer below!

Written by Nick

July 30th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

Posted in Business

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Make a Car Maintenance Resolution for 2010!

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Make a Car Maintenance Resolution for 2010!

Most of us have done it dozens of times—if not more! We make a New Year’s resolution on January 1st to get healthy. We have the best of intentions and usually work really hard for the first few months. Unfortunately, by April we’re right back in the same bad habits.

What if this year was different? As important is it is to keep your body and mind healthy, it’s also critical that you keep your vehicle healthy as well. As the San Pedro car maintenance professionals, we want to help you keep your commitment to your vehicle’s health in 2010.

San Pedro Car Maintenance: The Checklist

Regular car maintenance is the easiest way to save money and time on your vehicle in the long-term. Our San Pedro car maintenance program prevents problems before they happen so you can prolong the life of your car. You spend less money on repairs and make less trips to the shop!

Our San Pedro car maintenance recommendations include the following twenty services and check-ups on a regularly scheduled basis:

Tire rotation Alignment analysis Battery service Air filter Cabin filter Fuel filter Drive belt(s) Radiator hoses Tune-up Oil change Engine cleaner and conditioner Transmission service Cooling system service Power steering service Brake fluid system service Fuel/air service Drive line service Wiper blade service Bi-annual brake system inspection Climate control service and inspection

These twenty critical maintenance services cover every major vehicle system. As your San Pedro car maintenance experts, we ensure that your vehicle is reliable, safe, and performing at its peak condition.

San Pedro Car Maintenance: The Free 40-Point Inspection

In addition to a regularly scheduled San Pedro car maintenance program, we also offer a free 40-point safety inspection of your vehicle’s systems. This proactive, comprehensive 40-point safety inspection prevents costly repairs down the road. You don’t have to do anything but trust your vehicle to the San Pedro car maintenance specialists!

Simply schedule an appointment for any service to receive the free 40-point safety inspection to evaluate your vehicle. During our inspection, we’ll also examine the twenty items on our San Pedro car maintenance checklist to determine the health of your vehicle.

Mitch Harmatz has owned and operated Plaza Automotive Center since 2001. Plaza Automotive Center’s comprehensive San Pedro auto repair and service includes tune-up and engine services, tire service, air conditioning service, brake service, diagnostic service, cooling system, charging system, and wheel alignment.

Call 310.831.2888 today to schedule your San Pedro car maintenance. Visit us online at http://www.parkplazaautomotive.com.

Related Car Maintenance Articles

Written by Nick

July 29th, 2010 at 8:16 pm

Posted in Automotive

Tagged with , ,

Home based business for someone with tax background?

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Question by Ann N: Home based business for someone with tax background?
I have an accounting degree, specifically in taxes and looking for a home based business that fits my back ground. Any ideas?

Best answer:

Answer by STEVEN F
You could try tax planning and preparation. A filling cabinet and computer are all the equipment needed.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Written by Nick

July 29th, 2010 at 10:41 am

Posted in Business

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Business Q&A: I want to start my own business, any tips?

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Question by Miss Ella: I want to start my own business, any tips?
I have been working on a business plan for the past few years and I’m finally getting close to having the perfect plan to open my own clothing store, and I know it will be huge in my city because there’s nothing like it and it also benefits the art community as well.

Here’s the catch. I have no real savings to put in it, and don’t want to take out a loan. Where can I find the right investors, and how do you pitch your business plan to them so they see the greatness of your idea?

ANY suggestions would be helpful.

Best answer:

Answer by lynnbodoni
Investors won’t invest unless you put in a substantial amount of your own money, so that you will have an incentive to do your best to make the business work.

Neither will banks. You’re going to need to be able to put in a lot of your own money into any business venture, or take out a large personal loan secured by your own assets.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Written by Nick

July 29th, 2010 at 10:41 am

Posted in Business

Tagged with , , ,

Business Q&A: Any ideas for home based business opportunities?

with 9 comments

Question by rcpaden: Any ideas for home based business opportunities?
I am disabled and am looking for a legitimate home based business idea or something I could do at home to make a small income. There are so many scams out there.
Thanks to all for your answers. It seems that even though people say “this is not a scam” I have looked into all the answers. Some have not answered my e-mails yet, but so far they are answer lots of these surveys and sign up for lots of things(magazines, credit cards…) and we will send you 75 cents.

Best answer:

Answer by Camron M
No Scam, No Cost, Well worth checking out www.online-richgirl.wetpaint.com

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Written by Nick

July 29th, 2010 at 10:41 am

Posted in Business

Tagged with , , , ,

Auto Insurance of Las Vegas – How to Get Reduced Automobile Insurance Quotes

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Auto Insurance of Las Vegas – How to Get Reduced Automobile Insurance Quotes

Las Vegas Auto Insurance Quote can be acquired through one of the most effectual ways. It isthrough procuring multiple automobile insurance quotes from insurers and also getting hold of some good, qualified and knowledgeable online agents to assist with the quote and premium. They will provide hassles free automobile Las Vegas Auto Insurance Quote from any local automobile Las Vegas Car Insurance company. Most Las Vegas Auto Insurance companies have websites where one can enter the vehicle information and driving record and then receive an instant quote.

 

Several other things can be enquired during the discussion with potential Vegas Auto Insurance providers which may help in attaining a low cost automobile insurance. Queries about the automobile like whether it has a GPS locator system, alarm system, anti lock brakes, air bags or daytime running lights and similar queries should be asked before taking the Las Vegas Car Insurance coverage.

 

On the other hand, Las Vegas Auto Insurance premium including the annual mileage low can also be reduced. Car owners in Las Vegas should look around and research for various Las Vegas Auto Insurance Quote and then draw a calculated conclusion after comparing the various quotes. The premium from the policy should be determined.

 

Las Vegas Auto Insurance is also highly advisable for car owners. While full coverage Las Vegas Auto Insurance is usually recommended and in many cases required for financing a vehicle, some motorists only have liability insurance. Liability insurance handles claims against the policy holder, including bodily injury and property damage. Comprehensive Las Vegas Car Insurance insures for damage not caused by a collision. Full coverage automobile insurance includes liability, collision and comprehensive coverage. Several full coverage and liability automobile insurance policies also insure rental vehicles.

Auto Insurance of Las Vegas can assist car owners regarding their Las Vegas Car Insurance. They provide Las Vegas Car Insurance coverage to automobile owners in Las Vegas and have been doing so many years. They have qualified and knowledgeable Las Vegas Auto Insurance agents to assist customers with their quote and premium. Being local affords them the luxury of knowing the intimate details of the city in which we they are providing the Las Vegas Auto Insurance since they can ascertain the exact details of the market, the environment and common issues that drivers in Las Vegas contend with on a daily basis.

 

Rony, at Auto Insurance of Las Vegas assist you with all of your auto insurance needs providing rapid insurance quotes, friendly and professional auto insurance agents and quick response times when you actually need it.

Written by Nick

July 28th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

Posted in Automotive

Tagged with , , , , ,

What are the top home based business ideas with minimum start up costs?

with 12 comments

Question by Trillium: What are the top home based business ideas with minimum start up costs?
Has anyone been successful with starting a moderately successful home based business with little to no start up costs? How long have you had it? And is it worth the effort?

Best answer:

Answer by thormale
The easiest way to make money online is by selling a product that can be delivered electronically. There are no shipping or fulfillment costs eating away at your revenue. Electronic products are easy to produce and it is not necessary to get anything published. Selling software online is excellent because new software is always necessary. Programmers at local colleges come cheap, if you have the funds. If you do not have extra funds, cut them a profit for the first two years. You will still earn more than your expenses.

What other businesses can be started with little or no money? Here are a few examples:

House and Office Cleaning Business
Laundry Business
Alteration Service
Babysitting
Pet Sitting or Walking
Personal Chef
Court Paper Server
Resume and Document Writer

It all depends on you and what skills you have and what you enjoy doing and are good at.

What do you think? Answer below!

Written by Nick

July 28th, 2010 at 6:08 am

Posted in Business

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