Slim and trim your life style

Not my original words, but I tend to agree with the sentiment if not the content.

The US economy has been dying a slow death since 2008. Considering this GDP was measured in the newest way to make the number look better, the US has some really bad news here. 

Prepare for another depression?!?! 

• Move or sell your stocks (invest in companies that thrive in depression climates.. otherwise, sell)  
• Get rid of debt (no more student loans, credit card debt, mortgage payments.. you should do this depression or not)  
• Limit your expenses (drop cable/internet, lower your auto insurance (Insurance Panda has $25/month rates) 
• Swap your smart phone for a “dumb” one 
• Store up food (hoard dry and canned foods… better safe than sorry) 
• Buy guns / weapons (if that’s your thing.. it probably won’t come to this, but still!) 
• Learn a useful trade (mechanics, electricians, plumbers, etc. will always have jobs.. bankers and travel agents won’t!) 
• Stockpile drugs (if you take any drugs regularly, make sure you have them just in case) 
• Buy gold (if the dollar drops big, which it will, you will be somewhat protected) 
• Get life insurance (your rates will be locked in if you act now.  e.g., Life Ant for $18/month) 
• Last but not least: save as much money as possible, starting NOW. They say you should keep save money for a rainy day, well I hear the water droplets outside my window.

Call Center Service Rep

That's what I'm talking' 'bout About.com discusses call center work.

Not every job is the CEO who sits on the beach while everyone else pours money into your bank account and gives you a free house.
Not all CSR, customer service rep, jobs have to be horrible sweat shops.

If you have a calming demeanor, or are just down right friendly over the phone, then pick your area of specialty that inspires you to work each day, lower your expectations, and call the 800# to apply to the job. Maybe you like healthcare, or like persuasive selling, of something in between. There is a call center seat for you. And in many cases, that seat could be in your home.

You probably have said, "I'll do anything! Just give me a job. Just give me a chance.". This can be it. Don't pass it by. Do it now.

Rules for picking a company name

On a previous post about starting a company, there was mention of the importance of picking a company name.  While preparing to post about this specific topic, I found this article, by Martin Zwilling for CNN Money, on this very subject.

The author agrees that this can be the most important step in starting a company.

Startup Name Choice ... 

10 rules for picking a company name

by Michael Zwilling, contributor
CNN Money

Kick-off Small Business

Of course the only way to truly have control of your income is to manage the product acquisition (develop or dig), sales and distribution, accounting / collections and contracts, product support and pay the taxes.

Passion

Begin at the beginning ...  First, find your passion and determine its value to others.  Now create a mission statement -- a great mission statement is what you want to drive and steer your passion.  It also determines how your potential customers perceive you.

Prepare and think

Review the legal requirements for your region: country, city and do not overlook your apartment complex, home owners association or neighbors.  If you need parking or have a lot of shipping and handling, there could be some repercussions you might want to address before they occur.

Create a great label

Now, you need a label that has breadth, detail, longevity -- your company name.  This should be agonized over and debated among your most trusted family, friends, future colleagues and business partners.  Later you can get marketing and branding around the company name and your mission -- and product too, but don't be focused on the product, that could change over time.

EIN

Finally, you are ready to apply for your EIN (employer identification number).  During the application you will have to decide how to incorporate.  If you have concerns, get legal advice.  The key is who needs protection and are you going alone or with business partners.

Community and Networking

This video from Kansas Business Center website encourages you to join a community.