Drewjosh Business Blog: April 2017

Monday, April 17, 2017

5 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring Your First Employee

Making the decision to expand your business is a big deal. Whether you’re a single professional whose practice has outgrown your available time or an entrepreneur with dreams of growing the next Fortune 500 company, adding a new employee into the mix isn’t a process that should be taken lightly.

To prevent costly mistakes and wasted time, run through all of the following considerations before you even think about hitting “Publish” on that job-board listing:

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Don't Want to Screw Up Your Startup? Follow These 7 Rules.

Seasoned entrepreneurs will agree that there is a lot more to building a successful business than having a great idea. Really, your big idea is just the first step — it's simply choosing which mountain you are going to climb. Profitable companies are built upon thousands of subsequent great ideas and implementations.

As a serial entrepreneur and current founder of Qzzr, an online-quiz platform, I’ve trekked up a few mountains, and I’ve learned a bit about which trails are the most efficient, what gear to pack and who to bring along for the trip.
Below are seven tips that are the bedrock for any successful startup venture.

5 Small Business Ideas

Vlog with YouTubeSince every laptop, tablet, and smartphone comes equipped with a built-in camera, anyone can start creating videos and posting them to YouTube. If you have knowledge you want to share, or are just incredibly charismatic, then you can start profiting from your vlog through ads.
Auto repair/detailingIf you have a garage, tools, and knowledge, then why not start your own auto repair shop? Even if you don’t have a garage, you could start a mobile auto repair business where you go to the broken-down vehicle.If like the idea of working with vehicles, but aren’t a mechanic, then start washing and detailing cars. I had a former colleague who did this on the side. Eventually, he was able to make this into a full-time through word-of-mouth recommendations at work.
Sharing economy rentalsThanks to the “sharing economy” more and more people are opting to rent items instead of purchasing them. You can rent everything from your car, parking space, and household items like furniture. I wouldn’t get too carried away. I would start with a niche and slowly work your way up. For example, you could start renting out yard equipment like rakes, shovels, or leaf blowers. If you don’t already own them, you can purchase for under $100.
Managing web designThere are also countless sites out there that teach you basic web design. Learn a new trait today. Even if you aren’t a web designer, you could find a designer affordably and still charge less that professional web design firms. They key here is managing the process, most businesses don't want to do this and are willing to pay.
HandymanIf you’re able to make minor household repairs, like switching out a broken electrical outlet or sealing a pipe under the kitchen sink, then this is another business that doesn’t cost much to start, but is also in-demand.