For the adults reading the blog, here are some links that I may have given you before and would not repeat if it didn't matter to helping you be a more effective (doing those things that move you forward) solo entrepreneur, instead of efficient (employee's way of killing time until they go home!).
Getting Organized. The short version - Life Hacker offers you tips and downloads for getting things done. Think this person does more web research than I do and that's a lot over a 24 hour period!
I found one of the tips in Productivity Tools that really took care of those stray articles I have lying around. Good site.
Being late is my forte, so sue me!
2. When the postal rates in the US went up to $0.41 for a First Class stamp back in March, I missed the news release about the "Forever Stamp". It's supposed to be one stamp that will be used on any first class postage in the US....forever.
Here's what the USPS Top Pin Head said about it at the unveiling of the image at the National Postal Forum: "Who said nothing lasts forever?" "The Forever stamp is a consumer innovation guaranteed to deliver unprecedented convenience and value to our customers. It's good forever."
Funny, he said nothing about the service getting any better...oh well, can't have everything! The stamp became available on April 12th in booklets of 20 through USPS or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 and in Post Office lobbies nationwide at $0.41. If you are doing any limited (under 1,000 pieces a month) mailings this could be useful.
3. If you're like me, privacy is an important thing with you. I went looking for a way to improve this blog and a couple of my other sites for visitors, and decided audio would be the best way to make them more visitor friendly.
I liked this service because it truly is an Entrepreneur's Phone System and was different than anything else I saw available. Right on the index page, as direct as I could ever want it to be was the price of the service - $29 a month after a 1-3 week trial.
Initially it was for Ebay Power Sellers and auction sites only. Now it's available to all business owners and that makes it a plus in my book! Plus it's really easy to use for getting audio on your site or blog. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Unique Business Ideas
A. Nursing Agency
I know someone doing this and with the shortage of nurses rising, this may be a way for you to contribute to the community and make a nice income for yourself. Basically what you are doing is providing qualified, bonded and reliable home health nurses and aides to consumers or physicians on an 'as needed' basis.
It's great for those of you looking to do this part-time from home and they give you access to what's important, like doing background checks - it sounds like a win-win startup.
What you get for the money: A thorough start-up guide with the forms you'll need, plus there is also the Background Check software and a check writer, back office business modules and a medical recruiting firm business guide. Last checked the entire package was $349US.
B. Around Town
This is for those of you who have money and business contacts but have no time to build your solo enterprise from scratch, especially if your city also gets its fair share of tourists. Users can search for local restaurants, night clubs, special events and transportation needs in your area direct from your website.
When I checked the site, it appeared that Raleigh NC, Tucson AZ and quite a few other high ticket cities were still available. You make your money through approaching local business and selling them advertising on your site.
What you get for the investment: Complete administrative tools built into a turnkey business that includes a full featured website. The system allows flexibility and control over all the data that you provide.
Here's the premier site for Charlotte NC. Investment last time I checked ranged from a low $15,000 to a reasonable $30,000 US.
That's it for today and I leave you with this:
In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.-- Dr. Laurence J. Peter
