Inspiration To Start Your Own Business

Ever thought of starting your own part-time or full-time business?

Many people dream of this very thing but never do anything about it because the process seems rather daunting. Where do I begin? How do I write a business plan? Will anyone want to buy my stuff?

One of my favorite hobbies is making my own soaps and lotions. Mostly I make them for myself. But around the holidays I usually make some as gifts. I love experimenting with formulas and scents. I’ve posted some of my projects on this blog before. I’ve always dreamed of opening my own online store. I’ve even gone as far as to set up a page on Etsy but have never posted any items for sale. I don’t know what is stopping me. I tell myself that I’m too busy. But I really think it’s fear. What if no one buys my products? Or what if they do buy them and hate them? Or what if they love them and I can’t keep up with the orders?

One of my favorite suppliers is Bramble Berry. They sell all the supplies I need to make homemade soaps, lotions, even cosmetics. And they’ve always been very generous with recipes and instructions.

Well, Anne-Marie, the heart and soul of Bramble Berry, has written a step-by-step guide to help you get started with that business plan. She breaks down the process into non-scary, workable tasks. This plan can work for any small business idea. It doesn’t have to be a retail soap business.

Click here to visit her blog and follow the 8 steps, which include Defining Your Business, A Simple Plan, Putting Your Goals Into Action, and more.

Now, I really have no excuse.

Here’s the link to the first step: Kickstart Your Business in 2009

Queen Latifah Wants To Know What You Would Do As President

Queen Latifah is partnering with Lifetime Television to talk to women voters across the U.S.

Every Woman Counts is the only public service campaign dedicated to encouraging women to speak out on the issues they care about most, vote and run for office.

Kicking off in January and airing on Lifetime until Election Day on November 4, Queen Latifah is recording the spots during her “The Trav’lin’ Light Concert Tour” and asking women to complete the sentence, “If I Were President, I would ….” Designed to draw attention to issues of significance to women, that are often lost in the frenzy of campaign coverage, the spots will also air as broadband vignettes on myLifetime.com.

Along with the interviews conducted by Queen Latifah, Lifetime will interview celebrities, political candidates, thought leaders, viewers and visitors at myLifetime.com with the goal of collecting one million responses on-camera, online and on postcards at grassroots events throughout the year. The answers will be shared with the presidential candidates, nonprofit organizations, and the media, and ultimately will be delivered to the newly elected leaders in the White House and the Capitol in January 2009.

So, what do you say? Enter your response in the comments section.

If I Were President, I would ….

Stress Release: Power Napping

A short nap in the middle of the day can reduce stress and invigorate you for the remainder of the day.

Quick napping for 10 to 30 minutes a day can relieve stress on your heart and increase your effectiveness at the office.

Of course, it’s not always possible to nap at work. But no one will miss you if you sneak off to the ladies room for a few minutes. Close your eyes for 5 quiet minutes and try meditating as a substitute.

Instead of reaching for a midday coffee, try the oppositie approach. Shut down for a few.

7 Healthy Foods For Women

Harvard researchers have released a list of seven healthy foods they say every woman should eat.

Berries – fiber-rich and full of protective plant antioxidants, you should eat a cup of berries three times a week. Toss them in salads, add them to yogurt, or eat them by themselves.

Salmon – a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat, and also full of Vitamins B12 and D. Bake, broil or poach and add to salads and pastas. Tuna is also a good source.

Dark Leafy Greens – Spinach, Chard, Romaine, Collard Greens are all a great source for fiber, Vitamins C and K, Folic Acid, Lutein, Magnesium, Iron and Potassium. Besides salads, add some to a sandwich, or add to pasta dishes and soups.

Whole Grains – Yeah, I like the white bread I grew up with better too, but whole grains offer up to 96 percent more fiber, magnesium, zinc, chromium and vitamins E and B6 than refined grains. Look for whole grain, multi-grain cereals, breads and pastas without high-fructose corn syrup.

Nuts – Full of protein, magnesium, Vitamins B and E and heart-healthy fat. Not all fat is bad. Eat as a snack or add to salads, cereals, yogurts and stir-fry dishes.

Golden Veggies – yellow and orange veggies like sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots provide large amounts of beta carotene and potassium. Try a baked sweet potato as a side dish or enjoy a few carrot sticks instead of potato chips with your lunchtime sandwich.

Yogurt – full of calcium, protein and B vitamins. Look for low-fat or no-fat plain yogurt and add your own berries and nuts instead of buying the sugar-filled blended versions. You can also use plain yogurt to make salad dressings and thicken sauces.