Securing Your Future With a Business

Posted: 18th March 2009 by Emily Leach in Entrepreneurship

I was looking through the USA Today newspaper last week and saw an article with your typical scarcity title, something about 40% of Americans are scared of loosing their jobs.  But under the bold title was a subtitle that talked about how many that have lost their jobs are finding a very successful opportunity in consulting.

Now, I’ve written about consulting before.  But this really got me thinking about the areas of skills people could look at to rebound from a lost job, and there are three key skills that can be used to create a business with.

  1. Consulting / Services - just because a company cannot afford the salary doesn’t always mean the work is gone.  Your skills could be used to do the same tasks but as a consultant and save companies 30%-55% because they no longer have to pay your benefits.
  2. Education – do you have skills that would help other companies increase productivity, or reduce overhead costs.  Create a training program out of those skills and start making money.
  3. Retail - people are still looking for products, the needs and wants are still there.  Creativity is imparative in this economy, not only in your packaging and offers, but in the product itself.  Look for, or create, something new and fresh to offer.  

It’s easier and usually cheaper to purchase online, for both products and services.  So make sure whatever type of business you create has an online presence and can be found!  I do have a section of free SEO articles on my website and offer public and private SEO training if you need help getting that new website ranking at the top. 

Even if you still have your J-O-B, it is never too early (or too late) to start developing your plan for getting a business started on the side.  If you have a non-compete issues figure out how to work around it, maybe you can offer a correlating service or training without being in direct conflict.  Think outside the box!

Corporations are NOT going to secure your future!  Some may want to, but it isn’t always an option … more companies are looking for a more personal relationship with their vendors and those of us that can offer that service are winning big in this economy!

Give me your thoughts … what are you doing to secure your future?

emily