I live in Jamaica and here we have a big company called JuiciBeef. It's a restaurant that sells all kinds of Jamaican food from different types of patties, loaves, cakes and cooked breakfast and lunches. I want to franchise with them. It's been on my mind for quite sometimes now as I've been home out of work for about 5 months now. I knwo getting through the door is going to be a problem as here like with most places if you don't have an inside link you don't get things done. I know that they do franchise that's for sure, but it's getting my own franchise that I would love. I've done most of my homework in terms of what may be needed but need more information and am met with a brick wall.. I would also love to open a wine restaurant here, which I know would do so well.

Hi, Abby -

My name is Nancy Roldan Johnson, one of the winners of the Women Rule! contest. Although I'm not in the for-profit business, I am starting an organization from scratch - mainly on my own - so I can only share the steps I would take if I were in your shoes, looking to make the connections I'd need to get closer to my ultimate goal. First, I'd like to congratulate you for posting your dream in this forum; that's a big step in itself!

Begin by learning as much as you can about the business of franchising. Buy books, read online. Know as much about the company as possible: their values, their motto, their vision, their history, locations, anything and everything about JuiciBeef. Then, create a S.W.O.T. analysis for your own understanding. A SWOT analysis is an assesment of your personal Strenghts and Weaknesses (we all have some of both, so be real about this), and the external factors that pertain to your idea/business: Opportunities and Threats (is there demand for your idea? Can you see any immediate or potential risks associated with your idea, such as pending or past legal claims against the company, any community concerns related to the business? Will you have any restrictions as a result of the franchise-model you feel can ultimately hinder growth? - I don't know these, but you should). This will give you a 360 degree view so you are prepared to build on a solid foundation of knowledge from here.

Once I have my foundation knowledge, I would call JuiciBeef directly and ask to meet with the manager in charge of franchising. Schedule a day or days to "job shadow" so you can see what it's really like day in and day out to own a franchise. Most people welcome opportunities to demonstrate what the real deal of a job or career entails - it's flattering and a real treat to most, but you have to ask. Don't complete your orientation without a one-on-one, heart-to-heart conversation with an actual franchise owner about how they did it and what they recommend your next steps should be.

Keep that passion going and follow your intuition and they will take you where you need to go next.

Best of luck, Abby. xxoo

A few years ago I had the idea to start a party favor business. I was a nanny for a number of years and enjoyed putting together the take home gift bags with things other than the usual candy and plastic throwaway toys. So I bought the gift bags and tissue paper with my logo on it, secured a domain name and 6 years later have not gone any further with it. I did attend some SCORE meetings and recieved great feedback yet things stopped me, I stopped me, from moving forward. I attend school part-time, have a 3 yr old and work part-time as a Realtor. I always revisit this idea and think it could work, yet how do I fit it in? Where do I start? How much will it cost to have someone build a website? Should i take a class to learn how to build and manage my own website? I have been paying for my domain name for over 6yrs now and still its listed as "in progress". I will graduate with a Marketing Degree in December and will transfer to a 4yr college, so have some business knowledge and feel like I should be an entrepreneur. Yet writing this I feel my biggest fear is going it alone! Is there anyone reading this in a similar situation, or maybe you started here and are now thriving because you jumped in head first? Or maybe you have thoughts regarding this business idea. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanyou in advance.

I am a 35 year old woman that is tired of punching the clock for someone else. I have this desire to be a life coach for men, women and the young. I am wondering if you can help me with getting started? I am doing a lot of reading on this amazing conference that took place and I must say that, I am so thirsty for the knowledge that was shared. I have down loaded all of the sheets but I feel as if something is still missing. I still feel that I am stuck in a ditch and I need one great push!!!!! Please, can you give me the push that I need?

Sincerely,

Sharmaine Moore

Hi Spicynancy,

Thank you for responding to me. I started to do my homework on the franchising but I haven't gone as indepth as you suggested, which I will do. I had gotten some advice from a franchise owner but some people are so funny sometimes they don't exactly want to help you as much as they can. For me if I see someone wanting to get into a business and I can assist them then I'm going to do it. Why not share what I already know. I'm told that they have put franchising for that company on a hold right now as I called out there and was told that. That company here in Jamaica is one of the most profitable fastfood chains here and with the location I have in mind for mine I know it would do very well. I dream on it! Sometimes here if you don't know someone on the inside which is the case most times you won't get anything done. I've been calling around and asking anyone if they know someone there so that I can get some added information as to why they have decided to put the franchising on hold now. I was just told that they were having problems with some of the franchisees, not sure exactly what but that's all I know. I love Burger King I eat them everyday and wanted one of theirs, but the family that owns the franchise here in Jamaica won't franchise out to others and furthermore the overhead costs for a BK would be way higher than a JuiciBeef. I know I would make my business a success by my dedication by putting my own sweat and brow into it. It's just to get my foot in the door believe me. I see myself doing this as opposed to working for someone. I got fired from my last job. I worked with an investment house loved investments but the environment wasn't for me. There are alot of lessons for me to learn in that event in my life though. Before I stopped working I thought of the franchising idea and have it stuck in my head ever since.

Hey Rachcs,

If you still have the idea on your mind for your party favour business, go at it. If you see a market for it where you are then I say go for it. If you finish your Marketing degree in December, I say in the meantime look to developiing your website. The internet has a world of information. I hope the feedback that you got from attending these meetings you have them written down somewhere. If you are at school you may find that it could be cheaper to ask a computer major student to build the website for you. I know friends that use to do that back when we were at school. The person that builds the site for you could show you how to run it as well. If you have a fear about starting the company alone get a good friend who has the interest in on it with you. The difference in opinions can help to boost ideas to make the business better. I always use the internet. Get a checklist as to the things that you will need to get this party favour company off the ground. Also for this type of business see if you can align yourself with a party planner or event planner that can boost business that can come your way. Networking is good.

Hey again Spicynancy,

Another area of business that I want to get into is starting a real estate company. I want to invest in real estate and manage properties as well for clients. I want to enter the real estate in the U.S but I know right now the economy isn't doing so good. I'm not sure if this is the right time to go about starting such a company. I would love for someone who is already in this line of business that could point me in the right direction. Those are my two dreams, the real estate company and the franchise. The sky is the limit and I want to get started. As a matter of fact I would love to get the opportunity to work in a real estate company to get some hands on experience in teh U.S I know that would help me tremendously in addition to the mentoring.

Hello ladies, I live in Oklahoma and would love to start a business. I owned and operated a childcare business from my home for 7 years and closed it about a year ago to pursue work outside of the home and I am currently employed. My problem is, I need an idea first. I know that sounds crazy, but at this point, my mind is just spinning and going nowhere. I have always felt from a little girl that I am to be successful beyond what I am now, however 40 will be approaching soon, and I feel like I'm running out of time. I have a lot of interests, I just feel stuck at this point. I would appreciate any advise you all can give. Thanks in advance.

Hi,

My name is Jan Estabrook and I live in a small town in Washington State. I have worked in Private Education for over 27 years as a admissions representative. I had a very successful career, and was the top performer in 3 different colleges. Things happened and now I am unemployed. I loved my work, and that is why I did so well. The politics were terrible. I found success because I was a great listener. I counseled adult students about career choices and education. With 27 years in the industry, I never had time for going to school myself. I am very bright and caught on very quickly in every situation and know that I worked much harder than most to compensate for the lack of a degree. I want to start a business and have tried some of the online business and know it is not what I want to do. I know I have a lot to offer to people looking for a good listener and to help them build confidence in themselves. That is why I became successful in the education industry. I need help. I don't know where to start, but I know I have the talent to help people. They feel comfortable in opening up to me and know I truly care. Please give me some direction and advice.

I am Valerie from Long Island, New York. I have been wanting to start my own business from home for a long time now. I am tired of working for bosses who I help to make rich while they keep me poor. I am tired of bosses telling me what they think I am worth and punching a time clock. I do not want to be ruled over, watched, never thanked for my efforts and told whether or not I am doing things fast enough and to keep doing more until I drop!

Every job that I have had has been more abusive in different ways than the last. To me, that is God's way of saying that I am NOT doing what I am meant to be doing. So, I am currently out of work and tired of taking any job just to get by. I used to work 2 jobs at a time and got severely burned out. I am a natural counselor and that has always been a passion of mine, although I do not have a degree.

Another passion I have is that I want to start a business with products for babies. I have to buy a "state of the art" sewing and embroidery machine, need some classes to help me learn how to use it properly and support whenever I need it if I run into a problem with the machine. One of my problems is that I need the money to buy this machine, the tools and accessories for it and materials. How do I go about getting funds? I am a novice but I now know what I want to do. I really need help here and need to boost my confidence as well. I am reaching out to someone very knowledgable who can help me get started and keep going. I know that when "The Student Is Ready, The Teacher Appears" and I AM READY!!!

Thank you so much!!!

Yes, I do. I know this won't get posted but thought I'd express my feelings anyway. The question was "Do you want to start a business? I answered earlier and my request was posted but is now gone. I am posting basically the same thing as others, mentioning their business names and what they need help with and what they have so far. What was wrong with mine? I am already meeting barriers but the most have come from what is chosen to be posted to the public. I am a survivor of many, many things and obstacles are one of them and I haven't given up quite yet. I will continue my quest for information, support and knowledge through other venues, but will still come Oprah's page. I will not participate but just read and maybe get help that way. It is confusing when you post something (harpobear) and then remove it. I'm guessing it passed you before you completely read it and maybe thought it too informative/advertising. It just bothered me that it was posted and now removed and I'm reading others posting their quest for starting businesses. Thanks anyway. Mrs. Phyllis Montana-Leblanc. New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina Survivor. I am going to have my dream and soon. I have the first part of becoming a published author with one of the largest publishing companies in the U.S. and one of, if not largest agency, William-Morris Talent Agency. So, I appreciate your letting me see it and taking it away. This enforces my motivational spirit that I will see my talents come to full fruition. Thanks and have a blessed day.

Hi Abby,

Thanks for the update and for sharing your thoughts with us in this forum. This is a great way to learn and brainstorm possibilities with people who don't know you, won't judge you, and who will be real with you. You clearly have a lot of passion and determination. These are key ingredients for success in anything you do. You also seem to enjoy working with people. All three career choices you shared (real estate, restaurant, and franchise businesses) involve hard work and excellent people skills. These are not careers for those who want to work in a cubicle or office, punch in at nine and check out at 5pm. These require your full attention, day, night, weekends, and holidays, too. I can sense from your posts that you understand this, and that you're ready and willing to make your mark in something you know you can make a success.

You're off to a great start. Without passion and determination you wouldn't have what you need to get closer to your goal. There is another key ingredient to success: perseverance. According to Webster's Dictionary, perseverance is: 1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. and "a steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness."

Persistence IS the key. Persistence is running those last five miles in your first marathon race because you see the end in sight. Persistence is getting up each morning to work on your project even though no one recognizes the work you're doing. Persistence is finding an alternate way when the door slams in your face because you know today may be a bad day, but tomorrow will be better - so you keep going. Persistence requires a deep belief in what you're doing. It requires a purpose. It requires your dedication. It requires that you're work match your skill set, passion, and personality. Think about this for a minute. If you don't have the passion for what you're doing, is it likely that you're going to do whatever it takes to make it a success? I doubt it. If you don't have the right personality or skill set that the project requires are you going to remain motivated and inspired? I doubt it. Most likely you'll feel frustrated and wonder how you got there in the first place. Myers-Briggs is a personality test that can help match your strengths and personality type with your career. There are free online test you can take in just a few minutes.

I am certain you can succeed in any one of these if you play it right. Take advantage of the fact that you're unemployed and get a job in one of these fields to see if you really have the passion, skills, and desire you think you do. You'll be collecting a paycheck while you learn! The sky IS the limit, but you have to plan the trip. Take your time and learn as much as you can about the business. Write a business plan. You can get help writing one (for free) through SCORE, an online non-profit organization made up of retired professionals that have been there and done that and are now paying it forward by helping others develop their careers. A business plan will remove all the mystery about your busness preparing you for anything that may come your way. A business plan will save you from failure and set you up for success. I wouldn't go into any business without creating one. No one ever should. It is a fact that of the 50% of all small bisunesses that fail, most went head first into business without having written a business plan. Do your homework and get in there! Knowing that you are investing yourself in something you are passionate about, confident in, and prepared for is success in itself.

Here's to your success!

Nancy

Yes!! i live in Detroit Michigan, there are a lot of homeless people here. There are two building that look like the Twin Towers. The building are empty. I want to open an homeless place.I don't want to call it a shelter because i want it to be more than that. i want one building for the women and one building for the men. the building are so nice and tall. i am homeless and i know what it feels like. i want a barber shop for the men and a salon for the womenl i want a store so the people can get clothes. i want everyroom to look nice just like hotels. flat screen tv ect... i want a kitchen like no other. i can cook too. i want them to be able to us the computer and i want to help them find job for the ones who can work. for the ones that can not work i want to make there day on earth wonderful. i want to have a clinic on the site, with dr on duty, dentist,gyn,ect... i don't know what my calling but i know i love to help people. and being homeless, i don't want it to mean dirty and poor.

Hi Nancy,

You are steering me in the right direction thank you very much. As opportunities come my way I'm going to try and utilize them the best way possible. As you said a business plan is key before making a move to starting a company. I also want to surround myself with the right people that will help me in my journey to achieving my goals. I know networking is key, that's for sure in any business that you are in or want to get into. Some days are harder than some but I'm trying to keep positive because I have dreams and want to see them through. Perserverance is the ultimate maker or breaker to this and that I know I have a lot of.

Thank You,

Abigail

Hi Abby

Thank you for your response, that is a great idea to ask a computer major student to help build a website!! I will definately do that right away. I have already spoken to event planners and know that once I get the business up and running this would be a great area to "grow" into.

I just read your posting about getting into Real Estate in the US. I am currently a Realtor, thinking that it would be the perfect job while raising a young child. Unfortunately though it requires a lot more than just weekends and I have not been able to make a living at it. I also jumped in as house prices were falling! However there are many many others that have been successful. Attributes that you really need, and at a certain level I lack are, self motivation, confidence in everything you do and say, the ability to sell yourself. I work extremely hard, and will work even harder than the next person to help someone find a home, yet I do not have the ability to sell myself even though I know I can do more than is necessary. A competitive personality helps too, apparently in the US if you don't have a friend who is a realtor then you don't have many friends! So someone always knows someone else and you need to prove that you are still the best choice. As for me, the phone calls always came at "Witching hour", when the little one is tired and hungry and needs attention. Never while she was in pre-school and the house was nice and quiet. As long as you know you will be pretty much "on call" from early morning til late evening, 7 days a week, especially holidays, then you have a head start. As for RE in the US there are quite a few years as a salesperson under a broker before your able to own your own firm, each State has different levels of education needed, and years required. Also there are a lot of up front costs to be a Realtor that are paid annualy or quarterly, for a license, continueing education, to belong to a Realtor Association and to use the MLS products etc. Mine total around $1200 a year. These are just a few realities, not to deter you, as if you have the energy and confidence then that will take you very far in Real Estate.

I wish you well in whatever you choose to persue.