Can't Find a Job? . . . Create One.

It's no secret that finding a job in today's economy has become a daunting task at best.  After revising your resume a dozen times and dry cleaning clothes for interviews that end with you being irritatingly underqualified, overqualified, or even unqualified, it may be time to create a job instead of just searching for one!

This week, President Obama signed into law The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, recognizing that small businesses drive our economy and produce most of the new jobs in the country.  If you've thought about starting a business in the past, but thought it would be too difficult, it's time to reconsider!  What's more difficult than knowing you have a gift to offer the world and not having the outlet to do so? It's your time!

Here are a few tips to get you on the path to creating your own job and building your empire:

1.  Assess your talents, skills and gifts.  What do you do better than anyone around you and with the least amount of effort?  Your in a time of transition and, for many, despair.  This is not a time to do something just to make money.  This is the time to go after something you are passionate about.  At the minimum, doing something you love will rejuvenate your spirit, give you energy and take your mind off of the woes of the world.   If you run into a difficult time brainstorming, ask friends and family members to help you figure out what you've been doing for free all these years anyway.

2.  Do your research. Who are the competitors in your area?  What are they charging for their product or service?  How can you add your own touch and build your own niche?  Remember that you don't have to reinvent the wheel, but maybe you can figure out away to make it more durable or even roll a little better.

3.  Create both a business and marketing plan.  You must make a plan and a very thorough one.  Each year thousands, if not millions catch the entrepreneurial spirit and begin businesses, but not long after, many fail.  Much of this failure is due to starting out without a solid and realistic plan in place which covers everything from cash flow needs to defining your target market to a tee.  Everyone thinks they know how they will market their new business, but remember that if you're talking to everyone, you're really not talking to anyone. Take your time on this step. It's critical to your long-term success!

4.  Get help! There are too many resources at your disposal to not think this through and at least give it a shot.  Check out http://www.score.org/, a website dedicated to small business, counseling, mentoring and training.  You can get help online or even be paired with an entrepreneur in your area for face-to-face mentoring.  Another resource you have to look into is http://www.sba.gov/, the Small Business Administration.  Remember that law that President Obama just signed?  He gave the SBA the ability to increase the loan guarantees to 90 percent of its qualified applicants, as well as extend capital to small banks with incentives to increase lending to small businesses.

This is your time! While you look for a job, put some effort into creating one too.  You may be able to quit your day job before you even start!

Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth & Be Blessed!