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Weekly Topic Inspiration: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Simone Smithposted 5 years ago
What advice could you give to people interested in starting their own businesses? Share your tips and entrepreneurial expertise as part of this week’s Weekly Topic Inspiration challenge! If you don’t know where to start, I’ve put together some search-friendly titles below:

Essential Lessons for Every Small Business Owner
Starting Tips for Small Business Owners
Small Business Ideas for Women
Good Small Business Ideas
5 Successful Small Business Ideas
How to Get Small Business Start Up Grants
Grants for New Businesses: A How-To Guide
How to Create an Online Business Start Up
A Guide to Creating Your First Online Start Up Business
X Cool Online Businesses to Start
Starting Your Own Online Business: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Get Money for Business Start Ups
How to Get Business Start Up Money
Where to Find Start Up Money for Small Businesses
Business Start Up Ideas: X Amazing Examples
5 Great Ideas for a Start Up Business
Small Successful Businesses: X Inspiring Examples
Successful Start Up Businesses: X Inspiring Examples
X Successful Businesses to Start

If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:

1) Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
2) Click the green button "answer this question".
3) Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
4) Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
5) Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
6) After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.

For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.
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  lorlie6posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hi Simone,
  Out of your many great titles, I chose "Starting your own Online Business: A Beginner's Guide". I will probably mess around with the title, but the title that you offer is exactly what my quandary is at the moment.
  I just may join in this weekly contest because I am aging-aren't we all?-and I am starting my own business, as a writer. I am going through this exact process at the moment, thus my p.o.v. will be different from one who is already an expert. It would not be an 'advice column' but a sympathetic, understanding sort of Hub by someone who is going through the same process.
  The p.o.v. I am talking about would hopefully be somewhat unique, and I know I will learn much that I need to learn right now!
  Thanks for this great topic-if you had anything to do with it...
  Later, S,
  L
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I totally can't wait to read this Hub!
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  Kaili Bissonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hi Simone,
  It looks like Victoria Lynn and I were thiinking along the same lines. I replied to your Topic Inspiration question earlier today and then got to work on a hub. It is called "How to work from home - 5 important tips" and is found here:
  http://kailibisson.hubpages.com/hub/How … rtant-tips
  These are tips that I found to be very useful when I began working from home just over 2 years ago. I will also reply to Victoria Lynn's post below.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Great way to leverage some personal lessons learned!
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  Kaili Bissonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you Simone. I have just edited the hub to add a few photos. If someone here could kindly have a look to make certain I have done the attributions the right way, I would really appreciate it. ty!
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Your tips are great. You covered everything a person needs to know when working from home.
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  Victoria Lynnposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Here's mine. I've linked it to Kaili Bisson's, since we both offer tips from our own perspectives.
  
  http://victorialynn.hubpages.com/hub/Ho … -Home?done
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Excellent tips. To remind my spouse that I am working, I disigned a sign that says, "Writer at Work!". It's very colorful and cute so as to be a friendly reminder. It sits in a plastic holder at the front of my desk. The sign reminds him that I'm actually at work (like a real job). He respects the sign. It has been the best tool ever - to decrease distractions from people in the household.
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  When we talk about entrepeneureurial expertise, can it be about a specific type of business? Like, say... "Starting Your Own Childcare Business" or "Starting Tips for Recording Studio Owners" I don't know... I'm new to all this, and I have no clue!
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  It absolutely can be specific- I'd recommend it! The more niche you go, the more competitive you'll be within that body of online work. I think both of those potential titles would be great.
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thanks Simone, I didn't see your reply. I will participate this time. I hope I don't drift off into a different subject... and end up talking about how to contact Steve Job's spirit for business tips.
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Can someone answer my question pretty pleeeeease???
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Mmargie1966posted 5 years ago
I'm not as knowledgeable about this topic, but I want to learn. I look forward to reading some great hubs on the issue!
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  great attitude !
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brittanytoddposted 5 years ago
Here's mine!

Starting Your Own Online Business: A Beginner's Guide
http://brittanytodd.hubpages.com/hub/St … ners-Guide
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Brittany-this hub was exactly what I needed to read to NOT be intimidated by the online businesses. What a great hub. UP and awesome!
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  brittanytoddposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you so much, Denise! I plan to add more to it when I get the chance. Thanks again!
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  Docmoposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Great Hub Brittany- easy to follow ,practical hints and tips. Voted up!
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  brittanytoddposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you so much, Docmo!
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  This is splendidly formatted and filled with great tips. I especially love the graph you created showing online seller fees. Awesome!
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  brittanytoddposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you so much, Simone!
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I liked your hub. It is expertly written and filled with solid information.Your chart showing entrepreneurs what different companies pay is most valuable. It's nice to know ahead of time what to expect. You covered it all.
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  brittanytoddposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thanks, Marlene! It's so important for sellers to see the fees before they sign up for a site like eBay or Etsy. Thanks again!
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ElizaDooleposted 5 years ago
Great topic inspiration!
I've done How to Be a Successful UK Entrepreneur.
http://elizadoole.hubpages.com/_o934ac9 … eneur?done
Of course, Sir Alan Sugar got a look in!
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  You've taken a wonderful approach- entrepreneurship is definitely different in different countries (and regions, now that I think of it), and I enjoyed reading about how starting a business is a bit different across the pond
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Fascinating! Since I live in the US, I never thought about how different things could be in the UK. How very different things are over there. But I'm glad to read that with the right information and direction (such as you shared in your hub), people have a chance at some great opportunities.
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Victoria Lynnposted 5 years ago
Is it okay to write about something related but not exactly that, like: Tips on Working from Home, or How to Successfully From Home?
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  Kaili Bissonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hi Victoria Lynn,
  Please see my reply to Simone....you and I were definitely thinking alike! Maybe you have some further useful tips you could add to the 5 initial ones I offered up?
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  Victoria Lynnposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Kaili Bisson--Yes, we ARE thinking alike. I read your hub and commented on it. Those are all great tips. I actually had a few different things in mind, so perhaps our hubs would compliment each other. I'm going to work on it. If and when it comes together, I will also link to your hub for more tips for readers. Thanks for pointing yours out!
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  Kaili Bissonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Super...please let me know when you have your hub finished and I will link to it :-)
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I'm assuming you have already gone for it, Victoria Lynn, but if not, go for it!!! Working from home can be perfectly entrepreneurial.
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  Victoria Lynnposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Simone, you assumed correctly. I am already working on it!! Thanks!
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DigbyAdamsposted 5 years ago
Hello everyone. I thought that this would be a good way to jump into HubPages. This is my advice about what kind of online business to start.

http://digbyadams.hubpages.com/hub/How- … p-Business
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I like your idea. You are a genius! Your approach to starting such a business is awesome.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I found this really inspiring, DigbyAdams. And daaang- that's just your second Hub? You're going to kick butt on HubPages!!!
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  DigbyAdamsposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you so much. I'm going to try to respond to your Weekly Topic Inspiration every week. It seems like a fantastic place to learn what hubbing is all about - and you've done the work of finding great titles for us!
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hi Digby Adams...great hub to start with. Looks interesting and full of info.
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klarawieckposted 5 years ago
I wrote it, but it's too long (1736 wordcount)... I didn't think I'd have so much to say! What's the recommended length?
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klarawieckposted 5 years ago
ALL RIGHT PEOPLE!!! HERE IS MY FIRST ATTEMPT! AND A LONG ONE IT IS! YOOOOOHOOOOO!!!
http://klarawieck.hubpages.com/hub/A-Gu … ic-Lessons
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I enjoyed every word. Don't worry, it's just the right length. You covered the subject well. Very nice hub.
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you, MarleneB. I guess I had a lot to say.
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I left you a comment. I wouldn't worry about a Hub's length because that's the writer's call. For Hubs, I've written anywhere from 500 to 2,000+ words, but I do like to babble at times. It goes with being retired and not seeing anyone for days. Anyway, your article was fascinating. I would never have the guts to promote my business and find clients like you did. Then teach them, too. Some people have it in them to start and keep their businesses going. The rest of us wonder how you are able to do it!
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Klara-glad to see you here jumping in!
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thanks, Denise. Let's see how far my ADD allows me to go. Lol
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Long indeed, but PACKED with super useful advice! Thanks so much for sharing all those great pointers!
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MarleneBposted 5 years ago
The one thing I wish I had learned when I first started my online store that sold eternity rings was how to do a keyword analysis. It seemed so complicated at first, so I hired a consultant to help me get the gist of it. In my hub, I want to share what my consultant taught me about keyword analysis and how important keyword analysis is to helping me develop a web store that actually made a profit. Although I paid a hefty consultant's fee, I didn't have to pay anything for these valuable tools. Of course, you have the option to spend a little money to add more in depth analysis, but the free tools work just fine. To learn more, here is the link. http://marleneb.hubpages.com/t/2fd6de
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hey, live and learn, right? Way to turn all the lessons you've learned into a super useful guide!
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Yep! It seems my life is filled with life's little lessons.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  This looks great! I'll be back to read it when I am more awake!
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timmathisenposted 5 years ago
I needed a distraction so I gave this a whirl.

http://timmathisen.hubpages.com/hub/Med … e-Business
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  You got me started with the title of your hub! Hilarious. And, to boot, for those who "get" it - some good advice to be had.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I'm so glad you needed distraction. This was a hoot!
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  what a great title!
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Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago
I have this bad habit of treating any writing assignment as my last, and since I have a very hard time coming up for air, the only thing I'm doing is my writing. As a stay-at-home writer, you will always need balance. You may get the writing done, and that's about it.

http://arlenevpoma.hubpages.com/hub/Sev … me-writers
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Arlene, you provide excellent advice. Every writer should read your tips. And, you must have been looking at my rose bushes, because they are in need of some serious attention. I need to stop writing for a moment to trim them before the buds turn to rosehips.
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Marlene, I will never be an expert at cleaning house. But letting my roses go? Oh, noooooo!!!
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Arlene, I loved your hub. Job well done!
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you, klara! After reading your article, I am tempted to get out my sheet music and play my piano. It does need tuning, though. The last person who tuned it wanted to burst into tears! It was that bad.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Ah balance! That elusive, distant glimmer of perfection! I'm glad you pulled that healthy POV into this week's theme.
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thanks, Simone! There is only so much that you can do on a daily basis. So when things get overwhelming, that's a sign that you are doing way too much. Shut it all down and ask yourself what you really want to do. I hate housework, so I work that into my breaks. Otherwise, it piles up or won't get done.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I'll be reading these a little later-I'm currently midway through my five (12 hr ) shifts. No fun this weekend!
  
  In the meantime, Señora Poma, 'Ole' and love the new avatar!
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you, Denise! Five 12-hour shifts? I would be the biggest whiner to work with. Unless I was nodding off. How do you do it???
  
  I need to get in a recipe Hub by Cinco de Mayo (tomorrow). I tried making this enchilada sauce last week, but it bombed. Too much cumin. Yeeccch. It was soooooo awful. Back to the drawing board.
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  Victoria Lynnposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Yummy, Arlene. Looking forward to your Cinco de Mayo recipe hub. My 7 layer dip has been getting lots of views. I love cumin, but maybe too much is too much! Good luck!
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Ah, yes, Victoria Lynn. I do remember that recipe of yours. Oh, YUM. It could be the only thing I make because Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow. I was thinking about you because my brother's birthday is on the 4th. And since you have a background in Spanish, I thought of CINCO AS THIS SUNDAY. DUH. So much for spending one's lifetime in California, where it would help to know Spanish. So that's one less day for me to play in the kitchen. Jeez. DUH.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Oh that is funny (no offense). I hate when my anticipation is high and the results bomb! Yes, get back on that pony, girl, and ride, sally, ride!
  
  Oh--I am a zombie right now. I've not been to sleep yet because I was coming down from the exhilarating evening I had with 20 patients and one take down. In the process of the take down I inadvertently was pepper sprayed! My best uniform is permanently stained! I
  
  This stretch is by far the longest I've done. Coffeeeeeeeee
  
  Good luck with your recipe.
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Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago
Oh, no, Denise! Not pepper spray! I used to do cell extractions, and if I couldn't talk the inmate out of holding his food tray or covering up his cell front or window, I would just pray that he would give up. I was always the "extra" on the team because it wouldn't take too much to kill me. Slam me against anything, and I would be done (I'm 5'2"). That pepper spray is nasty in the air and when it is sprayed on you.

Yes, if I were hit with pepper spray, I would be whining so much that someone would put me in a cell and walk away. I am no happy camper when around pepper spray. I used to be a child asthmatic to boot.
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wordscribe43posted 5 years ago
Alrighty, I finally did one. Here she is and she is longgggg.

The Truth About Starting and Operating a Pet Sitting Business
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  This was a wonderful hub, wordscribe43 Great job.
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Wow! I didn't know the business side of pet sitting. There really is a lot to consider. Excellent hub.
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  A lot to think about. I think it's hard enough taking care of one dog that isn't yours!
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mts1098posted 5 years ago
101 Terms To Know When Starting a Small Business
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Excellant hub, mts.
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  mts1098posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  thanks
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  klarawieckposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Bravo mts! Excellent hub!
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  mts1098posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  thank you
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  This is an excellent hub. Thank goodness for Item #96. I really need to heed that much needed piece of advice.
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  mts1098posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Your are welcome...take as much as you need
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Yeah, this is great! SO much useful information packed into one Hub!
  
  May I make one recommendation? If you move the first photo capsule to the side of the second Text Capsule, the formatting will look a bit more polished and folks will be able to dig into the meat of your Hub immediately.
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  wordscribe43posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Doesn't that contradict what Paul E just said about having a leading photo though? As per his advice, I've been moving photos for the past 24 hours... It was one of his "hints".
  
  http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/97175#post2074556
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I can see what Simone is talking about. I read the article because the title grabbed me and I wanted to read the information. So, the photos were not a hindrence. However, before Simone even mentioned it, I was thinking the same thing she said. I was thinking that (in this case) the photos would actually be an enhancement to the article if they are placed alongside the iinformation in the second capsule. Part of my logic is that, since the content makes reference to the photos, the reader doesn't have to scroll back up to see the photos. For instance, the photo of the logo was mentioned in the article, so I had to scroll up to see what the logo looked like, then scroll back down to finish reading the article. I enjoyed the article, nevertheless, because it really did contain a lot of highly useful information. The placement of the photos (in my mind) would enhance the reading experience.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Wordscribe43, leading with an image is a good thing, but burying one's content can be a hindrance. I recommend floating first images to the side, or just including one full-width first image. This keeps the content from being buried.
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DigbyAdamsposted 5 years ago
Wow, participating in the Weekly Topic Inspiration is definitely a great way to be inspired about HubPages! I think I've read all of the Hubs and it's interesting to see all the different viewpoints and perspectives. It's definitely a great learning experience about hub layouts and content.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  It's fun isn't it...not to mention a chance to meet new people.
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  Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Digby, you're a smart cookie to look into the WTI. Sometimes I think of it as constant inspiration that most Hubbers have not discovered. Like a kick in the pants to get you writing. There will be times when you'll take off on your own because something has got you thinking. I look forward to checking out the new topics each week. Lots of fun and supportive writers on WTI.
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I agree with you. I recently discovered the Weekly Topic Inspiration, myself. I enjoy it so much that I have made reading each topic a regular part of what I do on HubPages. I learn so many things I have never learned anywhere else. All the writers are excellent at the craft. But, most of all, I find the writers in this forum to be very classy people who encourage and help. They have all been an inspiration to me. This is my favorite forum. You could say I'm a WTI addict.
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  Simone Smithposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Wow, that makes me so happy!!!
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Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago
Marlene, you and your writing took off like a bullet! Glad you're here!
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  MarleneBposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you, Arlene. I am glad I'm here, too. I really enjoy the company.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  ;lol; just woke up and I'm heading back to work...two more shifts to go.
  
  So you two realize that your names rhyme? hee hee Arlene and Marlene, hee hee Oh boy, my patients are in for a real treat tonight...silly me.
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wordscribe43posted 5 years ago
Thanks so much, Denise, Marlene and Arlene! It was such a fun hub to write.
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Arlene V. Pomaposted 5 years ago
You're so welcome, wordscribe!

Denise? Denise? Where art thou???
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Ohhhh, bummer man. I was on a five day work stretch-you know, the 12 hour shifts from 7 pm to 7:30 a.m............zzzzzzz......zzz.....zz....z
  
  Yeah, I really had hoped to get one in, but it was too late. I was in survival mode with just sleep/eating/working cycle. I did make it and woke today at around 12 noon-too late to really organize any research and writing.
  
  Well, maybe this week will work out. How was Cinco de Mayo for you?
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Simone Smithposted 5 years ago
I really enjoyed everyone's Hubs this past week. I hope you'll join us with our next theme which delves into the medications we take!
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  Mmargie1966posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Great topic! I'm working on it
  Thanks, Simone!
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lorlie6posted 5 years ago
Achh, Simone-too late, I guess, but here it is:

http://lorlie6.hubpages.com/hub/Scammer … ng-Scammed

Crazy, yes?

on me!
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Lorlie6-don't despair. Thank you for sharing your experience. Truly useful information. God bless.
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  lorlie6posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Ahh, Denise-you are such a doll. Thanks so much for your kind words, and God bless you, too.
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  Denise Handlonposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  thank.
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