I receive many emails and also hear a lot of stories as to why people don’t start a daycare. It’s not that they are not interested, but they have their own reasons as to why there not getting into what I call the “best business since sliced bread”.

#1 Reason- My husband won’t let me do it. I always follow up this comment with the question; does your husband have any idea on how much money you could make? And on top of all of that have the ability to stay home with your children and have a meal on the table, laundry done at 6:00P.M.? He might reconsider your plea if you bring up these key facts to him.

#2 Reason- I don’t have any time, or I home school my children during the day. My solution to this? Hire an employee who works part time. Last year I paid my FULL-TIME employee $16,000 in wages. You already get the idea I made a whole lot more money and didn’t even work close to part-time. A lot of people don’t want to hire anyone and pay them, but it’s worth it. It gives you independance and to me it’s totally worth it.

#3 Reason- I don’t want to go to school or get a license. Do your research before you make a decision, find out what your state actually requires of you. Some states do not require a license and in the state of Wisconsin you only need 40 hours of education to start a daycare center.

#4 Reason- Will I make enough money? That’s entirely up to you. Work as much or as little or hire an employee. Being your own boss means you set your own rules. No one is telling you what to do anymore.

Knowledge on it's own

Knowledge used widely gains a leverage to obtain more resources and understand more viewpoints and accepted current norms. Knowledge with action of course, but what does this mean? Well how about when you buy mutual funds, do you buy them based on selection, type, company, personal information, fund information or did someone tell you which one to buy. So where did you find out this knowledge, was it a respected source? Is there, or what level of risk is involved. Yes, knowledge comes with risk, may be good or bad but depends on methods and how you use that knowledge. Just like anything else in life it comes down to specific selection and timing.

Who Needs Knowledge?

So, you have heard that knowledge is power. But have you heard that knowledge when planned and acted on properly can produce wealth quicker. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs know this, they are continually learning from others. Why you say? Why would they bother? Well, because change is inevitable. In today's day and age, change and information are two things that are always in motion, always propelling society further.

Managing Knowledge/Setting Goals

It is amazing how much knowledge is available, especially with the internet. But how do you sift through all that knowledge to find what is relevant? So how can you acquire more knowledge in less time? There are many ways. Set aside a small amount of time per day or week to read. Set a goal of what you want to read, and what you want to learn that is new. Still there is alot to read.

Other Sources

Try to look for other sources of success in the area you are interested but research further. Knowing is a small portion of the battle, but acting appropriately is a major part. What are you go to do with that information and how is it going to further progress you to your goal.

A good source of knowledge for entrepreneurs interested in learning from the success of others in business is www.evancarmichael.com This site has a wide variety of articles and entrepreneurs with stories, example and best practices. It is a good read. Good luck and all the best in your venture, whether you are just starting or almost complete and just missing a little more knowledge.

Mr. Des Marais has operated small businesses for over 20 years. He has been a consultant and held positions in some of the fastest growing companies in Canada. http://www.businessgrowth.ca/daryldesmaraisgrowthstrategyconsultant.html

He has increased sales by 200% in 2 months for an herbal doctor; increased sales by 30% in 4 months for a major Canadian Big Box Retailer; 200% sales increase 3 times in a row for a service-based small business and helped several entrepreneurs develop and sell their business.

His expertise is in the area of growth and business development. He has also been involved in developing business chapters in cities across Western Canada. In terms of Business Development and mentoring Mr. Des Marais has volunteered with S.E.E.D.S mentorship review committee, ACE, YEA and university alumni and speaking events.

Knowledge on it's own

Knowledge used widely gains a leverage to obtain more resources and understand more viewpoints and accepted current norms. Knowledge with action of course, but what does this mean? Well how about when you buy mutual funds, do you buy them based on selection, type, company, personal information, fund information or did someone tell you which one to buy. So where did you find out this knowledge, was it a respected source? Is there, or what level of risk is involved. Yes, knowledge comes with risk, may be good or bad but depends on methods and how you use that knowledge. Just like anything else in life it comes down to specific selection and timing.

Who Needs Knowledge?

So, you have heard that knowledge is power. But have you heard that knowledge when planned and acted on properly can produce wealth quicker. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs know this, they are continually learning from others. Why you say? Why would they bother? Well, because change is inevitable. In today's day and age, change and information are two things that are always in motion, always propelling society further.

Managing Knowledge/Setting Goals

It is amazing how much knowledge is available, especially with the internet. But how do you sift through all that knowledge to find what is relevant? So how can you acquire more knowledge in less time? There are many ways. Set aside a small amount of time per day or week to read. Set a goal of what you want to read, and what you want to learn that is new. Still there is alot to read.

Other Sources

Try to look for other sources of success in the area you are interested but research further. Knowing is a small portion of the battle, but acting appropriately is a major part. What are you go to do with that information and how is it going to further progress you to your goal.

A good source of knowledge for entrepreneurs interested in learning from the success of others in business is www.evancarmichael.com This site has a wide variety of articles and entrepreneurs with stories, example and best practices. It is a good read. Good luck and all the best in your venture, whether you are just starting or almost complete and just missing a little more knowledge.

Mr. Des Marais has operated small businesses for over 20 years. He has been a consultant and held positions in some of the fastest growing companies in Canada. http://www.businessgrowth.ca/daryldesmaraisgrowthstrategyconsultant.html

He has increased sales by 200% in 2 months for an herbal doctor; increased sales by 30% in 4 months for a major Canadian Big Box Retailer; 200% sales increase 3 times in a row for a service-based small business and helped several entrepreneurs develop and sell their business.

His expertise is in the area of growth and business development. He has also been involved in developing business chapters in cities across Western Canada. In terms of Business Development and mentoring Mr. Des Marais has volunteered with S.E.E.D.S mentorship review committee, ACE, YEA and university alumni and speaking events.

It's been said that the hardest task in sports is hitting a fast ball. Clearly, the folks who say this have never tried hitting a golf ball.

Anyway, here’s my nomination for the most difficult task in small business: Growing to the next level when you have fewer than 5 employees.

Consider ... if you have twenty employees and add one, that's only a 5% increase in headcount and payroll expense. If you have ten and add one, that's a 10% increase. But, if you only have four employees, adding one is a whopping 25% increase. What if you're the one and only person in your new company? Bringing your first employee on board is a 100% increase in headcount and payroll expense.

Most start-up and very small companies are long on things to do and short on people. The owner is frequently overwhelmed, is involved in all aspects of the business, and is in constant "fire fighting" mode. Help is desperately needed, but there isn't time to figure out how to best use another person, and there usually isn't enough money for the additional payroll. (Heck, the owner is usually underpaid at this stage of a company's growth.)

Sound like your situation?

As you make your business plans for yet another year, resolve to avoid disappointment and finally get on track. Growing beyond this awkward "adolescent" stage is tough. It's sort of like a NASA rocket building up the speed to overcome the Earth's gravity. Once in space, it's smooth sailing. But, an incredible amount of energy is needed to get to that point. And so it is with growing your small company.

Here are some ideas for getting up to "escape velocity":

First, Work Your Tail Off

What? This advice from the author of a book on having a life outside your company? Yep. I wish I had better news.

When your business is in its infancy, there's no shortcut and no substitute for good, old-fashioned effort. If you want to someday enjoy the fruits of your labor, there first must be some labor. Make sure that you make the most of every available minute.

The trap some folks fall into is letting this approach become a long-term way of life. Work hard but have a plan for eventually pulling back, so that soon you're working on the business rather than in the business.

Promote Your Business Like Crazy

Getting your business up to "critical mass" takes a major sales and marketing effort. Here are some things to keep in mind:

* Everybody sells. One of the main responsibilities for you and for every single employee is to attract and retain customers.
* Perform at least one significant sales or marketing task every single day. There are roughly 250 business days (allowing for holidays) per year. If you follow this advice, growth will happen. Do more than one a day and things will happen even faster. Discipline yourself and set aside the time.

Systemize

Create "comic book simple" procedures for as many business processes as you can. Follow them yourself, and lay the groundwork for future employees to use them also.

While you're at it, create simple job descriptions for each major role, even if you're filling all of them.

These two tasks will make hiring decisions and new employee training immensely easier and more efficient.

Use Free and Low-Cost Help

Consider hiring high school "co-op" students or college interns. Pay an entry-level wage. Develop a relationship with the faculty and advisors at your nearby schools, and have them watch for good prospects for you. Chances are, these will be short-term employees, but you never know. You might hire some long-term staff members right out of school.

What about family? Does your spouse have skills and time to spare? How about your kids or your cousin Elmer? Look close to home before going out on the street for help.

Use Part-Time Help

Stay-at-home Moms and retirees are frequently looking for part-time work with flexible hours. So, be flexible.

You need a full-time employee? Why not hire two part-timers to share one job? (Hint: Part-timers usually get limited or no fringe benefits.)

Farm Out Assembly Work

If some of your work involves light manufacturing or assembly, can you send it out to a sheltered workshop? The cost is generally very reasonable, and you'll feel good about doing it.

Borrow Money for Hiring

Sometimes, the only way to afford growth is to fund it with short-term loans. Arrange for a line of credit with your bank. Don’t think in terms of paying this sort of loan off over a long timeframe. The balance should go up and down weekly as you “sweep” money between this account and your checking account.

Yes, this is a risk. Even if your company doesn’t grow you still have to repay this money. So, approach it with a healthy mix of caution and confidence, and execute a well-thought-out plan.

It's been said that the hardest task in sports is hitting a fast ball. Clearly, the folks who say this have never tried hitting a golf ball.

Anyway, here’s my nomination for the most difficult task in small business: Growing to the next level when you have fewer than 5 employees.

Consider ... if you have twenty employees and add one, that's only a 5% increase in headcount and payroll expense. If you have ten and add one, that's a 10% increase. But, if you only have four employees, adding one is a whopping 25% increase. What if you're the one and only person in your new company? Bringing your first employee on board is a 100% increase in headcount and payroll expense.

Most start-up and very small companies are long on things to do and short on people. The owner is frequently overwhelmed, is involved in all aspects of the business, and is in constant "fire fighting" mode. Help is desperately needed, but there isn't time to figure out how to best use another person, and there usually isn't enough money for the additional payroll. (Heck, the owner is usually underpaid at this stage of a company's growth.)

Sound like your situation?

As you make your business plans for yet another year, resolve to avoid disappointment and finally get on track. Growing beyond this awkward "adolescent" stage is tough. It's sort of like a NASA rocket building up the speed to overcome the Earth's gravity. Once in space, it's smooth sailing. But, an incredible amount of energy is needed to get to that point. And so it is with growing your small company.

Here are some ideas for getting up to "escape velocity":

First, Work Your Tail Off

What? This advice from the author of a book on having a life outside your company? Yep. I wish I had better news.

When your business is in its infancy, there's no shortcut and no substitute for good, old-fashioned effort. If you want to someday enjoy the fruits of your labor, there first must be some labor. Make sure that you make the most of every available minute.

The trap some folks fall into is letting this approach become a long-term way of life. Work hard but have a plan for eventually pulling back, so that soon you're working on the business rather than in the business.

Promote Your Business Like Crazy

Getting your business up to "critical mass" takes a major sales and marketing effort. Here are some things to keep in mind:

* Everybody sells. One of the main responsibilities for you and for every single employee is to attract and retain customers.
* Perform at least one significant sales or marketing task every single day. There are roughly 250 business days (allowing for holidays) per year. If you follow this advice, growth will happen. Do more than one a day and things will happen even faster. Discipline yourself and set aside the time.

Systemize

Create "comic book simple" procedures for as many business processes as you can. Follow them yourself, and lay the groundwork for future employees to use them also.

While you're at it, create simple job descriptions for each major role, even if you're filling all of them.

These two tasks will make hiring decisions and new employee training immensely easier and more efficient.

Use Free and Low-Cost Help

Consider hiring high school "co-op" students or college interns. Pay an entry-level wage. Develop a relationship with the faculty and advisors at your nearby schools, and have them watch for good prospects for you. Chances are, these will be short-term employees, but you never know. You might hire some long-term staff members right out of school.

What about family? Does your spouse have skills and time to spare? How about your kids or your cousin Elmer? Look close to home before going out on the street for help.

Use Part-Time Help

Stay-at-home Moms and retirees are frequently looking for part-time work with flexible hours. So, be flexible.

You need a full-time employee? Why not hire two part-timers to share one job? (Hint: Part-timers usually get limited or no fringe benefits.)

Farm Out Assembly Work

If some of your work involves light manufacturing or assembly, can you send it out to a sheltered workshop? The cost is generally very reasonable, and you'll feel good about doing it.

Borrow Money for Hiring

Sometimes, the only way to afford growth is to fund it with short-term loans. Arrange for a line of credit with your bank. Don’t think in terms of paying this sort of loan off over a long timeframe. The balance should go up and down weekly as you “sweep” money between this account and your checking account.

Yes, this is a risk. Even if your company doesn’t grow you still have to repay this money. So, approach it with a healthy mix of caution and confidence, and execute a well-thought-out plan.

The best and most economic way to establish your route is to do it yourself. If you're like most people, they want to start a vending business because they work too many hours already and want to leverage their time. Having said this, they don't want to spend additional time finding locations on their own and choose to hire an outside source. A qualified Professional Location Company is just one method you may choose to have your locations secured in an efficient manor.

There are several different methods that can be used. Depending on the type of vending business you're growing, you may use any of the following methods:

One important factor when establishing your vending business is the vending machine you are presenting to the location. For example: If you decided to start a bulk candy vending business, you would want to make sure that you purchase a bulk vending machine that impresses your potential client. A bulk candy and gumball vending machine offering 8 selections while only being 10 inches wide would be great. If you were to call on the busiest locations in town that already have machines, you'll find getting in the door of locations to be very effective with this vending machine. Remember, the most important opinion is the one of your customer.

When using a Professional Location Company, make sure you find a company that isn't promising you some too good to be true story. If they claim they guarantee some great revenue in each location or they'll replace it for free, ask them first how many times and for how long they'll replace that one location for free. Also, if they say they'll do it for free, they're either charging too high a price to begin with or they're not going to come back out and do it for free. Understand that the actual locator that does the job retains half of the locating fees. He or she is independent and locating companies contract the work out to the locator. They will not come out for free. The more reasonable guarantees are the ones that say they'll replace the location for half price. Look for lifetime warranties. They can do this because 100% of the funds go to the actual locator so he or she is working for the same amount as they were when the secured the original locations.

The best way to secure great locations:

Buy a very impressive machine (Think like your customer. Your opinion doesn't matter as much has his/her opinion about the machine). Call on the best locations yourself (In person). Bring the machine with you (Let the machine do all the selling. Just ask for their opinion)

Copyright © John Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Naturally, with it being the end of the year, I have been spending some time reflecting on the previous year in order to get idea of where I want the business to go in 2007. As I thought about 2006 a couple of significant standouts came to mind.

The first example that came to mind was MySpace. In 2006 it hit its peak (at least in popularity) by becoming one of the most visited websites on the Internet. I’d say that a site created by one guy which now has traffic levels comparable to MSN and Yahoo is doing something right. And apparently News Corp. thought the same because it purchased MySpace for a few billion dollars.

Or what about the huge the explosive growth and eventual acquisition of YouTube. It went from a pretty cool website to a $1.6 Billion part of the Google machine.

Wouldn’t you like your business to have the same kind of results in 2007 that these businesses experienced in 2006? I know I would. That got me thinking and the one thing that I realized about all these success stories of the past year is that they all seemed to grow exponentially.

So I asked myself, “What caused these businesses to grow so fast?” and without a huge multi-million dollar advertising budget behind them. They did it with a business model and methodolgy that allows its users to help add to and grow the content and community of their business.

The popular name that most have adopted for this model and methodology is “Web 2.0″. And for the purposes of this article, I’m going to stick with that name.

What is Web 2.0? Here are the basic characteristics of a Web 2.0 application or website:

* “Network as platform” — delivering (and allowing users to use) applications entirely through a browser.
* Users owning the data on the site and exercising control over that data.
* An architecture of participation and democracy that encourages users to add value to the application as they use it.
* A rich, interactive, user-friendly interface based on Ajax or similar frameworks.
* Some social-networking aspects.

All of these characteristics are there to allow users to easily contribute to the overall community.

Web 2.0 is not the first example of this type of system thriving in its environment. Take the growth of cell phone networks. They have the same root principals in that they depend on the network to grow(user base) in order for the value of the overall network to increase. To this day, you still see Verizon Wireless commercials advertising that they have the “best” network because they have the largest network. They show it by having a huge mass of people standing there as your “network”.

This is called Metcalfe’s Law, it states:

“The value of a telecommunications network is proportional to the square of the number of users of the system. First formulated by Robert Metcalfe in regard to Ethernet, Metcalfe’s law explains many of the network effects of communication technologies and networks such as the Internet and World Wide Web.”