REDUCTION IN STAFF, REDUCTION IN FORCE, LAYOFFS, you name it – terms like these are all too common these days, even if they don’t have a direct impact on you. If you are the victim of a downsizing or any other type of job loss, why not take advantage of your situation? Improve yourself!

Here are some good food for thought to help you take action toward a better work life today:

1. Start or take control of your own business to be free from future corporate cutbacks
2. Create your own payroll that gives you better control of your wages and other income
3. Work early or late in the day, whatever works best for you
4. Take a vacation when you want, not when someone else tells you to take one.
5. Build a great future for yourself and your loved ones at your own pace

TO GET MOTIVATED AND TAKE ACTION, start with the simple scaling steps below, either for yourself or for others who need similar help. Once you understand how to improve your size, you may even be able to charge a fee for helping others based on your own experience and knowledge.

There isn’t enough space in this article to give a detailed roadmap of all the different factors in evaluating small business opportunities. I cover such details in additional articles, in my monthly International Wealth Success Newsletter, and in many of my books. I recommend that you take a look at books and articles on this topic, available in bookstores and libraries near you.

Let’s start with some of the basic considerations for running your own business. You need to start thinking about these things before you lose or leave your regular job. Doing this will get you going if (or when) a layoff occurs. If you’ve already lost your “day job,” now is the time to lay the foundation for your future success.

1. Choose one or more companies that you think you will like. Maybe you like the products involved or maybe you like the way they do business. These are the companies you’ll want to learn more about so you don’t pin your hopes on just one opportunity. People who work in businesses they like generally know more about their products and do a better job overall than a newcomer. And just as important: your customers feel they are better served.
2. Consider taking over an existing business or franchise. For you, the entrepreneur, taking over an existing business will often give you a better chance of success than starting one from scratch. Much of the day-to-day operation of an existing business will already be available to you.
3. Put the necessary hours into your business. At first, you may have to work longer days. Either way, there is no substitute for being “on the job” to serve your customers when they need you.
4. Highlight the good service, personalized attention and care of your customers. Aren’t these the kinds of features you want in business when you’re the customer?
5. Leave accounting and legal concerns to accountants and lawyers. Every business has these concerns. It does not mean that something is wrong with the business. It’s actually a healthy sign when you can shift the burden of legal and accounting concerns onto others. It gives you more time and freedom to focus on improving your business and earning more money. There is no substitute for the specialized knowledge and experience of a good accountant or lawyer when necessary.

I HAVE BEEN REDUCED. HOW CAN I INCREASE? Here are some businesses that are doing well for many people:

• Financial consulting as a financial broker, finder, business broker, adviser, etc., is popular and makes money for people who want to help others.
• Real estate ownership in income properties is a great deal. However, it takes longer to start than other businesses like consulting. Real estate is also affected
• Exporting and importing products around the world is a business that continues to grow. Even with email and text messages at hand, entrepreneurs are sending ever-increasing amounts of cargo around the world. You can become an independent export management agent, import or export.
• Mail order/website sales can be lucrative if you enjoy finding great products at the lowest possible prices (wholesale or clearance) and buying or selling them internationally for a profit. Many good books and courses are available from IWS and others that show how to get started.

USE THESE IDEAS TO START IMPROVING YOURSELF, or to help someone else improve themselves. When you gain experience, you may even charge a fee for your advice. Focus on achieving independence from the whims of big business. Start right now. You will see that your income and satisfaction begin to grow.