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When is the Right Time to Become a Solopreneur?

Do you have a dream of starting your own company and being your own boss? While many people may have this dream, only a select number of people can make this dream a successful reality. To be a successful solopreneur, and creating your own business, you need to make sure you are organized have a plan before you quit your day job.

Do These 4 Things Before You Become a Solopreneur

While you continue to perform well at your day job, there’s a handful things of things you can do during your evenings and weekends to get yourself ready to become a solopreneur – and a successful one at that.

Do Your Research

It’s important that you do thorough research before you go ahead and start your company. You should know your industry inside and out. Learn about competitors, opportunities, regulations, licenses, etc. The last thing you want to encounter as a solopreneur is a roadblock that could have been avoided had you done your research.

Be an Entrepreneurial Student

As a working professional, you have a set of skills that allows you to perform your work well on a daily basis. As a hopeful solopreneur, you now must develop skills relevant to running your own business. It’s true that hopefully you can delegate some responsibilities like bookkeeping or accounting to an employee down the road, but as you get started, you may not be able to afford to hire anyone right away. As a solopreneur, you need to develop the skills required for running a business. Similar to the step above, as a solopreneur, you will always be learning something. It’s how you will become successful.

Claim Your Digital Space

Before you create your business name, and register it, first make sure that you choose a name that is available on the web. You can easily check out existing URLs or social media handles and this is an important step to setting up your business and attracting future customers.

Build a Brand

While still at your day job, take the time to build your brand. Design a logo, create marketing materials, build your website. Marketing and branding is always a work in progress, but it’s incredibly helpful to have SEO and brand recognition established before you officially launch your business and your life as a solopreneur.

Hard Work Pays Off

Before you start your new career as a solopreneur, you’ll be putting in a lot of work on the side, but that is a smart decision. Keep performing well at your day job; you never want a negative exit and it’s paying your bills. Then once you feel you’ve tackled the four steps above, you’ve created a solid foundation on which you can launch your business.

A Strategic Solopreneur Opportunity

If you are looking for your solopreneur business opportunity, contact Naturals2Go.

The Best Process for Getting Your Business Off the Ground

If you’ve always dreamed about starting your own business, chances are, you have your business idea thought out. But do you know what steps you need to take to get your business off the ground successfully?

There’s a huge difference between having the passion and idea for a business, and being able to strategically and successfully start a company. Following a process to start your business will drastically improve your chances of a successful business launch.

The Best Process for Starting Your Business

Often, the largest reason a business may fail is because the idea wasn’t executed well. To avoid this mistake, follow this process.

Write a Business Plan

You need a business plan! Many first-time business owners try to be successful without one, but that is a huge mistake. Your business plan keeps you focused and thinking about the big, strategic plans. It will set your priorities, develop goals, and is ultimately your map to success.

Manage Your Money Wisely

Yes, it costs money to start your business, but you must make wise choices when it comes to what you should spend your money on while you’re launching your business. Spend your money on research, development, market testing, customer acquisition, and maybe one or two stellar employees. Do not spend your money on high sticker items like flashy office space or expensive marketing. You don’t want to look back with purchase remorse if your company isn’t seeing high returns early on.

Consider Grassroots Marketing

Before you are even open for business, you will have started your marketing and branding efforts, mostly with social media platforms and your website. These are very important, but you don’t have to stop there. A great way to obtain funding and grow your awareness is through crowdfunding campaigns. Even if you don’t need the funding, it is very helpful in growing awareness for your business.

Ask Family & Friends for Guidance

While it’s important to get feedback from your consumer market, don’t forget to gather opinions from those closest to you. They may or may not be in your target audience, but they want you to succeed and may offer you some invaluable feedback or advice.

Keep a Professional Image

It’s so important to always portray a professional image, from your physical appearance in meetings to social media posts. Sure, there may be hard days that bring you down, but you need to maintain your professional image regardless.

Start Your Healthy Business Quickly

For a great business opportunity, contact Naturals2Go. You could be running a successful business quickly!

Tips on Landing Great Vending Machine Locations

As you embark on your vending machine business, one of the first things to consider is the location of your vending machines. This one decision makes a huge impact on how successful your business will be. Along the way, every other vending machine you add to your business will rely just as much on a great location.

So, how do you choose the best locations? Here is a list of factors that make a location great:

  • High foot traffic (office building lobby, car dealer)
  • Commercial building with at least 50 employees (hospitals, schools)
  • Locations with sparse food and beverage options (gyms, motels)
  • Places that require people to wait (repair shops, salons, laundromats)

Now that you know the basic guidelines for determining a great location for your vending machine, here are tips to land that prized location.

Approach New & Existing Businesses in Your Area

After you determine the geographical area to consider, approach businesses in that area that fit one of the guidelines above. A new business may not have a vending machine yet, and being the first one to ask is always a good thing! Existing businesses still might not have a vending machine, or they may want a fresh approach to what they offer to their costumers.

The business should also be an environment that attracts people who would purchase what you’re selling. For instance, a new yoga studio would have consumer who want healthy snacks or beverages, not sugary treats.

To help you find local businesses, you can contact your local chamber of commerce, join small business networking groups, and stay current on your local business journals.

You Found a Great Location. Now What?

Once you’ve found a great location for your vending machine, you’ll need to do research and have important discussions with decision-makers. Here’s what to do.

  • Sell It

When you approach a business, be ready to sell yourself and your business. Wearing a uniform, having a logo on your letterhead, and leaving a business card are all factors that matter when you attempt to secure a location for your vending machine. Creating a sales presentation with handouts is also very professional.

  • Know Your Numbers

Before you sign any deal or agreement, be sure that the profit potential is there! A location might be a great idea, but the numbers are what will make it successful.

  • Stay Organized

Throughout your quest for the best location for your vending machine, stay organized. Use a spreadsheet and take notes. The last thing you want is to be frazzled and disorganized when trying to land a great location and be successful.

  • Become a Naturals2Go Owner-Operator

Our locating team will help you find the best locations for your machines. Learn more:

 


 

Get Started on Your Successful Vending Machine Business

For help getting started and growing a successful vending machine business, contact Naturals2Go.

Guide to Vending Success

Starting a vending machine business is a great option for many entrepreneurs. Whether it is the sole focus of your business, or secondary stream of income, this guide to owning a successful vending business will be helpful.

Your Guide to Vending Success

If you’re looking to get into the vending machine business, good for you! This business is a great fit for many entrepreneurs and help you achieve your career and professional goals. Follow this guide to make sure you’re taking key factors into consideration.

Choose the type of vending machine you want to own.

There are several different types of vending machines. Everything from salads to coffee specialty drinks and healthy snacks can fill these convenient machines for busy customers. Your first task is to decide which type of vending machine appeals to you and your professional goals. So, first decide: What product do you want to sell?

Find a prime location.

Once you determine which type of vending machine fits your vision, you can go on to find a prime location. You need areas with heavy foot traffic and those feet need to belong to the types of consumers who want your product. For instance, a fitness facility would be a better place for healthy snacks or beverages, instead of popcorn or candy. If the location you desire is not one that you already own, you will need to discuss profit margins and other details with the owner.

Obtain all necessary licenses.

Choosing your product and location will then determine all the licenses you will need to legally operate your vending business. Your local licensing office can help you navigate these very important details.

Keep your vending machine serviced.

Nothing is worse than a broken vending machine. Stay proactive with vending machine maintenance to ensure you are always able to make money and make your customers happy.

Partner with a vending machine company.

Another great way to be successful in the vending business is to partner with a vending machine company. They are experts in this business and will be able to help in all aspects of starting and running a successful vending business.

Learn More About Successful Vending & Get Your Business Going!

If you want to learn more about how to be a successful vending machine entrepreneur, contact Naturals2Go.

Do You Know All the Tax Benefits of Owning Your Own Small Business? Get Started Today!

There are quite a few perks to owning your own business – like being your boss and flexible work hours. But did you know that there are some benefits when it comes to taxes too? If owning your own business is a new venture for you, taxes can be intimidating, but cheer up as you do your taxes (or hire a pro to do those) as you recall these tax benefits.

5 Tax Benefits of Owning Your Own Small Business

Home Office Upgrades

When you’re running your own small business, you may be working at your own house before having a separate office. Not only is making a dedicated office space better for your focus, but you can deduct the costs of renovation, paint, or office supplies in your taxes. When you claim home office space on your small business taxes, you are also able to deduct fractions of utility bills and mortgage interest on your tax return.

Insurance

Depending on your business, you’ll need a variety of insurance policies. The good news is that no matter what insurance you have, it is tax deductible. Anything from liability insurance to workers’ compensation is deductible. For small business owners, family and individual health insurance plans are also tax deductible. Another item to list on your tax return that many people forget is a security system, computer or home security system, if it can be used to protect business assets or important business documents.

Transportation

Keep track of the mileage you put on your vehicle to run your business. Any time you are using your car for the business, log the miles. You’re able to list this a business deduction on your small business tax return.

Travel

If you have to do any traveling out of town for your business, these costs are also tax deductible. From airfare to car rentals and hotel costs, you should keep track of all of these expenses so you can list them on your tax return.

Education & Training

Running your own small business may mean that you need to take continuing education classes, courses, or tests. All of these costs and testing fees are tax deductible. This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill or expand your certifications to better your business.

Get Your Own Business Off the Ground & Earning Money

All of these small business tax deductions add up! Be sure to stay organized and keep track of all receipts and logs so you are less stressed when it’s time to file your small business taxes. If you’re looking to add to your business portfolio or finally start your own small business, contact Naturals2Go for a great opportunity.

5 Key Advantages to Owning a Vending Machine Business

If you’ve always had a dream of being a successful small business owner, you should consider owning a vending machine business. While vending machines may not cross your mind until you see or use one, there is a steady industry that you can be a part of! Learn why owning a vending machine business is a great career option.

5 Reasons You Should Own a Vending Machine Business

Being a successful small business owner is not easy. But here are 5 key advantages to owning a vending machine business.

Easy to Start

There is no required special training before starting your vending machine business. Other than a business license, insurance protections, and routine inspections, you are able to start your business and make money quickly. Find a great, high traffic location and success is on the way!

24/7 Sales

A vending machine business is not limited by any hours in the day. Your vending machine can, depending on location, earn you money 24 hours per day. If you decide on a location that has its own hours of operation, that’s fine too. Regardless, you can determine which location and hours will serve your customers and your bottom line the best.

Lots of Products to Sell

With a vending machine, you also decide the products you sell. Choose popular items that draw several customers, and keep it stocked. Simple tracking will let you know which products are working for you and which ones you may need to reconsider or switch out for a better option. With today’s vending machines, you are finding an even wider variety of products – especially healthier snack food options.

Be Your Own Boss

Obviously, one of the best advantages to owning a vending machine business is the opportunity to be your own boss. You can determine how many hours each day to devote to your business and when you might want to expand with another vending location. You will have lots of responsibilities for sure, but it’s also very rewarding.

Easy to Run

A vending machine business is easy to maintain. With proper tracking to make sure your machines are stocked and serving profitable items, you have an easy and profitable business. Keep your licenses and insurance up to date and your machines inspected for quality and that is basically it! With no customer interactions involved, it makes this business an appealing entrepreneurial venture.

Get Started on Your Own Vending Machine Business

If everything you read here makes you want to start your own vending machine business or learn more about the opportunity, contact Naturals2Go.

Important Facts on Why You Need to Start a Side Business

Do you have big dreams? Whether you have dreams about having a successful career or a fabulous life, or even both, you need more than just wishful thinking to make those dreams a reality. Hard work and a side business might be how you make it happen.

Start a Side Business

‘Side hustle’ is a common idea in today’s world. Instead of hustling, you should take it a step further and start a side business. Something purposeful. Don’t just throw away your precious time with a ‘hustle’ or side work. Find a promising business that you can get great returns on a small time and monetary investment.

Reasons You Need a Side Business

Here are a few important reasons why you should start a side business to help you reach your career and lifestyle goals.

Wages are Stagnant & Cost of Living is Increasing

Unfortunately, you can’t rely on the economy to automatically help you earn more money. In most places in the U.S. wages aren’t increasing. If your company decides to give you a raise, that’s great, but you can’t expect the government to mandate a wage increase. While pay is stagnant, the cost of living is increasing. Basically, each year, you are losing money if you continue to work the same job without a company-given raise and live the same lifestyle.

Backup your Income

It’s always a good idea to have backup. Think of your kidneys – if one fails, thank goodness you have another one to keep your body functioning. Income should be the same. If the unfortunate happens and you lose your job, a side business can be what keeps you afloat until you are able to replace your main source of income.

Learn Valuable Lessons

Another great reason to start a side business is the challenges you will face (and overcome) and the lessons you will learn. Real life experience is a great teacher and running a side business will give you a lot of it! While you earn extra money and reach your goals, you are also gaining skills and experience that you can use to go after a better job opportunity or a promotion, or even run your own business full-time!

Start Your Side Business Today

Learn about a great side business opportunity that can help you achieve your career and lifestyle goals by contacting Naturals2Go.

Starting a New Business Venture? Here Are Great Tips to Keep in Mind as You Begin

Starting a new business venture is an exciting time. Some entrepreneurs start several businesses over the course of their lifetime, while others start one and are a part of every detail, every day. Regardless of which type of business venture you want to start, it’s important to limit chaos and confusion to be as successful as possible.

Follow These Tips for a Successful New Business Venture

A new business venture is always a risk, and it comes with many challenges especially if it’s in an unfamiliar industry, but by following these tips, you can be successful in any industry.

Partner with People

When you’re starting a new business venture, it’s important to remember that you can’t do everything. Everyone has their own strengths, so you should understand yours and partner with other people who have qualities that will help your business become as successful as possible.

Delegate & Digitize

Along the same lines, delegate responsibilities appropriately to your partners and workers. Not only does that help your workers feel valued and motivated, but it gives you time to think strategically and work smarter.

Do your research and utilize digital resources as much as possible. There are many new digital processes that can assist or automate business practices. Taking advantage of these technological advances will save you even more time so you can focus on what’s important.

Be Agile

It’s not uncommon that after launching a new business venture, you may learn what works best through mistakes – both big and small. When you hit any roadblocks, don’t give up. Instead, be aware from the start that you may need to adjust some of your plans along the way.

Do Things Differently

As you start a new business venture, be sure your product or company is unique. This will help your company stand out and be more competitive, which will lead to a more successful business venture.

Create Business Structures

When you plan and strategize your new business venture, create structures that support your business. From an organizational chart of employees to procedures for daily responsibilities, to employee benefits or compensation plans. All of these structures will help your business run smoothly and helps reduce unwanted surprises.

Join a Successful Franchise

A great new business venture for anyone, especially someone new to business management, is to join a successful franchise opportunity. With so much already done for you, like branding and organizational infrastructure, it’s a great way to start your entrepreneurial journey. Plus, once you get your feet wet in this realm, you can always open another franchise location to increase your earnings.

Start a New Business Today

If you want to learn more about a new business venture that is healthy in both product and bottom line, contact Naturals2Go.

Top Snacks You Should Be Eating

When you have a busy schedule and don’t want to miss out on work or play, healthy snacks to fuel your body are essential. Unfortunately, the busier you are, the harder it seems to find healthy snacks that conveniently fit into your lifestyle.

Thankfully, many food companies are making healthier options so you can make better choices without sacrificing too much of your time or money.

10 Top Snacks You Should Be Eating to Stay Healthy

Satisfy Your Salty Craving

Almonds

A handful or two of almonds provide a lot of healthy benefits. They provide protein and healthy fats, which help fuel the body with energy and satisfy food cravings. The crunch of almonds is extra satisfying. Plus, almonds are easy to eat on the go.

Hummus with Veggies or Pretzels

Hummus packs protein and fiber into your snack. Veggies or pretzels are a great companions. Add in more vitamins and fiber with carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumbers. Pretzels are a better partner to hummus than chips and still provide the salty crunch that you may be craving.

Popcorn

Lightly salted, unbuttered popcorn is actually a fantastic snack. It’s filling and satisfying without filling you up on wasted calories. A lot of food companies are coming out with flavored varieties while still keeping it a healthy snack alternative.

Sargento Balanced Break Snacks

This trifecta snack pack includes healthy fats, calcium, protein, and antioxidants. All these elements contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. It’s a great snack option too for those looking for a little bit of crunch, a little savory snack, and a little sweet treat. Rolled into one convenient pack, it’s a perfect energy boost.

Pistachios

This little nut packs healthy fat, fiber, and protein all great components for a healthy snack! Plus, having to remove the shell slows down how fast you can eat it, which helps you feel more satisfied with a smaller helping.

 

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Yogurt with Berries

Yogurt, especially the Greek variety, is a great snack when you’re looking for something a little sweet. Packed with protein and calcium, you’re giving your body proper fuel without any sugar rush or crash. Add your favorite berries for an extra punch of vitamins and antioxidants.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is still sweet enough to satisfy the chocolate craving, but the darker it is, the less sugar it has. Even dark chocolate fans don’t tend to scarf down a whole bar of dark chocolate at once, so a little bit goes a long way!

Fruit

Fruit is a great snack. Pick your favorite fruit that’s in season or find a healthy fruit cup. Both options are convenient and give your body essential vitamins and nutrients.

Peanut Butter with Fruit or Veggies

Adding peanut butter or nut butter to bananas, or apples, or celery is a great way to pack protein, fiber, and healthy fats into a delicious and sweet snack.

Chocolate Milk

A childhood favorite has its place in a healthy and balanced diet! A serving of chocolate milk, like Horizon, is sweet and satisfying while still giving your body essential nutrients like calcium and is a balanced snack with both carbs and protein.

Top Snacks Can Be Convenient

Healthy snacks exist and they can be convenient, too. Naturals2Go is improving the accessibility of healthy food and thankfully, their locations are growing! To find a location near you, or to learn how you can get one at your office,  contact Naturals2Go.