Use What You Have, To Get What You Want!

Do you feel as if you are stuck on repeat? Are your days a never ending cycle of work, eat, sleep, and then work again? In this article I will outline how to "use what you have, to get what you want."

We are different in so many ways, however most of us share several common goals. We'd like to make money, secure a future for us and our children, and retire comfortably. But don't you ever wonder if the amount of effort and labor that we put in is really worth the return at the end?

I want you to imagine that you never visited Earth, so you know absolutely nothing about its inhabitants. One day you decide to take the trip. Your goal is to learn as much about civilization on the planet. As you arrive, you notice that most of the people who are retired from their careers are of course much older. Upon further investigation you find out that the average person works 46 years of their life before "comfortably" being able to retire. You do not have to be from Mars to understand that humans are consumed by work and the pursuit of success.

Sadly, most of us have a propensity to push our bodies to the limit. We ignore that voice of common sense that says, "Hey, slow down, take it easy. Your body must rest." We are so focused on the finish line (retirement) that we become a rabbit chasing a carrot--clueless to the strain our body and minds endure.

Great news! There is hope. Luckily, we were all given at least one thing that we excel in. As a teacher we learn that every child, no matter the "challenge" something to offer. I start every school year by having my students write their number one superpower because they all have one. I define their superpower as that one thing that they are great at.

As parents we view our own children in that light as well. We are never willing to give up on any child because we know that they do have good in them. They do have the ability to become anything they would like to be. We should have this frame of mind when we think of ourselves.

As a person who has worked countless jobs, I feel that I have enough experience to say, it simply isn't worth it. I remember working three jobs at one point and going to college so that I can work less and make more money. In the end I realized that I was working twice as hard to now pay back the dreaded student loans, in addition to supporting my independent adult life.

One day as I was working at a post office in Miami I decided to help celebrate a coworker's birthday by baking a cake. Soon my coworkers were talking about how great the cake tasted. It was then that I got the idea of using "what I have, to get what I want." Immediately I set out on a quest for knowledge. The goal was to determine how I can use the knowledge and skills that I had, to create something that was all mines. It was not too long after that I had started my first Limited Liability Company (LLC) of which I called, "Zen Sweets by Mandy."

As much as I had worked years prior, I still hadn't managed to save enough to rent a business space. Still, I was so focused on the bottom line, that I made it work. First, I picked up a job in rideshare where I could set my own ours. I used my vehicle as a way to market what I had to offer. In the back of both seats in my car, I placed business cards. Additionally, I started creating samples of baked goods of which I offered to my passengers. Soon, business started coming in.

Eleven years and 2 businesses later I finally feel less overwhelmed. Sure I still work as a teacher. The difference now, is that I am able to build my own brand and save enough money to live comfortably a lot sooner than age 62. Sure I am still technically working more "jobs." but the businesses do not feel so much as work because I am doing things that I love. Now, I get to work for my favorite boss, "me!" My boss puts her health first and strategically set her own hours to avoid burn out.

I tell you all this to let you know that you do not have to continue working yourself into the ground. Yes, it's good to be a "handworker," but true happiness will never become real unless you create a space where you are doing what you excel in and what you love.

The first step is to define your superpower. What is one thing that you can do that can benefit others, but at the same time bring you joy? Not sure, ask a friend or relative, "What area(s) do you think I do best in?"

After selecting your superpower you must now put in the work. Visit websites of people who have businesses that align with your special skill. Research a minimum of 5 companies so that you can get a clear picture of average rates that they charge. Write it down!

Now, determine what the cost to business will be. For example, if you are an artist at heart and decide to do freelance painting, go to local stores with a notebook and pencil. First you should determine if buying materials for your trade are more affordable locally, or at an outside supplier. Here is a tip, "Stick with it!" Believe it or not, this is the most strenuous part of creating your own business. Trust me however, it is worth it in the end. You do not want to be that business owner who does not research costs and subsequently charges less than they should. A failure to do your research can result in zero profit, or simply "evening out"--where you only get back what you spent.

After you have gotten the finances worked out, start building your brand. Create a mission statement.--One sentence that let's potential clients know exactly what you believe in and why your brand is the one that they should choose. Not sure how to begin writing your mission statement? No problem! Experts like Sean Peek, Senior Analyst & Business Ownership Expert, provide countless ideas. Peek outlines steps to guide you into creating a mission statement that makes your business shine in his article, The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement.

Create a business name. Later in this article, I will explain how to check if someone has already snagged that business name. As you think of a name for your business, consider a title that will both let your future customers know your specific service offering. Titles that are vague may be overlooked by customers who are searching for a specific service. For example, if "Jake" wants to start his own mechanic shop, he may want to stray away from business names like "Great Service by Jake." Instead, he may created a title of, Jake's Car Repair. For business name ideas, you may visit websites like Shopify that have a free business name generator. You simply click on the type of business you'd like to start, and the websites gives a list of suggestions.

When you feel that your company is ready for the public, visit your state's business registration website. Be careful though. There are many websites out there that claim to be places to go to start a legitimate business.

Once you have found your states business registrar of businesses, go to the part of their website that allows you to do a "business search." In this area you will be able to confirm if anyone else in your state owns a business with the name that you'd like for yours. After submitting your information, your state will ask you to pay a business registration fee (typically no less than $200). Each year after you have officially registered your business, you will be responsible for paying a smaller amount for renewal.

Finally, create your business log that represents you and your company. There are countless websites and apps to create business logo. Personally, I have found Canva to be the least expensive and the easiest to use.

I want you to imagine that you never visited Earth, so you know absolutely nothing about its inhabitants. One day you decide to take the trip. Your goal is to learn as much about civilization on the planet. As you arrive, you notice that most of the people who are retired from their careers are of course much older. Everyone else is so consumed by the hustle and bustle of every day life that they don't even notice you.

Did you know that the average person works 46 years of their life before "comfortably" being able to retire? You do not have to be from Mars to understand that humans are consumed by work and the pursuit of success.

Sadly, most of us have a propensity to push our bodies to the limit. We ignore that voice of common sense that says, "Hey, slow down. Take it easy. Your body must rest." We are so focused on the finish line (retirement) that we become a rabbit chasing a carrot--clueless to the strain our body and minds endure.

Great news! There is hope. Luckily, we were all given at least one thing that we excel in. As a teacher we learn that every child, no matter the "challenge" has something to offer. I start every school year by having my students write their number one superpower because they all have one. I define their superpower as that one thing that they are great at.

As parents we view our own children in that light as well. We are never willing to give up on any child because we know that they do have good in them. They do have the ability to become anything they would like to be. We should have this frame of mind when we think of ourselves.

As a person who has worked countless jobs, I feel that I have enough experience to say, it simply isn't worth it. I remember working three jobs at one point and going to college so that I can work less and make more money. In the end I realized that I was working twice as hard to now pay back the dreaded student loans, in addition to supporting my independent adult life.

One day as I was working at a post office in Miami I decided to help celebrate a coworker's birthday by baking a cake. Soon my coworkers were talking about how great the cake tasted. It was then that I got the idea of using "what I have, to get what I want." Immediately I set out on a quest for knowledge. The goal was to determine how I can use the knowledge and skills that I had, to create something that was all mines. It was not too long after that I had started my first Limited Liability Company (LLC) of which I called, "Zen Sweets by Mandy."

As much as I had worked years prior, I still hadn't managed to save enough to rent a business space. Still, I was so focused on the bottom line, that I made it work. First, I picked up a job in rideshare where I could set my own ours. I used my vehicle as a way to market what I had to offer. In the back of both seats in my car, I placed business cards. Additionally, I started creating samples of baked goods of which I offered to my passengers. Soon, business started coming in.

Eleven years and 2 more businesses later I finally feel less overwhelmed. Sure I still work as a teacher. The difference now, is that I am able to build my own brand and save enough money to live comfortably a lot sooner than age 62. Sure I am still technically working more jobs, but the businesses do not feel so much as work because I am doing things that I love. Now, I get to work for my favorite boss, "me!" My boss puts her health first and strategically set her own hours to avoid burnout.

I tell you all this to let you know that you do not have to continue working yourself into the ground. Yes, it's good to be a "hard worker," but true happiness will never become real unless you create a space where you are doing what you excel in and what you love.

The first step is to define your superpower. What is one thing that you can do that can benefit others, but at the same time bring you joy? If you are not sure, ask a friend or relative, "What area(s) do you think is my strongest skill or talent?" These are the people who know you the best.

After selecting your superpower you must now put in the work. Visit websites of people who have businesses that align with your special skill. Research a minimum of 5 companies so that you can get a clear picture of average rates that they charge. Write it down!

Now, determine what the cost of business will be. For example, if you are an artist at heart and decide to do freelance painting, go to local stores with a notebook and pencil. First you should determine if buying materials for your trade are more affordable locally, or at an outside supplier.

Here is a tip, "Stick with it!" Believe it or not, this is the most strenuous part of creating your own business. Trust me however, it is worth it in the end. You do not want to be that business owner who does not research costs and subsequently charges less than they should. A failure to do your research can result in zero profit, or simply "evening out"--where you only get back what you spent.

After you have gotten the finances worked out, start building your brand. Create a mission statement.--One sentence that let's potential clients know exactly what you believe in and why your brand is the one that they should choose. Not sure how to begin writing your mission statement? No problem! Experts like Sean Peek, Senior Analyst & Business Ownership Expert, provide countless ideas. Peek outlines steps to guide you into creating a mission statement that makes your business shine in his article, The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement.

Create a business name. Later in this article, I will explain how to check if someone has already snagged that business name. As you think of a name for your business, consider a title that will both let your future customers know who you are as a person and your specific service offering. Titles that are vague may be overlooked by customers who are searching for a specific service. For example, if "Jake" wants to start his own mechanic shop, he may want to stray away from business names like "Great Service by Jake." Instead, he should maybe created a title of, Jake's Car Repair. For business name ideas, you may visit websites like Shopify that have a free business name generator. You simply click on the type of business you'd like to start, and the websites gives a list of suggestions.

When you feel that your company is ready for the public, visit your state's business registration website. Be careful though. There are many websites out there that claim to be places to go to start a legitimate business.

Once you have found your state's business registrar of businesses, go to the part of their website that allows you to do a "business search." In this area you will be able to confirm if anyone else in your state owns a business with the name that you'd like for yours. After submitting your information, your state will ask you to pay a business registration fee (typically no less than $200). Once your state has officially accepted your business, you can now apply to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue.

Each year after you have officially registered your business, you will be responsible for paying a small fee for renewal.

Finally, create your business logo that represents you and your company. There are countless websites and apps to create a business logo. Personally, I have found Canva to be the least expensive and the easiest to use.

After you have finished all the steps laid out in this article, start marketing your brand. The most reasonable way to market your brand is to start with who you know (use what you have). The most reasonable way to market your brand is to start with friends. They care about your success and will happily spread the word about your business. They already know you as a person, so they may use your services as well. Everything else, little by little will fall into place. Remember to be consistent, do your research, and never give up on showcasing the true you.

I hope that this article helps you to discover your superpower. Get out there and "use what you have, to get what you want!"

Amanda Raquel Henri

Teacher, Academic Coach, and CEO

Power of Yet Tutoring, Inc.

I can do all things through He who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13?