DaJobSucks

Blog for those who have lost their jobs, want more from their current jobs, desire better work opportunities or just want to earn extra income.

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Brainstorming Deficiency

Written by HmD on 4/06/2011 04:31:00 PM

Brainstorming can be a very useful tool, however, if it is not used properly, it can be as useless as some of our elected officials who seem to make decisions without much thought and pain staking, brain throbbing deliberation.

The business world seems to have taken the approach mentioned above with Brainstorming. The key deficiency I have noticed and which is usually the 800 pound gorilla in the room, is ensuring that all is prepared for brain storming sessions, that is, all should know what is to be discussed so that they can have time to put their ideas together before the meeting.


Persons should be given at least a day to do their own deliberations so that all will come to the table with ideas that have gone through their own personal cerebral grinders. This would avoid knee jerk decision making which I swear has taken over our business universe. We have abused brain storming to the point where it sometimes runs contrary to its intended purpose, which is to resolve pressing issues quickly, through combining the ideas and thoughts of all the persons involved in the meeting.

I know, the idea of having a brainstorming session is to resolve issues quickly so time may not be available, however, if decisions are rushed then you may require more time in the future to fix issues caused because you wanted to make decisions quickly.

For your next brain storming meeting, give your staff more time to come up with ideas so that you can get higher quality resolutions that add value to your business processes and overall operations. Trust me, the wait is worth it.  

Real Estate opportunity

Written by HmD on 3/13/2009 11:13:00 AM

“Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy and Greedy When Others Are Fearful” - Warren Buffett.

That quotations sounds like quite a stretch during these economic times, however, it is still true as we will probably see a new set of millionaires and the loss of the old blue bloods. The new generation of millionaires will take risks in times like these in the hope for long term gains and will probably benefit.

In keeping with the foregoing, we try to identify business opportunities across the US and we found one in Birmingham Alabama.

Over the past year or so home prices in Birmingham has decreased. In February alone, home prices dropped by 25% and they are now much closer to what I think is their fair market value. With the reduced home prices, its a great time to buy, as it may provide long term profit revenue which may exceed whatever interest you can get with holding your money in a bank.

The time for investment is now, you have left your money under your mattress long enough.

The Yo, God! God Detector

Written by HmD on 2/17/2009 11:54:00 PM

Well, we thought we saw it all until we came across the God Detector.

As is our usual routine, we search for unique business ideas and products to identify opportunities for us. During our search, we found the God Detector, which, as advertised by the people who sells it, "Gives God a way to send a simple, unambiguous message of His presence".

Who are the potential buyers? obviously, their target market includes Christians, skeptics and the curious buyer, which is a huge market to tackle.

I visited their site recently and they have a comments section which shows over 400 comments from both Christians and Atheist. The God Detector has obviously caused a stir, which may have been the intention of the people who made the product apart from their religious persuasion. Whatever you may think of the product, the interest in the product may be a very good thing for the company who made it as casual interest can lead to sales.

For those who are interested in seeing the comments, see the following link - Yo-God Comments.

Starting a Skateboard Shop

Written by HmD on 2/16/2009 01:35:00 PM

Among the interests that we have explored over the past couple of months or so is the possibility of starting a skateboard shop. At a start up cost between $15,000 to $50,000 to set up a store, $1,000 to $25,000 for an online store and great revenue possibilities, it seems like a great business opportunity. There are a number of things you need to consider if you want to open a skateboard shop.


Business Start-up

Before you start up any business, you will have to check whether you will be able make a profit from your efforts. The preferred way to do this is to compare estimates of your costs and revenues for a period and then see if this fits in with what you want for yourself.

You should ensure that your shop is located in an area with a young population and where there is a skateboard park close by.

Ensure that you get a license to operate a business in the area you want to set up.

Try to start small. Rent a small shop and then expand if the need arises.

Get suppliers that are close to your expected location.

Ensure that you either have the cash or credit to cover all the start up costs.


Shop Set up

You may need the following items:

Glass case and shelves for products.

Computers, Televisions and DVD's to display your products and to advertise for other stores.

If you are going to make skateboards rather than just being a retailer, then you will need a workbench, Bearing press and shelves to keep your tools.

You should ensure that you stock a variety of skating products at different values so that you will be able to cover the newbie skater and the professional.


Promotion

Promoting your shop is important. You should consider;

Handing out fliers at skateboard parks.

Setting up a blog or website for your shop.

Joining social media like Twitter and Face book is also great for promoting your shop, especially if you sell your items online.

You can also show off your skills on Youtube as a means of promoting your skating goods;

Giving away your T-Shirts and Car & Skateboard Stickers with your shops logo on it;

Organize skating events in the name of your skateboard shop;

Start a skateboard team ensuring that your products are used by the team members when they compete; and

Train interested people and put on community demo's.

Products

Ensure that you have a great line of high quality products from great brands.

Ensure that the products you make can compete with the brand name products; and

You should stock as many accessories like helmets, elbow guards, grip tape and shoes. Other skating products to consider are skateboard ramps, bearings, birdhouses and decks.


Good Luck

Flatulence Filter Cushions

Written by HmD on 2/13/2009 04:26:00 PM

We have just started featuring some new and out of the box business ideas or products we have come across during our search for viable business opportunities, and this one is tops on our list for today. We came across a company that sells "Flatulence Filter Seat Cushions". Now you may have heard of this product before, but we haven't, so we are featuring this one today.

If I get the ad correctly, the cushion is supposed to decrease the noise when you pass gas and filter the air of your flatulence so that there is less of a stink scent. Yep, a product that is suppose to decrease the sound and scent of your flatulence or whatever you call it. I have no idea if this works, but you can check it out for your self at Gasbgon. They even have underwear that is supposed to filter your flatulence.

We have no idea how successful the product sales for the "Flatulence Filter Seat Cushions" are, but if sales are good, why not. If there is a market for the product, go for it.

Sacremento's Amgen Tour and its business opportunities

Written by HmD on 2/08/2009 10:02:00 PM

The 2009 Amgen Tour of California Prologue time trial race is a collection of the worlds top cyclists. It is a nine day stage race of about 750 miles and will include cyclist like Lance Armstrong (USA) and Ivan Basso (Italy). The Amgen Tour will commence on Valentines day and is expected to draw at least 75,000 people to the streets of Downtown Sacramento. With this expected 75,000 person attendance, the surrounding businesses should be in a bee like frenzy to organize their product lines to suite the crowds and the people who have already started making their preparations to go to the event. I see this tour as a chance to earn a little extra.

Apart from the obvious valentines day sales surge and the certain preparations store owners are making to sell valentines day stuff during the event, there are two sets of products that they and any other person interested in making a extra buck should consider selling during this period.

Bicycles and Bicycle accessories Expo. - Cycling events draws thousands of cycling enthusiasts who are interested in seeing the latest bicycle models and accessories. Expo organizers earns revenue by charging people interested in promoting their products, a fee for each booth they occupy.

Bike stunt concerts - These concerts, which apart from bike stunts, usually involves live performances from musicians, are meant to draw a younger audience.

Pimped bicycle contest - I saw an event like this in Brazil a couple years ago during a local cycling meet. The contestants had to pay a fee to enter the contest and the winner and runner up won small prizes.

Children bike derby - This includes setting up a small stadium style track for children to compete in bicycle races. There is an obvious entry fee and vending machines for extra income.

Bicycles and Bicycle accessories - As said before this event usually bring thousands of cycling enthusiasts. These people are usually in search of accessories for their bikes and if they get the right deal, a new bicycle. Given the economy though, store owners should not overstock with bicycles and its accessories as there is no guarantee of a purchase.

Selling photographs - If you can get great photographs of the athletes while they are in action, those photos can make you a little extra income. Most sports sites like Foxsports and ESPN are willing to purchase pics if they are better than those that they have taken.

Amgen Tour Memorabilia - The attendants of this meet will want memories of the event and sometimes their is nothing better than authentic memorabilia to ink an experience in your memory. Amgens online store has a wide range of memorabilia that you can get online, so various tastes can be satisfied.

The President and short term business

Written by HmD on 2/08/2009 11:41:00 AM

As sleazy as it may seem to some, when the president visits a state, businesses try to take advantage of a obviously unique opportunity. Store owners see the President as a short term cash cow for their failing businesses and so they try to sell President Obama memorabilia. As worn out as the sale of President Obama memorabilia may be in most states, its sale will always do well when he is in town.

So if you are a store owner in a state where the President has plans to visit, then you should try to advantage of it. Instead of waiting on a bailout or the stimulus plan, bail out yourselves and stimulate your own business.

For people in Florida and Indiana, the President visits your states on Tuesday 02/10/2009 and Monday 02/09/2009 respectively, so if you have interest in selling memorabilia, now is the time to plan for it.

Even if you are not a democrat, take advantage of the opportunity, as your political beliefs should not be a stumbling block to you earning extra income.

California: Two new laws, two new business opportunities

Written by HmD on 2/08/2009 10:50:00 AM

The Governator, Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced a flurry of new laws during the start of 2009, two of which have caught my interest as possible short term business opportunities.

The first law of interest has to do with fire prevention. With the risk of wild fires being so high in California, law makers have decided to introduce a law which requires homeowners to clear bush that is 100 feet outside of their houses. This law opens the door for people who own landscaping businesses to earn extra revenue. Even for people who have no experience in landscaping, this is an opportunity, as landscaping, if you have the right equipment, can be easy. The new law also calls for better pest control in California forests. If Law Makers or the relevant agency allows private entities to help in this renewed effort to control pests that destroy/kills trees in California Forests, then this is another opportunity for Pest Control businesses.

The other law of interest has to do with Mobile homes. New requirements calls for all newly manufactured mobile homes to have smoke detectors in all rooms designed for sleeping. It also calls for Seismic braces (for safety during earthquakes) and water heaters fired by gas. So their is an obvious opportunity for businesses that sell smoke detectors Seismic Braces and Water heaters. I most admit however that most Mobile home manufacturers will stick to the suppliers they already have, but may think of new suppliers given the state of the economy and their aim to reduce the cost of supplies.

Cuts in wildlife budgets an opportunity for extra revenue

Written by HmD on 2/06/2009 01:26:00 PM

As States try to cope with deficits in their local budgets, staff cuts and reduction in hours have become more prevalent. In Nevada for example, there have been staffing cuts in their Wild Life Department which has slowed their response to Nevada residents complaints of wild animals like bears and coyotes in and around their homes.

Additionally, if Gov. Jim Gibbons proposed budget is passed, then there could be cuts of 15% or more.

With this new development, there is a growing opportunity for private wild life response teams to step in and provide animal removal services and consultancy to persons in urban areas who have issues with slow response times.

We most not depend on Government to solve all our problems. We should try to make a market for our selves when Government lacks the capacity to deal with the issues we face. So if you have the experience and facilities, this may be an opportunity for you.

Volleyball Competition Organisation, Rules and Considerations

Written by HmD on 12/01/2008 09:34:00 AM

After the Olympics, the obsession of some with Volleyball has shot through the roof, especially with the gold medal wins by Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor (USA) in the 2008 Olympics, the buzz in the US among Volleyball enthusiast and some who are new to the sport have increased. It is the foregoing buzz that has caused many to consider organizing a Volleyball competition. Even though summer has come and gone, it may still be worthwhile financially to hold indoor volleyball competitions, however, there are a few things you should consider when organizing it.


Competition Rules:

Organizing a successful Volleyball Competition is dependent on a number of factors, one of these important factors is the implementation of concise competition rules. Competition rules should contemplate the size of each team, match duration, uniform requirements, event points, pool and round robin points, resolution of point ties and medal presentation or prize receipts.

Team Size - The size of each team should be specified. Minimum requirements for reserves on each squad should be chosen and having team captains and managers should be a requirement for each team, not only for team management purposes, but also to act as liaisons between the team and the competition organizers.

Match Duration
- There should be established amounts of sets and points for each match. Generally, a best of five sets, first four sets to twenty five and the fifth set to fifteen each of them with a minimum lead of two points, is used in Volleyball competitions. You need to set start times and warm up times. Also consider how injuries and other unforeseen events can impact match time. The rule of thumb in sports is that long delays makes for boring games, so excellent time management is required.

Uniform requirements -
There should be standards for the kind of uniforms that can be worn for the competition. Uniforms should be approved by the competition organizers before the competition starts. All players should have uniforms which differentiates them from the other teams. One way to do this is to ask each team to pick particular colors for their uniforms. Some competition organizers ask teams to have two sets of uniforms with two different colors, so if two teams have a match, and they have the same colors, then they could flip a coin to decide which colors each team would wear. Safety equipment, even though separate from the uniform, should be a requirement. Consider having team members keeping their nails tapped or cut and things like jewelry should be considered as dangerous for competitors.

Event Points -
A scoring policy should be set and issued to each team before the competition.

Pool and Round Robin Points - Points should be awarded at the end of each match. The point system can be as follows, Winning Team - 4 points, Drawn Matches - 2 points for each team, Losing team - 1 point and teams that forfeit gets 0 points.

Resolving point ties -
A system that deals with ties should be developed. What sometimes happens in some competitions when two teams are equal on points is that the result of earlier matches between both teams usually decides who goes through to other rounds. Some competitions flips a coin to choose who moves on to other rounds.

Medal Presentation or Prize receipt -
Prize and medal submission should be communicated to each team before the competition and should be presented to the recipients after the last match has been played.

Sponsorships:

Sponsorships have always been used in Volleyball Tournaments to get the necessary funding for the day to day operations. It lends some amount of credibility to the tournament, especially when the sponsorships comes from reputable companies. Tournament organizers should seek endorsements from community business or any other well know organization in the planned tournament site. Try to stay away from organizations that has a poor public image as this may deter people from joining your tournament.

Accounting:

Accounting records should be maintained to ensure that organizers keep track of the payments being made and the money received during the tournament so that profitability can be monitored. A simple Receipt and Payment Statement can be done during the competition through accounting software like Quick Books or it can be done manually.

Budgeting:

A budget is also important for the successful running of any tournament. You have to forecast your expenditure and match that with your expected receipts. The foregoing is important as you can assess whether the tournament is financially viable before the tournament is even started. Budgets can also be matched with actual spending and receipts during the tournament, to ensure that projections are being met and to make it possible to know what changes can be made to initial plans in case budget projections are not being met.

Promotion:

The usual TV, Radio, Internet ads & Posters are necessary. Apart from this however, the tournament should be promoted at high schools, colleges, beaches and gyms in the area you wish to have the tournament. You can also seek to promote your tournament on volleyball forums.

Alliances:

If possible, try to seek alliances with current tournament organizers. I find that companies tend to link with tournament organizers to start sporting tournaments for staff, so an alliance with them assures that you will have a set amount of teams, even before you promote your tournament.

Emergency Services:

Tournament sites should have sick bays, registered medical staff and an ambulance and ambulance team ready for any eventuality.

Other sources of income:

You should consider having vending machines or concession stands at your tournament. This can mean extra funds for organizers.

Legal Restrictions:

Ensure that you check all the relevant state laws for holding competitions of this sort.

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Here I'll share my knowledge, discovery and experience related to my hobby and work. Most articles on this site are related to job fulfillment and tips on how to make money from home.

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