RISE AND GRIND
 We need help! We were visiting Washington DC and we weren’t expecting for my Wife to fall and break her hip. She ended up in Inova Alexandria Hospital where she had to have Hip Surgery.  Now she’s in George Washington Health & Rehab in Alexandria. We are in need of financial assistance so i can get the things she needs. She’s going to be in there awhile. They said about 6 weeks.
We’re not from Alexandria area. I’m a Disabled Veteran Service-Connected Disability and I cannot stay in the George Washington Health & Rehab like I could in the hospital & I cannot afford a Hotel. So we need funds so I can stay in a hotel so i can be near here so I can take care of her. We are far from home.  I'm a Disabled Veteran with a Service-Connected Disability and I cannot stay in the George Washington Health and Rehabilitation place with her like I could when she was in the Inova Alexandria Hospital and I cannot afford a hotel. I don't know anyone in the Alexandria area or in the DMV area. So I need funds so I can stay in a Hotel or Motel and so I can have food and the essentials that both of us need during this time while she is healing. And so I can be near her and so I can take care of her like she needs to be taken care of, like I have been taking care of her since this incident has happened.
The funds will be used to get her the things she needs. She is from Texas and that is where she lives. She just came to visit me & ended up getting hurt & breaking her hip & having to have surgery on her hip & ended up in George Washington Health & Rehab in Alexandria.  i need to get her clothes to wear for colder weather and clothes so she can wear that won’t hurt her hip that are loose fitting. And I need to get some other things that she needs, as well as for her medical bills to cover for the costs of medications and Hotel costs and Food and Drink costs. Any help is appreciated. You can appreciated. You can CashApp 💰me at $AidenDKirchner or you can donate to our GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/f578af94 —— Thank you 🙏 in advance.
This woman right here is the love of my life. Emily is the first woman to ever treat me right. She's the first woman ever who hasn't tried to change me, she loves me for me and doesn't want to change me because she loves who I am. She is the first person who has actually truly cared about my feelings and about my health and my mental health and to care if I am okay or not. She is so amazing, so wonderful, so sweet, so kind, so caring, so kindhearted and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. She has brought so much light into my world, even on the darkest days. Emily has a heart of gold, and her love is the most genuine, pure thing I've ever experienced. She stands by my side through everything, supporting me, encouraging me, and making me feel like the luckiest person in the world. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m forever grateful to call her mine. She is my rock, my peace, and my everything. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving her the way she deserves. 🌻❤️ #ForeverGrateful #MyLove #MyPerson #LuckyMe
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Meet Aiden Kirchner: |
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Hello, I’m Aiden Kirchner, a passionate entrepreneur, creative, and self-improvement advocate. My journey has been one of growth, healing, and chasing my dreams, and I’m excited to share more about who I am, the business I’ve built, and the people and experiences that have shaped my life.
Who I Am
I believe that the most important love story we can ever write is the one we create with ourselves. My journey of self-love and self-discovery has been transformative. I’ve learned to detach from things that don’t love me back and have prioritized my peace and well-being above all. I continue to grow, heal, and explore who I am through spiritual practices like daily meditation, gratitude journaling, and studying Buddhism. These practices keep me grounded and connected to my purpose as I navigate my path as an entrepreneur.
I identify as transgender and am proud of the person I am becoming. I’ve overcome discrimination and challenges in my life, but every experience has made me stronger and more determined to build a life filled with love, success, and peace.
Kirchner Admin Services
I am the proud owner of Kirchner Admin Services, a company that offers a wide range of services, including Graphic Design, Website Design and Maintenance, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, and Legal Document Services. Through this business, I help individuals and businesses create, design, and manage their online presence, craft professional documents, and produce impactful content. I love working with clients to bring their visions to life, and I take great pride in offering high-quality services that meet their unique needs.
Some of the services I offer include:
- Graphic Design: Business logos, photo collages, social media posts, and more.
- Website Design & Maintenance: Creating and maintaining websites that captivate and convert.
- Content Creation: Crafting blog posts, website content, and business videos.
- Document Services: From business invoices to resumes and cover letters.
- Recommendation Letters & Resumes: Helping clients showcase their skills and qualifications with professionally written documents.
I’ve been a part of the Lisa Wilber Avon Platinum Power Team, where I’ve sold Avon products since 2014, gaining invaluable business experience. I’m also working on creating an Etsy shop called KirchnerAdminDesign, where I’ll offer even more personalized services.
My Accomplishments
Throughout my career, I’ve achieved a number of significant accomplishments that I’m incredibly proud of. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Interactive Media from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, as well as certifications in Web Publishing, E-Commerce, and Microsoft Office Specialist programs from Cambridge Intercontinental University and Blue Ridge Community College.
I’ve also earned 3 awards from the International Library of Poetry, which recognize my passion for creative writing and poetry. Beyond formal education, I’ve taken numerous online courses in business management, entrepreneurship, and various other skills that contribute to my success as a business owner.
My Career Journey
My career began with a foundation in Web Design during my time at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. It was there that I realized my passion for helping others through digital services. Over the years, I’ve expanded my skills into Graphic Design, Content Creation, and Business Consulting.
I’ve had the honor of working with some incredible clients, including Mystical Jasmine, where I serve as the Website Creator, Designer, and Graphic Designer. Mystical Jasmine’s brand is rooted in spirituality, and I’ve worked closely with her to bring her vision to life through the website and graphics that align with her mission.
Love and Relationships
I’m incredibly fortunate to share my life with my amazing girlfriend, Emily. Our relationship has been a journey of healing, as we both come from challenging pasts, marked by betrayal and heartbreak. Together, we’ve created a bond built on mutual trust, love, and commitment. Despite the miles between us, we remain dedicated to building a future together. I’ve even started writing love songs to express how much she means to me and to capture our journey, especially as we navigate the challenges of long-distance.
Our love is something I hold close to my heart, and I’m counting down the days until we can finally be together. April can’t come soon enough, as I can’t wait to start the next chapter of our lives side by side.
Looking to the Future
As I continue on this path, I’m excited about the future of Kirchner Admin Services. I’m working on crafting a Business Plan that will allow my company to grow and offer even more valuable services to my clients. My goal is to become a full-time entrepreneur, dedicating my time and passion to helping others succeed while building a life filled with love, peace, and financial stability.
I’m also working on my own Vision Board, manifesting my dreams of success in business, wealth, health, learning, spirituality, family, relationships, and personal development. I believe in the power of visualization, and I’m committed to creating the future I’ve always dreamed of.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to continuing this journey of growth, entrepreneurship, and love, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
The Art of Hustling
Hustling receives generational preferential treatments.
Our Boomer friends will hustle for a nickel while they’re spending a dime. That’s not me saying, “We should all be like the Baby Boomers”; au contraire, Boomers are notoriously lacking in funds and digging further in debt (see my blog called, “Baby Boomers are not exactly booming into retirement”). That aside, they know how to get to the top of the corporate food chain.
Ask yourself if you’ve arrived. If you’re under 40 and you say you have, you’re not dreaming big enough. If you’re any age and say you haven’t, what’s stopping you?
Let’s first address the “early arrivers”. My minimalist humans, your idea of arriving is having the basics covered. You’ll likely never hustle and be okay with that. I don’t have a bone to pick with you. My super achiever humans, your idea of arriving is having a lot of accomplishments and deciding to just stop while you’re ahead. – Please don’t sell yourself short. You are a rare commodity, and America needs your gusto.
Next, let’s address the “never arrivers”. Really, what is stopping you? Take the time to make a list of the external and internal forces impeding your desired destination. Then, do everything you can to eliminate the relevant threat of those forces. Now, this does not look like you asking for someone to legislate your purpose into existence; this does not look like you accumulating insurmountable debts; this does not look like you pointing out how unfair someone’s advantage is over yours. All of that looks like a perpetual victim mentality, which is the exact opposite of hustling. What this does look like is you taking ownership and control where you can, and then bypassing avenues where you can’t.
This looks like Madam C.J. Walker who became the first self-made millionaire woman in America by the time she passed in 1919; by the way, she was a black woman born of slaves on a plantation. She didn’t wait for someone to give her permission to make hair care products; she hustled. She didn’t ask if she could sell them door-to-door; she hustled. She didn’t wait for an invitation to open her own warehouse; she hustled. This is what we need to get back to.
Financially speaking, people use money as a major excuse for why they are not where they want to be. Money is, undoubtedly, freeing; however, it does not define you. You can make more money any day you choose, and you can restrict your budget as soon as you choose to live below your means. This is an area where I can help you pinch a penny until it screams. If money is one of those forces impeding you, remember you control it, it doesn’t control you.
C’mon, America. Do the hustle!
C’mon, America. Do the hustle!
Hustle Culture
Hustle culture is a work environment that prioritizes productivity, ambition, and success over work-life balance, rest, and self-care. It's often characterized by long hours, a lack of boundaries between work and personal life, and a constant focus on productivity.
Beliefs
Success is directly proportional to the amount of hard work one puts in
Success is directly proportional to the amount of hard work one puts in
Signs
Long hours, blurred lines between work and personal life, high levels of stress and anxiety, pressure to always be available
Long hours, blurred lines between work and personal life, high levels of stress and anxiety, pressure to always be available
Effects
Mental health concerns like increased anxiety, stress, and depression, burnout, decreased productivity
Mental health concerns like increased anxiety, stress, and depression, burnout, decreased productivity
Some ways to cultivate healthy habits and escape hustle culture include: Prioritizing self-care, Finding trusted colleagues and good mentors, Not letting electronics overpower your life, and Maintaining positive relationships.
Hustle culture is when a workplace environment places an intense focus on productivity, ambition, and success, with little regard for rest, self care, or any sense of work-life balance.
Give "hustle culture" a fair shot
We all know the reasons why hustle culture is toxic. In fact, you’ve probably posted about it or “liked” a post about it. Consider suspending your judgment for just a moment.
Let’s start by defining “hustle culture” because there is not really a clear consensus about what it is (and is not).
The first definition that pops up for me on Google is from Better Up and reads: “Hustle culture, also known as burnout culture, centers around the idea that working long hours and sacrificing self-care are required in order to succeed. The promise is that if you give work all of your attention, you can achieve anything and everything.”
This definition does not fit.
The predominant ethos has already adopted self-care as a prerequisite for sustainable work. You should be practicing self-care. Hustling and taking care of oneself are not mutually exclusive. To settle on the position that individuals who hustle must sacrifice their self-care is a perfect example of the logical fallacy, false dichotomy. Hustling, while not taking care of oneself, is called masochism. Don’t get it twisted.
The second part of the above definition states, “if you give work all of your attention, you can achieve anything and everything.” Extremism appeals to the reader. I know that giving all my attention to basketball will not lead to an NBA deal. The conclusion is that hustle culture can’t deliver and is therefore misguided. It’s a second false dilemma in one definition.
My definition of hustle culture: The degree to which one works is contextual and often shares a relationship to fulfillment and opportunity.
Context matters when considering most things in life, including hustle culture. Everyone’s circumstances are different. Reasons exist for its toxicity. But other reasons simultaneously exist to support it. I have spent time in jobs that range from little hustle culture to a lot of it. There must be a healthy balance. There are also seasons of life that require more hustle than others.
I’m no epidemiologist, but there is something else in the air. Findings from a recent study are revealed in the title: The paradox of wealthy nations’ low adolescent life satisfaction (Rudolf & Bethmann, 2022). While “life satisfaction” and “burnout” are separate constructs, many kids seem to be “burned out” before they even enter the workforce. What does this mean for hustle culture? The pendulum swings the other way to job apathy. It’s empirical—not just in the literature, but in the public arena.
“Meaning of work” (a term from the literature) predicts job pride, which shares relationships with turnover intentions (Le, Hancer, Chaulagain, & Pham, 2022). Taking pride in one’s work will impact a sense of subjective well-being and fulfillment. Perhaps some individuals simply don’t like hustling at work because they don’t like what they do. Meaning and identity are extracted from work and worn on our sleeves. In other words, “What do you do?” is often the second question people ask after one’s name. What would happen if we were forced to answer the question “How hard do you work?” rather than, “What do you do?” It is a more equitable question between two people from different socioeconomic statuses. Should we not find value in the degree to which we work? Work output is a stewardship issue and a time issue.
Nearly twelve years ago, a brain tumor was found inside my daughter’s head. She had many surgeries to remove parts of the tumor and to redirect cerebral spinal fluid. After fighting the cancer, she died just prior to her fourth birthday. Following one of her surgeries, she was left paralyzed on her right side. With limited mobility, she lived a fulfilled life despite her limitations. I use her example as a springboard to think about all your abilities and talents. How are you stewarding your time to use your resources? You may not be paralyzed on one side of your body, maybe it is another physical, mental, or emotional limitation. Maybe you are relatively free from limitations. A spirit of gratitude for our strengths goes a long way here. I’d like to think that my daughter hustled, not at work but to make the most of the limited time she had on earth.
I tried to stay away from conjecture in this article, but it is going to come out here. I am from the United States of America. We are getting soft in a lot of areas. Hustle culture has been reified using negative connotations, logical fallacies, and unrealistic expectations. The term can still be reclaimed. Pit your job against someone else’s job at a different time in history. Your conditions are markedly better. So, enjoy your version of hustle with some perspective in this modern age.
It is another false dichotomy to remark that without hustle culture, we’d all be lazy. In the absence of hustle culture many alternative variables exist. Use a definition of hustle culture with negative connotations if you must, but it doesn’t serve us well because “hustle” becomes a misnomer. Hustle is part of work. The unhealthy aspects of hustle amount to work-related masochism. You don’t need to carry shame for hustling at work.
References
Le, L. H., Hancer, M., Chaulagain, S., & Pham, P. (2023). Reducing hotel employee turnover intention by promoting pride in job and meaning of work: A cross-cultural perspective. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 109, 103409.
Miles, M. (2022). The problems with hustle culture—and how it’s tied to mental health. Retrieved on January 31, 2023 at https://www.betterup.com/blog/hustle-culture.
Rudolf, R., & Bethmann, D. (2022). The paradox of wealthy nations’ low adolescent life satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 1-27.
Le, L. H., Hancer, M., Chaulagain, S., & Pham, P. (2023). Reducing hotel employee turnover intention by promoting pride in job and meaning of work: A cross-cultural perspective. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 109, 103409.
Miles, M. (2022). The problems with hustle culture—and how it’s tied to mental health. Retrieved on January 31, 2023 at https://www.betterup.com/blog/hustle-culture.
Rudolf, R., & Bethmann, D. (2022). The paradox of wealthy nations’ low adolescent life satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 1-27.
What are the three rules of hustle?
The hustle lifestyle has three rules. Number one always be the hardest worker in the room, number two never be the smartest/most talented/experienced in the room and rule three elevate the level of everyone in the room.
What are the symptoms of hustle culture?
Signs of hustle culture in your workplace
- Long hours and little rest.
- Blurred lines between work and personal life.
- High levels of stress and anxiety.
- Pressure to always be available.
- Rewards for overwork and competitiveness.
- Lack of work-life balance.
- Limited acknowledgment of rest and recovery.
- Constant focus on productivity.
What is another name for hustle culture?
Hustle culture—today known as grind culture, burnout culture, or even toxic culture—refers to the mentality that one must work all day, every day in pursuit of one's professional goals.
What is a hustler's mentality?
It's a commitment to get ahead, no matter what and to never give up when faced with insurmountable challenges. It's a resourcefulness and creativity in finding new methods of success.
Meet Aiden Kirchner: Blogger, Entrepreneur, and CEO of Kirchner Admin Services
| Hi, I’m Aiden Kirchner! I’m a passionate Blogger, Entrepreneur, and the President and CEO of Kirchner Admin Services. Through my blog, I share my journey in building my business, embracing personal growth, and navigating the entrepreneurial world. I’ve built my brand from the ground up, offering everything from Graphic Design to Web Design and Business Consulting, helping others bring their visions to life. My blog is where I document not only my business journey but also my insights into personal development, self-care, and financial freedom. Join me as I share my experiences and lessons learned along the way! | |
I’ve been reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, and I think many of you, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, would find it fascinating. The book offers a fresh perspective on personal finance, wealth-building, and entrepreneurship, which could help guide you on your journey toward financial freedom.
To download "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" click the link. The book is FREE!
Kiyosaki compares the financial philosophies of two father figures in his life—his biological father, the "Poor Dad," who believed in the traditional route of working hard, saving money, and relying on job security, and his friend’s father, the "Rich Dad," who believed in investing, entrepreneurship, and building assets to create wealth. The core message revolves around the importance of financial education, mastering the concept of passive income, and making your money work for you, instead of just working for money.
For entrepreneurs, the lessons in this book are eye-opening. It’s not about how much you earn but how much you keep, invest, and grow. By shifting your mindset from simply working for a paycheck to building assets, you can create a more financially secure future.
Here are a couple of powerful excerpts from the book:
- “The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of financial education and mindset. As entrepreneurs, it's crucial to continuously invest in learning and personal development. - “It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.”
This highlights the idea that building lasting wealth requires not just earning money but also making smart investments that generate income over time.
If you're serious about transforming your financial future and want to approach money with the mindset of an entrepreneur, Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a must-read. The concepts in this book could help you unlock new paths toward financial independence.
LESSONS FROM RICH DAD POOR DAD
- LEARN TO LISTEN
- PAY YOURSELF FIRST
- BUY LUXURIES LAST, NOT FIRST
- REDUCE EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES
- AIM FOR MORE VALUABLE ASSETS
- BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONS
- WORK TOLEARN, DON'T WORK FOR MONEY
- YOU BECOME WHAT YOU STUDY, SO READ
- REINVEST EXCESS CASH
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SMARTER THAN YOU
The Journey of Being a Small Business Owner:
Starting Off Strong
Starting a small business is both exciting and daunting. You have the vision, the passion, and the drive, but getting everything off the ground can feel overwhelming. As a small business owner myself, I know the challenges all too well. However, with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, you can not only survive but thrive in this journey. Here’s what it’s like starting off and some valuable tips, tricks, and tools to help you along the way.
The Early Days: Learning as You Go
When you're starting out, everything feels new. You’re not just the business owner; you’re also the marketer, accountant, content creator, and customer service rep. It’s a juggling act, and many of us make mistakes along the way—but that's okay! Mistakes are part of the learning process. What's important is that you remain flexible, willing to learn, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of your business.
Top Challenges of Starting a Small Business
- Finding Clients/Customers: Building a customer base can be one of the biggest hurdles. You'll need to get your name out there, and marketing is key.
- Time Management: When you’re wearing all the hats in your business, managing your time becomes a challenge.
- Cash Flow: In the beginning, there may be tight finances, especially before profits start rolling in.
- Marketing and Branding: You’re creating a brand, but how do you make it stand out? You’ll likely experiment with different marketing strategies.
Tips and Tricks to Get You Started
- Start with a Plan:
- Even if it’s simple, create a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, financial plan, and marketing strategy. Your plan is your roadmap.
- Focus on Your Strengths:
- You won’t be good at everything, and that’s fine! Focus on what you excel at and delegate or outsource the rest when possible.
- Utilize Free Resources:
- Take advantage of free online courses, tutorials, and tools that can give you insights into marketing, accounting, design, and more. Platforms like Google Digital Garage and GCFGlobal.org offer valuable free courses.
- Stay Organized:
- Build Your Network:
- Join communities of entrepreneurs, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook Groups are great places to connect with fellow business owners and potential clients.
Essential Tools for Small Business Owners
To simplify your day-to-day operations, here are some must-have tools and apps that can help:
- Canva: This free (and premium) design tool is a game-changer for creating social media graphics, presentations, and marketing materials. It's user-friendly and perfect for non-designers.
- QuickBooks or Wave Accounting: Keeping your finances in order is crucial. These accounting tools can track income, expenses, and help you stay on top of taxes.
- Hootsuite or Buffer: Scheduling and managing your social media content across platforms can save you a lot of time. These tools allow you to plan posts in advance, analyze engagement, and track performance.
- Google Workspace: With tools like Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Sheets, you can manage all your business communications, documents, and files in one place.
- Mailchimp: Email marketing is a great way to build relationships with your audience. Mailchimp helps you automate email campaigns, manage subscribers, and track results.
- Square: If you’re selling products or services, Square provides an easy-to-use point-of-sale system. You can accept payments, track inventory, and even manage online sales.
- Slack: If you’re working with a team or have virtual assistants, Slack helps streamline communication, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.
Marketing: Getting the Word Out
One of the most important parts of starting a small business is marketing. Without it, nobody knows you exist. Here are some ways to kick off your marketing:
- Social Media Marketing:
- Start with platforms where your target audience hangs out. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, focus on building a following by providing valuable content and engaging with your audience.
- Email Marketing:
- Building an email list early is crucial. Use email campaigns to keep potential customers in the loop about your latest products, promotions, or blog posts.
- Content Creation:
- Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast to share your expertise. Content marketing not only helps you gain credibility but also improves your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) so that people can find you online.
- SEO:
- Learn basic SEO to help your website rank higher in search results. Tools like Ubersuggest can help you find the best keywords to target.
- Google My Business:
- If you’re a local business, create a Google My Business profile. It’s free and helps your business show up on Google Maps and local search results.
Staying Motivated and Focused
Being a small business owner comes with highs and lows. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable, and other days it may feel like nothing is working. Here’s how to stay motivated:
- Celebrate Small Wins: No matter how small, take time to celebrate your accomplishments. Each step forward is progress.
- Set Boundaries: Especially when starting out, it’s easy to overwork yourself. Make sure you set boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout.
- Keep Learning: Whether it’s reading books, listening to podcasts (like Breakfast with Champions), or taking online courses, always invest in your personal and professional growth.
- Track Your Progress: Regularly review your goals and achievements. This helps you stay focused and motivated to keep pushing forward.
Final Thoughts
Starting a small business is a rewarding experience, but it requires persistence, passion, and a lot of patience. You’ll face challenges, but every step you take will bring you closer to your dream. Keep learning, stay adaptable, and use the right tools to lighten your load. The journey may not be easy, but it's one that can lead to incredible success.
So, whether you're just starting off or a few months in, know that every great business once started small. Keep going, stay strong, and remember that building something meaningful takes time.
HUGE List of Free Business Resources For Your Small Business
If you’re running your business on a tight budget, here is a massive list of free business resources and tools for entrepreneurs!
Leaving the security of a steady-paying job to launch a new business can be a scary endeavor. Even if you’ve planned and saved six months of living expenses, often it takes months to start generating income from your business.
And guess what?
And guess what?
Even if you don’t have money coming in, your business still incurs expenses to run smoothly. But don’t despair; there are tons of free tools, resources, guides, and printables, so you don’t have to break the bank.
Here is a massive list of free resources for small business owners so you can focus on making money instead of spending it.
Here is a massive list of free resources for small business owners so you can focus on making money instead of spending it.
List of Free Business Resources and Tools
1. Free Website
Since you won’t have a brick-and-mortar location, the heart of your home-based business is your website. Having a site allows people to window shop your services and products; it helps them find you online and conveys valuable information. Personally, I think it’s in your best interest to own your website (purchase your domain name and hosting), but if you can’t afford a website right off the bat, I suggest using a free option until you can afford to switch to a more robust platform.
A few things to note about free platforms. Usually, you’re limited to a small number of web pages, you’ll have limited bandwidth and storage, and often you’ll have a sub-domain. If you can spare $2.95 a month, I highly recommend setting up your own website with WordPress. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also extremely simple to set up and use, and it will give you a professional-looking website that you own. Here is a free step-by-step guide to get you started.
A few things to note about free platforms. Usually, you’re limited to a small number of web pages, you’ll have limited bandwidth and storage, and often you’ll have a sub-domain. If you can spare $2.95 a month, I highly recommend setting up your own website with WordPress. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also extremely simple to set up and use, and it will give you a professional-looking website that you own. Here is a free step-by-step guide to get you started.
- Blogger
- Google Sites
- Jimdo
- Shopify – Free 3-month trial
- Strikingly
- Webflow
- Weebly
- WordPress.com
- Yola
2. Free Online Productivity Tools
You’d think, as much as I’m online, that I’d rely heavily on online productivity tools, but I don’t. As you’ll see below, I like to use real-world tools to help me stay organized. But if you prefer online time management tools – here’s a great list to keep you on track.
3. Free Printables
I’m old school when it comes to planning and organizing. For all of my personal and business activities, I use a physical planner, calendar, notebook, and tons of printables. From grocery lists and daily to-dos to packing lists, chore charts, and business goals. If you’re looking for free printables to organize your business and life, this list has you covered.
- Dave Seah – Productivity tools
- Frugal Fanatic – Budgeting, debt reduction, worksheets
- momAgenda – Planning, checklists, and tracking sheets
- Money Saving Mom – Meal planning, household management, and weekly goals
- Productivity Flourishing – Planners and productivity worksheets
- The Work at Home Woman – Planners and income trackers
- Thirty Handmade Days – Downloadable budget binder
- Travel Mamas – Packing lists
4. Free Finance Tools
When I first started my business, I used a spreadsheet for all of my income and expenses. Not only was the process manually intensive, but it also made tax time a nightmare. Save yourself the frustration and use a professional platform. The resources listed below offer free invoicing, budgeting, planning, bookkeeping, and accounting solutions.
- The Work at Home Woman – Free side hustle income tracker
- Intuit QuickBooks – Free 30-day trial
- Mint
- PearBudget – Free 30-day trial
- Wally
- Wave
- Xero – Free 30-day trial
5. Free Business Templates
When you’re running a business, you’ll find yourself searching for all types of forms and templates that you don’t even know you need until a particular situation arises. When the time comes, here are some great resources to have bookmarked.
- Bplans – Business plans, proposal templates, startup checklist, and more
- Ryan Robinson – Free freelance proposal template
- SCORE – Business planning, financial, marketing, and management templates
- The Work at Home Woman – Free business plan template
6. Free Content and Project Management Systems
When you’re a service provider (virtual assistant, freelance writer, graphic designer, etc.), you’re going to have multiple projects and clients to manage. The best way to stay on top of everything is by using a content or project management system to keep you organized.
7. Free Marketing Tools and Platforms
It’s been said that you should spend at least 20-25% of your time marketing your business. With hundreds of ways to market your business, you should be able to find a formula that works for you. Here are a few free platforms and resources worth checking out.
- Clearstream – Free SMS marketing (25 messages per month)
- Constant Contact – Free 60-day email newsletter trial (no credit card required)
- ConvertKit – Free email marketing, up to 300 subscribers
- Craigslist – Free online advertising
- Facebook – Free social media marketing platform
- EZ Texting – Free 30-day trial
- HubSpot – Free email signature
- Instagram – Free photo-sharing media platform
- LinkedIn – Professional social networking website
- OneSignal – Send out push notifications to 10,000 subscribers for free
- Pinterest – A visual marketing platform
- Post Planner – Social media scheduling tool, 7-day free trial
- SocialBee – Social media scheduling tool, free 14-day trial
- Survey Monkey – Allows you to gather feedback, collect data, and analyze survey results
- TikTok – Video social media platform
- Twitter – Free social media marketing platform
- Webpushr – Free push notifications to 10,000 subscribers for free
- YouTube – Video marketing platform
For more budget-friendly marketing ideas, check out these articles:
8. Free Administrative Tools
You may already have Microsoft Office on your computer, but if you don’t, the yearly subscription can be pricey. Here are some other options that work great, and they’re free.
- Capitalize My Title – Free capitalization and sentence case converter
- Cute PDF – PDF conversion tool
- Dropbox – Free 2 GB of online storage
- Google Drive and Docs – Word processing, spreadsheets, forms, slides, storage, and more
- Grammarly – Free editing software
- PrimoPDF – Create PDFs for free
9. Free Communication Tools
It’s funny when you work in an office setting; you don’t even think about all the different methods you use daily to communicate with others – the technology and systems are already in place. However, when you run your own business, you’ll quickly learn that you need a whole host of tools. Luckily, there are lots of free and reliable options.
- FaxZERO – Fax documents for free, up to three pages, two times per day
- FreeConferenceCall.com – Conference and video calls, up to 1,000 people for free
- Google Chat – Talk to other people over the internet for free
- Google Meet – Free video conference calls
- IFTTT – A free tool to get all of your apps and devices communicating effectively with each other
- Skype – Free call, video chat, and instant message for Skye to Skype users
- Telegram – Free desktop and mobile messaging app
- TextNow – Free text and call app
- WhatsApp – Free private messaging and calling tool
- WebEx – Free video conferencing for up to three people
- Zoom – Video and web conferencing service (free for up to 100 individuals)
10. Free Design Tools and Stock Images
As an entrepreneur, you’ll take on many roles. Quite frequently, that role is a graphic designer. But no worries, you don’t need any special training to create professional-looking images, presentations, and marketing materials; these tools are both free and easy to use.
- Burst – Free stock photos
- Canva – Simple design platform and photo editor
- CapCut – Free video editor
- COLOURlovers – Color ideas, palates, patterns, and trends
- Dreamstime – Stock photos and images
- Easil – Drag and drop editor, free for 30-days
- FontSquirrel – Free fonts for commercial usage
- FreePhotos.cc – Free stock photos
- FlexClip – Free video editor
- Image Resizer – Resize images without losing quality
- Morguefile.com – Free stock photos for commercial use
- Pexels – Free stock photos
- Photopea – Free photo editor
- Pixabay – Free images and videos
- Remove.bg – Remove background from images
- SVG to PNG – Converts SVG files to PNGs for free
- Unsplash – Free stock photos
- Wix – Free logo maker
11. Free Courses and Business Mentorship
As an entrepreneur, you need to stay up to date on best business practices, new technology, marketing strategies, and so much more. Things change so quickly, and if you don’t stay on top of industry trends and new technology, you’ll be left behind. That’s why investing in your self-development is so crucial.
Here are some places to find free business guides, mentors, webinars, and more!
12. Free Resources and Tools for Bloggers
If you run a blog, there’s no doubt that you’ll need some specialized tools to make your blogging efforts easier.
Here are some that I use and recommend:
Here are some that I use and recommend:
- AdRotate – Free plugin to serve image ads on your blog
- Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing – Free 36-page e-book on making money with affiliate marketing
- Blogging Success – My free 28-page e-book that covers writing, getting traffic, and monetization
- CoSchedule – Free headline analyzer
- Google Analytics – Free website traffic stats
- Gravatar – Create a globally recognized avatar that helps brand your blog identity
- Random.org – Randomly choose winners for your giveaways and contests
- SmallSEOTools – Plagiarism checker for guest blog posts
- Yoast – Free SEO optimization plugin for your blog
Conclusion
Are you ready to make money from home this year, but you’re not sure what direction to take? Here are a bunch of FREE online courses that can help take the guesswork out of what work-at-home career path you should take.
One last note about business freebies. There will come a point where your time becomes more valuable than saving a few bucks. So as you grow, invest in the proper tools that will ultimately save you time and money; as freebies often have limitations.
Good luck with your new business!
One last note about business freebies. There will come a point where your time becomes more valuable than saving a few bucks. So as you grow, invest in the proper tools that will ultimately save you time and money; as freebies often have limitations.
Good luck with your new business!
How to Start a Business with No Credit
I’m excited to share with you how to start a business with no credit. I still remember the day when I went to buy a pickup for my first business and the car dealer asked me if I had credit.
“What’s credit?” I replied. Granted I was only 20 years old and had no clue what I was doing.
All I knew was I had a great opportunity to start a business and no vehicle to make deliveries.
I had no credit history, nothing, nada, zilch.
“What’s credit?” I replied. Granted I was only 20 years old and had no clue what I was doing.
All I knew was I had a great opportunity to start a business and no vehicle to make deliveries.
I had no credit history, nothing, nada, zilch.
The general manager of the car dealership looked at me like I was crazy.
He asked me if I had any cash.
I had some savings, but I didn’t want to hand that over right away because I knew I still needed to buy inventory.
He explained that without something “down” I wouldn’t be able to purchase a vehicle. He also told me it was nearly impossible to start a business with no credit. I finally gave in and told him about the few thousand dollars I had saved up.
And with that small savings and an agreement to give him a discount on my product, he agreed to take a chance on me. He approved a loan for my first delivery vehicle.
I remember how my hand shook as I wrote that check of my entire savings to put a down payment on a truck. And now, I laugh at how important I thought that small savings was! Oh my gosh, if I had said no and walked away just to keep that small savings, I would have never built my business to the million dollar status.
He asked me if I had any cash.
I had some savings, but I didn’t want to hand that over right away because I knew I still needed to buy inventory.
He explained that without something “down” I wouldn’t be able to purchase a vehicle. He also told me it was nearly impossible to start a business with no credit. I finally gave in and told him about the few thousand dollars I had saved up.
And with that small savings and an agreement to give him a discount on my product, he agreed to take a chance on me. He approved a loan for my first delivery vehicle.
I remember how my hand shook as I wrote that check of my entire savings to put a down payment on a truck. And now, I laugh at how important I thought that small savings was! Oh my gosh, if I had said no and walked away just to keep that small savings, I would have never built my business to the million dollar status.
It IS possible to start a business with no credit
This was one of my first business lessons I learned and one I will never forget. You have to be willing to take a chance on yourself and believe in yourself even if no one else does. And it IS possible to start a business with no credit.
You may or may not be in the same position. Maybe you have no credit or bad credit. Maybe you have a little savings or no savings at all. I want to tell you that it is possible to start a business even if you have bad credit, no credit, and no savings. Please do not let these things become excuses for why you don’t start a business of your own.
I tell people all the time that if you want to truly get ahead in life, then the fastest way is through your own business. And with a little excitement on your part, persistence to make it work, and listening and taking care of your customers, you will have success.
You may or may not be in the same position. Maybe you have no credit or bad credit. Maybe you have a little savings or no savings at all. I want to tell you that it is possible to start a business even if you have bad credit, no credit, and no savings. Please do not let these things become excuses for why you don’t start a business of your own.
I tell people all the time that if you want to truly get ahead in life, then the fastest way is through your own business. And with a little excitement on your part, persistence to make it work, and listening and taking care of your customers, you will have success.
Tips for How to Start a Business with No Credit
I am going to share my tips for how to start a business with no credit. There’s nothing fancy here, but I do recommend that you start opening your mind to being more creative. You will need the ability to see many options if you want to have success with your business. Being close-minded or thinking things must be a certain way will keep you very stuck and will make the process go very slow. If you want success fast, be okay with brainstorming, asking for suggestions and help, trying many angles and failing a few times.
I was able to start a business with no credit because I asked questions when I didn’t understand something. By simply asking, “What’s credit?” I learned something very new and valuable that day. In other articles, we will get into why credit is so important and how you can take better care of your credit and why this is so essential for success in your life.
But for now, let’s just address how you can get your business started with no credit and no money.
I was able to start a business with no credit because I asked questions when I didn’t understand something. By simply asking, “What’s credit?” I learned something very new and valuable that day. In other articles, we will get into why credit is so important and how you can take better care of your credit and why this is so essential for success in your life.
But for now, let’s just address how you can get your business started with no credit and no money.
Tips to Start a Business with No Credit
1. Use who you know
Essentially, write down the first few people who come to mind that you know will want what you are offering. We went to a car dealer to ask for a truck because we had a product we knew they might be interested in using. You might be able to work out a trade, or get them to co-sign, or have them pay you up front for the product or service. We didn’t know this particular car dealer as a good friend. We just knew we had something they might be interested in. Think about how you can serve that person even if it means doing side hustle work for them that helps them out in some way.
2. Buy ONLY what you have already sold
When it comes time to buy inventory to sell, ONLY BUY WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY SOLD. What do I mean by this? Ask customers what they want or find out what they need, then buy the inventory and deliver it. Don’t buy things you THINK they will want or need. This way, you could even ask for payment up front and this will give you the investment money to go buy inventory. This tip will save you so much money in the long run. I made so many mistakes buying things I thought my customers MIGHT like. Keep things simple and just ask them. They will TELL you what they need. Then you can simply deliver it!
3. Get creative about how to get money to get started
I had very little money in the beginning stages, and I was very anxious about how to start a business with no credit. I thought I needed to get a business line of credit. So I put together a business plan and took it to the bank. Again, they asked me if I had credit or assets. Why would I be asking for money if I had access to credit or assets?!? I could have given up then and there, but I didn’t. I had already used up my small savings for my truck. Where would I get money to buy inventory?
I went to college! Ha ha, that’s right. I qualified for a student loan and was able to use a small part of that money to buy only a few products to get started. I remember my sales log for my first month was for only $26. But then the next month is was over $100. And the next month was over $500. And it just kept going up from there. I continually used the money I made to reinvest in my business.
Think about enrolling in a community college and taking business courses and apply for a student loan. If this doesn’t work, think about family members who might offer a small sum of money to get you what you need. The point is, get creative and ask for help.
I went to college! Ha ha, that’s right. I qualified for a student loan and was able to use a small part of that money to buy only a few products to get started. I remember my sales log for my first month was for only $26. But then the next month is was over $100. And the next month was over $500. And it just kept going up from there. I continually used the money I made to reinvest in my business.
Think about enrolling in a community college and taking business courses and apply for a student loan. If this doesn’t work, think about family members who might offer a small sum of money to get you what you need. The point is, get creative and ask for help.
4. Get a website
One of the first things I did when I started my business was I taught myself HTML and created a website. That was back when the internet was brand new and it took forever to load a web page. I sat patiently for months building up a website. Now, you can build a website in a little over an hour. I highly recommend putting together at least a one page website that features your best products or services along with your contact information. These days, you can get started for a very small amount of money and there are online tutorials to help you get going.
Make sure to also include an email signup and many ways for people to contact you, such as through phone, contact forms, email address, etc. My clients contact me in various ways. Some even just text me over calling me. Consider the many ways people like to communicate.
Make sure to also include an email signup and many ways for people to contact you, such as through phone, contact forms, email address, etc. My clients contact me in various ways. Some even just text me over calling me. Consider the many ways people like to communicate.
HOW DO I SELF-PUBLISH A BOOK OF MY POETRY?
Self-publishing a poetry book can be a fulfilling process that gives you full creative control over your work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you publish your poetry book:
1. Prepare Your Manuscript
- Select your poems: Choose the best poems to include. Consider creating a theme for your collection to give it cohesiveness.
- Edit your work: Review your poems and consider hiring an editor for a second pair of eyes. You can also ask trusted friends or fellow poets for feedback.
- Format your manuscript: Use professional formatting for your poems. Pay attention to margins, fonts, and spacing. Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener can help with this.
2. Design the Book
- Cover design: The cover is one of the first things readers will notice, so it’s worth investing in a good design. You can hire a graphic designer or use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark if you prefer a DIY approach.
- Interior layout: Formatting tools like Adobe InDesign, Reedsy, or Vellum can help create a professional interior layout. You’ll need to decide on fonts, how to present each poem, and if you want to include any artwork.
3. Choose a Self-Publishing PlatformThere are several options to self-publish your poetry book. Some popular platforms are:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Offers print-on-demand and e-book publishing, giving you wide exposure through Amazon.
- IngramSpark: Provides print and distribution services with access to online retailers and bookstores.
- Lulu: Great for print-on-demand and allows more customization for hardcover options.
- Smashwords: Focuses on e-books and distributes to various platforms like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.
4. Create Your ISBNSome platforms offer a free ISBN (International Standard Book Number), but you can also purchase your own through an agency like Bowker (in the U.S.). Owning your own ISBN gives you more control, especially if you plan to distribute the book in multiple places.
5. Set the Price
- Research similar poetry books to see what price point is common.
- Consider the cost of production (especially for print copies) and what profit margin you’d like to have.
6. Publish Your Book
- Upload your formatted manuscript and cover to your chosen self-publishing platform.
- Fill out the necessary details like title, author name, book description, and keywords to help with searchability.
7. Promote Your Poetry Book
- Social media: Share your journey, excerpts, and updates on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
- Create a website or blog: This can be a space to share more about your work and provide a purchase link.
- Email marketing: Build a mailing list of readers interested in poetry, and keep them updated about your book launch.
- Attend local events: Bookstores, poetry readings, or community events can help you reach a local audience.
- Use self-promotion tools: Goodreads, Amazon Author Central, and even Etsy (for signed copies) can help promote your work.
8. Track Sales and ReviewsOnce your book is published, track your sales and gather reviews. Reviews are crucial for attracting new readers. Encourage readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads.
COMING SOON!
Author
Aries | Soccer Fan | Poet | Writer | Love Sunflowers | LGBTQ+ | Entrepreneur
Wild Heart. Free Spirit. Hippie Soul. I AM WILD SOUL
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