LIVE IN A $100,000 HOME WITHOUT MONEY
The best way to live in a $100,000 home without money is to become a
"house-sitter." You offer to live in luxury homes while the owners are
away vacationing. If you live in a large city, you can probably live all year
rent free by keeping a notebook of clients who need your services to
protect their homes from vandals while they are away. If necessary, get
yourself bonded.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Do you still believe in magic? Do you think you can pay $24.95 for a
mail order program and make $5,000 within 30 days? Do you think
you can open a business today and quit your job in 2 weeks? Do you
think you can advertise a 1" ad to 1,000 and expect 800 orders?
It's sad that our push-button, do-everything-for-you-society has taken
away our ability to climb to the top of the hill. Those of us who do have
the stamina have to try twice as hard to "prove" we are not those other
types of people.
Let's all stop pretending we're in business and start learning how to
make it grow into a thriving, honest and reputable company. It is
sometimes hard to be completely honest in everything we do. We
could tell a "little white lie" and get that $120 bucks we so desperately
need right now. Oh, what we have to give up to be honest.
I never lived in the 1800's but I have studied their life-styles quiet
extensively. Back then people were not afraid of hard work. In fact,
it never entered their minds to be lazy. If someone in the community
was lazy, they were considered abnormal and were given a bad
name. Even as late as the 1940's, a man that didn't work to support
his family was considered to be piece of "trash."
But in the 1990's it seems that the man who doesn't work, lives on
welfare and sponges off his wife who works two jobs to make ends
meet is considered "cool." The State agencies spent millions of
dollars trying to motive him to go out and find a job and work like he is
supposed to.
Employers sometimes contribute to the madness also. Since hard
working people are considered "strange" and "indifferent" in today's
society, an employer will take a hard worker and pile all the work on
them that other people should be sharing in doing. It sometimes feels
like hard working people are fighting a losing battle.
But getting something for nothing is NEVER rewarding. Sure you
can cheat the welfare system and get free benefits for awhile, but
pretty soon they will track you down. Sure you can sit on the couch
and watch television while your spouse goes out and works 2 jobs, but
you'll never have any true financial rewards in life. Sure you can work
8 hours and spend 6 hours on coffee breaks just to get a paycheck
every Friday, but you'll be the first to go when a lay-off is administered.
Sure you can forge credit cards, set up scams, write bad checks and
steal innocent people's money, but you won't get anywhere. You only
are taking care of your needs at the present time never building
security, pride and respect for yourself.
But hard work pays off. The rewards are not immediate like they would
be if you robbed a bank tonight, but you WILL make lots more money
and benefit yourself in the long-haul. Money is NOT everything. Money
cannot buy respect and love. A poor person running a business, who
is honest has peace of mind. A person who works hard and long
hours to give their customers high-quality receives repeat orders.
And when word gets around that you're honest and trustworthy -
people start noticing you and telling others about you. Respect is
much more important than money because of the repeat rewards it
brings you. For instance - when you think of Howard Hughes you don't
think of him with respect. Even though he had billions of dollars, does
anybody really care now? But think about Martin Luther King or
Thomas Edison. Think about some heros you know. Does
it matter to you how much money they had? Don't you remember them
for the hard work and great things they accomplished? Isn't
contributing to society and the betterment of mankind much more
valuable than the money you have in your bank account?
Take pride in yourself. Hold your head up and do an honest day's
work. Yes - being honest has great rewards.
CONTEST AND SWEEPSTAKES SECRETS
Everywhere you look, there seems to be a new contest or
sweepstakes. Money and prizes galore are just waiting to be won.
Are you one of the people who says things like "I never win anything"
or "Those contests are all rigged"? Well, you're WRONG. You CAN
win, if you follow the secrets of multiple contest and sweepstakes
winners.
There are two major secrets to winning sweepstakes and contests.
They may seem obvious, but too many people overlook them. Here
they are:
1) Follow the rules EXACTLY,
and
2) Enter many times.
That's about all there is to it. But, I'll go into them in more detail, so you
can see how these two secrets will effect your chances.
Read and reread the rules before you enter a contest.
Too many people enter a contest and lose, not because they gave
wrong answers or had the wrong numbers, but for stupid reasons, like
the wrong size envelope, or they wrote their name in cursive, instead
of printing it. You MUST follow each and every rule exactly.
These rules are there to keep things fair. It's been estimated that
almost 20% of all winning entries in major contests and sweepstakes
get disqualified for minor differences from requirements.
Don't let this happen to you! By following the rules, you will put
yourself automatically ahead of all those who just send in an entry, not
caring whether it's wrong or right.
Important rules to follow:
1) Entry Blanks. If the rules say "Official Entry Blank Only," don't send
in a handwritten entry. It will only be a waste of a stamp, and could
disqualify your other, official entries.
Also, pay attention to the number of entries allowed. If it says "One
entry per household," don't send in more! Most contest and
sweepstakes judging organizations use computers to track entries. A
duplicate entry from you WILL show up and WILL disqualify you.
If handwritten entries are allowed, pay attention to the paper that
must be used and what should be on the entry. If it says to use a 3 1/2
by 5 1/2 unlined piece of paper, don't send your entry on a 3 x 5 lined
postcard.
It may seem obvious, but people do it everyday, and it's an automatic
disqualification.
Write any phrases that are necessary EXACTLY as stated in the
rules. Write your name and address EXACTLY as states in the rules.
If the rules say "Full Name" then you'd better write your middle name,
just to be safe. Don't try to be fancy and draw little pictures or write
cute things on your entry. Give them exactly what they want and no
more.
Also, write legibly, so they can read it. Scrawling something
unreadable will get your winning entry thrown in the trash.
2) Qualifiers. Sometimes you will be asked to include either some
part of the packaging from the sweepstakes sponsor's products, or,
instead, a handwritten phrase. Follow this rule exactly. If it's unclear
from the rules exactly what they need, there is usually an address or
phone number given for questions. Use it.
3) Envelopes. Don't send a postcard unless it's asked for. Hand
address your envelope and use the exact size that's listed. Contrary
to what many people think, colored or odd sized envelopes will NOT
increase your chances of winning.
4) Deadline. Observe the deadline. A major disqualification reason
is late entry. Get your entries out at least a week before the closing
date, to be safe.
Now comes the second secret:
Enter often.
Look at the type of prizes available and use that information to decide
the number of entries you will send in.
A sweepstakes where the main prize is $100 obviously wouldn't need
as many entries as the multimillion dollar national ones.
Just remember that each entry you send in increase your odds in
relation to the total number of entries received. In other words, if 100
entries are received, yours included, you have a 1 in 100 chance of
your entry being picked. If you send in two entries, you now have a 2
in 101 chance of winning. Send in 50 entries and you'll have a 50 in
149 chance of winning, almost one-third! But make sure you'll still be
ahead if you win. There's no sense in spending $200 to enter a
contest for $100.
These are the methods that frequent winners use. Use these secrets
intensively when you enter contests and sweepstakes, and you may
soon be hearing the words "Congratulations! You have just won..."
YOUR MONEY GUIDE TO FREE GOVERNMENT
GRANTS
Anyone thinking about going into business for themselves, or wanting to expand an existing business should rush for the world's largest "one-stop-money-shop" where FREE MONEY to start or expand a business is being held for you by the Federal Government.
It sounds absolutely incredible that people living right here in the United States of America wouldn't know that each year the world's largest source of free business help delivers:
*over $30 billion dollars in free grants and low-interest loans;
*over one-half trillion dollars in procurement contracts; and
*over $32 billion dollars in FREE consulting and research grants.
With an economy that remains unpredictable, and a need for even greater economic development on all fronts, the federal government is more willing than it ever has been before to give you the money you need to own your own business and become your own boss!
In spite of the perception that people should not look to the government for help, the great government give-away programs have remained so incredibly huge that if each of the approximately 8 million businesses applied for an equal share, they would each receive over $70,000.
Most people never apply for a FREE GRANT because they somehow feel it isn't for them, feel there's too much red-tape, or simply don't know who to contact. The fact is, however, that people form all walks of life do receive FREE GRANT MONEY and other benefits from the government, and you should also.
HOW TO FIND FUNDING SOURCES WORTH BILLIONS
As with all grant seeking, the key to obtaining grants is preparation and a knowledge about funding sources. Preparation means identifying programs that are available, and then determining if you fall within their restrictions.
The following sources will be invaluable to you in locating thousands of sources of FREE MONEY!
FEDERAL REGISTER: This daily publication contains changes, proposed changes, and notices about rules and regulations affecting all government agencies and their programs. Federal agencies must publish the program description, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines in the Federal Register. For current subscription costs write to: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This publication lists a complete description of every program in the federal government that makes funds available to private business. Write to the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY: This publication contains a daily listing of U.S. Government procurement invitations, contract awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplus property, and foreign business opportunities. For current annual subscriptions costs write to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
FREE FEDERAL MONEY GIVEN AWAY TO ASSIST BUSINESSES
GRANT MONEY FOR BUSINESSES IN POOR ECONOMIC AREAS: Contact the Economic Adjustment Division, Director, Economic Development Administration, Herbert Hoover Bldg., Rm. H7217, Washington, DC 20230.
GRANT MONEY FOR MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Grants are awarded up to $2 million dollars to stimulate growth. Contact the Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.
FREE MONEY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES: Management and technical assistance is provided free to disadvantaged businesses. Contact the Associate Administrator for Small Business, 1441 L Street, NW, Rm. 602, Washington, DC 20416.
GRANT MONEY FOR INVESTORS IN RENTAL APARTMENT BUILDINGS WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE: Contact the Chief, Program Support Branch, Management Operations Division, Office of Multi-Family Housing Management, Department of Housing and Development, Washington, DC 20420.
GRANT MONEY FOR WOMEN'S ENTERPRISES: Up to $200,000 dollar grants are awarded to women in business annually. Contact the Office of Women's Business Ownership, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW, Washington, DC 20416.
GRANT MONEY FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS WHO RENT TO ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE: Contact the Director, Office of Multi-Family Housing Management, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC 20410.
GRANT MONEY FOR INDIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES: Contact the office of Tribal Servies, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street NW, MS #4603-MIB, Washington, DC 20240.
FREE STATE GRANT MONEY
There simply isn't enough room in this report to begin listing all the FREE MONEY programs that are available from the federal and state governments. We can tell you however, the general types of programs that are available and where to begin.
As you contact different agencies for grant money, learn not to accept "no" as a final answer. There are so many new programs being offered each year that often an agency's own employees won't be aware they are offering the one you ask about. If being persistent doesn't help, get in touch with your congressman and let them track down a program that meets your needs.
TYPES OF PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES
FREE MONEY: Usually through direct grants that do not have to be paid back.
BUSINESS CONSULTING: Free management advice is offered on almost every business subject by the Department of Economic Development to minimize new business start-up management costs.
BUSINESS SITE SELECTION: State hired specialists are available to assist new entrepreneurs select the best possible location for their new business.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING: Most states will assign specialists to work with a new business with one-on-one management training.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING ASSISTANCE: This program provides FREE MONEY to train employees. FREE MONEY is also available to send employees to school.R
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: FREE MONEY is available to attract high-tech related companies.
PROGRAM CONSULTANTS: States have highly trained management consultants who will locate Federal Grant Programs and help you through the application Process.
FORMS & DOCUMENTS: State professionals will help a new business owner apply for permits, licenses, or any other legal document a business may require.
VENTURE CAPITAL FINANCING: This method can provide FREE MONEY in the sense you wouldn't have to pay it back. You would, however, probably have to give up part of the ownership of your business in order to receive financing. Most states have their own venture capital finance terms that invest in high risk businesses.
MINORITIES & WOMEN: FREE MONEY grants are available in most states for women or minorities who want to start a business.
LOW INTEREST LOANS: A state may raise money through industrial revenue bonds to buy your fixed-asset equipment. The public, which invests in these bonds, do not pay taxes on the earned interest. When a low interest loan is granted, the states does not guarantee that investors will get their money back if the business fails. If a state issues a general obligation bond, a public investment is then guaranteed. The states will also make direct loans at low interest, or even co-sign a commercial bank loan. If a state co-signs a loan for you, it may subsidize your interest and reduce an already low-interest rate lower yet.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Every state has Small Business Development Centers who can match you up with the right FREE MONEY grant program. All development centers offer free counseling to anyone wishing to start or expand a business. Their services are varied but include: FREE seminars, workshops, business planning, feasibility studies, marketing research, management analysis, sales technique, financing, exporting, inventory control, accounting, record keeping, and grant applications. Whatever your questions about FREE MONEY grants or starting a business, refer to your telephone directory under State Offices and contact your Small Business Development Center.
GETTING FREE MONEY FROM VENTURE CAPITAL SOURCES
A venture capital company is another source for FREE MONEY in financing your business plans. But since they are willing to assume some risk by investing in your business, they also expect some equity in the business itself.
Venture capital companies invest in projects they feel will be successful and bring a return on their investment. If you are interested in asking a venture capital company to invest in your business refer to your telephone directory under Venture Capital Companies or Investment Companies, and contact those who are in the same area you want to start your project in.
SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Small business investment companies can provide your business with the capital it needs by; 1) giving you a free loan; 2) making a stock investment in your business; or 3) offering a combination of the two.
Small business investment companies are in the business of making money just like any other business. The biggest difference between them and another investor is:
1)They are privately managed firms who are licensed and partially financed by the federal government's Small Business Administration.
2)All of its transactions are regulated by the government.
3)Their success depends on the growth and profits of companies they own stock in. They often give money in exchange for stocks.
4)Their loans usually carry lower interest rates than commercial banks.
5)Straight loans repayments are carried over a longer period of time.
6)Most businesses are eligible, especially if they are 50% minority owned.
For a complete listing of the thousands of Small Business Investment Companies, visit your local library and ask for the SBIC Catalog. Study the catalog and note the companies that specialize in your area of interest. Then write them and request more information on what they have to offer.
WRITING A SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION
To write a successful grant application for FREE MONEY it should be well planned. You should be familiar with exactly how a particular agency prefers to have their grant proposals completed. If you have to prior experience in writing grant proposals, this is another area where your State Small Business Development Centers can help.
WORK CLOSELY WITH THE FREE MONEY GRANTOR AGENCY
Once you decide which government agency you want FREE MONEY from, contact them and ask for a grant application kit. Get to know some of the grantor agency personnel. Experts love to talk about their programs, so ask for advice, suggestions, and criticisms about your proposed project.
In most cases, the more an agency knows about your grant proposal, the better your chances will be of getting support from the personnel who ultimately approve your FREE MONEY request.
Often it is a grantor's advantage to send their grant proposal summary to an agency official they have developed a contact relationship with, and ask them to review and return it to you with their comments. Be certain this approach is acceptable with your agency contact. You wouldn't want a first draft mistakenly processed before it was finished.
Making a personal visit to the agency's office in your area is also important. Face to face contact will help you understand eligibility requirements, deadlines, maximum FREE MONEY amounts you can apply for, and other details you want to know about. You can also utilize an agency's library and determine through books, brochures, and conversation if there are other agencies you could apply to for FREE MONEY. There is nothing that says you can't apply for two, three, or more FREE MONEY grants at one time!
ESTABLISH YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Do some networking and maintain continuous contact with people who can gather information for you about FREE MONEY GRANTS. Nothing can be substituted for personal contact with the decision makers who are in charge of grant programs. Learn to use your personal influence (and theirs) to achieve your goals.
The U.S. Government Printing Office maintains a wealth of information that people never take advantage of! Write to them and ask for a copy of the "U.S. Government Directory" and ask for a list of books, brochures, and documents that covers your field of interest. Tell them you are especially interested in obtaining information about FREE FEDERAL MONEY that's available to private citizens.
Remember, "FREE FEDERAL MONEY" doesn't mean you have to travel to Washington, DC. It just means finding out where the agencies are within your own states and local governments. The contacts you want to make may only be minutes away.
