What Business Should I Start?. Rhonda Abrams

customers by offering very low prices only brings in bargain hunters—who will dump you as soon as they find someone else with even lower prices.

      

Globalization. You’re undoubtedly aware of all the hand-wringing about technology jobs being “off-shored” to countries where employers can pay far less for technologists and engineers. You even may be one of those who lost their job to outsourcing. Consultants and independent contractors in this country still have advantages to those abroad: first, they’re here. Ultimately, people like to do business with people they can see, speak to, and trust. Second, you yourself might be able to take advantage of off-shore workers as you build your company. You may decide that you want to have your management and sales teams here, but do some of your design and development work abroad.

      In any event, you will greatly enhance your chances of success if you work on those communication skills—it will be more difficult for developers overseas with broken English to compete with you if you’re able to communicate with customers and clients clearly, concisely, and in the language of their native tongue.

      step 2

      Define your aspirations

      define your aspirations

      Picture three would-be entrepreneurs at a seminar on “Starting Your Own Business:”

      The first one thinks, “I’d love to leave my job and work for myself. I’m tired of all the petty office politics and silly company rules. I’m willing to work hard, but I want to take control of my life and be my own boss.”

      The second smiles, imagining the possibility of being able to pursue his hobby—photography—as a business. “Since I took that early retirement deal, I’ve got enough to live on. But I could make a little extra money photographing weddings and babies. And I’d always have a reason to buy the latest photo equipment.”