Re-invent Yourself

Now is the time to re-invent yourself. For many people like you, getting the pink slip is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get started on that idea, that passion that you always had, but couldn't find time due to your workload and other obligations. Now, with time in your hand, and help of on-line resources like APS, you should free your mind and venture out to make your dreams come true. In these pages, you will find success stories, discussion forums, useful links, etc., to help you give wings to your passion. SUCCESS STORIES Here are some success stories to inspire you.

• Retire? forget about it

  A new wave of baby boomer business owners are turning their passion and experience into second-act success. Which age group do you think has more entrepreneurs--twentysomethings or those over 55? If you guessed the latter (because it seems less likely so it must be true) you guessed correctly.
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/successstories/article204568.html

• Turn failures into fortunes

  For these entrepreneurs, going under was just the beginning. In 2002, Marty Metro ditched corporate America to sell used moving boxes. Customers flooded his eco-friendly Los Angeles store, and Metro rushed to open three more locations, hopeful he'd soon be franchising the business throughout the country.
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/article204244.html

• From problems to profits

  For these entrepreneurs, pressing personal needs were the inspiration for thriving startups. Jennifer Herskowitz spent years scouring aisles and studying labels at Whole Foods and stores like it, wishing there was a shop that stocked well-organized, clearly labeled allergy-free products for her kids, who have serious food allergies. Herskowitz, an attorney with no retail experience, found a solution in 2007: She opened such a store herself.
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/successstories/article204206.html

• Break down the vc barrier

  Landing investors takes a lot of persistence and a little luck. Here's how these entrepreneurs did it.
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/gettingfinancing/article204214.html

• The entrepreneur economy

  While the corporate world struggles to find its footing, entrepreneurs are stepping up with new ideas
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/december/204086.html

DISCUSSION FORUM

Go to Discussion Forum to post your idea, comment or questions and receive answers from fellow APS members. You may also search other social networking sites like Facebook, to see if there's already a group created that match your passion. It's always good to learn from other's mistake and not make it yourself!!

USEFUL LINKS

• Us small business administration

  The site provides very useful information without all the unwanted advertisement of other sites. It helps you from start to finish. A must for folks learning about opening your own business. Spend as much time as you can on this website.
  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html

• Internal revenue service

  First thing you have to do after you are serious about starting a business is go to the IRS site to educate yourself on the legal procedures needed to register your business. The site has very useful information on what kind of business structure is right for you, how to keep your books straight from the start, etc.
  http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99336,00.html

• This site is loaded with good information. But it can be a chore to sort out the fluff to get the information you need. You will likely stumble into new idea or new tools you didn't think of.
  http://www.entrepreneur.com/bizstartups/index.html