Nearly every one of us has, at one time or another, dreamed about starting our own business. Whether it’s to grow a second source of income, gain freedom from our employer, or be able to work better hours, home businesses offer lots of opportunities. If they’re for real that is.Unfortunately, many so called home business opportunities are actually just opportunities to be swindled. There are so many offers out there, and many of them are legitimate. But still more of them are people trying to take your money for little or nothing in return.Anyone can fall victim to a scam; you shouldn’t kid yourself that you are immune. And even if you do your best to protect yourself, you can still get cheated. But if you know what to look for, you are in the best possible position to take advantage of the legitimate offers and avoid the scams.The most popular sort of scam is the one that promises you the secret to riches and success, if you just front them a little money. It might be for training, or product, but it is always a bad sign. There are legitimate business that require start up capital, but they will provide you with information and tell you exactly what you are getting before asking for money.One popular form of business that requires start up money is buying into a franchise. Fast food chains and other chain business do require you to put capital into the business. But not until they have given you data about the company and answered all of your questions. If someone wants money first, stay away.There are some home business scams that actually do pay you something, but not nearly enough. You’ve probably seen ads that promise you thousands for stuffing envelopes or just sitting in front of your computer reading email. In reality, you would have to put in hundreds or thousands of hours in order to make anywhere near what they are promising.If you are tempted by a home business, first determine exactly what it is that you will be doing, and then estimate the number of hours it would take to complete each specific task. Figure out how much you will be making per hour, and then ask yourself if it is really worth it. If you’re looking at minimum wage or below, it’s not going to be worth starting your own business.Finally, just forget any offer that promises you riches for nothing. There is just no way to make big money without putting in some honest work. People who say otherwise are just hoping to run off with your money. If you do your homework and are prepared to put in the effort needed to make a legitimate business thrive, you will be much more likely to see through scams and avoid them.
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Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
My Dad repaired most of our shoes believe it or not, I can hardly believe it myself now. With 7 pairs of shoes always needing repairs I think he was quite clever to learn how to “Keep us in shoe Leather” to coin a phrase!
He bought several different sizes of cast iron cobbler’s “lasts”. Last, the old English “Laest” meaning footprint. Lasts were holding devices shaped like a human foot. I have no idea where he would have bought the shoe leather. Only that it was a beautiful creamy, shiny colour and the smell was lovely.
But I do remember our shoes turned upside down on and fitted into these lasts, my Dad cutting the leather around the shape of the shoe, and then hammering nails, into the leather shape. Sometimes we’d feel one or 2 of those nails poking through the insides of our shoes, but our dad always fixed it.
Hiking and Swimming Galas
Dad was a very outdoorsy type, unlike my mother, who was probably too busy indoors. She also enjoyed the peace and quiet when he took us off for the day!
Anyway, he often took us hiking in the mountains where we’d have a picnic of sandwiches and flasks of tea. And more often than not we went by steam train.
We loved poking our heads out of the window until our eyes hurt like mad from a blast of soot blowing back from the engine. But sore, bloodshot eyes never dampened our enthusiasm.
Dad was an avid swimmer and water polo player, and he used to take us to swimming galas, as they were called back then. He often took part in these galas. And again we always travelled by steam train.
Rowing Over To Ireland’s Eye
That’s what we did back then, we had to go by rowboat, the only way to get to Ireland’s eye, which is 15 minutes from mainland Howth. From there we could see Malahide, Lambay Island and Howth Head of course. These days you can take a Round Trip Cruise on a small cruise ship!
But we thoroughly enjoyed rowing and once there we couldn’t wait to climb the rocks, and have a swim. We picnicked and watched the friendly seals doing their thing and showing off.
Not to mention all kinds of birdlife including the Puffin.The Martello Tower was also interesting but a bit dangerous to attempt entering. I’m getting lost in the past as I write, and have to drag myself back to the present.
Fun Outings with The camera Club
Dad was also a very keen amateur photographer, and was a member of a camera Club. There were many Sunday photography outings and along with us came other kids of the members of the club.
And we always had great fun while the adults busied themselves taking photos of everything and anything, it seemed to us. Dad was so serious about his photography that he set up a dark room where he developed and printed his photographs.
All black and white at the time. He and his camera club entered many of their favourites in exhibitions throughout Europe. I’m quite proud to say that many cups and medals were won by Dad. They have been shared amongst all his grandchildren which I find quite special.
He liked taking portraits of us kids too, mostly when we were in a state of untidiness, usually during play. Dad always preferred the natural look of messy hair and clothes in the photos of his children.