Josh Fredman reports:

"Speech writing in politics is a difficult art, and it's not for everyone. A good speech has to optimistically appeal to all the right constituencies, avoid unintended controversy, yet be provocative and eloquent enough to make the news, all while catering to a middle school reading level. Since the job is also very competitive, it isn't enough simply to be good at it. You also need to make friends and work your way in...Zippia reports that these days, a bachelor's degree is all but mandatory to get into the world of speech writing. Having a degree suggests that you're serious, disciplined and capable of following through on a commitment. The type of degree doesn't really matter, though some politicians and their staffs prefer a related degree, like political science or English. Don't quit college while you're there, either. Your speech-writing job will eventually end, but the degree will stay with you for a lifetime...Political speech writing is a niche industry. According to Indeed, in order to make it as a speech writer, you have to get politically involved. This means doing a whole lot of volunteering at first. Register with your local political party chapter and help out. Join political campaigns and volunteer with them[,] too. Assist with elections. Get involved in the later stages of elections, such as caucuses and conventions. Overall, aim to attach yourself to a specific politician in hopes of eventually getting a paid staff job...A complement to volunteering at political activities is to join a political nonprofit or activist organization that works on issues you care about. These groups have frequent contact with the politicians who represent them as well as with ideologically friendly politicians, which can provide a means for you to work with those politicians' staffs. Many people eventually parlay that personal familiarity into a paid political job...Politicians are much likelier to hire a writer with an extensive body of political writing publicly available to scrutinize, such as on a blog or website. Long before you try to get a political speech-writing job, hone your writing and work on building an audience. If you can show that your writing resonates with people, that makes you much likelier to eventually get a speech-writing job."

Ruth Mayhew reports:

"Running your own business is an admirable challenge, but if you're looking for a job, your resume should contain a work description with adequate details about your self-employment. Make sure you illustrate expertise and commitment to your responsibilities. Reviewing differences between the way you list general duties of employers and self-employed persons will help yo[u] make a better presentation...When your work history includes both employment and self-employment, a chronological resume format can clearly define when you worked for other entities and when you worked for yourself and help you come up with small-business job descriptions...If you use a functional resume – the kind that showcases your professional competencies but doesn't necessarily include a defined career path in chronological order – a recruiter or hiring manager might be confused about how long and when you were self-employed. Listing your self-employment in chronological order, especially when you have more than one stint at business ownership, can make more sense to recruiters screening your qualifications...Many job postings indicate that the ideal candidate has entrepreneurial vision, particularly for sales and leadership positions. But the truth is, some employers are cautious about hiring candidates who've been self-employed. They think this way for two reasons: They don't know if you really owned your own business, freelanced or are just trying to cover up that you were unemployed. Another reason some employers are reluctant to hire a former business owner is because they want someone who isn't going to try to take over operations without regard to the organization's processes already in place. These are two fine reasons to describe your duties as a self-employed professional just as you would any other job you've held...List your company name, its location and your title – the same way you would for your other previous jobs where you were an employee. For example, write, 'NYC Concessions; CEO/Founding Partner; New York, NY.' If you have been a solopreneur, avoid using big titles like president or CEO. Stick with a title like owner or consultant instead, recommends Top Resume.com. Describe your primary job duties but omit the part about how you formed your company. The recruiter or hiring manager likely will ask you why you decided to branch out on your own and why you're now interested in employment. Save an explanation of the whys, hows and backstory of your entrepreneurial venture for the interview...Granted, running your own business is itself an accomplishment, but remember that you're competing with other candidates who might describe accomplishments directly related to their job responsibilities. Instead of simply relying on owning and operating a business successfully as your major accomplishment, list approximately three achievements – in bullet fashion – that capture the reader's eye."

David Sarokin reports:

"Although some small businesses manage to grow successfully without a formal business plan, creating a business plan for the short term serves two valuable purposes. The first is internal: A three-year or five-year business plan helps you focus on the steps you need to take [to] get your business up, running and growing. Second, the plan communicates to outsiders the nature and seriousness of your undertaking. This is especially important for fundraising purposes. A lender is unlikely to extend credit to a new business without reviewing a plan for the first few years of operation. Writing your three-year business plan is relatively straightforward and revolves around several major themes...Include a compelling description of what it is, exactly, you plan to do. This is more than a simple statement of goods or services, like, 'I want to sell office supplies' or[,] 'My company will make bicycles.' Lay out the features of your business that will help it to stand out in a crowded market and draw in customers who usually have plenty of other options to choose from. Make clear, to yourself as well as to others, what the competitive advantage of your business is (or will be). Include timing in your description. Your first[-]year startup operations will look different from a more mature venture during your third year. Lay out the key steps to your transition over time...Include your product line in the business description. But if your product is unique – a new invention, say, for which you hold the patent, or the world's best cupcakes – then create a separate section to highlight your product line...Who will be your customer base?...Be as specific as you can. If you plan to sell a product to schools, for example, describe the number and types of schools in your area and provide information on the amount of money they spend on external supplies and services...Getting the word out is an important part of any business strategy. Perhaps you plan on hiring an expanding team of salespeople. Advertising, social media marketing, local print and radio – there are almost endless variations of how marketing is carried out. Again, lay out your time sequence. First-year marketing of a brand new business will look different from third-year marketing for a more mature operation...A fact of life for most new businesses is that you have to spend money before you begin to make money. Your plan should carefully and realistically account for the anticipated expenses to start up and then operate your business, as well as the income you expect as sales begin and then grow over time. Your financial projections will form the basis of any requests you make to funders for loans or investments in your operations...Explain how your business will be organized and who the principle players are. This is an opportunity to really polish the resumes for yourself and your key managers: Describe what expertise they bring to the business, years of experience and so on. Don't be shy – you have to sell yourself just as ambitiously as you plan to sell your products...Your business plan can get lengthy, but try to keep it concise and add an Executive Summary for those who prefer a quick read."

Lisa McQuerrey reports:

"To inspire people, you need to have a clear concept of what the audience needs to hear. This means that you must know your audience. Before you get started with your writing, consider who will be listening to your words and what types of ideas might catch and hold their attention. For example, if you’re speaking to students who are about to enter the workforce, you might write words of encouragement that urge them to be confident, ambitious and enthusiastic about their futures. If you’re speaking to colleagues about coping with challenging transitions in the workplace, you may choose to write about the benefits of having perseverance, and about embracing change and forging new paths to better things. Understanding your audience will help you craft your message...Telling a story can help illustrate the points you’re making -- and when it’s a story of overcoming adversity, making a difference or beating the odds -- it can play to people’s emotions and inspire them to action. The story should be applicable to your overall message and should demonstrate the challenge, the approach and the outcome...Writing an inspirational speech that draws your audience in on a personal level can be very effective. For example, in a business environment, it might mean speaking about the organization’s achievements, or the impact the audience's work has on the people the company serves. You might accomplish this by incorporating testimonials or by providing an overview of statistical information...An emotional response is a necessary precursor to inspiration. In writing your speech, use language that paints a picture and elicits a visceral reaction...End your speech on a positive note so people will come away with a feel-good sensation that will encourage them to carry forward whatever mission you encouraged them to go on during your speech. Issue a call to action, offer a word of thanks, or challenge people to personally embrace your words and to continue to make a difference."

Jamie Fox reports:

"A proficiently written leaflet will spur immediate action. If it causes the reader to vote for a candidate, buy a new product or enroll in a gym, the leaflet has done its job. You don’t need a degree in advertising or marketing to produce a leaflet that will get the attention of the intended audience...Write your leaflet keeping these keywords in mind: attention, interest, desire and action. Grab a reader’s attention and let him know something is coming up, such as a sale, election or event, that could interest him. A lawn-care service could distribute a leaflet, for example, with the headline 'Brown Lawn Got You Down?' Write a concise paragraph after the headline to tell the homeowner all the reasons why the lawn could have turned brown and how the Anytown Lawn Service will restore its lush green color...Include an offer or reminder that will spur the reader to action by a deadline, such as '50 percent off your first service if appointment scheduled by June 1.' List prominently the contact information and a website address, if the company has one, to make it easy for the consumer to act on those emotions on the spur of the moment...Use professional-looking graphics or photos and not free computer clip art. Make your leaflet stand out and tell the reader that you run a first-rate company. Keep your leaflet's design clean and without clutter. Print it on high-quality paper...Do not forget to proofread your leaflet and have friends do it, too. Any interest your leaflet draws from customers will be deflated if your leaflet contains spelling or typographical errors. Look as professional as possible in all of your communications. If photography is not your skill, you can purchase photos at a reasonable price online for your leaflet."

Genae Valecia Hinesman reports:

"To gain start-up capital for a new business, or to secure investment money for expanding an existing one, you need a strong business plan. To ensure that your plan will get read, you will need an equally strong preface, which is also called an executive summary...Write the first paragraph in an engaging manner. The sooner you can grab and hold the reader's attention, the better. Just as the preface is designed to get the plan read, the first few lines should convince the reader to read the plan. Describe what your business does, the niche it [fills and] the opportunity it offers. Illustrate what makes your approach unique and why it is needed in the marketplace...Stick to the main issues for the preface, and summarize them within one or two pages. Use concise language to emphasize key points that will be discussed in greater detail in the body of the rest of the proposal. Many lenders, venture capitalists and investors are natural multitaskers, but most don't have time to read a massive document in one sitting. One cursory glance at your preface might be the only opportunity you'll have to pique...interest and secure a face-to-face meeting to discuss your proposal. Ask yourself this question: If the only page that was read was the preface/executive summary, would it be enough to explain what your business does and entice the reader to learn more? If not, revise it so it does...Conclude your preface by giving your reader a sense of urgency. If the person reading your preface feels that he has all the time in the world to come to a decision about your business plan, then it might be forgotten. State briefly, but confidently, why now is the best time to fund your venture. Avoid cliches and common, overused terms that can't be clearly defined in the preface. Don't say your idea is 'revolutionary', 'on the cutting edge' or 'groundbreaking.' Instead, show the reader how and why it is all of those things, using specific examples to back up your points."

Karen S. Johnson reports:

"Newspaper editors enjoy writing and are good at it, but many do little article writing. In fact, many newspaper editors work almost exclusively on assigning articles to their staff members, then reviewing what's submitted. This is changing as newspapers are suffering serious declines in revenue and newsroom staff are being cut, with reporter and editor jobs getting combined more and more. Many newspaper[s] start as newspaper reporters and move up to the editor position. While Internet news publications are replacing some print newspapers, editors still need to make coverage and business decisions for online news as well as in print...There isn’t a degree or education requirement to being an editor, but with little predicted job growth you increase your chances with at least a bachelor’s degree...English, journalism [and] communications are all appropriate choices, but any liberal arts degree is a good choice, especially with a concentration in writing. While in college, find other opportunities that will give you newspaper experience, such as working for the college newspaper or an internship...Editors commonly get their indoctrination into the newspaper world by writing and reporting. Many interns conduct research for reporters, which is important for factually correct stories and background information. Even a job in another area, such as the business office or selling advertising, can help you understand the newspaper publishing business and prepare you for an eventual career as an editor...An editor is not only a good writer, but [also] has an excellent grasp of grammar. You have to pay great attention to detail; even with proofreaders, the ultimate responsibility for accuracy falls to the editor. With more newspaper eyeballs coming from online sources, coming up with eye-catching and accurate headlines is increasingly part of the newspaper editor role. Newspaper publishing is deadline[-]driven, so you must work well under pressure without compromising accuracy. There is also a business component to being an editor, from understanding the publishing business, to keeping an eye on bottom-line practices of subscriptions and advertising sales. With news operations shrinking and newsroom jobs getting combined, you should learn more computer skills, including how to use a content management system to upload articles and how to post on social media channels. To increase your employability, learn how to take photographs that can be used in a print publication (usually for local papers) and online...Newspapers are working hard to increase online readership, with some offering free access to readers (making money off ads), while others sell online subscriptions with premium content. To see what type of income you might make, use job aggregator and salary websites like Salary.com, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com. Type the job title, city and/or state you're interested in to see what employers are currently offering."

Naomi Johnson from Lifebasedbusiness.net reports:

"Even the most experienced entrepreneurs would be hard-pressed to build a business alone. It takes a huge variety of skills to establish an enterprise, create a strong online presence, and market your products to a wide audience. Luckily, working with freelancers will give you access to the talent you need without taking on the costs of hiring full-time employees. If you have a history as a business owner, you probably have prior experience collaborating with web developers or copywriters. However, there are also freelance services that can help you accomplish tasks that are more outside the ordinary.

1. Logo Design 
If your startup is on a tight budget, you might use an online logo creator to make a business logo of your own. There are many styles and icons to choose from, and you can adjust fonts and colors until you have a workable design.

You might overlook the services of a freelance logo designer if you create a strong placeholder yourself. However, a professional designer can help you go the extra mile when it comes to making a strong first impression with your logo. Freelancers who specialize in this niche tend to know exactly what design elements will stick in a customer's memory.

2. Photography
Depending on the nature of your business, the idea of hiring a photographer might not have crossed your mind whatsoever. If you sell a physical product, though, it is important to showcase it to your audience with a professional-level composition. Regularly collaborating with a freelance photographer will ensure that you always have the best imagery for use on your website and in your marketing material.

As an entrepreneur, it is also essential that you work with a photographer to get a professional headshot of yourself. This is particularly important if you offer an involved service, as clients will wish to put a face to the name before trusting you with potentially sensitive needs.

3. Proofreading/Editing
Composing written content is an inevitable part of appealing to customers through social media and marketing tactics. Perhaps you are already incorporating search engine optimization methods into your website writing practices. What you might not realize is that a proofreading service such as Mister Line Editor can elevate your writing to a higher level.

The best editors will hone in on easy-to-miss grammar or spelling errors as well as any factual inconsistencies. Perhaps more importantly, your editor can help you rearrange and develop content in a way that will better inspire customers to interact with your business.

4. Consulting
Hiring a business consultant may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if your venture is already turning a profit. Consider that reputable freelance consultants are experts in their particular niche. Whether it's general management, accounting, or marketing, you can leverage the knowledge of a proven professional to accelerate your growth. The longer you work with a particular consultant, the deeper their insight into your business will grow, leading to ever more lucrative collaboration.

Once you find the freelancers that will improve your operations, you can make the most of their talents by exercising your ability to manage multiple projects at once. Experts emphasize the importance of using cloud-based communication platforms to maintain work relationships. Mastering the art of communication is the only hurdle stopping you from making the most of both ordinary and extraordinary freelance services that will benefit your business."

Frank Moraes at HotDog.com reports:

"The last few years have seen a revolution in TV. It is no longer necessary to be tied to a cable provider with a long contract. There are many live TV streaming services that are as good, or better, than what the cable companies provide. All this for a lot less money...We provide simple but detailed information for cord-cutters to get the best possible experience without cable. You will learn where and how to stream different channels, what individual streaming services offer, and how to be cost-effective with your chosen streaming
device. Whether you’re a sports fan, movie buff, parent with curious kids, or just a general TV consumer, we provide you with everything you need to leave your cable contract behind...Some reasons for getting rid of cable are obvious. But there are some that may not have occurred to you. Time: Too much television is a waste of time. If you cancel cable and only watch your favorite TV shows, you can spend more time with your friends and family. Money: A cable or satellite subscription costs many times more than it does to grab a simple on-demand plan with Hulu and Netflix. Cable is also more expensive than online cable replacement services with live TV channels, like FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV. Technology: Video streaming is the future of TV. Soon, all video entertainment will be via an online connection. You might as well get on board now, learn the tricks, and save money in the process. Information: Be more informed. Rather than be at the mercy of local news anchors, you will revert to more reputable news feeds like PBS, Bloomberg, CBS News, and LinkTV. For example, FuboTV provides 13 news and information channels, along with all the local affiliates in its base plan. Freedom: Cable and satellite providers normally tie you into a long contract, only to give you prices that are still higher than comparable streaming services. Getting rid of cable means getting rid of the contract. Go month-to-month and be flexible. Dignity: Stop getting ripped off! Calling up the cable company and canceling your cable will simply make you feel good...Choosing the right streaming service is probably the most important decision that a cord-cutter will make. There is no absolute 'best' streaming service. It all depends on what you want with your live TV streaming plan. Some streaming services are free, like Peacock TV (although they have a premium plan). Sling TV offers value plans that are low-cost but offer a lot. And the full-featured plans of FuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM) provide what you would expect from a standard cable plan, but with different bonus features designed to appeal to all sorts of viewers’ needs. Get access to all our detailed and up-to-date reviews of the major streaming services. You will also get links to free trials so you can make sure a service suits you before you buy...Most cable TV subscribers also get their internet access from the same place. In many cases, there are other options for the internet. In some cases, cable is literally the only game in town. We’ve put together everything that cord-cutters need to know about getting internet service. Even if your cable provider is tied in with your internet, you can probably get a reasonably-priced internet-only plan via a downgrade...There are a lot of aspects of cord-cutting that newbies may be faced with. These range from what’s worth watching, to getting access to particular channels, to buying and installing specialized streaming and recording devices. We discuss it all. Here are some of our most popular articles: How to Watch Local News Without Cable Setting Up your Streaming Service Parental Controls The Best DVR Without Subscription Fees The Best Ways to Get Internet Without Cable for Cord[-]Cutters Watching Television in Spanish Without Cable...Major TV events are still a big part of our social lives — just look at Facebook and Twitter during the Super Bowl or Academy Awards. Cord[-]cutters have full access to these events...Most major streaming services offer good access to live sports. The standout is FuboTV. But a good low-cost newcomer to the industry is Vidgo...With live TV streaming, you never have to miss your favorite shows, mini-series, and films when they are broadcast live...We understand that dumping cable is intimidating. So we’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide to the process on How to Watch TV Without Cable. It also gives you an overview of all the top streaming services, desirable features to look for, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from to-be cord-cutters. What are you waiting for? Get started now!"

Steve Milano reports:

"Before you begin writing a business plan, determine what you’ll include and how you’ll present the information. A standard business plan consists of a cover sheet, contents page, executive summary, informational sections, summary and support documents. The information sections include a description of your concept, marketing research and financial data and projections...The two main sections of your business plan cover marketing and finances. While you might think your food truck business concept is key, it’s irrelevant if you can’t prove it will turn a profit. In your marketing section, present information regarding the demand for your food truck, or sales potential; potential competition; target customer profile and numbers; pricing strategy; your location; [and] how you’ll advertise and promote the business. In your financial section, provide your start-up and operating costs. Start-up costs include the expenses you’ll have before you sell your first item, with operating costs occurring when you start selling. A key element of any food truck plan includes addressing your location, not only in terms of traffic, but also addressing zoning laws. Discuss any health department regulations that will affect your business to show investors or lenders you have this covered...Create several budgets for potential investors or lenders, as well as to help you operate. Start with a master budget that shows your projected first-year operating expenses, start-up expense debt-service and sales. Create separate overhead, production and cash flow budgets, a balance sheet and a profit and loss statement. These documents provide snapshots of different aspects of the business. For example, you might start making a profit from operations your first week, but take six months to be truly profitable by paying off your start-up costs. Start-up costs include expenses such as the food truck, insurance, licenses and permits. Divide your operating costs into overhead and production. Overhead costs include expenses such as salaries or wages, marketing, credit card processing, truck payments, gas, parking and debt service. Production costs include the food, plates, napkins, utensil[s], napkins, cups, lids, straws and condiments necessary to sell each item...Put your business plan together in a logical order. After your cover and contents pages, write an executive summary, which gives the highlights of what’s to come without supporting detail. Include a brief description of the concept, any marketing research that supports the attractiveness of the idea, the projected sales and profits and the start-up capital needed. After your concept, marketing and financial sections, add support materials, such as your qualifications, menus, budgets and bids you’ve received on trucks."