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With Summer fast approaching, many of you will have free time on your hands. There may be a special toy that you would like to have, but Mom and Dad just won't spend the money for it right now. Why not embark on one of the greatest adventures of all? Start your own business!

That's right. You can be an entrepreneur! You can earn a lot of extra cash, have the satisfaction of knowing you earned the money yourself to buy that toy or gadget you want so bad, and learn a lot about starting and running a business in the process.

There are a lot of different businesses you could start. Your imagination is the only limit. I am going to talk about lemonade stands because my two boys ran a lemonade stand last Summer very successfully right in their own front yard. They brought in $60 the very first day of operation! A lemonade stand is a fast and easy business to get started.

Advertising

You will need large, brightly-colored, easy-to-read, attractive signs that effectively deliver your message. Be creative and use pictures to convey a message whenever possible. You know what they say; a picture is worth a thousand words.

Location

If you happen to live in a place that is not suitable, you might consider working with the parents of one of your friends at their house. You can provide signs, lemonade, cups, and maybe supervision if you are an older boy who will be working with younger kids. Be creative in finding a location, but if there isn't a safe alternative, put this idea on the back burner. There are plenty of other business opportunities you can use for now.

Neighbors

You don't want to do anything that is going to make life long enemies of your neighbors. If your lemonade stand creates a major traffic problem or in some other way becomes a nuisance to your neighbors, you will have a bad experience. Look for ways to avoid problems in advance. If there is going to be a neighborhood feud over your lemonade stand, you may want to scrap this idea and find another one.

The Stand

If possible borrow a shade structure such as a Quick Shade or EZ-up. These keep you out of the hot sun and help provide structure that will attract the attention of pedestrians. You will need a folding table, a couple of chairs, some change, and a container to keep your money in. We used a 5 gallon water cooler to store our lemonade in. One way or another, be sure to keep your lemonade cold.

Price

You will need to shop around to find the best prices on supplies. You will need cups, and the ingredients for making lemonade. You may decide to make your own lemonade or buy a lemonade mix. Determine your cost for making and serving the lemonade and add in some profit. This is how you will determine the price. We used a lemonade mix and were able to sell our lemonade at 25 cents pr. cup. However, some customers gave our boys huge tips! You may be able to add brownies, cookies, or some other products to increase sales.

Service

Remember to smile and be friendly to your customers. Sometimes they will come back because you had a good attitude, not because you sell the best lemonade in town.

Other Businesses

Use your imagination when it comes to starting a business. There may be something you are really good at that people would be willing to pay for. I recently saw a 7 year old on T.V. who writes and delivers a neighborhood paper. He has regular advertisers and readers and seems to be doing quite well with it.

Have fun out there, be safe, work hard, and make a lot of money!

Darryl Rodgers is a stay-at-home dad, author, and adventurer. He grew up in rural South Carolina hunting, fishing, and playing in the woods near his home for hours at a time. At the age of 19, Darryl started a career as a corporate pilot. He served as a medic in the Army National Guard and eventually became a Copilot/Gunner on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Darryl has owned several small businesses but has been most successful and had the most fun running an outdoor summer day camp for boys. He has also worked with at-risk boys through a non-profit program. Darryl is the proud father of two boys, ages 8 and 15. Through his years of practical experience in working with boys, Darryl has become an expert on what boys like, how they learn best, and what things they need to be taught that they are missing in school.

If you want great information on parenting boys, how to be an awesome dad, or ideas for outdoor activities and crafts for boys, go to Darryl's blog, http://www.adventurousboy.com Be sure to check out the archives. There are also interesting adventurous short stories scattered throughout.

Times of cost cutting and downsizing has dramatically impacted the way employees look at their careers. Employees at all levels now know better than ever that job security is no longer something they can count on. They've been required to think bigger, look at other options and do whatever it takes to prepare themselves for the future. In essence, they have let go of their corporate commitment and become "free agents" in search of the best opportunity available.

"Retention of talent" has become a key strategy for the largest corporations around the world. Some are looking at things like building new fitness centers. Others have gone deeper and are looking to their leaders to become more competent "retention managers".

Take time now to start talking to your people, really listening to their responses and taking action to change what needs to be changed. Here are a few questions to get you started:

1. What would make your work more meaningful and satisfying?
2. What conditions would cause you to seek employment elsewhere?
3. What is it that keeps you from seeking other employment?
4. What changes need to be made in your work environment?
5. How do you like to be rewarded and acknowledged for a good job?
6. What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?
7. What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?
8. What support, tools/resources, skills or empowerment do you need to be more effective?
9. What strengths or talents do you have that aren't being utilized?
10. What de-motivates you?
11. What else needs to be asked?

About The Author

Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website http://www.connectionscoach.com; coach@connectionscoach.com