Entrepreneurs do double-duty while launching own ventures on clarkhoward.com

Clark has a longtime bias in favor of entrepreneurs, calling them the "secret weapon of our prosperity" in America. The consumer champ also has a belief that the best time to launch a new business is when the economy is in the toilet. Everything you need -- space, equipment, employees, etc. -- all come cheaper at a time like this.

It's not uncommon for people to start their own business while they're still working somewhere else. Of course, that means that you're working your tail off both day and night. But it also lowers the risk should your new business venture fail.

Money magazine has new stats about the percent of people who are employed full-time while starting a new business. It turns out that it's 70% among men and 50% among women.

For example, Kim -- one of our producers -- works full-time on the show and also has a side business.

Interestingly, she violated one of Clark's cardinal rules for entrepreneurs -- "know the business." In her case, she took a chance getting into the field of photo booth rentals without any prior experience working with the equipment. Thankfully, it has paid off for her.

But in general, Clark recommends first working for someone in the industry you're considering to learn the ropes. Just don't tell them you'll be an eventual competitor!

What others are saying

Pyramid Scheme
Someone should report these guys! They are in the atlanta area. They get you to join, fill out some tax info, and steal your identity. They should be investigated IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! Check the website.
http://www.14eagles.com/members.php
By a concerned taxpayer @ 06/24/10 08:21:44 PMreport abuse
Clark's advice about Ignite
Clark's comment that "Any time you have to PAY to sell something or do a job, that should raise a RED FLAG" just doesn't make sense. A McDonald's franchise has to PAY for the right to have a store. In fact, all franchisees have to ay upfront fees. Real estate agents and insurance agents have to PAY upfront fees to get started in their field. Any business owner has to PAY upfront fees to start a business. Robert Kiyosaki is a proponent of reputable multi-level marketing companies, which is quite different from a "pyramid scheme". Clark should re-consider his position. Sometimes, a networking marketing firm is the only way some people have to make additional supplemental income for their family.
By LittleStar @ 05/06/10 08:58:05 AMreport abuse
The price has reduced to $299 to join
By Green Ignite @ 03/18/10 11:33:35 AMreport abuse
Ignite - Pyramid Scheme??
No - I don't think so.

Yes, you do need to be cognizant anytime someone wants you to pay a fee before you start making money. At a time when the economy is in the toilet, people are looking left and right for a chance to make more money; this is when scam artists are at their best. You need to ask what you're getting for the fee. Business tools? Training material?

In Ignite, the "sponsors" or upline don't get paid until a new associate gets paid. If the new associate doesn't do any work, then they will not get paid (and neither will the person who got them to sign up).

Ignite is the marketing arm of Stream Energy, and Stream is a Georgia PSC approved Natural Gas marketer. Pyramid schemes are illegal, and the State of Georgia would not have approved a company that used any illegal methods.
By J @ 08/03/09 01:51:15 PMreport abuse
Clark Howard's advice
When asked by phone about the ignite Pyramid scheme, Clark Howard said this. "Any time you have to PAY to sell something or do a job, that should raise a RED FLAG." Too bad he won't write about this on his site. MANY people are getting ripped off the Ignite Stream Energy pyramid scheme, and only those near the top of the pyramid are making money.
By DanTech @ 07/13/09 11:33:34 AMreport abuse
Stream Energy
Let's also mention that Stream Energy has taken almost 2% of the deregulated marketplace here in GA in less than 6 months. Ignite Associates have made that happen and are getting paid for it!
By RedHead @ 02/09/09 08:13:55 AMreport abuse
where's the update on Ignite?
Back in feb or march clark posted comments on Ignite (owned by Stream) and said he do an update. Since then, Ignite has paid over $2,000,000 to Georgia Ignite associates. I would think that would warrant an update. and yes, it's still $329.00 to join.
By jeff @ 02/06/09 03:01:08 PMreport abuse

Pyramid Scheme

Someone should report these guys! They are in the atlanta area. They get you to join, fill out some tax info, and steal your identity. They should be investigated IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! Check the website.
http://www.14eagles.com/members.php

By a concerned taxpayer @ 06/24/10 08:21:44 PMreport abuse

Clark's advice about Ignite

Clark's comment that "Any time you have to PAY to sell something or do a job, that should raise a RED FLAG" just doesn't make sense. A McDonald's franchise has to PAY for the right to have a store. In fact, all franchisees have to ay upfront fees. Real estate agents and insurance agents have to PAY upfront fees to get started in their field. Any business owner has to PAY upfront fees to start a business. Robert Kiyosaki is a proponent of reputable multi-level marketing companies, which is quite different from a "pyramid scheme". Clark should re-consider his position. Sometimes, a networking marketing firm is the only way some people have to make additional supplemental income for their family.

By LittleStar @ 05/06/10 08:58:05 AMreport abuse

The price has reduced to $299 to join

By Green Ignite @ 03/18/10 11:33:35 AMreport abuse

Ignite - Pyramid Scheme??

No - I don't think so.

Yes, you do need to be cognizant anytime someone wants you to pay a fee before you start making money. At a time when the economy is in the toilet, people are looking left and right for a chance to make more money; this is when scam artists are at their best. You need to ask what you're getting for the fee. Business tools? Training material?

In Ignite, the "sponsors" or upline don't get paid until a new associate gets paid. If the new associate doesn't do any work, then they will not get paid (and neither will the person who got them to sign up).

Ignite is the marketing arm of Stream Energy, and Stream is a Georgia PSC approved Natural Gas marketer. Pyramid schemes are illegal, and the State of Georgia would not have approved a company that used any illegal methods.

By J @ 08/03/09 01:51:15 PMreport abuse

Clark Howard's advice

When asked by phone about the ignite Pyramid scheme, Clark Howard said this. "Any time you have to PAY to sell something or do a job, that should raise a RED FLAG." Too bad he won't write about this on his site. MANY people are getting ripped off the Ignite Stream Energy pyramid scheme, and only those near the top of the pyramid are making money.

By DanTech @ 07/13/09 11:33:34 AMreport abuse

Stream Energy

Let's also mention that Stream Energy has taken almost 2% of the deregulated marketplace here in GA in less than 6 months. Ignite Associates have made that happen and are getting paid for it!

By RedHead @ 02/09/09 08:13:55 AMreport abuse

where's the update on Ignite?

Back in feb or march clark posted comments on Ignite (owned by Stream) and said he do an update. Since then, Ignite has paid over $2,000,000 to Georgia Ignite associates. I would think that would warrant an update. and yes, it's still $329.00 to join.

By jeff @ 02/06/09 03:01:08 PMreport abuse

Listen Live:

Clark On Demand:

Clark's Advice:

Consumer Action Center:

Quick Links:

Clark Media:

Call The Show:

Feb 05, 2009 -- Entrepreneurs do double-duty while launching own ventures

What others are saying