Whenever you are thinking about working for yourself or starting your own business, it is very important that you ask yourself many questions about the entire concept and grow to understand what is motivating you to move in this direction. Sometimes necessity is the trigger for one being on their own (lost job) but other times people reach a point where they are burnt out on the idea of getting up and going to the same place day after day, working in an environment that is not interesting or stimulating and in some cases working for a boss that they have challenges with. Whatever the reason...stepping out on your own is not a baby step...it's a big step and you should gather information from sources that you can trust.
You need to do your homework too. Gather information about the industry you are thinking of entering. Talk with people doing what you want to do. Remember, in general, you are not doing something new. In fact most things have been done before and it is up to you to figure out why these previous attempts may have failed...and why you won't. What's your spin? How will it produce different results?
I read an article this morning by Scott Gerber (don't know if he's related to Michael Gerber who wrote 'The E-Myth') entitled Why "Be Passionate" is Awful Advice. In it Mr. Gerber provides some key questions that anyone thinking of starting their own business should consider. I think his list is a good one to keep and review while you go through your own process of evaluating what you are going to do, why you are doing it and if you have the resources to make it a go.
Showing posts with label starting a business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label starting a business. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
10,000 Hours
Did you know that to become an expert; someone really good at something, you need to spend 10,000 hours practicing your skill to achieve this?
If you use a regular work year which is generally, 2,080 hours, that would mean 4.81 years focusing on one area. Seems like a long time? Not really when you think about how many years you've been working in your field or doing the technical tasks you do that you are now providing to others as a self-employed individual. It's actually quite comforting to know that you've done your homework and have probably put in at least those 10,000 hours and can feel confident that you do have something to offer.
Sometimes I'm sure you don't feel that confident, especially when being on your own means there's no guarantee that next client will show up. There's no one handing you a project or giving you a task...it's all up to you and the days can present many challenges that being an employee does not prepare you for when you stepped away from the job and moved into self-employment.
I've noticed since the days have been slowly getting shorter I've been getting more anxious about each day and how I'm going to get the business with less daylight hours to work? I almost feel like the farmer who worked from sunrise to sunset. When the days are long much can be accomplished, however, as winter grows near, daylight is lessened and to some degree so is our time to be out there building business. No, the hours available are the same but somehow the feeling is different.
This morning when I was reading the article that talked about the 10,000 hours, I thought about how long I've been working and with a rough calculation I found that I've worked over 85,000 hours! First, how is it possible that I've worked that many hours? Second, that means there's a high probability that in that time I've developed an 'expert' skill at something and third, I feel pretty good knowing I've put so much time into working with and learning to understanding people, small business management, office management and financial statements. When I look at that span of time, the numerous positions I've held and the number of business environments I've worked in I realize that I definitely have something to offer BUT...being self-employed, on my own, working daily to build a business...now, that's a different story. I haven't put in 10,000 hours being self-employed...maybe 1000 with only 9,000 to go.
It's actually inspiring to me to think that I've only got 4.33 years before I reach a point where even building a business will be something I would have put 10,000 hours into and I believe I will do it...why not? What's another 4 years when one considers all that will be happening during that time. Building a business is such an exciting adventure...and one that seems to be the culmination of all the other 85,000 hours. It's not like I'm going off without any experience.
So, why don't you start your week by thinking about how many hours you've spent developing your skills. Make your own calculations - how many hours have you been working in your field? I bet that once you find out how many hours you've put into your profession, you will feel stronger, more confident and better able to look at each week as one week closer to your own 10,000 hours.
If you use a regular work year which is generally, 2,080 hours, that would mean 4.81 years focusing on one area. Seems like a long time? Not really when you think about how many years you've been working in your field or doing the technical tasks you do that you are now providing to others as a self-employed individual. It's actually quite comforting to know that you've done your homework and have probably put in at least those 10,000 hours and can feel confident that you do have something to offer.
Sometimes I'm sure you don't feel that confident, especially when being on your own means there's no guarantee that next client will show up. There's no one handing you a project or giving you a task...it's all up to you and the days can present many challenges that being an employee does not prepare you for when you stepped away from the job and moved into self-employment.
I've noticed since the days have been slowly getting shorter I've been getting more anxious about each day and how I'm going to get the business with less daylight hours to work? I almost feel like the farmer who worked from sunrise to sunset. When the days are long much can be accomplished, however, as winter grows near, daylight is lessened and to some degree so is our time to be out there building business. No, the hours available are the same but somehow the feeling is different.
This morning when I was reading the article that talked about the 10,000 hours, I thought about how long I've been working and with a rough calculation I found that I've worked over 85,000 hours! First, how is it possible that I've worked that many hours? Second, that means there's a high probability that in that time I've developed an 'expert' skill at something and third, I feel pretty good knowing I've put so much time into working with and learning to understanding people, small business management, office management and financial statements. When I look at that span of time, the numerous positions I've held and the number of business environments I've worked in I realize that I definitely have something to offer BUT...being self-employed, on my own, working daily to build a business...now, that's a different story. I haven't put in 10,000 hours being self-employed...maybe 1000 with only 9,000 to go.
It's actually inspiring to me to think that I've only got 4.33 years before I reach a point where even building a business will be something I would have put 10,000 hours into and I believe I will do it...why not? What's another 4 years when one considers all that will be happening during that time. Building a business is such an exciting adventure...and one that seems to be the culmination of all the other 85,000 hours. It's not like I'm going off without any experience.
So, why don't you start your week by thinking about how many hours you've spent developing your skills. Make your own calculations - how many hours have you been working in your field? I bet that once you find out how many hours you've put into your profession, you will feel stronger, more confident and better able to look at each week as one week closer to your own 10,000 hours.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Don't give up!
This morning I had to dip into my savings to cover my taxes and bills. I was on the phone with a lovely Charles Schwab representative who sounded young enough to be my daughter. But as the conversation ended she and I extended it to the economy and how things were going and I shared my story with her. Why I am sharing it with you is because I found myself telling her how "hopeful" I was that these turn of events will wind me up on a really good path. And so I wanted to share that sentiment with you.
Don't give up...don't give in and don't stop believing that you can make it! Yes, the times are challenging us in ways we really never wanted to believe were possible but that also means there are new opportunities out there that were never ever possible. What I found myself sharing with this young woman was the importance of believing in yourself as well as the importance of being able to shift your paradigm...and create a new vision for how you will work in this new economic time. It can be an exciting adventure and one that moves you to reach a much more comfortable place in your life. I know people who still have plenty of financial resources but have no idea what they will do for the rest of their life. They are young, in their 40's and are lost in the freedom they currently are experiencing. Sometimes I think the person who is struggling is more adaptable than the person who is financially secure because they are in a survival mode which keeps you on edge...moving, vigilant and on the hunt for the next money making opportunity.
I believe that people can make their own success but that goes hand in hand with creating a lifestyle that matches the opportunities that are out there. If you have big dreams and a big lifestyle then you are going to need to work big and work harder to maintain that. If you have small dreams and a smaller lifestyle then your needs can be met through a smaller economic goal. But, if you have big dreams and a smaller lifestyle then all your financial success can create a greater opportunity to not only take care of yourself and/or family but to have something left over that you can use to help others with their dreams.
So...if this Monday morning is another reminder to you that you're still struggling to make things work...don't give up....just stay committed to your process...re-read your goals and make a new list of ways in which you can bring income in and stay afloat while you hone your skills as a small business owner.
I'm here in the struggle with you...wishing for the best to come to all of you!
Don't give up...don't give in and don't stop believing that you can make it! Yes, the times are challenging us in ways we really never wanted to believe were possible but that also means there are new opportunities out there that were never ever possible. What I found myself sharing with this young woman was the importance of believing in yourself as well as the importance of being able to shift your paradigm...and create a new vision for how you will work in this new economic time. It can be an exciting adventure and one that moves you to reach a much more comfortable place in your life. I know people who still have plenty of financial resources but have no idea what they will do for the rest of their life. They are young, in their 40's and are lost in the freedom they currently are experiencing. Sometimes I think the person who is struggling is more adaptable than the person who is financially secure because they are in a survival mode which keeps you on edge...moving, vigilant and on the hunt for the next money making opportunity.
I believe that people can make their own success but that goes hand in hand with creating a lifestyle that matches the opportunities that are out there. If you have big dreams and a big lifestyle then you are going to need to work big and work harder to maintain that. If you have small dreams and a smaller lifestyle then your needs can be met through a smaller economic goal. But, if you have big dreams and a smaller lifestyle then all your financial success can create a greater opportunity to not only take care of yourself and/or family but to have something left over that you can use to help others with their dreams.
So...if this Monday morning is another reminder to you that you're still struggling to make things work...don't give up....just stay committed to your process...re-read your goals and make a new list of ways in which you can bring income in and stay afloat while you hone your skills as a small business owner.
I'm here in the struggle with you...wishing for the best to come to all of you!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Hiring People to help you with your Business -
I was just contacted by someone who has a small business that they run out of their home office. This is the type of client that I really enjoy working with...why, because there are so many things I can help them with besides getting their books set up or cleaned up.
As I've written before, this economy has created new opportunities for people who would otherwise be gainfully employed. People are going down new paths by starting their own businesses or exploring self-employment or contract work. Often these folks are just moving forward quickly without much planning. In fact, I think it is probably the rare individual who actually takes the time to do a formal plan...at least that's been my experience. Of course many self-employed people are providing services and those types of businesses are pretty easy to get started. Low overhead, low cash outlay. But even these people need help recording their transactions and keeping organized so tax season isn't a fiasco... which brings me back to what I wanted to mention here.
It is very important when you are meeting with your new bookkeeper, insurance broker, graphic designer or even attorney that you have enough conversation to determine if they are listening. I have met with people who fired their last bookkeeper or insurance agent or???? because they didn't believe that the individual was listening to them or understood where they were coming from. No matter how experienced, talented or informed they may be, if they are not good listeners, over time, things will probably get off track and you will become frustrated and not even realize why.
Listening is an important skill for anybody. Without this skill you will be missing one of the most critical factors in developing a relationship with your client. When you can listen and actually encapsulate what was expressed to you and repeat it back ... you will be surprised at the reaction of the party on the other side. Why? Because when someone feels they have been heard they are more likely to move forward with this person whether it is a business relationship or a personal relationship. When you know you are heard...that this person "gets you" you are far more likely to want to work with the person. The same is true for people you interview to work for you. If they cannot reiterate what you've told them then something is missing. There is nothing more frustrating than having people around you who don't listen. There is enough on your plate without adding this variable to your otherwise busy life.
So once you've determined that someone has the skills to do the job you want them to do, take the additional time to test their listening skills - then decide if you want this person on your team!
As I've written before, this economy has created new opportunities for people who would otherwise be gainfully employed. People are going down new paths by starting their own businesses or exploring self-employment or contract work. Often these folks are just moving forward quickly without much planning. In fact, I think it is probably the rare individual who actually takes the time to do a formal plan...at least that's been my experience. Of course many self-employed people are providing services and those types of businesses are pretty easy to get started. Low overhead, low cash outlay. But even these people need help recording their transactions and keeping organized so tax season isn't a fiasco... which brings me back to what I wanted to mention here.
It is very important when you are meeting with your new bookkeeper, insurance broker, graphic designer or even attorney that you have enough conversation to determine if they are listening. I have met with people who fired their last bookkeeper or insurance agent or???? because they didn't believe that the individual was listening to them or understood where they were coming from. No matter how experienced, talented or informed they may be, if they are not good listeners, over time, things will probably get off track and you will become frustrated and not even realize why.
Listening is an important skill for anybody. Without this skill you will be missing one of the most critical factors in developing a relationship with your client. When you can listen and actually encapsulate what was expressed to you and repeat it back ... you will be surprised at the reaction of the party on the other side. Why? Because when someone feels they have been heard they are more likely to move forward with this person whether it is a business relationship or a personal relationship. When you know you are heard...that this person "gets you" you are far more likely to want to work with the person. The same is true for people you interview to work for you. If they cannot reiterate what you've told them then something is missing. There is nothing more frustrating than having people around you who don't listen. There is enough on your plate without adding this variable to your otherwise busy life.
So once you've determined that someone has the skills to do the job you want them to do, take the additional time to test their listening skills - then decide if you want this person on your team!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
How do you arrive at the right price for your product or service?
I was just asked by a business associate, how did I went about arriving at pricing for my services and I explained to him that I started out many years with a figure based on my experience and a few calls...but as the years went by I raised my price to it's current level. The per hour rate I charge is not based on my overhead but more on the type of service I provide plus a bit of a premium that helps offset other miscellaneous costs. It's not very scientific but again, it's an evolving factor in my service business. I am selling a personal business specialist that can help you manage your personal finances or your small business issues.
Now that sounds good, in theory, but as all of us business owners know...it doesn't matter how good it sounds to us if no one is willing to pay for our product or service. That's where the cold hard facts of reality set in. No matter how talented you are or how educated you are, the customer you are seeking is still only going to pay what they think your product or service is worth. Now more than ever, customers are shopping. They may be willing to pay a little more in some instances but usually they need to be convinced of the 'value add' you are bringing to the table that will justify the premium they will be paying. So we all need to do our homework when it comes to setting the price point that gets the job or sells the product. It's part of the job that we all struggle with and trusting your gut might work but there needs to be a little more involved if you're going to get it right and build your business.
Norm Brodsky who is an entrepreneur and writer for INC. Magazine shared some good advice in his column when someone asked him the question, how do you set the price for your product or service. Solving-the-pricing-riddle? Hope it gets you thinking and working on finding the right formula that will work for you.
Now that sounds good, in theory, but as all of us business owners know...it doesn't matter how good it sounds to us if no one is willing to pay for our product or service. That's where the cold hard facts of reality set in. No matter how talented you are or how educated you are, the customer you are seeking is still only going to pay what they think your product or service is worth. Now more than ever, customers are shopping. They may be willing to pay a little more in some instances but usually they need to be convinced of the 'value add' you are bringing to the table that will justify the premium they will be paying. So we all need to do our homework when it comes to setting the price point that gets the job or sells the product. It's part of the job that we all struggle with and trusting your gut might work but there needs to be a little more involved if you're going to get it right and build your business.
Norm Brodsky who is an entrepreneur and writer for INC. Magazine shared some good advice in his column when someone asked him the question, how do you set the price for your product or service. Solving-the-pricing-riddle? Hope it gets you thinking and working on finding the right formula that will work for you.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Checking in on our business status -
Believe it or not the end of August is here and we are eight months down for 2010. Next month estimated quarterly taxes are due and I find it a good time to review things and see how I'm doing. Some of you have more time into the "self-employment" path than I do but regardless it's never a wrong time to put on paper the goods, the bads and things that need to be changed so you can evaluate and make adjustments so the last quarter of the year produces improved results.
Of course have you been entering your transactions in either Quicken or Quick books or even a simple Excel spreadsheet? That is the question right? If you haven't now may be a good time to get started as you will have a difficult time getting a picture of how you are doing without the historical information on hand. However, as any self-employed individual will tell you..."I know (in their head they know) how I'm doing."
I've always loved that statement because to a great degree it is true. The person who wears all hats is the most hands on expression of the business. They know who their customers are, if they are asking for more services, if they are paying their bills and of course they know if the business is growing by virtue of how busy they are. Yet, the specifics of how they spend their money and what that amounts to or what percentage of their revenue is spent on certain things usually remains to be seen.
People I have had the pleasure working with who were self-employed or just wanted their finances tracked were always, without exception, surprised when the data was organized and put together and they could see, in black and white, where their money was going. It's quite a wake up call even if you believe you are the most knowledgeable about your finances.
So, take the opportunity now, before you pay your taxes or the end of the third quarter (9/30) to take the time to put your information together in a way that works for you. If you're not quite up to speed with Quick books or even Excel, just buy accounting paper and make your own financial statement. The good thing about this exercise is you will continue to learn about what you know and what you don't know about your business.
Remember, any questions can be easily answered if you take the time to think about them and don't be afraid to talk with others who are self-employed as they are struggling with the same issues as you. I've found it very interesting to walk into the local retail stores and if they aren't busy, talk with the managers and find out how they think things are going for their business. You'd be surprised how willing people are to talk about their perception of the economy and how their business has made changes to accommodate the economic challenges and keep business profitable. Sure, their business is different than yours but we are all challenged by these economic times and it never hurts to check in with other business people who live and work in the same world you do!
Of course have you been entering your transactions in either Quicken or Quick books or even a simple Excel spreadsheet? That is the question right? If you haven't now may be a good time to get started as you will have a difficult time getting a picture of how you are doing without the historical information on hand. However, as any self-employed individual will tell you..."I know (in their head they know) how I'm doing."
I've always loved that statement because to a great degree it is true. The person who wears all hats is the most hands on expression of the business. They know who their customers are, if they are asking for more services, if they are paying their bills and of course they know if the business is growing by virtue of how busy they are. Yet, the specifics of how they spend their money and what that amounts to or what percentage of their revenue is spent on certain things usually remains to be seen.
People I have had the pleasure working with who were self-employed or just wanted their finances tracked were always, without exception, surprised when the data was organized and put together and they could see, in black and white, where their money was going. It's quite a wake up call even if you believe you are the most knowledgeable about your finances.
So, take the opportunity now, before you pay your taxes or the end of the third quarter (9/30) to take the time to put your information together in a way that works for you. If you're not quite up to speed with Quick books or even Excel, just buy accounting paper and make your own financial statement. The good thing about this exercise is you will continue to learn about what you know and what you don't know about your business.
Remember, any questions can be easily answered if you take the time to think about them and don't be afraid to talk with others who are self-employed as they are struggling with the same issues as you. I've found it very interesting to walk into the local retail stores and if they aren't busy, talk with the managers and find out how they think things are going for their business. You'd be surprised how willing people are to talk about their perception of the economy and how their business has made changes to accommodate the economic challenges and keep business profitable. Sure, their business is different than yours but we are all challenged by these economic times and it never hurts to check in with other business people who live and work in the same world you do!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Short & Sweet and to the point that deserves a reminder!
The other day I was reviewed a list I have of motivational business quotes and this is the one that struck me as being important considering all of us are building our future business in challenging times, wondering will it work? Is the business out there? Are we crazy??? The following quote summed up what I think are the most important points we need to remember:
Anyone who has reached any level of success has had to become good at all three parts. Learning a skill, trade or profession takes training...be it on-the-job, school or the hard knocks of life but becoming an individual who is trained at something is the first step.
Next is discipline. I have almost had a romantic notion about writing and how wonderful a life it would be to be an author. But when I've read interviews with successful authors what stood out was the discipline by which they met each day. Write write write...each day, every day. And finally, hard work. There are those people who think that success just happens. Let me correct that thought...success does happen after hard work that is consistent, focused and disciplined.
If you can integrate these three ideas into your goal of building a business the odds are with you that you will be successful...why? Because most people give up too easily; too quickly and find success much to "hard" to achieve. You know differently so go for it!
"Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you're not frightened b these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were."
David Rockefeller
Next is discipline. I have almost had a romantic notion about writing and how wonderful a life it would be to be an author. But when I've read interviews with successful authors what stood out was the discipline by which they met each day. Write write write...each day, every day. And finally, hard work. There are those people who think that success just happens. Let me correct that thought...success does happen after hard work that is consistent, focused and disciplined.
If you can integrate these three ideas into your goal of building a business the odds are with you that you will be successful...why? Because most people give up too easily; too quickly and find success much to "hard" to achieve. You know differently so go for it!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tracking your Progress
How do you keep yourself motivated? How do you link your marketing efforts to results?
Without thinking we are always working to build our business. When you are relaxing or cycling, taking a walk or even watching your favorite TV program...your mind is probably drifting to thoughts on how to get more business and create more success. I don't know about any of you but I am always thinking about how to build my business. Sometimes I wish I could shut my brain off and stop the process but right now it is so important to me to make ends meet that I am almost obsessed with the idea.
One thing I have done from the very beginning is to keep a journal of everything I do. If I send out marketing letters I write down how many and to whom they went. If I put an ad on Craigslist I write it down. If I call someone and have a conversation about business...I write it down. If I am actually working for a client I write it down. Writing it down is important for me.
Why??? Because I review constantly what I've done and where I need to follow-up. As I've said before and stressed over and over following up is key to getting to where you want to go. If you have no record of all the effort you've made to get clients, there will be days when you feel like you're going nowhere...spinning your wheels and it "just ain't so!"
So to stay motivated and feeling good about moving forward find a way that works for you. Track your progress so you can evaluate results. What did you do that got you a client? What did you do that provided nothing towards your effort? Did the cold calling prove to be a good investment of time? Did you follow up with these people? Continue to search your book and you'll find the questions that are specific to your efforts and they will show you that you're working hard to build your business...and that will get you up and working each and every day!
Without thinking we are always working to build our business. When you are relaxing or cycling, taking a walk or even watching your favorite TV program...your mind is probably drifting to thoughts on how to get more business and create more success. I don't know about any of you but I am always thinking about how to build my business. Sometimes I wish I could shut my brain off and stop the process but right now it is so important to me to make ends meet that I am almost obsessed with the idea.
One thing I have done from the very beginning is to keep a journal of everything I do. If I send out marketing letters I write down how many and to whom they went. If I put an ad on Craigslist I write it down. If I call someone and have a conversation about business...I write it down. If I am actually working for a client I write it down. Writing it down is important for me.
Why??? Because I review constantly what I've done and where I need to follow-up. As I've said before and stressed over and over following up is key to getting to where you want to go. If you have no record of all the effort you've made to get clients, there will be days when you feel like you're going nowhere...spinning your wheels and it "just ain't so!"
So to stay motivated and feeling good about moving forward find a way that works for you. Track your progress so you can evaluate results. What did you do that got you a client? What did you do that provided nothing towards your effort? Did the cold calling prove to be a good investment of time? Did you follow up with these people? Continue to search your book and you'll find the questions that are specific to your efforts and they will show you that you're working hard to build your business...and that will get you up and working each and every day!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Starting the Business...am I crazy?
It has been a while since I've written and it is because staying positive when on your own is a challenge and sometimes a struggle. There are no two ways about it. What can I say? Any of you who are struggling to build your business or working hard to maintain it knows the feeling. You feel good about things one day but then something changes whether it's a check that doesn't arrive or a call that doesn't come or results that seem so far below any expectation...the day seems dark and you begin to doubt if all your efforts will work.
I am almost two full months into this state of mind and as I read through my daily diary I see how my marketing efforts were full out in the beginning and now have slowed down. It's time to "hit it and hit it hard" as my father used to say! I will confess that I finally purchased a laser printer so the letters printed looked a bit better than my old printer. That was a good investment. However, I still need to revisit the first mailings and send the second. Followup...followup...followup...that is the key to building.
I have a friend who has been in sales all his life. In fact that is how we met back in 1975. Back then he was the top salesman for his company winning trips every year to exotic places. He knew how to sell. Now 35 years later he continues to be successful and continues to win those trips. In fact about a month ago he and his wife went on a trip to the Bahamas...yes, he won this. However, over the span of 35 years, through all kinds of economic times and with the pressure of family [kids in college etc] he has continued to be a top salesman. He has always been an inspiration to me.
By nature I'm not a born saleswoman. I'm basically shy and my type of work has not required such talents to be developed. High time to start...but in fact now is a great time to start. What better time to feel confident about the services I have to sell? I have over 30 years of experience working in all types of business environments, over 15 years working specifically with individuals and small businesses and a Masters Degree in Psychology with training and experience as a marriage & family therapist. What better time to feel good and confident about what I have to offer?
So the same holds true for all of you who are in my position. Remember that you have paid your dues in experimenting, learning, trying & educating yourself in the ways of business. What better time to sell that experience and feel good about what you have to offer your client or customer? Don't forget that you can not be all things to all customers...just identify what you are good at and work that skill. If you persevere and believe in yourself and work hard, you too will become successful.
I am almost two full months into this state of mind and as I read through my daily diary I see how my marketing efforts were full out in the beginning and now have slowed down. It's time to "hit it and hit it hard" as my father used to say! I will confess that I finally purchased a laser printer so the letters printed looked a bit better than my old printer. That was a good investment. However, I still need to revisit the first mailings and send the second. Followup...followup...followup...that is the key to building.
I have a friend who has been in sales all his life. In fact that is how we met back in 1975. Back then he was the top salesman for his company winning trips every year to exotic places. He knew how to sell. Now 35 years later he continues to be successful and continues to win those trips. In fact about a month ago he and his wife went on a trip to the Bahamas...yes, he won this. However, over the span of 35 years, through all kinds of economic times and with the pressure of family [kids in college etc] he has continued to be a top salesman. He has always been an inspiration to me.
By nature I'm not a born saleswoman. I'm basically shy and my type of work has not required such talents to be developed. High time to start...but in fact now is a great time to start. What better time to feel confident about the services I have to sell? I have over 30 years of experience working in all types of business environments, over 15 years working specifically with individuals and small businesses and a Masters Degree in Psychology with training and experience as a marriage & family therapist. What better time to feel good and confident about what I have to offer?
So the same holds true for all of you who are in my position. Remember that you have paid your dues in experimenting, learning, trying & educating yourself in the ways of business. What better time to sell that experience and feel good about what you have to offer your client or customer? Don't forget that you can not be all things to all customers...just identify what you are good at and work that skill. If you persevere and believe in yourself and work hard, you too will become successful.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Out of a job? Time on your Hands? What to do???
I believe now is a great time to get into business for yourself. Of course cash is important under any circumstance but while you're not involved with a 'regular' job how about thinking about what you could do in the meantime that may bring in some income AND may be a place you would rather spend your time than somewhere that isn't as exciting.
Oh sure, I get the money is good and the benefits are great...but that isn't always the case anymore as companies have had to focus on trimming their costs in order to survive an economy that isn't as generous. So it's important to correct your thinking and start looking at alternative ways to build your life and self-employment or a business may be one of them.
I was reading an article in Inc. Magazine about the best industries in 2010 to get involved in - I thought you might enjoy it as it makes you think about what's going on around you. Remember encouraging your mind to think outside the box is good and can be fun! Here's the link: The Best Industries for Starting a Business in 2010
Oh sure, I get the money is good and the benefits are great...but that isn't always the case anymore as companies have had to focus on trimming their costs in order to survive an economy that isn't as generous. So it's important to correct your thinking and start looking at alternative ways to build your life and self-employment or a business may be one of them.
I was reading an article in Inc. Magazine about the best industries in 2010 to get involved in - I thought you might enjoy it as it makes you think about what's going on around you. Remember encouraging your mind to think outside the box is good and can be fun! Here's the link: The Best Industries for Starting a Business in 2010
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