With all of the talk of new year's resolutions, empowerment and renewal, how do we really do it? While there is a surge of new businesses, many are running into difficulties in maintaining after the start-up glow has burned out.
I want to give you some tips on how to keep at it and hold your own no matter what type of business you are thinking of or embarking on. Make these ideas count by creating a list of what your real-world needs are is essential to personal success.
1. Research-Never start a business without giving pause as to what is required and if you will have the steam to keep the train on the track.
2. Ask For Guidance-This is no time to be proud, you can be proud all you want later but you have not established anything yet so don't put the cart before the horse. Just because you have a brilliant idea doesn't mean it will fly without direction. Seek out local groups offering assistance to new entrepreneurs. Take classes for finances and budgeting, taxes. Some communities offer courses at reasonable or no cost classes, depending on depth of need.
3. Stand Tall-Do yourself a favor and STOP asking all of your friends if going into business for yourself is the right thing to do. Personally, after I started my publishing company, I put "feelers" out to see if I could generate interest among some of my friends. It was disappointing to a degree as many tried squashing the idea, assuming that this was a notion or one hit wonder, despite them knowing that I am a self-starter and hard worker by nature.
It was well into year two that I let anyone know I had already written and published three books. I involved myself in heavy marketing, since it is part of my background and even after the fliers went out, some approached me to say that they did not show up for book signings, etc because they couldn't believe it was really me. So don't fret-move on and they will catch up with you if they are really interested. The fact is, many of your friends and associates may not have the courage to do what you are doing and they may not see the realism of it until viable proof says otherwise. More reason to keep a fire in your belly about following through. Enough said.
5. Finances-Do you have the means to keep a business at a growing pace? Don't take for granted that a new business will remain on an even keel without a little cheddar.
6. Network-This is team building without the team. Learn which networking venues are best for your business type or class. Many have wasted countless hours meeting all sorts of great people but never gaining any ground when it is time to establish serious contacts. Those who can actually help you succeed, adding longevity to your market value. Hundreds of cocktail weenies and martinis later many learn that lesson. Save time, energy and calories by learning the "schmooze-and-move" technique.
4. Create Your Own Buzz-Business cards are great, business postcards are fantastic. Larger and easier to keep in the hands of potential clients. Add a clever by-line, even harder to forget. Mail them in postcard sized envelopes to reduce the wear and tear. It also signals class and that you cared enough to protect the message inside. Postcards on merit can still get lost in the shuffle but I have found that mailing them off jacketed, adds an important essence to why I want them to know my name.
5. Invest Time In YOU-You cannot sink all of your time into your business without investing in yourself. Take yourself seriously but don't go crazy. Life is hard enough and you are going to face enough challenges throughout the process of entrepreneurship without tossing emotional baggage into the mix. So relax, you can do this. Steady, sure and with confidence is key, knowing anything is possible.
And remember, a pie by any other name is flavored with your own spice, texture and rhythm. Go get 'em!
Best!
Dawn
I want to give you some tips on how to keep at it and hold your own no matter what type of business you are thinking of or embarking on. Make these ideas count by creating a list of what your real-world needs are is essential to personal success.
1. Research-Never start a business without giving pause as to what is required and if you will have the steam to keep the train on the track.
2. Ask For Guidance-This is no time to be proud, you can be proud all you want later but you have not established anything yet so don't put the cart before the horse. Just because you have a brilliant idea doesn't mean it will fly without direction. Seek out local groups offering assistance to new entrepreneurs. Take classes for finances and budgeting, taxes. Some communities offer courses at reasonable or no cost classes, depending on depth of need.
3. Stand Tall-Do yourself a favor and STOP asking all of your friends if going into business for yourself is the right thing to do. Personally, after I started my publishing company, I put "feelers" out to see if I could generate interest among some of my friends. It was disappointing to a degree as many tried squashing the idea, assuming that this was a notion or one hit wonder, despite them knowing that I am a self-starter and hard worker by nature.
It was well into year two that I let anyone know I had already written and published three books. I involved myself in heavy marketing, since it is part of my background and even after the fliers went out, some approached me to say that they did not show up for book signings, etc because they couldn't believe it was really me. So don't fret-move on and they will catch up with you if they are really interested. The fact is, many of your friends and associates may not have the courage to do what you are doing and they may not see the realism of it until viable proof says otherwise. More reason to keep a fire in your belly about following through. Enough said.
5. Finances-Do you have the means to keep a business at a growing pace? Don't take for granted that a new business will remain on an even keel without a little cheddar.
6. Network-This is team building without the team. Learn which networking venues are best for your business type or class. Many have wasted countless hours meeting all sorts of great people but never gaining any ground when it is time to establish serious contacts. Those who can actually help you succeed, adding longevity to your market value. Hundreds of cocktail weenies and martinis later many learn that lesson. Save time, energy and calories by learning the "schmooze-and-move" technique.
4. Create Your Own Buzz-Business cards are great, business postcards are fantastic. Larger and easier to keep in the hands of potential clients. Add a clever by-line, even harder to forget. Mail them in postcard sized envelopes to reduce the wear and tear. It also signals class and that you cared enough to protect the message inside. Postcards on merit can still get lost in the shuffle but I have found that mailing them off jacketed, adds an important essence to why I want them to know my name.
5. Invest Time In YOU-You cannot sink all of your time into your business without investing in yourself. Take yourself seriously but don't go crazy. Life is hard enough and you are going to face enough challenges throughout the process of entrepreneurship without tossing emotional baggage into the mix. So relax, you can do this. Steady, sure and with confidence is key, knowing anything is possible.
And remember, a pie by any other name is flavored with your own spice, texture and rhythm. Go get 'em!
Best!
Dawn
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