Self-Employment - Do you have what it takes?
As the owner of three increasingly growing businesses I often look back to my earlier days and the questions I asked myself before quiting my full time job. I had an idea to get into Virtual Assisting in 2001 but kept that idea on the back burner for almost two years. My paycheck at the end of each month provided false sense of security that I did not want to give up.
I am often asked “how did you know that you were ready to start your own business?” Frankly, I am as human as the next person and I did question myself A LOT. I did know that whenever I did something, anything, I gave it my best. I had the experience of overseeing the daily activities of a busy practice in the middle of Manhattan and a more that busy department in a huge corporation.
Here are some questions that I pose to up and coming entrepreneurs to give them an idea of the traits needed to start a business:
- Are you a quick learner?
- Are you resourceful?
- Are you afraid of hard work?
- How do you handle money?
- What is your leadership style? (If you have one)
- Do you make decisions quickly?
- Do you get tasks completed on time?
- Are you phased by competition?
- Do you have some level of common sense?
- Can you live without a steady income for 6 plus months?
- Do you have someone who can give you a positive outlook when you don’t have it?
- Are you persistent and self disciplined?
- Do you work well under pressure?
- Are you willing to learn and accept new ways of getting things done?
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?
- Can you juggle multiple tasks?
- Are you willing to talk about your product or service?
- Do you have the skill and PASSION for the business that you are considering?
These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before proceeding with plans to start your business.
FSE
Well I have joined the ranks
Of people who have had all their blog content completely taken away. Apparently WHB had some problems with the server and all my info went down the drain…FSE
Use the right mark - Then trademark
When we decide to set up a business we give priority to a number of things and do not give a second thought to others. We have heard stories of plagiarism, of businesses that start off using names and images that belong to others.
The other end f the spectrum arises when we use common names and logos that cannot be trademarked. This sometimes happen after we are well established and finally spare a thought for getting the business trademarked. Only to find out that your business name or logo was too commonplace to be trademarked. Spare yourself the agony and choose distinctive names to begin with. At least seek advice in the early phase of your business this way making the necessary adjustments won’t affect your image and your bottom line.
No Place Here
Unfortunately many people start up online businesses because they’ve nurtured the thought that it is fast and easy money. Unfortunately many people will fail due to disappointment and loss of motivation.
My tip today is this”Don’t seek instant gratification when starting your online business.” There is no other way to say it. I have spent countless hours working on my online business, doing research, learning new things, networking before I made my first sale. Even when I started Five Star Executives it took me two months before I got my first online client. I say online because my offline contacts provided the business I needed to “stay in business.”
Its easy to loose the motivation that got you started in the first place especially when you expect instant results. So my friend be realistic, stay focused and wait it out. It will pay off in the end and you’ll more than enjoy the results.
Network - Its Something You Do
No one can argue the importance of networking to increase business. Then why do so many fail to network, both online and off line?
I say this because I have been talking with a client recently who lamented about the stagnancy of his business. Of course he was appreciative of the many clients that he had but it seemed that there was no further growth. He needed me to help him expand his reach. I reviewed his strategy and of course networking came up. He mentioned that he was a member of his local Chamber of Commerce and that he belonged to several groups online.
I asked about his most recent contribution to these groups and he mentioned that he never contributed……
Long story short and the point of this lesson. Networking does not mean signing on to groups and remaining passive. You have to make an effort, get out there and talk about what you do. Try to help others. Spread the knowledge. Only then will you see the results of networking. More on this at a later date…..
Take note of these important guidelines
Yesterday we spoke of the importance of using attention grabbing headlines. Today I’ll share some basic guidelines for creating an effective headline.
- Create a sense of urgency. Why should a reader stop to read your ad, NOW?
- Share something valuable. Readers need to justify spending their time reading through your entire copy.
- Share something unique. Don’t give the same old story that everyone other person is sharing.
- Be Specific. What are you trying to convey?
Use these points to create your headline and get your readers attention, share something beneficial and give them a reason to read on. Finally always be honest!!!
Are you Sabotaging your Advertising Campaign?
Yesterday as I was driving past a popular department store I noticed a sign that immediately caught my full attention. I had no intention of going anywhere near a mall but for some reason I parked and spent over two hours at this particular outlet.
This got me thinking? In fact it just reinforced something that I always knew. People read an ad if the headline is appealing. In fact five times as many people read the headline than the body of the ad.
So why are businesses throwing big dollars behind the copy but fail to use effective headlines? Some even neglect to include a headline. Generally you have three seconds to grab your readers attention and you should do so with an appealing headline. It is only then readers will decide if your ad is worth reading.
Stop wasting your advertising dollars, get your ad read by using attention grabbing headlines. Tommorow I’l share some guidelines for creating your headline.
Getting my Feet Wet - Again
So today I finally decided to roll out a couple of blogs. I have been maintaining three blogs for various clients and have been meaning to make the time to work on mine. Well today’s the day. I am making a commitment to post least twice weekly.
I will be focusing on Marketing on a shoestring budget so look out for my upcoming posts!!
