What
I Learned as a Biz Rookie
By
Amy Young
In life
we are constantly learning, as we all know, so why wouldn't
being in business be the same way? It is. Since it is my first
anniversary in business, I took some time to think back at
what really helped me get to where I am today. Yes, I made
a few mistakes, but honestly, not many! Here are 15 things
I learned that really helped.
Not every
family member and friend will be supportive and excited about
your new venture. Don't worry about it. They don't get it.
Keep on truckin'!
Don't
be surprised if, along the way, you come across expenses you
hadn't thought of in your well-thought-out business plan.
You MUST
have a business plan, even if it is just scribbled on a legal
pad. (Of course I don't recommend this method if you plan
on asking a bank for money.) NOT doing one is NOT an option.
Thinking on paper is not that bad. Just do it.
Know your
competition, or the closest thing to it, ALL the time. Be
open-minded to feedback from customers/clients/friends/family.
Read everything
about your industry/product/service you can get your hands
on. Keep up to date.
Get on
the Internet in some form or another. There is a wealth of
free advertising and marketing opportunities just waiting
for you, not to mention tons of research available. At least
get an e-mail account. Look into other affordable technological
services as well, such as a free fax service (i.e. www.efax.com).
Don't
let someone talk you into doing a ton of expensive marketing
right in the beginning. Don't buy EVERYthing you really don't
need, don't do EVERYthing you want to, right from the start.
Save your money where you can, you will need it along the
way.
Choose
a unique, sensible, recognizable, flowing name for your business.
This is important. You will see it every which way you turn,
so make it one you like and will stick with. This might take
some heavy brainstorming before you start. So what?
You WILL
make mistakes. With all that planning you will do in the beginning,
they hopefully won't be costly mistakes.
Think
BIG, start SMALL. Write all those ideas down but don't do
them all at once. Don't wear too many hats at one time. Focus,
Focus, FOCUS.
Sometimes
people will be mean and nasty throughout your business venture.
Consider them to be jealous of what you are doing or there
must be something else wrong entirely unrelated to you, and
move on. Do not react negatively. Remember, the customer IS
always right, in some form. Be a tactful-minded business person.
Make a
list of people you know. Tell ALL of them about your new business
venture, and I mean EVERYone; even if it is someone you think
might not be interested. You sure shouldn't pass up free advertising,
plus you just never know where it might positively lead you
and your business.
Relax
often and don't work 24/7. I mean it!
Keep a
positive outlook and, as the million-dollar book says, don't
sweat the small stuff.
Amy
Young is the owner/publisher of Mom's Home Work(tm), a printed
newsletter for present and future work-at-home moms. For more
information, visit her web site: www.momshomework.com.(url has changed ownership)
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