On the first day I set up a telephone number for people to call me and buy my product/service. I created flyers with my address and OPEN FOR BUSINESS hours so that they could come to my door. I cleared out a corner of my bedroom and put in an old desk I had with a notebook, my computer, a pen and pencil. I was all set!!!! Whoohoo. Business, HERE I AM.
I just knew that the "4 Hour Work Week" was going to work for me. I would have time to do XXXX and still have time to play golf, sit around the beauty shop with my friends gossiping and getting my nails done. Vacations to Aruba and the Virgin Islands were looking good to go. BUT ----- was that the phone ringing? Yep, it was a call for my son. Did the door bell just ding? Uh huh. The mailman with a bunch of bills in hand. Where was all the business?
According to all the business gurus out there, there is a difference between entrepreneurs, small business owners and employees. One of the biggest is in the way they view what they do. For employees and small biz owners, their primary motivation is to make a living. But, for entrepreneurs, their motivation is to make a difference, an impact. Another difference is that entrepreneurs are risk takers: they handle issues ranging from the company's product design to determining the most efficient production methods and even finding the company's first customers. On the other hand, small business owners are content with running their business from 9 to 5, working on keeping the business efficient and running effectively. No risk necessary.
I often talk with people who fit the small business owner category. They are the ones that want to work when they want to work. They are the ones that are content with the status quo, not looking to the future and the unknown, but settling for "it's ok now, so let's just let it ride." To be a true entrepreneur, you need to realize that a business is a lot of WORK (oh my gosh... WORK?) You not only need to be aware of how to do the actual product or service of your business, but you need to know WHAT value do you provide? Who are your customers or potential customers? What's the best way to reach them? How much should I charge -- is that enough? Too much? The lists go on and on.
I will get comments from people, saying "I've been in business XXX number of years. I can't possibly think of anything someone else could tell me that would help me grow my business". But, then weeks later, their doors would be locked and the sign saying "Closed for good." Hmmmm. Does that sound right to you? Not to me.
Are you an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just like to play with your hobby? Are you willing to roll up your shirtsleeves, and get to work -- doing whatever it takes to succeed? Are you open to others sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise with you, while you share yours with them? If you are, then I have a great suggestion for you. The Business Abundance Peer Advisory Board meets twice a month for a three month period to help entrepreneurs grow their companies through discussion, education, mentorship and resource sharing. The topic starting soon will be on marketing and will guide you through the different forms of marketing, so that you can create a calendar of things to do that are specifically focused on YOUR business. Along with all that comes the ability to put together a budget so that you see how much you spend, how much you should spend and on what areas. By the end of the three months, you are guaranteed a growth in your business income, clients, referrals, and more.
INTERESTED? If you don't want to wait 'til pigs fly, call Nancy at 269-651-3555 or send an email to nancy@success4biz.biz.
