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How To Work at Home

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.”

Bio:
Amy (Young) Foster is first a foremost a mom to Grace, now 7 years old, and Kate, 4 years old.

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