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’!

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.