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.

 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.  She has survived cancer and divorce and is the founder and owner of Mom's Home Work (www.thebizclub.org), an association that started out as support for mothers who work at home.  It has now grown into a large, global organization for all small and home business owners and those looking to start a business.  Amy is also a real estate agent, now, of COURSE working from home!