Wednesday, January 6, 2010

So you want to start a business?


I have been receiving some emails with regards to starting up a business. So e of you would like to know the guidlines and procedures, whereas others would like to know what are some tips to get their businesses rolling. Just some backgroud on being your own boss. A lot of people think that it's very easy being your own boss as you have your own timetable/schedule. You can worm whenever you feel like, you have no one to report to and you can do what you really like doing. Ok, while it is great to be able to work at your own schedule, it takes a lot of hard work and effort to start to get the business moving. The beginning is always the most difficult part of starting a business, regardless of whether you are selling a product or providing a service.

Most successful entrepreneurs would tell you that if they llok back and calculate the amount of hours that they work, it actually adds up to more than the usual 8 or 9 hours that the regular office worker works per day. But of course, once you are successful and have build a solid brand (which could take anything from a year to a few years), you can start realizing your other dreams and start getting others to share the running of the business with you.

For me, I started my business in mid 2006 and had zero clients for about a year. I did everything that I could. I snail mailed hundreds of brochures, made cold calls and visited companies. But without a testimonial and experience, it was extremely difficult to get my first client.

But as they say, persistence does pay off. After a year of struggles, I had clinched my first client and made a profit of $20. Even though it was only a small amount, the mere thought of clinching a contract and getting a testimonial made me feel so proud and satisfied.

So one word of advice to all budding entrepreneurs out there; never ever give up! If you really have it in your heart to start your dream business, just follow it and do not let anyone/anything stop you. It can be the most rewarding experience of your life so keep your dreams alive by constantly visualizing and practising positive self talk!

Here are some tips if you are thinking of starting your own business:

1.) Make sure you have some savings 
Have some savings as a backup for the first six months of starting a business. This is because no matter how good you might be at promotion, you should always be prepared in case you might not get enough profits the first few months. The money would come in handy for your daily expenses and further promos.

2.) Give excellent service. Sell great products
It sounds like a no brainer but people tend to forget that the customers are the reason why you are living your dream. Give them your best and they will keep coming back to you and even give you referrals. There is simply no compromise for the quality of the products and/or services!

3.) Make use of the internet
Even if you are not running an online store/business, using the internet can open many more doors for your business. Write a blog, advertise on public forums, use social networking sites and so on. Make sure that you use each and every avenue available to let your potential clients to know that you exist.

Please feel free to email me any questions at bodypulse@ymail.com. Enjoy the wonderful start to the year!