There are more small business’s and entrepreneurs in 2015 than at any point in the history of civilization. That’s not hyperbole; that’s fact. Why put your time, effort, energy and knowledge into making someone else rich when you can make yourself rich?
As sexy as it sounds to quit a job that provides you insurance, security, a steady income all to pursue a dream sounds; that’s not always practical. What is practical though is starting small and building and working your way to being able to branching out on your own.
One- Putting Yourself On A Schedule
It can be really tempting to over exert yourself when you’re trying to build a business. Working day and night whenever you have a free moment. But you also run the risk of burning yourself out. Pace yourself and give yourself a work schedule. I make myself write 3 hours a day 5 days a week no matter what. Some days I write more but never less.
Two- Don’t Work For Free
When I first started writing I was so excited to be doing something I loved I unintentionally worked for free. Not charging for re-writes, not charging for consultations, not enforcing contracts. Allowing people to try and barter services instead of paying me. I learned turning down work was better than working for people that didn’t respect my efforts and talents.
Three- Build A Base
Know who your target audience is. Once you realize who you’re targeting start to build a base. It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, what matters is that you’re consistent. That your word never sways. That your product or service is always dependable.
Four- Your Fee Is Your Fee
Do not! I repeat, do not! Feel as though you have to lower your fees to get customers. You won’t build a business that way; if anything you’ll end up working harder for less and when you do try and up your prices people will go elsewhere. Charge what you know you’re worth and with a quality product word will spread.
