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READY. SET. GREAUX.

Jan 18, 2017 01:16PM ● By Laurie James

The start of a new year offers opportunity to assess and review goals. With a business man in the White House and a focus on small business growth and prosperity for the future, is this a good time to consider starting your own business? As a seasoned entrepreneur for 30+ years, I know a thing or two about beginning and staying the course to enjoy both financial success and the pleasure that comes from making a positive difference in someone else’s life.

My résumé writing business, Just Your Type, Inc., was founded a week before the oil bust of 1986! Humble beginnings, to say the least: I owned a typewriter and had just $200 in savings. Apartment rent was $400/month, and my monthly gross income for the first few months averaged $350. I sold a bicycle, furniture, and even clothes to make rent. Word quickly spread about the quality of my work and my willingness to handle any project. In no time, I hired a staff. After 30 years and over 11,000 satisfied clients, I count my blessings every day!

Have you ever dreamed about opening a business? Maybe you’ve dreamed of being a virtual bookkeeper, or a mobile notary, or the owner of your own paint franchise! If you have dreamed about opening your own business – whatever that business model is - this is a terrific time to start. First, identify your talents and interests. Then dream about what that might look like. Find a CPA, financial advisor, business mentor, career coach, and lots of positive people who will give you sound advice. Then consider these steps as you REACH for success:

R – Research ideas that have been floating around in your head…or your heart for a while. Now is the time to get moving on those ideas. Preparation is important, but don’t let it keep you stuck in the hamster wheel. Over-preparation can translate to procrastination, which will keep you status quo.

E – Enthusiastically try your best to make a go of your business. Don’t fold up shop after the first “No!” Instead, use that answer to fuel your passion. With consistency and effort, you won’t regret it. Learn and understand the process…then keep on keeping on. So many frustrated entrepreneurs stop before the business takes off. Understand your limitations, including time and money. We all have stories of humble beginnings, right? What’s yours?

A – Ask for help and referrals from family, friends, acquaintances, and anyone else you might know. The next closed sale might come from the least likely source. Remember: People WANT to help you! Asking for help allows others to bless you. Don’t be shy. What’s the worst thing that can happen?

C – Credentials, certifications or training in your specialized type of business will help set you apart from your competition. Look online to find training opportunities that make sense for your future.

H – Hone your craft. Learn your business. Identify what can set you apart and then watch it blossom. Whether you provide a service or a product, money will find you when you are able to solve the customer’s problem!!

With our local economy still in question, opening up a new business might be perfectly timed to help you enjoy your lifelong dream. There’s NO TIME like the present!

 

About the Author: 

Laurie J. James is one of the only 16 Master Career Directors globally. She co-founded and presided over the Professional Resume Writing and Research Association from 2000-2004. PRWRA rebranded to Career Directors in 2005. Laurie has created 10,000+ job-winning resumes in her career. She is a credentialed resume & LinkedIn profile writer, seasoned public speaker and award-winning career image coach. Visit her at www.lauriejjames.com.