How's Being Self Employed Working Out For You?

It seems to me that 3-5 years ago, everyone was talking about entreprenuership and how owning your own business and living the american dream was where it was at. I was a huge part of that movement. I still believe that entreprenuership is a wonderful thing that is now so much more readily available with the technoligical age. You can live literally anywhere you like and work by means of cell phone, internet and fax machine. To this day I remain a rural entreprenuer and have worked with several rural entreprenuers assisting them in making their dreams come true and in turn making my own dreams a little closer to reality. Some I can say continue to plug along. Some are not enjoying the success in the amount of time that they hoped to. One has the potential to be extremely successful and a few more are simply hemoraging. So what does this mean about entreprenuership? What does it take to make it in the business world without a safety net? I was once at a convention for rural entreprenuers and the guest speaker likened independant business people as the extreme sport athletes of the business world. I agree. It takes a lot of hudspa to dive in, possibly leave what you have done for years to take on the business world, depend on the public and their need for your services to make not only a living wage for yourself and your family, but for your business to thrive. I have been talking to some of those people that made the leap with me and I can't say that all of them are still doing it alone. Many of them have decided to share their home business time with other jobs. What does this mean for the independant business person? Is entreprenuership on its' way out? It's it still thriving? Is it successful most of the time or only for a few? I want to know what you think. I want to know how you own independant businesses are working out for you. Please take a moment to leave me a comment or participate in the poll you see to your left. Its a subject that I have no answers for. I can only draw from my own experiences and those of my sole proprietorship friends, all too many of them who have recently locked their doors. Where does your business stand?

The Difference Between Marketing and Sales

There seems to be confusion in the business industry between what is marketing and what is sales. I have thrown my hat into a few arena's when I hear of a marketing position that is open only to find that what they really wanted is a sales consultant. I overheard one of my USANA colleagues on day tell someone they are in marketing. What she meant is that she is a consultant which involves sales. Agreed, when you are selling a product you are in turn doing some marketing and marketing may lead to sales but there is a distinct difference between the two and I hope to dissolve some of the confusion.

Sales: Sales is the position in which you are distinctly promoting a product or a service. Pay is often acheived based on a commission of the sale price. You can be on a salary but I have found that the reward comes from eating what you kill. You are out for the purpose of making a sale for your company.

Marketing: Now marketing on the other hand is usually done prior to the sales consultant doing their job. A marketer primary focus is to get word out about a product or a service and generate interest in that item. This is done through publicity, campaigns and advertising. The result of good marketing is sales but the goal is more to create a buzz.

The two work beautifully hand and hand together but are different. At times my job as a "marketer" does involve sales. But that is at the request of my employer and has a different set of circumstances applied. And I do sales for myself every day regarding the work that I do and how it can help a business.

So next time you look for one or the other, be precise on what your needs are. Sometimes you can find both with the same company but be sure to define what your business needs are. That will make it easier for you to get exactly what you are looking for.

Happy Fall!

The colors are changing and the air is cooler. Welcome all to fall! A new season, a new agenda a new time for goals and progress. What will yours be? As much as we may or may not be resisting, holiday season is fast approaching. How will your business promote it's services or products for the upcoming season? Have you thought about your marketing plan or approach or make the most of your holiday season? Start now. Don't wait. Have a plan. I see it all to often. The season sneaks up on us and we find ourselves in mid December thinking, "gee...I wish I would have...." Don't let yourselves get caught in that position where you are looking through hind site 20/20 vision. Can a website benefit your business? Of course it can! Enjoy the colors, dream big and design a plan. Need help? Call me.

The Key Is Continuing Education

Sound like a contradiction? Possibly. As much as I hate not having my kids at home when they go to school, I value the importance of continuing my education as a professional. As you have read in my profile, I was a hair stylist and a National Trainer for a hair product company prior to my career change. Can you imagine if a stylist did not continue to learn new techniques...ever? We'd all still be walking around in beehives and ratted bubbles. It is important of every aspect of our adult lives and professional careers to continue to grow and know what is new in our field ... or be left behind. True story! If Mitzi's Marketing up the street or around the web has training in dynamic marketing areas that I have chose not to learn or ignore, how many people will leave me for Mitzi's Marvelous Marketing? If we do not value learning and if we do not chose to continue to grow in our fields, we will be left behind. Continue to grow and give your clients (and yourself) the advantage of knowledge. In today's competitive and ever changing market for technoligical and business savvy professionals, she/he who has the most knowledge ...WINS!

Got Cards?

How many of you carry business cards with you? Okay, now how many of you have almost the same amount of business cards you ordered a year ago? Business cards are a great way to keep you business visible and an easy way to open doors of conversation with potential customers. Be certain you have cards with you at all times. Business lunches? Before you pay the tab, be sure to leave one on the table for your server. If he/she can’t use your services, they may remember you when they hear of someone who can. Pass them out in the grocery store line, movie theater and while you get your oil changed. Slip them into greeting cards and notes. Your business will be more visible and you won’t be soon forgotten.