REALITY: No, but you'll be free-ER. Your clients will dictate a lot of your schedule, and tasks that must be done, but in general you will be much freer working for yourself. Many times when I'm working late at night I've thought, "If someone else were making me work these kinds of hours I'd be mad." When it's you, it's different. When you reap immediate rewards, it's different.

8. MYTH: I'll run things right. No more madness and disorganization.

REALITY: One of best personal growth things about working for yourself is you see what's you and what isn't. You also learn that nobody's perfect, yourself included. All things you blamed a boss or co-worker or manager for, you may find coming back to haunt you, which is part of learning curve. Your lack of organization your manager complained about is still around, only now it's YOUR problem to live with or fix. You no longer have luxury of avoiding issue by saying your manager is unreasonable. You bear consequences now. It makes an "issue" a pragmatic problem to deal with.

9. MYTH: If I'm good, I'll be a success immediately.

REALITY: Most people who actually go into business for themselves say it takes 3 years, and what they don't tell you is 3 years of working very hard. There are very few "instant successes" out there. Make commitment and stick with it. And again, you have to market. You may be good, but people have to know about you.

10. MYTH: I won't be able to motivate myself all alone.

REALITY: If you DO find this problem, get a coach and/or take The EQ Course (www.susandunn.cc/courses.htm) and get this taken care of. You won't succeed at anything if you're dependent upon other people and things to motivate you. The reality is that most of us who can do what we love to do way we love to, find that motivation is never a problem.

11. MYTH: It will be answer to all my prayers. REALITY: In bowling game of life, we face same ten pins over and over. However, tradeoffs are much better. I now hassle with headsets that don't work, but I don't have to wear pantyhose. I no longer have to commute, but when I have a computer problem I have to call and pay. Overall, I'm much more satisfied. I recommend it!

(c)Susan Dunn helps clients market their products and professional services. Visit her on the web at www.susandunn.cc and mailto: sdunn@susandunn.cc.

Brochures are another excellent way to get your name out there. Highlight your business's benefits to create copy that sells. Be sure however to make content interesting and draw reader in and motivate them to do business with you.

When you combine effective content with an easy-to-read, eye-catching design, your brochure will become a hard-working partner that will help you win customers you need to start your company out right.

Another great way to get your name out and to tell your customers what you do is to use a Newsletter. Newsletters can be wonderful tools for communicating with your customers or prospects. Because of their format, they're often infused with more credibility than traditional brochures. If your newsletter is little more than blatant self-promotion, however, it's likely to hit wastebasket before it hits your target's desk.

We have given you a number of ways to get your name out there so start promoting yourself!

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2002