The second highest benefit cost is your retirement benefits. Your employer’s 401(k) match guarantees an immediate return of up to 100% on your money, depending on how much your company will match and how much you contribute. If your company has a defined benefit pension plan, you are losing a guaranteed income in retirement. You are also taking on additional risk because you are 100% responsible for investing money to replace it.

These are only a few of largest items that make up 30 – 40% of your salary that will become your responsibility when you become self-employed. Your company might be paying for many other perks also. Some other things you might want to consider are

# company car (this includes gas and maintenance) # annual or performance bonuses # professional training or expenses (including professional journal or society dues) # software license that let you use programs like Microsoft Office programs on your home computer # vacation pay (that’s right, you no longer get paid when you take days off)

All of these, and any others you might be able to think of will needed to be included in total cost of becoming self-employed.

I hope you don’t think I’m trying to discourage you from finally being able to become your own boss. I just know that excitement of finally making this move can make us forget about some of “extras” we are receiving. You are considering a very serious change and need to make sure that benefits are going to outweigh ALL of costs.

For getting a prospective lead, you need to make call. You have to believe in your product in order to make a customer believe you. And when he/she believes you, they will be ready to invest time and money in your business.

Confidence – Speaking truth gives you a lot more confidence than otherwise. You are doing a service to customer if you are giving them best deal. When you make next call, let customer speak. Do not be afraid that prospects will refuse your offer if you let them speak.

Commitment – Once your goals have crystallized, set out to achieve. Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination. Believe me you will not see paychecks coming for quite some time. Nor will all your leads be reachable. But you can still do one thing. Stay committed.

Consistency – In your business you find yourself talking to voicemails half of time. The emails to half of your prospects return with angry replies. The key here is to be consistent without being annoying. The reason why lead providers are in business is that there are people out there ready to buy what you are selling.

Clarity – Be clear in your objective, in your words and in your actions. The customer gives you ten seconds to make your point. If you do not, rest assured he/she is peeling potatoes and waiting to hang up.

Customer – You and I are in business because we have something to offer that customer needs. If he does not, then he is not your customer. You have hundreds of leads to follow up. J. Paul Getty said, "I'd rather earn one percent off efforts of 100, than 100 percent off efforts of one."

After all everybody is interested in something. The major motivator being money in most cases. Sell them what they want, or convince them that they want what you are selling.

First you have to pay, then their dreams will make them stay.