Whatever it TakesWritten by Dave Balch
Wouldn't it be nice if you could get someone else to do all of things that you either don't have time for, don't know how to do, or just plain don't want to do? Ah... just think of it: "Jeeves, could you run this over to printer? I've got a dinner date", "Jeeves, would you please write this proposal? It has to be out tomorrow and I'm just too tired to deal with it", "Jeeves, my customer needs this product right now and it's a one hour drive each way; would you please deliver it? I've got other things to do and it is crucial that he gets what he needs on time?", "Jeeves, would you please pick up cleaning and empty wastebaskets?"WAKE UP! I can tell that you have glazed over in this wonderful fantasy! Until you're well on your way and you can afford Jeeves, you are going to have to do all this stuff yourself, so remember that you have to be willing to do "Whatever It Takes" if you are going to be successful. And you have to do it with a smile, because it goes with territory. Have you ever seen a one-man band? I'm not talking metaphorically; I mean a real one-man band. Dick Van Dyke did it in opening scene of Mary Poppins, and did it very well. Small cymbals between his knees, harmonica propped up front of his mouth, bulb horn attached to his chest so that bulb can be squeezed with his chin, playing a squeeze box with his hands. That's not all... a drum with large cymbals is strapped to his back, with cords attached to each leg; one leg operates mallet that beats drum, other operates cymbals. Suppose he didn't like drum because it was too heavy and he couldn't afford to hire a drummer? If he decided to get rid of drum his music and his appeal would suffer. His whole act would be down tubes. If he wants to succeed, he is just going to have to carry that drum around whether he likes it or not. As soon as he starts making enough money, he can hire a drummer; heck he can hire a whole band and just carry a baton instead of all of that paraphernalia!
| | You Are Not AloneWritten by Dave Balch
The life of a home-based businessperson can be a lonely one. Some home-based businesses are just that: home BASED but there is plenty of outside activity. For example, a home-based plumbing business may have an office at home but all of work is done outside office. They are lucky ones. Most of us sit in our home offices with our telephones and computers, marketing, selling, and doing all kinds of things to promote our businesses, but no one is around except dog. Who do we talk to? Who do we interact with? Who do we bounce ideas off of? To whom are we accountable?This is a common problem among us bathrobe-types, but do not despair. you are not alone. There are several ways around this problem, but you have to work at it to make it happen. One way is to join your local Chamber of Commerce, and attend all of their events. The idea is to get out there and talk to other business people. Find out what they are doing, and tell them what you are doing. Just process of talking about it will help you think! And hearing about other people's activities will give you ideas. Finally, you just might stir up some business with other members! You just can't go wrong attending Chamber events. Another aspect of this problem is accountability. You know what
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