In Step 1, we asked you to consider ..."Who is your ideal customer or client?"
Another way to consider this is to ask yourself WHO will want to buy your product or service? You created your business to serve a need for a specific group of people. These people are called your "market." Who are they??
The sooner you can clearly identify your market, the quicker you'll be able to generate income. Knowing EARLY who you want to reach out to will save you lots of time, money and energy as you move into marketing what you do!
So before you begin your marketing, create an initial list of contacts. You can build your "audience" by starting with this list -- your money flow has the potential to start with this list, so it's essential to get these names, contact information, and other important data entered into a Contact Database. You can use the simple database that comes with your email program (Outlook, for example) or purchase ACT or other database-compiling software.
In your contact list, enter as much information as you know about each contact, including:
-- Name, phone # and email address
-- Address
-- Occupation
-- Personal and family information
-- Their website, if they have one
-- Where and how you met
-- Additional notes you want to remember
1. Start with EVERYONE you know who is old enough to buy your product or service, including family members, friends, and neighbors. Make that list!! Then think about who each of these people know -- everyone you know they know. Write those down, even if you don't know names. Just make a note about them.
2. Next, think of EVERYONE else you associate with ...including your hair stylist, dry cleaner, auto mechanic, real estate agent, attorney, veterinarian, doctor, dentist, insurance rep, store owners, barista, restaurant managers, etc. You get the idea -- make that list!!
Now think again about who will want to buy what you have to offer. You are ready to take it to the next level!
3. Do you know that there are dozens (maybe hundreds) of people who serve the SAME market that you do? What if you could tap into THEIR contacts -- people who will also want what you have??
Consider this: WHO CAN REFER BUSINESS TO YOU, DAY-AFTER-DAY? What types of people come into contact with YOUR ideal customers or clients every day? Which professions provide services or products to YOUR potential base of customers or clients??
Developing this additional list will lead you to a GOLD MINE of continual referrals. Make this list!!
4. And last (but not least) is the unlimited world of social networking! You can expand your market in a big way by joining social network groups that share your interests and are likely customers or referral sources for your product or service. Our favorite is Meetup -- go see what groups are set up in your area. You can even start your own group! Take a look at ours (click here)!!
Once you've completed Step 3, it's time to prepare to deliver. This is when you start marketing and letting the world know that you're OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Step 4 is when it all starts coming together ...
get ready!
Devin & Maria
Showing posts with label home business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home business. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
What do you mean by "Self-Reliant Living"?
People have been asking us about "self-reliant living" ...what exactly IS it?
Are we talking about those passionate folks who choose to live completely "off the grid", out in the wilderness or on a remote farm growing their own food, collecting rainwater, making everything they can themselves? Well, this certainly is an extreme example of Self-Reliant Living.
But let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Even though many of us might fantasize about living off the grid, we choose to live in the city or suburb for unique reasons. Devin and I have lived in Dallas, Texas, for the last 27 years because it gives us access to virtually anything. We worked our professional advertising company from our home here (even before it was cool to home-biz), birthed 2 of our kids here, kept them out of school here, entrepreneured them here, and connected with other amazing self-reliant families and individuals here ...yes, here in Dallas.
For us, self-reliant living is about living authentically, following your own guidance even when it's way outside the scope of what most people do, including:
• Creating your own ways to earn money
• Taking care of your own health when possible
• Choosing how to raise and teach your children
• Supporting them to embrace their own choices
• Promising to stay true to your values, but allowing for change
• Providing confidence and guidance to anyone wanting greater self-determination in their life
Our motto is "QUESTION EVERYTHING." Do you know kids who ask WHY? all the time and won't accept because I said so as an answer? Well, they're on track to becoming fully self-reliant adults!
Self-reliant living is about personal empowerment. It's trusting yourself and listening to your own inner guidance before setting foot onto a path. It's being excited about the amazing adventure of living life on your own terms and trying things out that maybe have not been done before (or that maybe are a little scary).
We subscribe to Mike Dooley's daily "Notes from the Universe", and this recent note is descriptive of how self-reliant living can begin:
------------------------------
The Evolution of a Dream
-- Dream is implanted into brain.
-- Dreamer becomes thrilled.
-- Dreamer becomes terrified.
-- If no action is taken, terrifying thoughts grow into flesh-eating monsters. Dream is considered unrealistic.
-- If action is taken, terrifying thoughts are revealed to be paper tigers. Confidence soars, miracles unfold, and dreamer begins to saunter.
Either way, nothing remains the same.
------------------------------
We started by creating our own business at home, and then expanded self-reliant living into family choices that some may consider extreme, but that we know are true to our values and beliefs. What about you? Is there something you'd rather be or do that seems impossible? Are there preferences you're not living because you don't think you can??
Call or email us if you could use some inspiration, motivation or even celebration on your self-reliant path! We would love to hear from you.
Devin & Maria
Are we talking about those passionate folks who choose to live completely "off the grid", out in the wilderness or on a remote farm growing their own food, collecting rainwater, making everything they can themselves? Well, this certainly is an extreme example of Self-Reliant Living.
But let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Even though many of us might fantasize about living off the grid, we choose to live in the city or suburb for unique reasons. Devin and I have lived in Dallas, Texas, for the last 27 years because it gives us access to virtually anything. We worked our professional advertising company from our home here (even before it was cool to home-biz), birthed 2 of our kids here, kept them out of school here, entrepreneured them here, and connected with other amazing self-reliant families and individuals here ...yes, here in Dallas.
For us, self-reliant living is about living authentically, following your own guidance even when it's way outside the scope of what most people do, including:
• Creating your own ways to earn money
• Taking care of your own health when possible
• Choosing how to raise and teach your children
• Supporting them to embrace their own choices
• Promising to stay true to your values, but allowing for change
• Providing confidence and guidance to anyone wanting greater self-determination in their life
Our motto is "QUESTION EVERYTHING." Do you know kids who ask WHY? all the time and won't accept because I said so as an answer? Well, they're on track to becoming fully self-reliant adults!
Self-reliant living is about personal empowerment. It's trusting yourself and listening to your own inner guidance before setting foot onto a path. It's being excited about the amazing adventure of living life on your own terms and trying things out that maybe have not been done before (or that maybe are a little scary).
We subscribe to Mike Dooley's daily "Notes from the Universe", and this recent note is descriptive of how self-reliant living can begin:
------------------------------
The Evolution of a Dream
-- Dream is implanted into brain.
-- Dreamer becomes thrilled.
-- Dreamer becomes terrified.
-- If no action is taken, terrifying thoughts grow into flesh-eating monsters. Dream is considered unrealistic.
-- If action is taken, terrifying thoughts are revealed to be paper tigers. Confidence soars, miracles unfold, and dreamer begins to saunter.
Either way, nothing remains the same.
------------------------------
We started by creating our own business at home, and then expanded self-reliant living into family choices that some may consider extreme, but that we know are true to our values and beliefs. What about you? Is there something you'd rather be or do that seems impossible? Are there preferences you're not living because you don't think you can??
Call or email us if you could use some inspiration, motivation or even celebration on your self-reliant path! We would love to hear from you.
Devin & Maria
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Step 1 ~ Self-Employed Home Business Basics
Okay ... you're ready to shift to the self-reliant path! It starts with creating your own business, but don't get scared yet because we can help you sort through getting this part going.
There are hundreds of books and manuals available that teach entrepreneurs how to run a traditional business. But when it comes to getting a solid foundation for your home-based business, good instructions are not easy to find.
So we're going to show you the simplest, lowest cost ways to make your home business a reality in 7 EASY STEPS. Your belief in yourself will build at each step ... are you ready for STEP #1? Here is what you need to do FIRST.
Step #1: IDENTIFY Your Business ...who are you, and what is your Business?
-- Are you offering a Product or Service?
-- Who do you believe will want to buy your product or service?
-- What unique NAME will it have?
-- How do you Register and Claim that business name?
-- Do you need an EIN or simply your own Social Security# for your business?
-- How much do you have for initial start-up costs?
______________________________________________
• Are you offering a Product or Service?
It's important to determine which category your business falls into. PRODUCTS normally require parts, a manufacturing process (even if you do it yourself), and you often need an inventory of your products that are ready to deliver to customers on demand.
On the other hand, offering a SERVICE requires no inventory, parts or manufacturing. Services may include coaching or consulting, health-related services, advertising, organizing, personal assistance, home maintenance or repairs, technical support, day care, photography, interior design and much, much more ... but you get the picture of what we mean by a SERVICE industry, right?
Either way, you want to be aware whether you have a PRODUCT or SERVICE business, because each requires a different approach. We'll get into more depth on that in later posts!
• Who do you believe will want to buy your product or service?
This is called your MARKET. You've got to figure this one out before you spend your $$$ on marketing. Here is the most important question to answer: can you define your IDEAL customer ... the person who would most love and use your product/service?
The more clearly you can define your ideal customer, the more focused and effective you will be when you develop your plan to contact them.
• What unique NAME will it have?
This may be challenging ... you need to find out if anyone already has the name you want to use! It is helpful to talk with people who know you and get their input on this. Before you get set on a name, search on GOOGLE to see what the internet pulls up on what you've chosen. Besides having the name locally, you most likely will want to create a larger internet presence as well, so checking out names online is essential for your future growth. You can go to GoDaddy and see what names are available for websites, as this is a factor to consider in choosing a name. Once you've decided on one, register and claim your name!
• How do you Register and Claim that business name?
First, you want to register with your County Records office as a "DBA", which stands for "doing business as". In our area, it costs $12 to register and keep a name for 10 years, then you can renew it for 10 more. Most County offices now have an option to register online, so check that out before you drive to the County Records office!
Then go back to GoDaddy to claim your internet domain name. You'll find several options, but try to purchase a dot com (http://www.yourname.com/) as this is the most desirable.
• Do you need an EIN or can you use your Social Security# for your business?
You can either use your Social Security# or an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your business. What's the difference? Not much when it comes to filing your taxes, because both are linked to YOU. You can apply for and get an EIN online at http://www.irs.gov/.
If your business name is tied to your own name (example: Whitworth & Associates), using your SS# may work fine. We have an EIN because we want to keep our business accounts and personal accounts separate ... this makes bookkeeping so much simpler! If you have questions about what's best for you, find a good home-business accountant and take their advice.
• How much do you have for initial start-up costs?
You're going to need to spend some money to get started, no matter what type of business you have! You'll also need a monthly budget, so figure out what it's going to cost to set up and run your business for the first 6 months.
Start-up costs can include product inventory, internet costs (domain name, website, maybe a shopping cart, etc.), logo and design of sales materials, marketing, computer and other office equipment and supplies. Make a list of everything you can think of. If you know others who have their own business, ask them about any hidden costs you may not be considering.
______________________________________
We've created a FREE REPORT titled "The TOP 10 Secrets for Home Business Success." If you want a copy, just email us and you can download it at no cost!
It's important to BE PREPARED in all the areas we've outlined here. Good preparation = greater confidence in getting your home business off to the best start. Once you've done these things, take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and let's move to your next step!
Self-reliant living is on the way,
Devin & Maria
There are hundreds of books and manuals available that teach entrepreneurs how to run a traditional business. But when it comes to getting a solid foundation for your home-based business, good instructions are not easy to find.
So we're going to show you the simplest, lowest cost ways to make your home business a reality in 7 EASY STEPS. Your belief in yourself will build at each step ... are you ready for STEP #1? Here is what you need to do FIRST.
Step #1: IDENTIFY Your Business ...who are you, and what is your Business?
-- Are you offering a Product or Service?
-- Who do you believe will want to buy your product or service?
-- What unique NAME will it have?
-- How do you Register and Claim that business name?
-- Do you need an EIN or simply your own Social Security# for your business?
-- How much do you have for initial start-up costs?
______________________________________________
• Are you offering a Product or Service?
It's important to determine which category your business falls into. PRODUCTS normally require parts, a manufacturing process (even if you do it yourself), and you often need an inventory of your products that are ready to deliver to customers on demand.
On the other hand, offering a SERVICE requires no inventory, parts or manufacturing. Services may include coaching or consulting, health-related services, advertising, organizing, personal assistance, home maintenance or repairs, technical support, day care, photography, interior design and much, much more ... but you get the picture of what we mean by a SERVICE industry, right?
Either way, you want to be aware whether you have a PRODUCT or SERVICE business, because each requires a different approach. We'll get into more depth on that in later posts!
• Who do you believe will want to buy your product or service?
This is called your MARKET. You've got to figure this one out before you spend your $$$ on marketing. Here is the most important question to answer: can you define your IDEAL customer ... the person who would most love and use your product/service?
The more clearly you can define your ideal customer, the more focused and effective you will be when you develop your plan to contact them.
• What unique NAME will it have?
This may be challenging ... you need to find out if anyone already has the name you want to use! It is helpful to talk with people who know you and get their input on this. Before you get set on a name, search on GOOGLE to see what the internet pulls up on what you've chosen. Besides having the name locally, you most likely will want to create a larger internet presence as well, so checking out names online is essential for your future growth. You can go to GoDaddy and see what names are available for websites, as this is a factor to consider in choosing a name. Once you've decided on one, register and claim your name!
• How do you Register and Claim that business name?
First, you want to register with your County Records office as a "DBA", which stands for "doing business as". In our area, it costs $12 to register and keep a name for 10 years, then you can renew it for 10 more. Most County offices now have an option to register online, so check that out before you drive to the County Records office!
Then go back to GoDaddy to claim your internet domain name. You'll find several options, but try to purchase a dot com (http://www.yourname.com/) as this is the most desirable.
• Do you need an EIN or can you use your Social Security# for your business?
You can either use your Social Security# or an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your business. What's the difference? Not much when it comes to filing your taxes, because both are linked to YOU. You can apply for and get an EIN online at http://www.irs.gov/.
If your business name is tied to your own name (example: Whitworth & Associates), using your SS# may work fine. We have an EIN because we want to keep our business accounts and personal accounts separate ... this makes bookkeeping so much simpler! If you have questions about what's best for you, find a good home-business accountant and take their advice.
• How much do you have for initial start-up costs?
You're going to need to spend some money to get started, no matter what type of business you have! You'll also need a monthly budget, so figure out what it's going to cost to set up and run your business for the first 6 months.
Start-up costs can include product inventory, internet costs (domain name, website, maybe a shopping cart, etc.), logo and design of sales materials, marketing, computer and other office equipment and supplies. Make a list of everything you can think of. If you know others who have their own business, ask them about any hidden costs you may not be considering.
______________________________________
We've created a FREE REPORT titled "The TOP 10 Secrets for Home Business Success." If you want a copy, just email us and you can download it at no cost!
It's important to BE PREPARED in all the areas we've outlined here. Good preparation = greater confidence in getting your home business off to the best start. Once you've done these things, take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and let's move to your next step!
Self-reliant living is on the way,
Devin & Maria
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