As I mentioned earlier, I own a small business and work from home so that I can take care of my daughter. I say “own a business” and talk about working from home like I’m some sort of high-powered, successful entrepreneur. I’m not.
Technically, I do own a company, called Becker-VanHoveln Retail Solutions. I have business cards and letterhead to prove it. Unfortunately, that ‘business’ hasn’t done much business to this point. That’s not to say it doesn’t keep me busy. I have three clients for whom I have done web design, advertising, blogging, and data entry. For free. So much for making a living.
See, when I first started my company, I knew that the best way to earn clients was through word-of-mouth referral, especially in the retail world. I sent out a dozen letters offering to do a trial project for free, in return for recommending me to other business owners if my work was satisfactory. I had one reply. Before I had a chance to even do one project for that company, medical bills started pouring in and I had to end my maternity leave and go back to my full-time job. My train was derailed before it even left the station.
So, when I quit my job for good this fall, I thought, Great! Now I can dedicate all the time Olivia is sleeping to getting BVRS up and running! Ha! After six weeks, all I had done was research how to write a business plan.
Step one: Make a goal and write it down.
OK, easy! My goal is to own a company that specializes in marketing, web design, and window displays for independent retail stores. Step one, complete!
Step two: Find out if there is a market for your idea.
Here is where it all falls apart. I have a whole list of questions I want to ask potential clients about their current market practices and needs, and I have pages of information on businesses in the area to contact. All I’m lacking is the motivation to finally call them up and ask those questions. I feel like such a fraud every time I pick up the phone. They’re going to think I’m just another telemarketer calling to harass them, or that I’m some kid making a prank phone call, or worse, they’re going to take me seriously but tell me that my idea sucks. I have such high hopes, and I don’t know if I can accept rejection before I even get a chance to start.
I have to do this. Owning a business and working for myslef is my dream. I want to go to my 10-year high school reunion next year and say “I own a business and work from home” and mean it. So this is it. I am committing to all of you out there in blog-land that next week, I will call at least 10 businesses and ask them my questions. I can do this. Wish me luck!
Tags: entrepreneurship, marketing plan, small business, work-from-home
