lady sings da blues (violating propriety one unlady like gesture at a time)

Seems today every third person I meet has experienced 2007 and 2008 the same as most. Its been a long treacherous road that almost always includes layoffs, firings, company downsizing, outsourcing, and the closing of corporations. We’ve all penny pinched, taken jobs less than we’d normally accept and done some creative pricing to keep clients. Others have optioned for their unemployment benefits or taking early retirement. I happen to believe however that right now is a great time to not only be self-employed but to start planting the seeds and nurturing the growth of small business. Do you have a special skill that you enjoy and that could be of service and benefit to others?

If so consider the following:

What is your skill/What is the need?
Is their a realistic need for the service you are offering? Question your intentions, your motivations, and consult with others in your desired field. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a reality check. Before the grueling process of writing your business plan, now is the time to know how committed you are.

What is your plan?
Take the time to research, formulate and properly write a business plan. There is nothing more important when bringing an idea to fruition than the planning process. This can take two weeks to two months. Which ever, be patient, be vigilant, and be informed. Your business plan will determine your growth, your budget, and your positioning.

How much will it cost?
You must research, research, research you competition. Who is setting the standard for your market? What price points have they set and how is it affecting their bottom line. Remember that it is alright to dream big but save your peace of mind and pocket book, start small. There is nothing wrong with taking your time to ensure your dreams are built upon a rock solid foundation. Consider the three little pigs. Between a house of straw, sticks and bricks only one of those has the structural integrity to withstand the torrent, fiery nature of the financial world as we now know it. So, loans are great if you can find them BUT remember; NO PLAN, NO CASH so make it good

Network, Communicate, Cooperate
Conferences, seminars, and trade shows with an emphasis in your business focus are a great place to find new clients or meet new friends who may have new clients for you. It is also a great place to display your business. And remember, first impressions do count so know your business. Ever meet someone out and while exchanging titles or discussing work you leave the conversation not really knowing what that person did as an occupation? Its ok to be talented at many things but know what is important to share and be sure that it is connected with your business. Remember, a great deal of business is repeat and referral. If someone has a need for your business, will they refer you? Depending upon your business, partnerships can aid in sustaining the pulse of your business during slow times. See and understand your partners needs and devise a realistic and mutually beneficial plan to fulfill it. You remember the one about scratching backs right?

Continue Education
Know that business and YOUR BUSINESS especially is ever changing and ever growing. Keep abreast of the newest trends, technologies, and developments. Don’t be afraid to pay for yours or your employees continued education. Lastly, whomever the leaders are in your industry learn from them. Read what they post, understand their positioning and read their news.

In case you need some help getting started be sure to check out The Small Business Administration and The Missouri Business Portal.

To outsource your talents until you have your business off the ground check out ODesk, ELance and SoloGig.

Good luck and cheers to the motivated!