When setting up a business at home, I find that people tend to sort themselves into one of two different groups. One group takes their business seriously, putting in the groundwork to get it established, do the research, learn about their chosen industry, mix with the people who are already doing it and basically performing a ‘monkey see, monkey do’ type scenario.
The second group put in the mouth work, i.e. they tell people they’re setting up a business, but apart from having the equipment at home and their internet connection, perhaps joining a VA network, they do little else. In fact, they’re kind of waiting for the next step but don’t realise that they can’t wait for it to happen, nor wait for someone to tell them what to do, but rather, they have to make it happen.
I find the difference relates to two different mindsets – the latter one is an employee mentality, the former a business owner mentality. Which one do you have?
If you seriously want to get your business happening, then you need to take it seriously. In other words it needs to almost consume you. It should be in your mind constantly, seeking out opportunities to network, to let people know you exist. Seeking out new ways to improve on what you already do. Seeking connections. When it’s not foremost in your mind then it should be in the back of your mind so that your ‘business mode’ kicks in, in less than a moment’s notice if a suitable opportunity arises.
Do you carry your business cards around with you, wherever you go? And I mean WHEREVER you go. My husband once told me off for handing out a card at a funeral. But someone had asked me for my address to keep in contact and rather than scribble it on the funeral notice or a piece of paper that might get lost, it made sense to give my card instead. NEVER leave home without them.
I challenge you to think today about whether you take your business seriously or not. You need to be mixing and mingling with those who are already doing it and are successful – something rubs off over a period of time. If you need to, find a coach or a mentor to assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – not ‘how much do you charge?’ but rather ‘how did you find your clients?’ Take time to read information about this industry – I have a lot in this blog relating to developing a VA business and links to other sites you can also visit to give you more information. You can never do too much research, but don’t let the research be an excuse for not starting – you can ‘learn on the job!’ KMT
mindset, employee mentality, business owner, mentor, coach, learn on the job
TheBizofKnowledge says
I thought this was a great post! I have definitely encountered these two different categories of home business operators, and I just wanted to add the following: You can also tell who’s serious about their business from the records they keep. If someone diligently tracks business-related spending, saves and files receipts, etc. then you can be sure they’re serious about what they do.
kathiemt says
Thanks – so good to hear from you, and only an hour after I posted this message! I feel very strongly about the success of home based businesses and have worked to keep my own business as professional and efficient as possible. I’ve watched what others do, picked out the good parts, discarded the bad parts, and applied things accordingly. I’ve just added you to my blogroll at http://www.soho-life.com as I feel your site has much to offer to SOHO businesses in general. Kathie
TheBizofKnowledge says
Great! Thanks very much — I’ll add your soho-life blog to my site as well!