Becoming Your Own Boss

Let's face it. Most of us have worked for someone. Correct? Working for a corporation or someone can be rather difficult. However, the positive side of this is that you learn a lot more about yourself working under someone (i.e. how to handle stress, different personalities, etc) vs. never working under someone. But what can be more rewarding than working for yourself? Being your own boss is rewarding. You may work harder for your own company than you do for someone, but in the end it's all worth it!

We offer you 8 great tips for being your own boss:


1. Take a stand for you: What does this mean? Well if you are tired of working under someone else, start putting ideas together as to what you what type of business you want to begin. For example, do you want to sell a service or a product? Also, think about what you like to do. What is your passion? I decided to start my own mediation business because I like to help those who cannot help themselves. After working in the corporate arena for so long, I realized that employees are often not treated as well and for various reasons. At times, management doesn't have the right training on how to manage. So I decided to offer consulting services to help train managers. I also train employees on how to manage their managers.

2. Identify the right type of business for you: You need to determine based on your skills and interest what will be the best type of business for you. Remember, do not forget about your passion. If you do what you love, all the hard work will be taken positively.

3. Plan your business: Planning is very effective and efficient. You need to create your own business plan from A-Z that includes your mission, vision, marketing plan, start up costs, etc. The one main advise I can give entrepreneurs is to keep your start up costs low. There are a lot of free things out there, just search the web, asks for samples, etc. Create a budget for your start up cost and stick to it.

4. Know your target audience: determining your audience is essential before you begin to spend money. Before you create any advertisements, you need to determine who you will cater your services to. The create ads catered specifically to your audience.

5. Understand Finances: Since you are a starter, you need to fully comprehend your personal finances. If you can manage your finances, you will be able to manage your business' finances.

6. Build your network: Networking is the key to your business. Attending public events, conferences, trade shows, etc are a good way to network. Social network is also very popular with Twitter and Facebook. Google Adsense also offers a free way to do internet marketing.Sign up at organizations such as NAPW.com to introduce your business to such companies.

7. Creating Value for Marketing: Remember confidence is the key to how you sell your service or product. You must prepare yourself that you are serving others. Not cold sales but rather you are serving others. So what questions can you ask your self before going out there making your pitch?

Focus on serving others. The more people you serve, the more money you will make. When considering your customers or clients, ask yourself:

- Why should the customer select me? What can I give them that others cannot?
- How can I make my clients successful in their own pursuits through my business?


8. Tell Everyone and Anyone who you are! Get the word out about your business. Be who you are and say what you do without any apology. Remember, no matter how hard you may fall, you get back up and continue walking forward. Do not look back. You will overcome any negativity. Get yourself out there and do your best.