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Are you ready to start a business?
Start a business someday -- maybe now!
Are you ready to start a business? If the answer is "yes,"
check out my business
services.
If the answer to any of these questions is "no,"
you can begin to build your strengths, hopefully before you
open your doors for business. I am available to help if you
would like coaching.
(1) Do you offer a clear, unambiguous benefit that your target
market can't live without?
Ideally you can learn whether demand exists for your service.
Otherwise, don't dive in. Dip a toe into the water to see
if it's warm.
(2) Can you demonstrate expertise?
Collect testimonials, references, products and awards. Credentials
help only if clients believe they make a difference.
(3) Do you have evidence that people will pay for your services?
For instance, you may have achieved expertise in a certain
type of healing where the going rate is $15 an hour. .
(4) Is your market crowded with competitors?
If it's hard to stand out, you need a network of personal
contacts to get started. And if the quality of your competitors
varies, much of your business will depend on referrals.
(5) Do you have networks of people who can become clients
or referral sources?
For instance, are you a CPA whose clients pick your brain
for career change and business start-ups? Do you belong to
professional groups that will give you access to a mailing
list?
If so, you may have a straightforward transition to your
new business.
(6) Have you ever
(a) been self-employed or
(b) been successful at a straight-commission sales job?
If you dropped out of a sales job because you couldn't handle
the uncertainty, you need an exceptionally generous safety
net before you embark on your own solo venture.
(7) Are you at home on the internet?
Do you understand the principles of web design, so you can
do-it-yourself or work intelligently with a designer?
A website is a commitment, especially for service businesses.
You have to be your own designer, marry a designer, or have
a big maintenance budget.
(8) Are you active in a community that is large enough to
include potential clients and referrers?
It is possible to have a lucrative distance business, but
it takes longer and requires unique marketing skills.
(9) Are you comfortable in a sales role? When someone calls
to inquire about your services, are you willing to view your
task as selling as well as helping, analyzing or troubleshooting?
(10 ) How much continuity exists between your former career
and your new business?
Professions have norms and values. The greater the distance,
the more challenging will be your journey, and the greater
the risk and time to achieve. You may have to learn a new
way of thinking about the world.
And you truly may not be able to go home again.
| Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. is an author, career coach, and
speaker. She works with mid-career professionals who want to make a fast
move to career freedom. Visit her site http://www.movinglady.com
or call 505-534-4294. |
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