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Many of us have dreams of being our own boss and having free reign of our time, energy, and money. However, in the beginning it can be rather difficult getting your business off of the ground. I have been self-employed for almost a year and have just recently found my "fit". How did I do it? Why did it take so long? How can you avoid the same mistakes I made? Read the rest of this article and learn from the mistakes that I've made.1. Know what area you want to do business in and research it: One of the mistakes I made in the beginning was not knowing what area of business I wanted to focus on. I basically had a list of the top 5 things I desired to do. Instead of thoroughly researching each of the top 5 and narrowing my list down to what will be most feasible, I actually tried each of them one at a time. This actually wasted alot of my time and caused me to become discouraged.2. Write a business plan: Every new business owner needs a business plan. Once you have properly researched your business then you need to write a business plan. The Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov/) offers classes, workshops, and various resources concerning this.3. Write a life plan: I know it may sound odd, but writing a life plan keeps your priorities in order. You should have a general idea how you want your life to be in 5, 10, and 15 years down the road. Physically plan for your financial freedom, don't just dream about it. If you want to be married, with 2 kids then write that. How will you support them? Where are you going to live? These things are very important. This also allows you to think about obstacles to your financial freedom. How do you have a plan B, if plan A does not work?4. Do not get stuck in neutral: I like to call it "analysis paralysis". Sometimes we analyze and analyze and the next thing you know five years have passed and you are still analysing your next move. This is nothing but procrastination. Do the research and then execute the plan. You may even have to do things in baby steps (post flyers in your community one week, direct mail another) but do make steps forward in the right direction.5. Do not overlook Network Marketing opportunities ( also known as Multi-level marketing): I know that they have gotten a bad rap, but if you find the right Multi-level marketing company you can do very well. I recently joined one through a member of my church and I believe that it will be a great asset to me in attaining financial freedom. They often have experienced leaders who can show you the way. I no longer have to spend time trying to build a business alone; I have a wonderful team that I can lean on for support. I can attend training conferences, calls, and various meetings. I do not have to wonder how I am going to market my business. There is a system already in place.6. Stay focus: When I first started my business, people would give me ideas or the latest fad they heard about on television. I had to stay focus on what I wanted to do because my well meaning loved ones would have caused me to go around in circles.7. Know when to keep your mouth shut: Piggy backing off of the last point, you can not tell everyone that you are even considering going into business for yourself. You have so many people out there who does not have the same vision as you. They will crush your dreams (and some may steal your ideas also).8. Cut your losses quickly: If you discover that the techniques you are using to grow your business is not bearing any fruit, then know when to give it up. Do not just hang on to techniques that are costing you time and money. Know when it is time to let go of a bad technique and try something different.9. Market on the internet: You can set up a myspace page, blog, or even post on a discussion board. I like to leave my website signature on discussion forums and that has been a great help to my business.10. Don't give up: The worse thing you can ever do is give up on your dreams.These are just some things I have learned this past year. I hope they have helped you. I look forward to writing more articles.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Rhonda Jones is an Independent Business Owner with Ameriplan USA. She enjoys writing, cooking, dancing, feeding the homeless, and helping people in need. She also enjoys writing on her blog, Rhoadie's Place (www.rhoadie.blogspot.com).
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