01/20/2022
Starting a new business, being your own boss you’ll notice things.
People are quick to tell you, “you can’t do that,” while you are doing it.
They will scoff and laugh at your prices, and then go pay more for a product or service of lesser quality at the big-box-store.
They will expect your products and services to cost 1/2 what your competitors charge (because you’re new!) Keep in mind the last time they purchased your good or service may have been years ago, they’ll still be stuck on a price paid then. Quote them a price anyway, give them your competitors phone number, and keep in mind that your “competitors” can be really good friends who send you business when they have more than they can do.
Build relationships in every aspect of your business. Take care of your suppliers, your maintenance staff, employees, and customers. Business relationships are a big help if you get into trouble (and you may very well, especially in the beginning!)
If your business survives, you will have repeat customers. Take care of your customers and I promise you, they will return time and again. Be friendly, be polite, but know when to say, “sorry but I can’t help you there, I don’t really do that.”
Last but certainly not least, if you have any “online” business, ignore the trolls. You know who they are. If you have a Bentley for sale for a dollar, they will tell you they bought one just like it 3 months ago for a nickel. I can’t stress it enough, ignore them, they aren’t going to buy/and or hire anyone or anything, their sole purpose is to laugh at you and tell anyone who will listen how you are overpricing.
Stick it out. Do your own thing. Take your pictures, shingle your roofs, hang your drywall, paint your houses, sell your shoes, mow your lawns, cut your hay, pave your driveways, wash your cars, pour your concrete, sell your furniture, raise your cows, farm, raise chickens, sell eggs, make jams and jellies, sell real estate, paint your pictures, build computers, work on cars, run your sawmill, BE YOU!
But I’m here to remind you today that you can make a living doing something you enjoy, I do!
