1. Hire experts to do what you are not good at!
If you are an expert in your field and really good at what you do – why waste your time trying to figure out how to do things you
a. Don’t know...
b. Are not good at...
c. Don’t have time for?
For example, I love designing websites and marketing materials, as an artist I just love it. I happened to be born with an artistic gene, I am an expert at designing and developing websites that are marketing machines. I have been in this industry for over a decade - I have experience – I have learned so much I am a great consultant. I can draw up marketing plans etc.
Programming is not my talent and it is not my niche…
I tried when I first started and found I just am not the programming type – it took me days to accomplish what it 
takes a programmer an hour to do. Being in this business so long I have some very good connections. When I have to have some heavy programming done I don't do it myself I hire the best… Saves me time, stress and ultimately saves me money.
2. Prepare – have a plan.
I have seen so many people just decide one day to have an online business and they don’t do the preparation needed to really have a solid foundation. You need to write out a business plan – if you don’t know how just write out what your goals are and a detailed map of how you are going to get to your goal.
When you get to the point you need a website – what type do you need?
a. Do you want to use you website to market your business?
b. Do you have a product or services you want to sell?
C. Do you want to put up a portfolio?
Would a blog be what you need or do you need both…
You get my point.
3. Have the right image!
If you truly want to develop a successful business, a solid foundation is one of the most important things you can do. It will be the springboard where all your success will come from.
What do I mean by “The Right Image”?
Well that will depend a bit on what it is you are doing. First your business does need a website – I may sound like a broken record but – it is true!
People use the internet as a research tool to learn more about businesses in their area – or around the world. Secondly the website, your business cards and all marketing materials must be branded and attract your target market.
If you are in a business that deals with children and parents it will look quite a bit different than a business that is for the Adult – Professional world.
Branding means to have all marketing materials, website, ads etc have the same images, colors, flavor, and feeling that you want to portray to your customers/clients.
Last but certainly not least – when meeting people in person make sure you make a good impression – dress so you look like a successful business owner – be polite and always remember you never know who it is you are talking to – it may be the person that will open the door to a flood of clients.
3. Be prepared to work.
Business is hard work – it is fun and challenging as well - but it is not going to be a piece of cake. Be prepared to put the time in especially in the beginning when you are trying to get established. Realize that when you own your own business you will be responsible for the success or failure.
Failure comes when someone is not ready to put in the work involved in getting the business off the ground. Failure comes in when you give up - because things are not going as you thought they would.
Remember: The difference between success and failure is that the successful person, will stumble and fall at times but they get up dust off the disappointment and figures out a way to solve the problem.
The unsuccessful person stumbles or falls and doesn't get up - decides life is against them "so why try?".
I don’t care what you have heard – if you think you will be making big bucks with very little time invested think again.
4. Networking the back bone of any business – network!
I am sure you have heard the saying “it isn’t what you know but who you know” – I believe that is only half true – it is “what you know and who you know”. That is the beauty of going to networking events or accessing web 2.0 sites and getting to know people on-line. It really is amazing what you can accomplish when you are networking with the right people.
5. Money is made and lost through relationships…
If you only have your eyes on you and what others can do for you, than you my friend will find that you will be on the losing end of #5
6. Sell – Sell – Sell
A lot of people really have a negative image of a sells person – it congers up someone that is insincere at best and a crook at worst. Nothing can be farther from the truth. A good sells person believes in what she/he has to sell and considers it something that will make that persons life a little better.
When you are authentic – then you believe in your product and service. When you believe in what you are doing than it is just natural that you will be excited and enthusiastic about getting the word out to every one that can benefit.
Have you ever heard “Your mouth is your business it should always be opened”? Funny saying but it is really true – please don’t go overboard and bore people to tears by just talking about you and you business – but where appropriate talk!
Find solutions for people that need your expertise. It’s all about balance – and (where appropriate) don’t forget to ask for the sell.
Pamela Jacob - Artista Design
