This isn’t my first small business, in fact, it is my third! I ran a vintage clothing store with my mother in my late 20’s. I was a lover of vintage clothes but knew nothing about running a business. I sourced clothing, did advertising, worked the store and she taught me all the rest!
About 17 years ago I started taking more classes to develop my intuition and psychic abilities. I had been interested in this topic since I was about 10, but a nudge from the universe got me to start taking classes from professionals. A family friend convinced me to give public tarot readings at a charity event she was doing, it went awful! Not because of my psychic abilities but due to the fact I hadn’t studied from a professional. Nonetheless, it was a nudge from her that prompted me to start my second business, I’ve currently been reading professionally for 16 years.
Four years ago, a friend introduced me to my third business and that almost didn’t happen because it is an MLM. I thought that meant pyramid scheme; guess what it’s not and a typical corporate job is actually more of a pyramid than what I do!! I am thankful I listened and paid attention. I have learned so much personally and professionally from this job that I just have to share it with you!!
- Do research on the business you want to start. Learn everything you can, about what makes that industry good and bad. Research isn’t doing a few google searches, although those are very relevant. Research includes reading books from the top experts in that field. Going out to interview other business owners who are currently doing what you are doing. Going to a gym and chatting up the owner doesn’t count as research unless you go in with specific questions you need to be answered. If there aren’t places you can go into, reach out to other business owners via email, Instagram, Facebook or even Twitter. But scrolling social media without intent also doesn’t count as research.
- Figure out who your target market is, and what they like. This was the most annoying advice to me when I first started network marketing. How the heck was I supposed to know who my target market was. How do you even begin to figure out who your market is for a product already in the market place? My best advice I can give you on this is … your target is you! What do you like? How do you like to be sold to? What catches your eye? How are you drawn into an ad or product? Do some soul searching to find out, write in a journal every time a product catches your eye.
- Make a plan of how you are going to sell, what you are and aren’t going to sell, overcome obstacles, and think on how you are going to keep yourself motivated when it gets hard. Again, if you read books and articles from industry leaders you will have an idea of what will work when it comes to selling your product or idea. Research how your industry does best and find out what are the best practices. Combine what you have learned from industry leaders, your other research, and what appeals to you.
Learn each step of the process, do not hire others to do the work for you! Not only is this a money saving technique but it also gives you accountability in how your business is run. This comes down to motivation. You need to be motivated to learn every aspect of your business. If you aren’t motivated, are you sure it’s for you?
- Build relationships. It’s a pretty easy concept, but often gets overlooked. Business whether you like it or not is about relationships. Be friendly, learn about the people who are buying from you, get their email address, home address or social media accounts. No, it’s not creepy, unless you make it so. You want to learn more about them, to keep current on trends, to thank them and show appreciation, or give them small tokens as thanks for being your customer. It is a give and take not just a you take their money and let them go on their way. Repeat customers, who love what you sell, share your business with their friends. Reward them when you can for that, show them gratitude.
- Be open to the possibilities. You need to be aware of leverage, opportunities and what others have to offer. Don’t immediately say no to an idea that is brought to you. Hear the person out. Think on it. Ask trusted friends what they think. Then get back to that person. If you limit yourself you limit your business. If you listen to what people tell you often there is an opportunity wrapped in their “small talk.” And if you collect business cards, emails, social media accounts you can present ideas, field ideas and help each other out.
Holistic Mystic D 