Krista Conway
Tip #2
Never Jump Into Anything …
- Know what you’re up against.
- Know what you’ll need to invest.
- Make a decision.
Then … JUMP.
You’ve probably heard the expression “don’t jump into it” … and a work at home business is one of those things that require sticky feet. SO many people jump into selling another companies product or into their work at home business without really looking into it and then wonder why and how they failed.
Before you start anything, you have to take some time to really WORK it out.
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE UP AGAINST
It doesn’t matter what you are going to do, you need to know what you are up against. Are you going to design pillow cases and sell them on Etsy? Are you going to open a photography business? Are you going to start writing a blog? Are you going to freelance? No matter what you are planning on doing, you need to know what you’re up against. Here are some questions to ask yourself. It’s important to be honest with yourself here…
- How many people are offering something similar to what I am offering?
- Can I match or beat their price?
- Do your competitors have websites and tools they are using … and can you match or beat the quality?
- Are you aware of the industry or niche standards for products, websites and more. As an example, if you were getting into photography, are you aware of the top printers in the company and the most commonly used online systems photographers use for websites, etc.
- Google “google keyword tool” and type in some keywords associated with your business. How competitive is it?
- Is there a resource website where you can connect and sell – such as Elance.com for freelancers and 99Designs.com for designers and Etsy.com for crafts and other home made items.
KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO INVEST
I have always been a firm believer that you can start a home business with nothing. You can join Elance for free. You can create an Etsy or Ebay account for close to nothing, but I have one golden rule ….You need to know what you are going to have to invest before you take one step into your business.
The reason for this is simple. If you attempt to start a business and then realize you need $100 for a website and $30 a month for membership fees, etc. you may get discouraged. On the other end, you could find yourself investing $1,000, $5,000 or even $20,000 on a website or maybe you need a better sewing machine or business cards or marketing help. No matter where you are on that spectrum, you need to know if you’re going to have to invest and how much.
MAKE A DECISION
Now that you have been completely honest with yourself and have looked at all of the numbers, competition and possibilities, you need to make a decision.With all of the details above in mind … and preferably scribbled out on piece of paper, you have a few more steps to take to make that decision…
- What do you have to gain – financially and otherwise?
- How many months will you give yourself to reach your goals?
- Will you be fair to yourself?
- Will you promise to yourself to keep at it and not self sabotage?
- Are you willing to grow beyond what you thought you would ever achieve?
Are you ready to make that final decision?
Make it.
