As I sit here in my office/sewing room contemplating over my business and the upcoming relaunch of Kelly L Virtual Office Solutions (KLVOS) and the work I've put in thus far, I felt saddened that I've done so much, yet it still seems so little. Why? Because I left the workforce on August 23, 2013 and never looked back. Instead, I was not only taking a leap of faith but I was committing to NEVER again make another person or company money unless it was ME. I dove right in building KLVOS-didn't know how I was going to make it, but with a loving & supportive husband, we continued to trust and build-trust and build. A while ago, I took a "break" to work on a relaunch and another component to KLVOS. I've been researching and following blogs, watching and listening to podcasts and webinars, reading books and studying the business. In the beginning, I thought, hmmmm, this should be quite simple, I'll start my business and build it through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Ha! NOT! Somebody should've told me better, then I would've known better. Even though I was working my business, I was getting nowhere-FAST! Did I say fast, like in FAST! I was running this race with no finish line in sight. Because I felt that I didn't need a coach, and I didn't need advice from anyone else and I didn't need to network with others and I was an expert at what I did, I was sinking faster than quick. I don't know if I thought clients would fall from the sky and say, "Here I am I'd love to do business with you." No, that didn't happen at all.
I had to have a sit down with myself and let me know that I had to do something IMMEDIATELY! While I have clients...well, you know how that goes. During my conversation with myself, I put together a plan:
1) Dig further into the business -- a) follow people who are doing what I want to do b) seek out podcasts and webinars c) find free training d) see what others are doing -- research and read. Reading provides insight and knowledge. There's a wealth of information hidden deep within books!
2) Release the negativity -- while there are those that will support you, there are also those that will attempt to bring your down. I had to surround myself with like-minded positive people that are reaching for the stars and beyond.
3) Network with others -- there are several networking events in my area that I tend to overlook. Not anymore. Every event, I plan to attend. You never who you may meet that will need your services
4) Seek out FREE training -- it is all over the internet as well as downloadable ebooks
5) Invest in self/business -- I had to learn that everything does not begin and end with Microsoft. As I began to learn and learn some more and learn some more~there's an entire world of software for business-in every area! If you don't have it budgeted, download a free trial and budget for it next month. Attend a paid workshop, join a paid community, and purchase training materials from individuals that you follow.
6) Work everyday with intent -- everyday, even though I am home, I work in my business with intent. I accomplish something. No matter how big or small, something is done in my business.
In essence, I had to change. Change my mindset, rewrite my goals, amend my mission and vision. Once I caught on to the like-mindedness, God place people in my life that I needed-to walk this journey to the next level. I had to change the way I see people and the way I viewed the mistakes of my past. Change comes in all shapes and forms, BUT no one can want it for you. You HAVE to want it for yourself. Now that I know better, I am doing better. In doing better, I am unveiling the second part to my business.
Remember, it is not too late to start-even if you're restarting or planning a grand opening. I am planning a baby shower-to birth this baby! Are you ready to begin again? Or just to begin, period?
