It's Not Too Late to Start...Again

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?

The Reality of Entrepreneurship

Building and Maintaining a Business

 

 

As with any and all endeavors, hard work and dedication are required. While we can dream big, we must start out small, making sure not to overwhelm ourselves. We must commit to:

• Countless Hours of Prayer~if you have dreamed about it, smelled the taste of it, believe in your heart it's meant to be JUST for you-spend time in prayer; seeking the Lord for guidance, revelation, patience, endurance, perseverance, strength; ask Him for His vision for your business. Allow the Lord to lead and guide you. Do nothing out of His will.
• Research~research the business, the competition, the market, the finances. If you are not good at research, seek out someone who does not mind doing it for you and providing accurate results.
• Not Giving Up~giving up is not an option. Even when you don't want to, you must continue to strive for and do better.
• Building a Great Support Team~rid yourself of the naysayers. Not everyone is going to believe in your dreams and goal. Some will prove this early on in your endeavor, others won't do so til later in the game. Be prepared to remove them immediately.
• Asking for Help When Needed~don't be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone in your endeavor. There are people that SINCERELY want to help.

Things to Do:

• Ask yourself, "What do I want my business to look like?"-location, ideal client, social media presence, team members.
• Create your model on paper and put before you daily.
• Write out your goals FIRST! Put your 1, 5, 7, and 10 year goals on paper THEN
• Create your business plan-this is where your research comes in to play. There are different plans for different businesses (A business needing funding will not use the same plan as a business not needing funding).
• Build a team. These should be people that have your best interest at heart and are not afraid to step out on faith with you. They should be the president of your fan club and the captain of your cheer squad.