Power of three
06-12-2006, 02:35 PM
Sorry if this hogs a thread guys - but perhaps if anybody else has advice, they can fire in a few words too.......
Sorry for the delay mos, but I needed to remember everything that I had said in the previous attempts at posting a reply to you - but I can't!
Anyway, the most obvious one is to have a niche that you have a big interest in, and that there is a demand for. The location for these goods is also important - too close to other similar businesses and you'll need to keep your profits down to remain competitive. Too far away, and you'll be difficult to find!
The biggest challenge for me was choosing a name for the business - one that I could pronounce, and at the same time reflect what the business is all about. Ask as many people as you can to help you out here. They can call you, and you can answer the phone trying out different names, etc. I chose a name where I could open up with a deep, relaxed voice. And, as time goes on, your brain accepts that you can say this opening line fluently, and you do.
Taking phone call, reasonable straight forward; people are calling you, wanting advice, goods, selling things (get yourself on the Telephone Preference System straight away!) so the ball is in your court, you are in control.
Calling suppliers, customers, etc is a bit different.
Saying who you are (which is totally different from answering the phone saying the same words) and what you are phoning about can sometimes be a challenge. But I do it anyway. Sometimes takes quite a few attempts to get my point over, but I get there in the end.
Any supplier who has an issue with me/my speech does not get repeat orders.
You'll find those suppliers who do accept you as you are are also those who are inclined to be more flexible regarding bringing orders forward, delaying payment until cheques clear, delivering out of working hours, etc.
Surround yourself with successful people - that will rub off on you.
Invite family and friends to help you out - they'll be more than delighted that they're being asked to help you with your business venture - as long as it's not abused!
Ask customers, suppliers and even competitors for advice - just watch how it's phrased sometimes. Customers are the most useful tool for feedback - after all they decide if you sink or float.
Approaching customers can be daunting to start with, and there are days when that's the last thing I want to. But, needs must, and quite often they'll appreciate the effort that you made. You still get the odd a-hole with his spoilt mis-behaved brats running riot around the shop. Just deal with it politley and firmly. They are in your area, and you have complete control on who enters, and how they behave once inside - excercise that control when required.
Be prepared to work all the hours under the sun and to sacrifice any social life that you have at present.
Agree, everybody's idea of working hard varies, but as long as you can satisfy your conscience that you've done your best, that's all anybody can ask for.
Needless to say, a good accountant, good relationship with the bank manager, etc, etc are all important, but that is down more to personal choice than any advice I can offer - again, ask around.
There is of course so much more that I could say, but shall refrain - after all, I hear my own business calling!
If you need to chat, just drop me an email, or I'm on MSN too.
Take it easy.
Sorry for the delay mos, but I needed to remember everything that I had said in the previous attempts at posting a reply to you - but I can't!
Anyway, the most obvious one is to have a niche that you have a big interest in, and that there is a demand for. The location for these goods is also important - too close to other similar businesses and you'll need to keep your profits down to remain competitive. Too far away, and you'll be difficult to find!
The biggest challenge for me was choosing a name for the business - one that I could pronounce, and at the same time reflect what the business is all about. Ask as many people as you can to help you out here. They can call you, and you can answer the phone trying out different names, etc. I chose a name where I could open up with a deep, relaxed voice. And, as time goes on, your brain accepts that you can say this opening line fluently, and you do.
Taking phone call, reasonable straight forward; people are calling you, wanting advice, goods, selling things (get yourself on the Telephone Preference System straight away!) so the ball is in your court, you are in control.
Calling suppliers, customers, etc is a bit different.
Saying who you are (which is totally different from answering the phone saying the same words) and what you are phoning about can sometimes be a challenge. But I do it anyway. Sometimes takes quite a few attempts to get my point over, but I get there in the end.
Any supplier who has an issue with me/my speech does not get repeat orders.
You'll find those suppliers who do accept you as you are are also those who are inclined to be more flexible regarding bringing orders forward, delaying payment until cheques clear, delivering out of working hours, etc.
Surround yourself with successful people - that will rub off on you.
Invite family and friends to help you out - they'll be more than delighted that they're being asked to help you with your business venture - as long as it's not abused!
Ask customers, suppliers and even competitors for advice - just watch how it's phrased sometimes. Customers are the most useful tool for feedback - after all they decide if you sink or float.
Approaching customers can be daunting to start with, and there are days when that's the last thing I want to. But, needs must, and quite often they'll appreciate the effort that you made. You still get the odd a-hole with his spoilt mis-behaved brats running riot around the shop. Just deal with it politley and firmly. They are in your area, and you have complete control on who enters, and how they behave once inside - excercise that control when required.
Be prepared to work all the hours under the sun and to sacrifice any social life that you have at present.
Agree, everybody's idea of working hard varies, but as long as you can satisfy your conscience that you've done your best, that's all anybody can ask for.
Needless to say, a good accountant, good relationship with the bank manager, etc, etc are all important, but that is down more to personal choice than any advice I can offer - again, ask around.
There is of course so much more that I could say, but shall refrain - after all, I hear my own business calling!
If you need to chat, just drop me an email, or I'm on MSN too.
Take it easy.