Holy Crap it's Been Awhile!

When I started this blog, it was my intention to write daily about the positives and negatives of starting my own business. But as time progressed through my class at Learning Initiative, and running the business itself, I came to the conclusion that for me, daily blog writing was not possible. Writing for me is part of what I do, and I cannot toss out a blog when the moment suits. I need to feel the creative writing flow, so that I can share my experiences, challenges, and successes of running my very own business.

It's been a lot harder then I thought. There were times when I've been downright scared, worried about the decisions I've made; have they been the right ones, will I be able to continue this for the rest of my working days, can I keep up with the influx on the information highway. I never thought running your own business was easy, but I did not realize the psychological strain it would cause.

I have great clients, and I love the work I do for them. I do however wish I was doing more. Trying to educate everyone on what I can do for them, for their business is not easy. Trying to figure out how my town responds to marketing tactics and social media has been interesting - we are so far behind in so many ways, but like any type of change, it's tough to change the way people think, the way they do business. When it comes down to hard earned dollars, people aren't always ready to take a risk, especially if the risk is new. Trying to educate people to lead the way is not easy.

When I look forward to this business, I know it can be successful. I know with the skills, passion, creativity, and detail I can provide, that I am on the right path; it's just trying to get others to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and move forward into a big scary world of virtual existence, and social media domination. Now is the time for where I live to catch up to the rest of the world who are already so far ahead on the information highway. By working with my clients and educating them on what I can do, and eventually getting them to think outside the box, and take those leaps, I can help people do more for their business then they ever thought.

It's time for people on both sides of the virtual coin to have confidence in what the future holds. It's time for me to take more leaps then I have in recent months. Running your own business will continue to be scary, and hard, but I know with the belief I have in myself, it will eventually pay off.

In My "Spare" Time

What do you do in your spare time? Besides taking time with good friends and my dad, I devote quite a bit of time to an organization called Keep A Breast, an organization that dedicates themselves to youth in hopes of eradicating breast cancer through music and art and social awareness. Here is an article I had published back in May about the organization.

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In the next couple of months, Sudburians are going to see and hear more about Keep A Breast Canada. A unique non-profit organization that creates plaster forms of the female torso, customized by fine artists and auctioned to raise consciousness and funding for breast cancer. Combining sculpture, philanthropy, and symbolic artistry, the one-of-a-kind plaster forms of the female torso are customized by artists and auctioned to raise funds for breast cancer programs all over the world. Through these programs Keep A Breast strives to eradicate breast cancer by inspiring young people to adopt lifestyle choices that have long-term health benefits.

KAB (its loving moniker), has been heavily active in the United States since 2001, and became a legal charity in Canada in 2008, after its first appearance at the three day Pemberton Festival.

Co-founder Shaney Jo Darden said this about why she started KAB all those years ago “When our co-founders mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, we wanted to do something to support the cause, but we weren’t sure what,” Darden recalls. “That’s when we realized there wasn’t really anything out there for us. We’d been doing art exhibitions and fashion shows for years, so we decided to go with what we were good at. We started doing plaster casts of breasts, sent them out to artists to be painted, raised money by selling them, and it really took off.”

With the support of highly visual surfers, snowboarders, skateboarders, musicians, and artists; Keep A Breast hopes to reach out to youth and educate them about their bodies and their surroundings through educational and awareness programs. Canada is striving to reach a point financially so that they can produce the programs they have designed to directly involve and educate Canadians.

Keep A Breast is not only unique in its delivery, it’s effective, focusing their presence at festivals, concerts and events that attract our youth – KAB hopes to teach youth about breast examinations, living a healthy lifestyle and knowing your body. Travelling with the Warped Tour each year has KAB reaching out to thousands of younger adults and teaching them about their bodies.

Next time you see someone walking down the street wearing a I “heart” Boobies t-shirt or bracelet, don’t be quick to judge, it is in fact a Keep A Breast t-shirt (part of the I Love Boobies campaign), and it’s a great conversation starter to teach you more about Keep A Breast and their mission of eradication breast cancer, through art, music, education and awareness. You can check out Keep A Breast online at Keep A Breast or join the Facebook page KAB Canada FB Page.

Michelle Murray is on the board of directors for Keep A Breast Canada after becoming involved with the charity during the 2008 Pemberton Festival in Pemberton BC.

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Keep A Breast Canada is preparing for their second event in Sudbury this summer. The 2010 Summerfest. With myself and a couple of amazing and devoted volunteers manning our Educational Booth, KAB CAN will continue working it's mission out to the people of Northern Ontario....

This is an organization that allows my passion to soar. It's an organization that takes a heavier edge to a disease that affects men and women of all ages. Check out the website, or join us on Facebook!

When Your Business Changes Direction

From idea to inception; I'd imagine myself working for small business owners, helping them with copy, PowerPoint, and maybe a few promotions. I never thought my business would grow locally in the beginning, and I never thought of which direction my business would grow right off the hop - more so, I had never imagined it growing this quickly.

I WAS WRONG - REALLY WRONG

With the business plan in the can, and my business cards on their way....I was slowly preparing for a soft opening. Devising plans on how to generate business, both locally and globally. I mean I am virtual...I have no walls... It now seems that I may have to change my focus from global, to strictly local. From small businesses to one type of business.

REAL ESTATE

When researching my business prototype, and trying to find a niche market, I talked to friends and family involved in different business ventures; trying to get a handle on what really needed help out there in the "big bad world," when it came to Real Estate, I was getting conflicting reviews - some people told me I couldn't do a thing, while others were panting with baited breath, waiting for the moment the proverbial doors to my business swung open so they could employ my services. I wanted to go this direction, but the negative comments from some far outweighed the others....

Until this week.....

With the ink still wet on my business plan, I have made the decision to go full boar into the REVA business. A REVA is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, and is a guarantee to save Real Estate agents time and money by taking all those extra hours they put into the administrative side of their business and allowing agents to focus on what they are best at: The buying and selling of homes for their clients.

In the last week, the accolades I have received are great, but the client base is greater. With three agents already signed on to Virtually There, and prospects richer then a gold mine I am floating.. The road I wanted to travel down months ago, finally opened it's gate and welcomed me in...

From VA to REVA in one week....

Business is a funny game, and I'm ready to play.

Commute-tacation Breakdown

For the most part, our days consist of waking up, making coffee, having a shower, and getting ready to go work. Driving in bumper to bumper traffic, looking for parking, and finally making into the office with only minutes to spare. This is how many people start their day. This was (at one time), how I started my day.

BUT NO MORE

I now work from home. I can dictate my start time, my break time, my lunchtime. I can wear Betty Boop pyjamas, hoodies, or get dressed all professional like. I can listen to music, or have complete silence. My environment is geared to exactly what I want, and how I want it. If a friend calls, I can answer it...My day is built around my schedule. It may seem to the casual observer, that my life is fairly lackadaisical; running with the wind, going with the flow...That however is a preconceived notion.

I STILL WORK FULL TIME

Many people view self employment as fun time....Easier schedules, more time to communicate with the outside world; extra time to run errands, get that holiday baking out of the way, but in essence, it's not. It's far from all the fantasy ideas many people have about all those "lucky" people who get to stay home, and hold video conferences online while Regis and Kelly remain muted in the background. Many people who work from home face depression, loneliness, and the constant need to exceed far quicker then individuals who travel to and from an office each day. Already I find myself explaining to friends all the things I did in a day, so I can prove to them I was putting my time to good use.

A colleague of mine has friends who constantly stop by his shop throughout the day to have a beer with him. This colleague; when plagued with too many friends and less billable hours has to explain to his buddies he's working, the statement occasionally fall on deaf ears. Many people cannot register that others who work from their homes, are also putting in a 35-40 hour work week (sometimes more). The comprehension is simply not there!

My day starts at 6 o clock in the morning, by eleven, I am ready to take some time, and my afternoons can sometimes run until nine or 10 o'clock at night! Sure I can break up the day, go to Starbucks with a good friend, but all those hours I've "goofed" off, have to be repaid tenfold.

Working from home means the job is always there...Sure you can close the door to your office, but if you are unable to shut it down at the end of the day (and few self employed people are), and watch television without going back in there, you are doing OK. Walking out of the office at five o'clock for the long commute home may be taxing on your nerves or your vehicle, but for the most part, you can leave work at the office. Here at home, work is always a pillows throw away.

Whether you work from a building 20 minutes from your front door, or in the same living space as your home; work is work...It takes time, motivation, hard work, and dedication.

Casual Wednesday & The Perils of Working from Home

My boss is pretty cool. There's always coffee to drink, music on the air, and if I so desire; the permission to wear my Hello Kitty flip flops around the "office." All in all, the atmosphere around here is pretty casual.

MAN - It's gonna take some getting used to.

I've always wanted a job where travel is minimal, and parking is cheap. I have that now, but to get used to the fact that self employment is my work, and what I do for roughly 10 hours a day (right now), is my job, is a tough nut to accept. Sure my client base is building, and one day I may be so busy, I'll look back on this blog, laugh and yearn for the "good 'ole days." However, for now, getting used to the concept that my office attire can be considered casual wear each and every day is strange. Don't get me wrong, I like that I'm sitting in a sexy negligee, eating bon bons, and wondering if Stefano DiMera is still alive.....

But I digress.....

I love my alone time - As I get older, the time I need to myself grows. I'm content, comfortable, and it's a necessity. However, I am noticing that combining work, and home into one, could be a problem if I do not implement the right plans to alleviate such feelings of seclusion. I've read several blogs about individuals working from home, and as the pros and cons weigh in - each blogger states the worst part of a home based business is being alone through the day. Whether it's missing a simple chat with colleague, or receiving positive feedback on a job well done. Already I can feel the motivation slipping to spend all day working from home, and although I know it's been such a short time (and an important time), this is the time where failure could feel imminent, because of the infancy of the business.

We are our own worst critics. All of our successes and failure are solely on us. We cannot blame anyone for things falling apart. Poor planning, and decision making isn't derived from what others have done....so that being said - I need to get over these feelings, and create answers to these "problems."

I will need to look at getting out of the house as a break to the day, and not as slacking off. I need to schedule "me" time, and bask in it....Not look at it as a trip towards failure. I need to know I'm not alone (even though I'm physically alone), and that hundreds if not thousands of people, have felt, feel or will feel the exact same way.

Even though the world of unemployment and self employment currently feel like the same thing. I know I should learn to enjoy this growth and time of change for what it is.

TEMPORARY

"The Boss" of Me

When I was working a 9-5 job in an office in Whistler, I proudly added to the collection of personal coffee cups a mug I purchased at a Bruce Springsteen concert (Bruce is my absolute musical idol). It was heavy, it was large, and it had the faces of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. To me, life (and coffee) couldn't get any better then that.

The mug, is my office mug. When I moved back to Ontario, I packed it up with visions of bringing Bruce to my next workplace, placing the mug lovingly amongst the other 9-5 mugs. However, things did not go as planned and the jobs did not come; Bruce sat in my cupboard, patiently waiting to be brought to a new office Instead, I was given the chance of a lifetime to become self employed. To start a brand new business with the help of the Ontario Government. That being said, Bruce has not moved from the cupboard for over 6 months.

Until Monday

Monday, bleary eyed, and groggy, I made my trip to the kitchen for my daily dose. The Business Development Course was over, and edits of the business plan were in full swing. The final steps to the final presentation to Employment Ontario. I now had no class to go to in the am, and had to re-adjust life as a self employed person. Working for myself, by myself.....Long days at the computer with no conversation from colleagues. Nobody stopping by my desk to chat about the weekend, and no tasks waiting for me that I myself did not create. Monday brought forth a different type of work day. One completely decided by my actions and decisions.

It's always been about me when it came to Virtually There. The marketing, the promotion. The logo and design. The clients, and fees....everything, but when you are sitting a class day after day for six weeks, the thought is there, you know whats coming; but for me, it wasn't until I was making my morning coffee Monday where it all hit me. My future is now completely in my hands. My paycheque, my business successes, everything. It was a little freaky, and a little scary.

Thinking about all these things before my eyes had even fully opened, I looked into the "office" and thought - this is my workplace now....this is my commute. This is where I make my dreams and my future come true.

I looked up into the cupboard, and reached back to my faithful mug. I poured my coffee into it and sat back and reveled in what was about to transpire in my life in the weeks and months (and years) to come.

Bruce and I were finally back at work - and the only Boss in the mix besides him, was me.

It's Been Nine Days Since My Last Confession

When I set this blog up, it was my intention to write each and every single day about my new business venture, starting with my Business Development Class (BDC), and slowly making my way through the trials, struggles and tribulations of a newly self employed individual. What I didn't bank on was the emotional exhaustion it took my to write the business plan, while also trying to balance my life. I found with each day of writing, I was tapped out and had a hard time forming words, never mind sentences.

However the progression to completing my business plan took, I am now in the final editing stages of said plan. Hopefully by end of next week, I'll have it fully completed and tucked away never to be looked at again.

But then - I jest.

When I think of all the factors, all the considerations it takes to not only write a business plan, but a plan that will prove viability and success in the long run - I am not too certain how one would go starting a business (or even considering it), without a plan. My brain had to wrap itself around concepts and ideas I never even considered. Worst case scenarios, financial projections into the third year of the business, stages of growth, anything and everything you can possibly have cross your mind (and more) when it comes to running a business all written down to be dissected, scrutinized and hopefully, approved.

I am a very passionate writer. It's something I love to do, and have often written in life's tough times to get over hurdles, or whatever curves life has thrown at me. It was different this time. This time, my business, my desire to work for myself hung in the balance. It wasn't a blog about my feelings, or where I was in life. It was hard facts, data and bringing my virtual dream down to the nitty gritty. Money, program continuation and proving to myself I could do it have all been critical factors. Perhaps this is why it was such a tough go for me.

Yesterday, was the last day of the BDC - we are now sent off into the world to put our plans to the test. To market ourselves and our business, to build from the ground up what we so diligently put into words for the last six weeks. With the exception of a few monthly meetings, and some evening classes, group 49 is now own their own - with strength and determination to make our businesses a success.

MY GOD I'M SCARED

As much as I enjoy my time alone, I've never worked alone. I've always got up, and went to work...Now, my work is at my home, and I worry about my self discipline and how I can create an organized and efficient work environment in the place I used to come home to every night, weary from the world outside. I know the standards of discipline I will have to set for myself, and will have to implement. I just hope, I can stave off the loneliness so that I can remain effective in my business.

As I sat in class yesterday, eager to get out and start my business, but also fearful of being house bound - another anxiety crept into my head. These come and go, and I know I am not the first self employed person to feel it, and I know I wont be the last.

CAN I MAKE THIS WORK?

From time to time I get emotions built up inside me that scream out "OMG, you are going to be a star!" and other times the fear of failure creeps in and tries to take control. Completely natural I know, but scary nonetheless, and waking up this morning, sitting at my desk, and not having the slightest clue where to start, didn't help.

Like all chapters in my life; this one is riddled with lessons. Lessons I've already learned, and lessons waiting in the wings....

I've come this far...I can't stop now.

Flannel Memories

When I think of flannel, I think of two things; Autumn, and time with my grandmother. I picture a cool breeze, the leaves slowly tumbling from the trees, and how I knew, each sleepover with my grandmother would include fresh, and oh so super soft flannel sheets. Dreams were made made while snuggled up in those flannel sheets.

With the cooler weather we've been having the last few days; I've been thinking back to the times I've cuddled under those sheets, reading, planning my future, or simply dreaming the night away. I started looking online for places to order sheets that would remind me of yesterday's memories, and I found a link to a site that offers so many different companies and price points to choose from - Become-Shopping Your Way has so many different styles and sites to chose from!

From red and plaid flannel at Sears, to Naturepedic Organic sheets the Become site offered every style of flannel anyone could think of. My mouse finger started combing the pages of the site with vigor, trying to decide on the best and most comfortable flannel for my pocket book, and there were plenty. Almost like that little girl at her grandmothers house; I pictured snuggling up with some Austen, and dreaming the night away. My flannel memories can now become snuggles of the present.

Doin' It Again

Today, I lost everything.... Well lost everything for submission number five that is.....

I cried
I stomped my feet
I turned my computer on and off in hopes of the documents return.

And

Got

Nothing.....

So, I had to start all over again..... I got over it pretty quickly, and knowing that the submission is due in under 6 hours - I wont go into any details... I did however, want to post a portion of this weeks submission. It's my biography. Have a read...Tell me what you think.... I'm off to finish my work.

Happy Sunday...

7.3 Key Personnel Biographies

Michelle Murray

A graduate from CDI’s Executive Assistant program, Michelle brings over three years of superior administrative skills, dedication to client satisfaction, and a need to go above and beyond in her projects and administrative tasks.

Michelle returns home to Sudbury Ontario after 2 two and a half years on Canada’s West Coast where she built relationships and a stronger skill set through various volunteer organizations. As a Rotarian, Michelle became the person behind the creative design for many local projects including the Pemberton Rotary and Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. Michelle was provincially appointed by the BC government to become Pemberton’s Spirit of BC Chair, a committee created to ensure legacies were made prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In her role as chair of the Spirit of BC, Michelle was appointed director of the 2009 Pemberton Winterfest. Winterfest is a 10 day annual event that focuses on community, sport, literacy, arts and music, and was recognized by the 2009 Legacies Now/Spirit of BC as a Signature Event during the 2009 festival. Through her experiences with Winterfest and Spirit of BC, Michelle became well versed in the grant writing process as she was responsible for acquiring funding through various organizations including the Cultural Olympiad and Vancouver 2010.

Michelle experiences go way beyond the administrative talents she possesses. Hired as a contract employee through Live Nation, Michelle became a part of music history when she worked as a festival coordinator for the 2008 Pemberton Festival, through these experiences Michelle was able to hone her multi-tasking skills, and learn that diligence and perseverance truly pay off.

Through these amazing experiences Michelle now sits on the board of directors for Keep A Breast Canada. KABCAN is a non-profit organization with the mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by informing young people about methods of prevention, early detection and support.

Virtually There – Administrative & Executive Services fulfills Michelle’s desire to work as a self employed individual. With the growing need of virtual assistants for small and independent business owners, Michelle can take her corporate experience, couple it with Northern Ontario hospitality, add a dash of Olympic dreams and round it up with dedication and a strong desire to make each client feel like number one and create the perfect environment where only firewalls are the boundaries to her success.

Negative Nelly

Remember yesterday when I mentioned:

"The plan is coming together, the ideas are forming, and solidifying, and I am looking at my business from (almost) every conceivable angle. I say almost in parenthesis because nobody owns a crystal ball, and not one person can tell you what may or may not happen in your business. It's just not possible."

Do you?

Well - today we started to cover those angles, the inconceivable, the negative, the sour, the unimaginable. In other other words; we covered everything no business person (small or large) ever wants to think about. The rub? You gotta, because they could happen.

Today, left the class feeling like a bunch of Negative Nellies.

When your planning your business, whether it be time to live the dream you've had as a child, or have become proficient in something you believe you can do on your own, you don't really want to sit down and examine every possible negative angle the business can take. Firstly, it's not as fun as imagining the possible, living the dream. Looking beyond the possibilities and spending time on the issues that could break your business isn't my idea of a way to spend the afternoon; but it has to be done. It's important to take the time and write out all the unimaginable things that can happen to you, the people you love, and the people you may eventually hire. Spending the time on hypothetical (yet possible) scenarios can prepare you for any type of "disaster" and allow you the opportunity to form a contingency plan.

Today, as I sat in class and started to write things down it, didn't take long to come up a nice long and somewhat realistic list of things that could happen to me while I am running my business. These are issues we've thought about, and maybe mentioned to friends and family, but are told,

"Hey! Is that any way to think? You gotta be positive man!"

And when it comes to our friends and family being there as external support, they are right....You need to keep thinking positive so as to not attract any negative energy. These thoughts however are crucial. If you think about them, and prepare for them (even if it's just on paper), and they do happen, you aren't going to be caught off guard. You might even have a detailed procedure to help you through the tough time. That isn't being negative, it's being practical, and every good business plan makes room for these scenarios.

Sure they aren't great to think about, and it left some of the class a little downtrodden, and negative for the day, but it sure gets you thinking. Think of the worst case scenario, plan for it, and hopefully you will never have to use it.

Are We There Yet?

Over the last few weeks, you have all been reading my blogs about this journey I am on in the Business Development Course through the Learning Initiative in my hometown of Sudbury Ontario. Funded by Employment Ontario, this program enables new business owners to start up a business with education, leadership, guidance, and yes, maybe a little hand holding. The program walks you through step by step the proper way to write and present your business plan. It's time consuming, over loading, and stressful at times, but by gosh, one of the greatest things I have done to date. I mean really - what do I know about writing a proper, well planned, and thought out business plan; never mind running a business on my own?

NOT MUCH

I am however, getting there. The plan is coming together, the ideas are forming, and solidifying, and I am looking at my business from (almost) every conceivable angle. I say almost in parenthesis because nobody owns a crystal ball, and not one person can tell you what may or may not happen in your business. It's just not possible.

At this point in my business plan, I am starting to write the operations portion. The HOW'S and the HOW TO'S of my business. It's neat really, because as I write, new procedure and ideas pop into my head, and I re-think what it is I need to do to protect not only myself, but my clients. Things that are common place in day to day activities need to be put down on paper and matched against the vision of your business. Do these procedure match who you want your clients to see? Are your policies reflective of your image? It's strange to say; and may sound silly to all of you who may be in business, or have written business plans in the past, but when I was thinking of colours for my website, or what I would charge to a non for profit agency, I did not stop to think about creating policies and procedure to not only match, but reflect my business and it's image. I just though it would come naturally, as my image is - well, it's essentially me.

Today was a long day (I should say is, as it's still going), started early in the morning, because I know it's a good time for me, and went a little longer in the afternoon, because of a monthly meeting, coupled with a SEB graduation. As I fanned myself with a handout, and questioned why I was wearing polyester in the heat, several previous SEB "students" and new business owners came up to accept their kudos for finishing program; and a few them coupled with their thank yous to the instructors, shared insights into what they had learned, accomplished, or really wanted to emphasize to us; Group 49- still tadpoles in the world of business development. It was neat to hear the comments, the the reminders of what's important, and to see the looks of success on all their faces.

I smiled a lot despite my sticking polyester, and looked at the faces of people who have been through exactly what I was going through in that instant. Exhaustion, excitement, exhilaration (and a few other words that don't begin with E), and the simple joy of knowing that all of this opportunity that we have been given, all of the resources we have at our fingertips intensify our rate and level of success. Sure we still have to put in 110 percent, breath life into like it were a child, but we are lucky.

With only two weeks left of our initial six week course, and the final business plan to be completed shortly there after, I am in the home stretch of a soft opening, and to tell you the truth. I'm pretty damned excited - polyester pants and all.

To Get to Tuscany (or an Espresso Shoppe in Marseille)

Yesterday was our meeting day with coaches; discussing the parts we have already written out in our ever growing, ever evolving business plan. It has become to me, a bit of a struggle, thinking, planning ahead, and preparing for years down the road that don't even exist yet.

It's a time for me to reflect on, no matter how good my imagination is, when it comes to the world of business and business projections....I cannot allow myself to see too far down the path ahead.

Is it because I don't have the numbers? Can't find the answers? Not at all, more to the point it's something inside of me that cannot seem to write about something that has not happened yet, or may never. It's not a negative thing, it's just who I am. I was told my writing style is detailed, and concise, with a strong desire to not be wrong. And during the course of the BDC, and the meeting with our coaches, this is a time where I should be thinking that way. This is my time, with the assistance that I have - to write off course, to make mistakes, fear projections....Only because I have someone to walk me through it, and get me over the hump.

When I write my plan, and as much as I am looking down the road to a few years from now; I can dream about that villa in Tuscany, or the quaint espresso joint in Marseille., that I may wish to work from virtually, but I cant see the projections to make the dreams of being virtual virtually anywhere, and those other dreams, come true.

Planning for your businesses two to three years down the line is incredibly important to prove the viability of your business (especially in my case where after the six week program, if I cannot prove this business will be self sufficient for my life, and my needs, I will not be able to continue in the program), no matter the program you are lucky enough to become apart of, if you are a business major writing your own plan, or if you are a dreamer, ready to take your dreams to reality. Allowing yourself to be concise, to be detailed, but to also think years ahead.

People outside of the BDC course, who aren't on self employment benefits may have written business plans in the past, but may not understand the course load, or the time we spent writing, researching, and preparing this document. Our business plans are no different than any other dreamers, but it's the coaching, and the classes that enable us to think differently, to think not only about our dreams, but about the logistics of business. We are walked down the path of business plan writing, something I only wish everyone could be lucky enough to be a part of. I've told you before dear reader that I am no friend to numbers. And I seem to shy away anytime they come calling to play; but like all other insecurities, that is an issue I must move past from as business IS numbers, unless of course you don't want to pay attention, and you lose your business within the first year. And that, is not something I want.

The great thing about my coaches meeting yesterday; I evolved my plan, I changed the direction of the business. It's not a change to occur right away, but where I see this business three years from now has completely changed. Any for someone who; when they write (or do anything) hates "do overs" because of the time and effort put in on the first draft, now has to re-write most of the future projections so that she can account for these future plans. To me, that was both exciting, and somewhat annoying. However - in the grand scheme of things, three years from now; when I get to Tuscany (or that Espresso Shoppe in Marseille), and I open my laptop and prepare for that first day of working virtually anywhere, my fully thought out and viable business plan (and all the heart, soul, and sleepless nights, I put into it), will come back to mind, and I might even smile.

It's hard to imagine, that in two and a half short weeks, I will have a document, that sets the course of my life for the next threes years. I didn't realize that this road, this journey would be so emotional, then again; this is me we're talking about.....

Strategy - Wile E Coyote Style

I had a lot of major overhauling to do this weekend on my frame of mind when it came to a lot of things. One thing was the fear I had looking into the information relating to my target market and my potential target market. After submission two I was left feeling very discouraged, and didn't really know where to continue. I knew, that so long as these numbers continued to plague me - I wouldn't become effective to the remainder of my business plan. Getting myself together for the next three weeks, was crucial, as the plans for my business were full steam ahead, and the workload was going to grow exponentially. I had no cause of action, no plan for strategy. Hell, I couldn't even look at my business plan without stressing, knowing full well, I needed to research and research hard.

I felt like Wile E Coyote, chasing Road Runner without a concrete plan or strategy.

So I had to regroup. Re-energize both personally, spiritually, and well in my business. This was not time, for my positive demeanor, and attitude to jump ship. So, after a day of researching, and getting a few more concrete numbers, I decided to re-boot my system, and watch "The Secret."

Whatever your thoughts on the movie or the book may be, it does give me one very important piece of knowledge to apply in every day life. Look to what you want, and work towards it. The Secret isn't saying everything is going to come easy to you if you wish hard enough, it's saying that through drive, determination, coupled with positive thinking and hard work - you can make your dreams come true. It was fuel I needed for the fire that was dwindling within.

After the movie, and promising myself to make a concerted effort to stop feeling the woes of Wile E. and focus on the success of Road Runner, I felt ready to re-write the few sections of submission #2 and get ready for week three of program.

The last couple of days we discussed, strategy. Total Product Strategy, and Pricing Strategy. I was nervous for the sections, but excited as well...Trying to figure out my pricing, my strategy and how to educate people on why I have to charge this amount (this job does have to bring in survivable income!) is been a bone of contention for me. I know a few rates out there, but there are always the negative voices saying "Where you live is cheap, you can't charge that!" And people seem to forget that what I am planning on doing, is making a living, by becoming an administrative assistant that is purely virtual. I have to charge rates so that I can survive. BUT, on the other side of the coin, I also must be within industry standards, not undercutting, or overpricing because I feel it's my right. So we plotted, and brainstormed, questioned, and were answered, and we were sent home to prepare submission three with thoughts of pricing, and being realistic in our strategies so that our plan becomes more viable.

So, it's with a clear head; running rampant with positivity once again, that has me sitting at this computer, preparing a first draft of my strategies for my own income based on my own talents, drive and ethics. Scary, and downright fascinating.

Oh What A Week!

It's been an incredible of learning; not only about my business, but myself within the business. I have to look at these items as two separate identities. We've been told from the very beginning we will be wearing three hats, and I was really working on two of them this week.

I don't know how well you know me, but - I do a lot of volunteering. There is a back story to this,, besides being raised in a family where volunteering was important, I knew the value of the act itself, and how it would help me re-adjust to life back in the "Big Nickle." As I knew the return to my hometown would be tough - and meeting new people would be important. I just never really planned how I was going to slowly move from the life of volunteering, into this course. I'm really thankful for all the people I'm meeting through these ventures, but I'm not leveraging my time properly and I am wearing out. And in a course where the voltage hasn't even been amped up - It's time to really learn self preservation!

The latter part of the week was really awesome. More focus on target marketing...,more thoughts on how to shoot an aim (and succeed) with your desired market, and then the fun stuff. Image, Logo, and Branding. All thing incredibly important to the survival and success of any business. Well - to any business really. But when your mostly virtual, and your clients will never meet you - it's important to portray the right image, right away.

Thursday, I panicked thinking of my local market. The educating I am going to have to do - how I need to approach the area differently from my global market. While thinking this, I swear I could hear my brain fizzle out of my ears.

One of the things I like about the BDC course; is all the other sets of eyes and ears. A sounding board to your infant ideas, or the voice of reason, when you're stumped on something - they are there to offer suggestions, advice, and share their honest opinions. WHY? Because you are all there for the same reason. To learn, to succeed, and to become a happy, healthy independent business owner.

Not one person has strengths in all aspects of running a business. I am more then aware of where my shortfalls lie. And having a group of like minded colleagues, as well as teachers who have already travelled these roads, is infinitely important to me, to my thought processes, and to the two marketing plans I will need to create to reach both my local and global markets.

Ideas and dreams are fantastic and necessary to have - I dont know where I'd be in life without them, but being in the exact same spot (at least figuratively) with 14 other individuals is worth the price of admission. And with the coming weeks becoming even more overwhelming, and my head becoming even more liquid - I will have to remember to use all the resources I have at my fingertips - I mean hey...They sit beside me for eight hours a day, and some even have an office down the hall - ready to share the knowledge. This type of program is an unbelievable opportunity, especially for someone like me - I am prone to head in the clouds thinking. Always the dreamer, not always the realizer.

I may have squishy head, and more thoughts about target markets, marketing plans then I ever thought possible, but like Journey said "Don't Stop Believin."

And trust me - I dont plan on it.

Remember What Happens When You Assume?

Today, we each crumpled up three pieces of paper, and tossed them into various boxes around the room to win monopoly money. I won $400. Another $600 was given to me by a guy in class...I then turned the money in for cash, and went for a beer at the end of the day.

What's the lesson?

TARGET MARKETS

Choosing your target markets, and why.

The first time we went through the exercise, all the boxes had the same value, interestingly enough, most of the class tried to hit different boxes, some were further away, and harder to hit, and others were close by, easier to hit. Why did 13 people change direction and go for different boxes in different spots, even if they were all worth the same value? Well, some people chalked it up to - branching out their target markets. Others, just liked the challenge.

The second round had boxes or different values, and they were shifted slightly to make the game harder. People then changed their focus on the different sizes of boxes, and their different cash values. Why did we do this? What relevance does it have in regard to choosing who we as business owners target in our day to day operations? Well - I guess you are going to have to join the BDC to find out that dirty little secret.

It did get me thinking though, why did my brain pick certain boxes. Well the first time; I picked the closest one, for fear I wouldn't sink the paper ball in to the box, after two successful tosses, I decided to muster up my courage, and spread myself out...I went and tested the waters of my market circle. And missed the box completely. My brain registered that I need to make absolute certain, I nail my market down, and what I am going to promise them, before I head out into deeper waters.

And the boxes with different degrees of difficulty and value? Well - I went for the one with the highest value and bombed, then went to the the $200, slightly larger box, and wound up successful. This time, I knew my brain was just going for the dollar value, and I was ignoring my target market completely. Two out of three balls wound up on the classroom floor, karma for ignoring my target research!


Discussing target markets, and how we plan to deliver out product to those markets brought up some very interesting work for the latter portion of the day....

Creating Assumptions

You know the adage, "Never Assume, it makes an ass out of you and me?"

Generally it's a take on life we try to, well - take. Don't assume you know what she's going through. Never assume it's OK to do what you want. Don't assume you can say that to anyone...Everyday we try to focus on fact, and not on assumption. You know what though? It's a little different in the business world.

When looking at target markets, or sales projections, or a potential client base, you need to develop your business plan, around assumptions. These assumptions are not numbers, facts, or figures pulled from the sky.....These assumptions, are based on where you see your business going; your target market, your marketing plan. These business assumptions can and will affect how your business operates. It is important to base these assumptions however, on realistic. In the business world, assumptions are used in a wide variety of situations to enable companies to plan and make decisions in the face of uncertainty.

So when it comes to the world of business, it's OK to throw paper balls in class, and make several assumptions!