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.

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.

Fresh Beginnings

In the non business world, I blog quite a bit. The blogs are mostly personal, and always heartfelt. If you knew me, you would hear my voice in the writing. Blogging, in it's entirety allow us to share feelings, thoughts, and successes; straight from our hearts to yours.

Tomorrow, I venture into the world of self employment; and this blog will detail the story. What will be a blog from the very first day; to what I hope to be a never ending journey.

My name is Michelle Murray; and I am starting a Virtual Assistant business. Riding closely on the coat tails of the virtual world, I hope to make myself a comfortable living, from the comfort of my living room.

This will be my first foray into self employment. A road I've heard that is both exciting, and frightening.

I'm lucky though, as my new journey begins; I have been given the gift of government training wheels. Financial assistance and full business development training for 42 weeks. This- is why I decided to start the blog. By mapping my challenges, and successes I hope to share my experience with others who may be considering venturing out on their own, but have no idea where to begin.

In a world where there are no walls, virtual communication has grown by leaps and bounds. Coupled with social networking and media, I truly believe that this path I have chosen - the path to share my experiences, both positive and negative will also enable me to grow my business.

Isn't that what the virtual world is all about? Connecting others in the proverbial family tree that extends from sea to to sea and back again.

So stick around; join my Facebook page, get to know me, my business and whatever may happen in between.