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TestMagic
Senior Member
USA
1568 Posts |
 Posted - 25 February 2004 : 03:06:55
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To get back on topic here...
I own my own business, and would never, ever again go back to working for others. I have learned, largely through a lot of instinct and a bit of trial and error, what works for me in my market.
Everybody I've talked to who has made the leap (and is still in business now) has told me the same thing--the beginning was difficult, even frightening, but if you have the knowledge, the drive, and a marketable product, you will make it.
Owning your own business is in many ways a lot like moving to a different country (I lived in Brazil for three years). It's something you wonder about, whether you could ever do it. Some will tell you they could never do it, and you may even doubt yourself. But once you do, you realize it's not so hard, and you would never, ever trade your experience.
To be honest, there were times that I thought about giving up, but even then, I knew that what I'd learned would make me successful sooner or later. If I couldn't do it now, I'd do it eventually. Now, I'm glad I stuck with it. My business is thriving, and I am making plans to continue to improve my services.
I will be incorporating in the next two months and may even start a separate company for my website(s).
The best advice that I can give you is the same I received back in 1990, when I was a waiter in DuPont Circle (in Washington, D.C.): Do it yesterday. |
Snitz rocks! · Search 2 |
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seahorse
Senior Member
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - 25 February 2004 : 03:50:56
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That's great TM. I have no problems moving countries. 
I started on building my product a couple weeks ago. I'm trying to decide how much it will cost me to have it made right now. It sounds stupidly obvious, but it feels different when the money you're paying is your own and not the company's
I'm not expecting to quit my job tomorrow, but I do hope that it will eventually allow me to do just that.
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Ken
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Worldwide Partner Group
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Edited by - seahorse on 25 February 2004 04:05:31 |
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Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 25 February 2004 : 16:35:23
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You will need to do continual self-education, and not just technically. For example, you need to know enough about bookkeeping & accounting to stay on the right side of the law, and to be able to spot if an employee is ripping you off. One of the appealing aspects of self-employment is the variety of hats you have to wear every day
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Doug G
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Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
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seahorse
Senior Member
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - 25 February 2004 : 20:41:29
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That's definitely good advice, Doug.
I've already got a new appreciation for lawyers and accountants.
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Ken
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Worldwide Partner Group
Microsoft |
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taropatch
Average Member
USA
741 Posts |
Posted - 25 February 2004 : 23:01:44
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Hi Ken,
So many good things about working for yourself, but it can be a lot of work. I joined the family business almost 6 years ago, and it's been great. No politics - just do your work and try to build a company.
Of course as a small business, you do wear many hats. My title is senior vice president but I change light bulbs, serve as IT/computer expert, answer phones, type letters, write marketing material and take the garbage out on Fridays. That is all in addition to trying to market, prospect and service existing clients.
Not sure what your business is or will be. One of the challenges of being in a small business is finding the time to do your job... whatever product or service that may be and then finding time to effectively sell so that you can find new customers to grow your business. They always say that it is better to have a B product and and an A sales team vs. an A product and B sales.
Best of luck in your choices and endeavors.
Andy |
Edited by - taropatch on 25 February 2004 23:03:34 |
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redbrad0
Advanced Member
USA
3725 Posts |
Posted - 27 February 2004 : 15:58:37
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| I have owned my own company for about 3 years now and stay pretty busy with it. I have my day job just to get a steady paycheck, but I am ALWAYS WORKING. Business has been growing very well and hopefully will venture off and have it as a full time job sometime. |
Brad
Oklahoma City Online Entertainment Guide
Oklahoma Event Tickets |
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seahorse
Senior Member
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - 27 February 2004 : 21:16:25
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That's great. It's what I'm aspiring to at the moment.
I had a revelation one day while on the way home a couple weeks ago after a rough meeting.
I work late hours and really knock myself out trying to make money for OTHER people. I thought, "You just spent days preparing and a couple hours arguing with people to help THEIR product make more money! What am I, insane? I can do better than this."
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Ken
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Worldwide Partner Group
Microsoft |
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