Change itself is a scary thing. The world is changing but we can’t direct the world stage. Economic stability structured over decades is changing in a matter of a few short weeks…homes, unemployment, retirement funds and our hands are tied as do what we can do. It’s like being surrounded by these encroaching walls of changes and no matter how hard we beat against these walls, there doesn’t seem to be a breakthrough door to return to some normal balance.
You see, I know how to work at a job, 9 to 5, pay off credit card bills, and keep some savings for entertainment or holidays. But I don’t know about starting a new venture, a home based business. I want tangible results but I have no training. Goodness knows I have l heard stories and statistics about business failures.
Many people are looking more at home business opportunities within a plethora of processes and promises. The one question everyone asks: “This sounds good but can I do it.” If you’ve never run a home business before you’ll have a lot of questions about both the framework and delivery of the business as well as your personal competence and confidence to handle it well. This article will focus more on how your self perception can affect the start of your home business. The next article will deal more with self-discipline and business success.
First, let’s define perception as the individual way you see the world around you which makes the foundation for your concepts and beliefs. It’s more than just seeing with your eyes; it’s how your brain makes sense and fits everything into your model of reality. An interesting note is that often our models of reality will pre-condition any new things you may be looking at.
Second, home business success will depend on working harder on your self-perception and re-conditioning old habits or beliefs. In fact, you will discover how financial success is affected by the marketing plan which, in turn, will affect both self perception and discipline. A strong, simple marketing plan that helps to grow your business will also grow your self-worth and discipline.
When it’s working and I’m making money why wouldn’t I try harder, longer, happier, richer.
When it’s not working and I’m spending more than I’m making, why would I continue? Why would I even want to try?
Here is a familiar story that has happened to more than a few entrepreneurs. In this example let’s call the character, Joe. At one time he had no income ... no friends ... no connections ... no prospects ... and lived in a seedy little apartment. Not only was he broke, but also overweight, out of shape, and had no real plan for changing things in his life.
It took one simple act to turn his life around. He walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. To put it mildly, he did not like what he saw staring back at him. He became immediately conscious of the fact that the guy in the mirror was responsible for this predicament…this sorry image in the mirror had always been at the controls.
He then did something that forever changed his life. He ran his right index finger over a bar of soap that was on the sink, and then made an X with it on the mirror - right through his face. It was a symbolic act, meant to signify that the old former Joe was being struck out in the mirror from his life. He made a vow to allow a new Joe to emerge, to get rich, and to change everything in his life. And he took the first steps to do so.
The first step is WHY you desire to change. Why do you want to change? Write 3 goals on 3 small stock cards. Tape one on your bathroom window, place one on the dashboard of your car, and carry one in your wallet to look at every time you use it. These are your dreams; they are brilliant stars to light your way.
The second step is HOW you plan to change in order to realize your WHY goals.
This is the BIG ONE. This is the long road...this is your pioneer journey across trials and tribulations …this is your route to unknown experiences, fears and possibilities, your entry position into products, personnel, finances, marketing and sales. Where is your map to navigate through these explorations, both personal and business know-how?
This is the beginning of developing new habits that consistently and quickly move you in the right direction. Without a reasonable turn around and return on investment, self-doubt begins to filter into self perception…maybe I can’t do this…it’s not meant for me. I’m not good enough to be successful because of __________________ (fill in your blank)
If you are contemplating a home business but you’re not sure where to start or what will work or who will help, make sure you get a short but comprehensive education first. Education Rules Empowerment. In order to win, you must be able to see the whole field and see yourself with the power to win. You may decide to start by producing your own home-based product or service. Or you may decide to plug into a large successful network marketing company and help to market their product(s). Either way, make sure you set up a total business plan, a “map”, and a total big picture of what your successful business will look like. It should be a 100% generic based on the business model only, not any branding. For example, the business plan to start a florist shop should not be specific to just one, for example, ABC Flowers for You.
This overview will show clearly the following factors:
… The marketing plan…makes sure you are absolutely clear what marketing efforts, expenses and results to expect. Here is one key: make sure it is as simple and cost effective as it can be. (Particularly, if you follow the network marketing model make sure it is super simple and highly doable by everyone)
…return on investment…see actual cash projections based over 6 months based on customer base
…ongoing training and support with peers
In summary, it’s ok to feel scared about starting a home business for a variety of legitimate reasons. It’s easy to realize WHY we need to look seriously at a profitable home business. What’s important is to investigate the HOW a home business works.
Robert Ringer, a foremost business teacher points out, “I’m constantly reminded through my teachings that the key to great wealth lies in the nurturing of intangible assets - things that cannot be taken from you. In other words, assets that makes you immune to the state of the economy and other external factors.
First and foremost in this regard is your mind-set. Before you can become prosperous, you have to make the decision to become prosperous. And a prosperous mind-set can be developed. I'm not talking about corny positive mental attitude stuff here. What I'm referring to is a totally realistic, sober view of the world ... an understanding of human nature ... an ability to grasp reality.”
It all starts with self-perception and the simple question Can I do this? The more successful your marketing plan is, the more your self-perception will grow.
http://www.increasehomebusinessprofits.com
