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Business can be exhilarating in many ways — especially, as you might guess — when first opening an office. I've been open for three weeks, and bills and creeping expenses were sprinting just a little ahead of income from my new clientele. I expected this, as I am operating on a zero budget for a while, but this state of being financially strapped really doesn't hinder even a fledgling businessman like me in the IT field. Like I mentioned before, one can perform IT services (on-site support, software installation/troubleshooting, programming, etc.) without the grueling pursuit of capital. Rather, as a one-man business, I can expand my advertising, marketing, and services as the months pass.
Luckily, I have a fantastic office mate from whom I sublease my space, and he is quite intent on helping me to succeed. I am fortunate to have found such a supportive environment, and it give me just the extra inspiration that I need to push my business into the black. We also happen to be avid listeners of the same genres of classical music, and playing this music throughout the day complements the casual and unfussy mood of our corner of the world.
In these first three weeks, I was productive enough to amaze even myself, as I attracted some new hosting customers, restored some downed LAN / WAN networks, extinguished an IT crisis or two, and rolled out a volley of websites in the opening days of my business. Here are a few of those websites to browse and scrutinize:
www.cafesf.com
www.thefiveminutestone.com
www.reynoldscleaning.com
One last note: Make sure to watch the first of three presidential debates tonight! Watch it on ABC, NBC, PBS or CNN at 7:00 P.M. eastern time. And if you're a swing voter, then tonight's debate demands your undivided unwavering attention. This first mudslinging session takes place at the University of Miami, the second at Washington University in St. Louis, and the final wrap-up at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
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(By Daniel Culveyhouse | No comments yet | comment here)
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Despite a pinprick of hidden startup costs, impending bills, and an SBC phone line snafu, I have settled into my office and am now open for business. And do I have a garden of inspiration for anyone considering throwing their life on the line to open a small business! The fear and doubt that aspiring first-time venturelings experience before and during a business set-up is understandable, but at the same time it is possible to move over your fears, replace that with determination, and make your venture the most exciting thing you've ever accomplished.
Opening a business (and an office) is akin to flying straight into the eye of a hurricane. So, given the associated risks, stress, heartache, and the dizzying failure rate of small businesses, why in the nuts would anyone want to actually partake in such torture? Well the answer lies in that very type of flawed thinking. It doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, your ability to feel great and optimistic governs your success! There is no end to the inner strength you can find in yourself, not only in business, but in all walks of life. These and other reasons should be your wake-up call to take the chance and start your own business in your own creative way. You'll never know if you are a successful entrepreneur unless you take action. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another. But by all means, try something."
Regarding my clientele, I have grabbed many tiny contracts since I opened my doors. It is amazing how business itself seems to gain its own momentum. Opportunity knocks for me daily, and I will accept every project that comes within range (see my previous blog entry below). For me, I have found that my diverse suite of Internet and IT services is the key to growing my tiny company. With each new week will come a new batch of clients, and before I know it, I'll be hiring contractors to handle the extra load.
Starting your own business can be the adventure that you've been waiting for. A new business is a reflection of self, and a public display of one's true abilities. Always consider this as you ponder opening up your future business. And as the days pass, I'll post more entries to show inspiration-seekers just how exciting running your own company can be!
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(By Daniel Culveyhouse | No comments yet | comment here)
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