You've heard it all already: What are your goals for 2012? Be sure to write down your plan and strategies for 2012... That is all fine and dandy. And actually activities you should be doing but the bottom line is if you don't know why you're doing them then you're not going to achieve anything in 2012. Sorry to be blunt but let's be real. If you haven't gotten past your excuses for why you haven't done anything in 2011, you're not going to do anything in 2012. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You know, those excuses you come up with when you're telling people why your business plans haven't moved past just a mere idea, for example:
1. " Oh yeah girl, I want to start a basket-weaving business but I am looking for business loans" (Don't have money)
This excuse MAY apply if you're trying to open a mall or restaurant chain. But if you are starting a small business, that will mostly be web-based then this is NOT a good excuse. There are so many FREE sources out there that will get you up and running with a website, social networking sites, and ways to market, in no time. The most you would need (besides getting the basket weaving materials) would be $50-$200 MAX (And if you don't have $50 to spare, to start your business, then you absolutely need to start your business!). You would definitely need to buy a domain name ($15 more or less), and perhaps a website host (but not needed at first) and then design everything on your own. This is all something you can do if you free up an evening after work. So that excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT!
2. "I want to start a wood-carving business but girl, my boo would not support me!" (Family/spouse are not supportive)
This can be difficult to handle but you have to distinguish what type of support you're "not" getting. If you have family members telling you, "you will fail" and that "you are not capable of starting a business on your own", then unfortunately, you may need to excuse some people from your life. Or at least, not share with them what you're doing because that is negative energy.
On the other hand, you might have people who don't say those things but won't buy your products, attend business meetings with you, or want to hear all you go through. THAT'S OK! You're in business for yourself, so do it yourself. Once you're laughing to the bank, they'll want to hear all about what you did and you can decide how much information you want to share then. :) This is not being mean or discounting anyone's opinion, but the biggest part about starting a business is exuding your self-confidence. With confidence comes a responsibility of doing what you are motivated to do, REGARDLESS of what others say. You are going to have people talk about you, you are going to have some failures, but if you focus on your motivation and goals you WILL be prosperous. You cannot care about what others think or what they may say. Even if they think this is just another one of your "crazy" ideas or something you've never tried before. Step out on faith and do what you gotta do! So this excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT!
3. "I want to start a calligraphy writing business but I"m scared, girl!" (Being afraid)
Congratulations! At least you're admitting it now. :) Surprisingly, this is not a rare excuse to have. Starting a new business is a new venture. Anything new, can be scary at times. So it's completely understandable if you are afraid. Some people are afraid of what is needed to start a business, some people are afraid of the outcome of having a business, and some people are afraid of the success they can attain from a business. That is all apart of human nature which is why you must have faith and be motivated to accomplish more than the average person. You won't know what you're capable of until you try. Remember, "Do not be afraid... for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught" Proverbs 3:25-26. Now this excuse is..ALL FRESH OUT!
4. "I want to start an iron sculpting business but I don't know where I'd begin!" (Don't know what to do/lack of education/unaware of competition)
This will require some work on your part. In order to know what to do, you will have to research, read, and talk to some people with experience. That is not hard to do if you focus on the goals you are trying to accomplish in your business. Get books about starting the type of business you're interested in and read it in sections. Don't start at the beginning if you don't need it. Go to the chapters that are relevant to you.
Luckily with starting your own business, you don't necessarily need an MBA to run one (although, more education never hurts), but you definitely need to read more about what you need and talk to people with some experience. If you don't know anyone with experience then Black Business Women Online and TheCEOmamma Network are great resources to reach out to knowledgeable women, that are willing to help.
Most importantly, you must be aware of your competition. Who else has successful iron sculpting, calligraphy, or basket-weaving businesses online? What types of specials are they offering? What type of newsletters or perks do they offer their customers on Facebook or Twitter? You must be aware of these companies so you know what to do and what not to do. You can't be like others, but by observing the competition you can get more ideas and perhaps build a successful competitive company. So this is excuse is...ALL FRESH OUT.
There are a lot of resources that will help you get rid of all these excuses. Stop going around talking about what you want to do and actually DO it! 2012 is the year. You've had these ideas for a while now is the time to do something with them. Be different from others around you that are stuck in the same "talk about it, but NOT about it" mentality. Make 2012 a year of checking goals OFF of your list as ACCOMPLISHED! You can do it, you just have to stay focused and motivated. Write down your goals for 2012 for your business and then institute a plan.
If you need help with manifesting your business ideas and dreams, this may help. The GPS Plan includes a business plan and schedule, domain name, website, getting you started, and more! This deal is ALMOST free. I want you to start 2012 out right! Contact me for more details at tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
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