Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Although I have been enthusiastic about getting my business off and running, I do not think I have been as excited as I have become when discussing the business itself or answering the many questions that follow when someone new learns about the company. 

Last week, I was speaking with the phone company about a business line and fax number.  When we got to the business name, the rep thought it was wonderful and got the meaning immediately.  She then went on to ask me about the company, what direction was I taking it, and shared that she really liked my ideas.

Shortly thereafter, I had a discussion with a rep from the Chamber of Commerce.  As I am answering all the questions relating to membership, I found myself becoming even more excited to discuss my business, our target market, and thoughts for community service.  That day, everyone I knew received notification of the new company, our prospective launch date, and other great facts. 

I received congratulatory emails from everyone, but what really had me going back to my written plans and jotting down "to do" tasks for the next day, were the inquiries from these supportive people about the company and request for more information, them looking forward to seeing the new website, hearing all about the process, and their willingness to refer others to our company, as well as display/share our printed materials.

Next came the trade show I attended this past Sunday.  After attending 2 seminars, I walked the floor to immerse myself in such an environment.  I witnessed suppliers accepting orders from their clients and admiring the interaction.  Others, newer to this environment (like myself) asking questions and hanging on every word given, and lastly, me discussing with these prospects my business while handing out a business card to anyone who requested one and leaving several on strategically placed display tables for the passerby.

I tell you, each of these (and others too numerous to mention), has had me revising my task list, looking forward to making that next connection, building even more confidence, and preparing myself more to do a great job.

All this to ask, at what point did the adrenaline really start to kick in for you where you could barely sleep because all you could think about was your new venture, became more motivated to get your dream off the ground, or realized more than ever that after having that last phone call, meeting, etc. that now is/was the time to start it up?

I had this feeling when I opened my business checking account (questions and genuine conversation from the account rep...I actually have that account rep as one of my customers!), and from family. It`s a great feeling, a good motivator.

Congratulations!

-------------------------

James Skinner Vice President & COO OnlineSiding LLC jskinner@onlinesiding.com www.onlinesiding.com 877-642-2496 x102

it`s the people around you that made your adrenaline pump up the excitement, the desire. the support of every people around you. your family and friends.. kinda inspired you!

-------------------------

nurse staff | agency business
background check | record search

Making connections is a must. That is more important than doing the research before starting a business. I think of it like this…
Doing research to decide the who, what whys is great. It will quite likely tell me the market size, costs of doing business and many other things directly relating to the success of a business.

At the same time, it can never give the support you receive when talking to the people, and creating strong “team” relationships with the people around you.

People are successful without “running the numbers.” I can’t name any time someone has been successful without the help/involvement of others.

The energy you feel when talking about your business is pride. The response you get from the people you talk to about your business is just food for thought. But if you listen, they’ll tell you everything you need to know in order to succeed. The difficulty is making connections with the right people.

My business started out as a “swap meet, flea market” resell. Through people’s requests, and willingness to talk about what they think of our products and style, we have grown to do brand new, earthborn & handmade products. We even have the numbers to sell wholesale with some success.

Keep talking about your business. It is your life. What is life, if you cannot talk about it.


-------------------------

Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

For me it`s every time a distributor calls and tells us about another store we`re in. Or when we receive a phone call or e-mail from a satisfied customer. When these things happen I know it`s just a matter of repeating what we`re doing over and over and scaling it up.


-------------------------

James and Guilbert, you are both so right about family and friends being motivators.  They know they don`t have to hire you, but they will because they want to show their support.  They know that don`t have to cheer you on or wish you well, but they do because they care and they know that you would do the same for them. 

My hubby rocks and our girls (12 and 19) are the sponges we know children to be.  They have watched their mom get 2 degrees and are currently watching her pursue her 3rd (the MBA) and one of her dreams of business ownership.  What better example can I provide them than doing as I tell them "pray for guidance and be prepared for the answer, then follow it through with your best efforts."

Vince and Steve, I can only hope to do as well by my clients as you both are obviously doing with yours.

Thank you all so much for the responses  I`m sitting in the stratosphere thanking the Divine for every blessing and preparing myself for what is sure to be the hardest job I will ever have, well, you know, after motherhood and spousehood

way to go Cre8iveOne! All the best!

-------------------------

nurse staff | agency business
background check | record search

Cre8iveOne,

Didn`t you like the feeling? Man.. I was there 4 years ago.. It feels good when you can describe your business as to saying "Well I don`t know we are still thinking about it" LOL I heard that when I was registering it at C of Commerce.

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

-------------------------

MEN OF ACTION
ZILLISmedia
BAD ASS CARS

Hi everyone,

Back from vacation! Feeling good.

Great Topic. I have a rare bottle of tequilla that I have been saving for many years for my brother and I to open one day and make toast to our success.

Initially, I thought that moment would come when we found our manufacturer, then thought maybe when we had our first big order placed, but that didn`t feel like "the moment"  Then I considered maybe when we get our actual patent number. Now I`ve revised that moment entirely.

The new "day to celebrate" moment will be when we switch from paying off our initial debt to making a solid profit.

Why I didn`t see it that way in the first place I just don`t know.

I`ll let you all know when that moment arrives.

-------------------------

~Eric
JE Design Group, LLC
If all you do is what you`ve done, then all you`ll get is what you`ve got.
www.jedesigngroup.com