Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I think my thing is that I feel slightly uncomfortable in the nice clothes.

When I am wearing my shorts and my Airwalk adventure shoes ... I feel like I am myself and I can be "on my game".

Most of the places I worked at, shorts were in the dress code anyway.

I know that it is easy to slack off if I do not hold myself to a specific standard. The business that I am getting into is somewhat new to most, but is getting more of an interest as the equipment gets cheaper. The way I see it, I need to take every advantage that I can to keep an upper hand on the competition, both current and future. Little things like Set business hours, dressing the part, etc. just helps.

Okay, I`m a shorts gal too., but this Indiana living has caused me to wear sweats to work half the year! It`s kind of cold for me, being a CA girl!

Set business hours?  I get up and work until it`s done. Later I go back online, looking for more work to do. 

Wouldn`t you folks agree that having an incentive in terms of sales goes a long way toward being professional and disciplined?

By that, I mean if you`re working and not getting a lot of action in the sales area, it gets harder and harder to avoid postponing things, getting organized, and maintenance. On the other hand, if you`ve got customer questions, orders to be filled, and revenue-related errands, it`s easier to stay focused. Right?

I`m assuming everyone has a good work ethic, so I`m thinking the clothes don`t matter so much. A proper office might be more of a thing, though. I know for myself, as a writer, a separate "space" dedicated to writing has a big impact.

Ok. My business is completely online, or at least on my laptop computer... The store, bank, advertising, inventory (ok the inventory is in my garage), everything is on my laptop. My shipping days are set (two days a week, generally taking 3-4 hours), then back to the computer. Did I mention the SuN community is on my priority list, and captivates at least 4 hours a day? (I work beyond 5PM in order to fit SuN into the mix.)

Anyway, I found my weakness to be physically marketing and talking to people. After all, I can stay locked up in the room for days, typing on the computer, without ever emerging. So I make a point to dress well (maybe not a tie) and attend my local cafe, which provides wireless internet connectivity for no charge. This allows me to see the people who come in on a daily basis. The waitresses all know I am running an online, home decorative biz. They share that info with the patrons.

I also stick out a bit, since I am a white guy amongst the Vietnamese attendees. This physical difference, as well as my skillful ability to play their favorite game (Chinese chess) allows me to connect with many new people and open dialog about what I do. I must limit my time there to ensure I am still getting work done, however, I find it beneficial to make an appearance. I occasionally bring in new items in my inventory to show the cafe owner (we have become friends) which lends itself to showing a new group of people (the customers) my available products.

So I send two day in the garage, two days at the cafe, 2 days stuck in the room with no distractions, and one day doing things around the house... My productive work day usually extends from 7:00am to 7-8PM. Even when I am really caught up, I still get going at 7AM because my wife also works (off site, different biz) and this forces me to  be active everyday... I find it keeps me honest and keeps laziness at bay. 

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