refocus insight on small home business

I thought I’d share some information from a top business expert Michael Gerber and his famous book: E-Myth Revisited, Why Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It. I remember reading it a few years ago with some uncertainty. But I must say my current home business has helped to refocus my time and energy. Now I have different insights and thought they might help anyone contemplating a small home business.

First, the premise of the book is the belief that many businesses fail because the founders are technicians that were inspired to start a business without knowledge of how to run a successful business. A key component in that equation is how to market successfully...and that in itself, could involve years of training and practice.The assumption that many people make is that because they are experts regarding technical details of a product or service, they will also be an expert at running that sort of business. If you are a great cook with special ethnic dishes, you should be great at opening up a restaurant. If you are a excellent computer technician, you should be able to operate a computer service business. But as it turns out for many, this can be part mythology and a bad assumption.

Here are some of the lessons that I learned to apply to my profitable home business
1) Don’t only work in your business; make sure you also work on your business.
How many small business or home owners do you know who work 24/7 trying to handle every single technical detail day to day? At one time, I also worked hard “in my business”, often consumed by details.Now I invest some time developing a long term plan and vision; in other words, I work “on my business.”
You need to develop systems and business procedures to ensure the success of your company over a long term range. It's best to work with conscientious, like-minded people who engage in similar goals and support.In the earlier years of my business, I kept everything in my head. Later on, I learned that I would need to create formal systems and write out formal procedures. A critical component was a simple, formalized marketing plan.

This one strategy is essential to a growing, thriving business that people want to talk about.
Next time, more about refocusing on some home business "myths."

AnneMarie
amarie10@gmail.com
ps..drop me a note if you'd like to share some of your business "stories".
Posted by 3steps2rich at 11:05 AM

A HOME BUSINESS? an overview

We are living in some exciting times in the middle of the Information Age, surrounded by countless possibilities…It's about automation, technology, sharing information where intellectual distribution is competing with physical distribution. It's about marketing information using a self-franchise system. All the tools you need are in your hands…a phone number, a website, a read and share marketing plan. You don’t need to spend endless hours studying, reading programs, taking ecourses, listening to webinars and conference calls (unless you want to)
So as an ex-teacher, here’s my cry , " I just can't take it any more!"
Let's get back to basics..the simple A B C's of how to understand any big concept, especially when looking at a home business opportunity. Let's learn a few basic facts. Let's apply a few strategies. Let's see the "total" big picture or "concept map " so we know what to pay attention to and what is essential for success. Let's review, make plans and set goals. Now you're ready to look seriously at a profitable home business.
The next few blogs will outline a basic vocabulary and structure to better understand some of the fastest growing home business trends.
FACT A
Most people live on salaries. If you work for the boss you live on a fixed income.Traditionally, there are 4 ways to earn an income and make a living:
1. Work for the boss.
2. Start a home business with something you' ve created or service you provide.
3. Plug into a huge company, help market their product and receive multiple commissions.
4. Earn accrued interest from your investments because you're already wealthy.
How do you make your income?
What are the positives and negatives of any of these ways?
How can we amalgamate more than one way?
Which is the fastest way to reach Number 4, if that is something you desire?
We'll look at FACT B next time.

AnneMarie

PS. Your questions and comments are always welcome.