How important do you think the name of your business is?  Many people choose catchy business names, only to find out that they actually hindered their business instead of helped it.  How can this be? If the catchy name you choose for your business doesn't clearly tell what the business is all about, you have missed the boat.  A catchy name is only good if it draws someone in, and then gives … [Read more...]

Well, another Monday is upon us, and here we go with another tip to stay motivated. Set deadlines for yourself!  Running our own business is great, because we are the boss.  But, we can't let that mean that things get done whenever they get done.  Many of us work better when there is a deadline to meet; it can be changed if necessary, but if there is no "real" date set (if you're doing work … [Read more...]

Running a home based business can bring  purpose, pleasure and profit to your life, provided you find one that fits with who you are. A home based business can add purpose to your life because it gives you the opportunity to share something with others that you feel is valuable. It allows you to promote something you feel would, in some way, make someone else’s life better. Whether it’s … [Read more...]

Well, here we are at the end of our Twelve Days of Marketing.  I have really enjoyed writing this series, and I hope you've enjoyed it (and learned something.) Today, I"d like to talk about developing YOUR point of view on what you do.  NOT what others in your field say - but what is YOUR PHILOSOPHY on what you do? How do you develop your point of view?  Here's some things that might … [Read more...]

Another way to market yourself without selling or promoting yourself, is to become an leader in your field.  If you become known as a leader in your field, people and business will come to you. How can you become a leader?  Here are three ways taken from "Getting Business to Come to You." Further your knowledge - no matter where you are starting, you can always learn more about your … [Read more...]

When looking for a niche, I want to caution you to be careful of fad niches.  Fad niches are ones that might be great for a time, but then fizzle out.  You don't want to take the time to build a whole business around a fad, and then be left with nothing when it dies out. An example was given in Marketing for Introverts about a lady who started creating the shoulder pads women put in their … [Read more...]

What if You Can't Decide on a Niche?  All this "niche" talk is great, but what if you just don't know which niche to choose?  Here are some suggestions, taken from Marketing for Introverts.  The first one is mine and, in my opinion, is essential. Pray - ask God what He wants you to do.  Consider the desires He has already put in your heart, and what things matter to you.  This is the best … [Read more...]

In "Marketing for Introverts", the Edwards talk about the Matrix Formula.  Let's take a look at it. Desire + Resources + Opportunity = Means (ways to earn income) Desire refers to your interests and passions. Resources refer to your experience, education, gifts, etc. (your assets) Opportunity refers to the problems and needs that people have that they need a solution for. Means is … [Read more...]