Let The Interviews Begin!

I am so excited to begin this series! Over the next MANY Wednesdays, you will get to meet a home based business owner and learn about their business, how long it took them to become profitable, what a typical day is like for them and more….

It will give you a glimpse into the reality of owning a business as well as spur some ideas of your own on what kind of business you could start.

So, let’s get going…

Today, I”d like you to meet Joan Rudder-Ward. I know Joan from a Mastermind group that we both participate in. She has a heart to serve God and help others in their businesses. Joan also has a heart for young girls – to inspire and encourage them in who they are.

1. Can you tell us what business you are in?

I am in the business of providing resources that help others connect to their purpose and destiny. Okay, I know, need an explanation. I’m a visual communications expert and educator. I use my skills and knowledge of imaging and visualization (through my professional photography experience) to help others in obtaining vision for themselves. Through photography, I and the client work together to create an image that will bring out what that person needs to see… success, confidence, etc. They tell me what they want the image to portray, and that’s what I work to capture. As an educator, in working with girls and women, photography is used to build self-esteem, self-confidence, etc, through photography workshops that I’ve developed and conduct. Literacy skills are developed as well. I provide other resources and information that help them connect to programs and other resources that help in their personal development. I also create decor photographs with positive, affirming statements

2. How long have you been doing your business?

I’ve been in business since 1985

3. How many hours a week do you usually work?

Ask my husband and he will tell you too many. but to be safe, right now I’ll say at least 40

4. Tell us what an average work day is like for you.

There really isn’t an average work day for me. I may be in my office, out with clients, out on a job, doing a workshop, teaching in a classroom.

5. How long did it take your business to become profitable?

It’s been up and down over all these years. But the first time starting it took about three years. Then things change, and you have to change, and you have to add new services/products, which starts a profitability cycle all over again. Would be nice to get in that nice, recession-proof cushy spot.

6. What is the best piece of advice or tip you could give someone who wants to get started in the same type of business you’re in?

Make sure you have a vision for what it is… write it out. If a person serves the Lord,then they should present it to Him. Proverbs 16:9 tells us — a man (or woman) plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. If they’re past that point, make sure you have the necessary tools to get started, go to classes to keep up to date, perfect your craft. Persevere.

7. Anything additional you’d like to share?

Being in business is not the easiest thing, but if you’re doing something you have a passion for, it will definitely be rewarding and will pay dividends. Patience is necessary. Steady working at it. Trusting God if you are a believer. Tough times come, but they eventually go. It’s good to have different revenue streams, if at all possible. Don’t let one customer, or a select few, make up the majority of your business. A friend of mine is in the advertising business and Cingular wireless made up 80% of his business. When ATT bought Cingular, he lost 80% of his business. If you can diversify in your business, i.e. not just depending on one way to get income in, by all means do so. For example, if you have an Internet business selling widgets, network with people face to face to sell widgets. Write about widgets. sell accessories for widgets. Also use other skills that you have outside of widgets to bring in income. Can you speak to groups?… do so. Many of us (probably all of us) have the potential for multi-facet-ness. Develop those skills as well and put them to use.

You can visit Joan at the following websites:

www.theImageMakerOnline.com
www.positiveImageNetwork.com
www.Inspired-eye-images.com (this is a photo blog that is two months overdue for an update)