This post is a continuation of the story of my journey toward financial freedom.
When my daughter was very young and I was a new, breastfeeding mom I was torn between working and staying home to take care of my daughter. I missed her terribly and wanted to be the one to raise her rather than a daycare center. I made the decision to become a stay at home mom.
My plan was to use my desktop publishing and administrative skills to earn money. I had a great book about desktop publishing and decided to take the plunge. A good friend had given me a used computer to get started. From that day I considered myself an entrepreneur.
I had a few business cards made and created flyers to give out. I began spreading the word about my services and I was even featured in the local newspaper. The angle was basically “single mom starts home business”.
I was flying by the seat of my pants mostly because I had very little business sense or help. I didn’t know any business owners and had no contacts. My confidence level was very low so I didn’t take the initiative to go out and meet people.
I’m sure my pricing was too low and I was not very good at marketing. Still I tried and got a couple of steady clients. After a while the financial pressure began to weigh on me. I didn’t have a clear mind or sense of security for me and my baby so I began looking for work again.
The short time I spent as a business owner taught me many lessons:
1. Have a mentor
2. Have an established network
3. Target your services and market to those people
4. Have a solid support system
5. Have a simple business plan or plan of action
Even though I made the choice to return to work, I never gave up my dream to be an entrepreneur. I’ve found ways to make money on the side over the years as I test the possibilities. I’m sure I’ll be a full-time WAHM very soon with determination and a greater sense of confidence!
At least you tried. That’s kind of where I am right now with my “business”. See, I am still developing the confidence to actually call it a business. I have no idea what I’m doing, its basically focusing on targets and trying to market to those targets. The problem is that I’m sure I don’t market to enough targets. I do have some mentors (in my head) that I turn to for small bits of advice. Thanks for reminding me, that in order to grow, I must not be afraid to go in full force, to believe in my business and myself as a business owner!
Thanks again for all of your support!