Business Development Strategies

Posts Tagged ‘opportunity’

My daughter is sick of her present job and is looking for a new one. She’s not the only one. Thousands of companies are looking for her, and thousands like her are looking for the company that, hopefully, will hire them. Unfortunately, even if the twain shall meet, odds are she will not be satisfied with them or with the life path they have helped provide for her.

Even if she finds something like the “perfect” job, she will often wish that she had done something else with her life. She will wonder what it is like to work when she wants to work, and take a vacation when she wants a vacation, and if there is some way she could make a good income for the rest of her life without punching a time clock, answering to a boss who she has little or no respect for, or having to plan her life around the whims and vagaries of a business and organization which has little interest in her dreams, hopes, or future. Most of all, she will wish that she had control over her alarm clock.

Now, don’t get me wrong. This is not a pie-in-the-sky article about instant success, making tons of money, and never having stress in your life again. In fact, even if you are successful with some home business opportunity, you will possibly have all kinds of stress, may just make enough to get by, and it may take months or even years to reach a point where you consider yourself successful.

Even so, every day, a large number of people leave the security and benefits of their nine-to-five job and take a swing at some home business opportunity they read about, saw an ad for on TV, or ran across on the internet. Many will fail, but some will make it big, or at least big enough, and will be happy they made the choice.

They will not only find an income source far from factory, sales floor, distribution center, or office, but they will move out from under someone else’s thumb, and may actually be able to ignore the demands of the clock and calendar for the first time since their very early childhood.

Actually, let’s not belittle the humble “job”. If you aren’t at the top of the home business heap, or if you haven’t even started the climb yet, you need that job to keep food in your stomach, a roof over your head, and your spouse or significant other from slamming the door on their way out…not to mention your car from being repossessed and other fun things. That job may just provide the health benefits you need, or the network you need to start your home business.

Starting any new business can be a gamble. Even changing jobs can create a major disturbance in the force, glitch in the matrix, etc. Holding on to that job is a smart move to make, and that is the great thing about a valid home business opportunity. You can start a home business literally in your spare time. You can hang on to the job in the meantime and provide a security blanket for yourself and your family while getting your business off the ground.

Having begun your new home business, you will eventually arrive at the point where you join the millions of others who enjoy the benefits from working from home and being their own bosses. However, when new entrepreneurs fail, it is often as a result of some of the simplest of reasons. When we talk about new businesses failing, we don’t just have to discuss the home business opportunity, as the reasons brick and mortar businesses are the same. Some of these reasons for failure are:

*Lack of experience – Many people choose to begin a business because they want to make a lot of money, be important, or just not have to work any more. Knowing something about a subject you consider to be important, liking it, and wanting to share that information with other people is a very important factor in the future success of a business.

*Poor business location – When you think of a home business, especially an internet business, it may not seem like “location” is much of a factor, but a business location is more than just the building the business is located in. Where, when, and how you advertise or promote your business is just one example of location as a factor in the success of a home business.

*Not putting in the hours – Many businesses of all kinds fail because the person who started it in the hopes of not having to work the way they have in the past, or simply did not realize how much “work” would be involved in running a successful business, much less getting one off the ground. In the world of home and internet business opportunities, it is unfortunate but true that many people are lured into the opportunity by the implied or stated promise of large income for little work.

*Poor financing – Many people do not realize how much money they will need to start most new businesses. While a home based business may not require as much money as some franchises or other businesses, very often an important factor in success is advertising or promotion. Often there are supplies that are needed, fees that occur for various reasons, and other expenses. New businesses don’t always take off like a rocket, and it often takes a large amount of money to get the business off the ground.

The internet and today’s technology has opened new pathways to success for those who used to be restricted to mail order or door-to-door businesses. Businesses which once would have been impossible are now open to the general public. Anyone with a computer can work anywhere, any time because of the nearly universal phenomenon of internet access. In addition to having their own businesses, many are finding a new income source as online affiliates for other businesses, as bloggers, and with programs such as Google’s Adsense.

There are many benefits of having your own work from home business, and we have touched on a few and some possible pitfalls as well. A home business can be liberating, but it can chain you to a new set of obligations as well. You can be your own boss, or your own worst employee. You can set your own schedule but find that you need more hours than there really were in the day. You can experience the rewards of being the decision maker and facing challenges, or you can find yourself stressed to the max.

Starting a home business can be a great step on a long exciting pathway, but start the trip only after careful consideration.

One might link home business opportunities with personality, but the fact is you have to have a specific character to go it solo. Not everyone can be a home business owner. But there are some personality traits that are common in the self-employed that out do education, who knows who, skills and experience. Those who choose home opportunities that best fit their true personalities have a higher degree of success. Every personality type has the potential for success in the right opportunity. Most self-employed people are natural leaders, excellent problem solvers, and are great under pressure. The key to success is finding the business opportunity that best suits you.

1. The trailblazer is very competitive, ambitious, and goal oriented. They steam roll over everything and can be quite aggressive. These people are restless and very energetic and run on fast and faster. Great fields for these people are medical, technology, money, legal and consulting.

2. The go-getter has more than normal amount of dominance and social ability. These people are great leaders and really care about others. They are very independent and can be a great motivation. They have a flare for retail and can also make good in any business type due to their excellence in the unfamiliar.

3. The manager is dominant and independent. These people are extremely analytical and take a more relaxed approach to make sure all is done correctly. These peoples strong areas are working behind the scenes on the technology, ideas, and marketing concepts.

4. The motivator is dominant and extremely social. These people work well under pressure. They are at the forefront of collaboration, building, and change. Any field that deals with people is their place of action. They are very convincing and can persuade anyone with their emotional argument. They can see both sides of every situation and are excellent at customer service.

5. The authority is that person who is the backbone. They are the workers of the world who do it right. These people exceed in the area of franchises and owners to already up and running businesses. These people look at the detail and tactics involved in all areas and do things the right way. They are very patient and accommodating and usually find themselves self-employed by accident.

6. The collaborator has the gift of sociability. It is all about the people for them. This type always get what they want and make the best sales people. They are warm sellers, using advertisements and/or e-mail to contact prospective buyers. Once the consumer initiates an interest, they will sell their hearts out.

7. The diplomat is very restless and enjoys a certain amount of pressure. They have a deadline to meet and they get work done quickly. They deal well with change and new situations. They do things right and love variety. These people are the multitaskers and are usually doing many things at once. These are the people who get the business and keep them coming back for more.

One might link home business opportunities with personality, but the fact is you have to have a specific character to go it solo. Not everyone can be a home business owner. But there are some personality traits that are common in the self-employed that out do education, who knows who, skills and experience. Those who choose home opportunities that best fit their true personalities have a higher degree of success. Every personality type has the potential for success in the right opportunity. Most self-employed people are natural leaders, excellent problem solvers, and are great under pressure. The key to success is finding the business opportunity that best suits you.

1. The trailblazer is very competitive, ambitious, and goal oriented. They steam roll over everything and can be quite aggressive. These people are restless and very energetic and run on fast and faster. Great fields for these people are medical, technology, money, legal and consulting.

2. The go-getter has more than normal amount of dominance and social ability. These people are great leaders and really care about others. They are very independent and can be a great motivation. They have a flare for retail and can also make good in any business type due to their excellence in the unfamiliar.

3. The manager is dominant and independent. These people are extremely analytical and take a more relaxed approach to make sure all is done correctly. These peoples strong areas are working behind the scenes on the technology, ideas, and marketing concepts.

4. The motivator is dominant and extremely social. These people work well under pressure. They are at the forefront of collaboration, building, and change. Any field that deals with people is their place of action. They are very convincing and can persuade anyone with their emotional argument. They can see both sides of every situation and are excellent at customer service.

5. The authority is that person who is the backbone. They are the workers of the world who do it right. These people exceed in the area of franchises and owners to already up and running businesses. These people look at the detail and tactics involved in all areas and do things the right way. They are very patient and accommodating and usually find themselves self-employed by accident.

6. The collaborator has the gift of sociability. It is all about the people for them. This type always get what they want and make the best sales people. They are warm sellers, using advertisements and/or e-mail to contact prospective buyers. Once the consumer initiates an interest, they will sell their hearts out.

7. The diplomat is very restless and enjoys a certain amount of pressure. They have a deadline to meet and they get work done quickly. They deal well with change and new situations. They do things right and love variety. These people are the multitaskers and are usually doing many things at once. These are the people who get the business and keep them coming back for more.

You’ve landed what you thought was the job of your dreams. Each stage of the interview went smoothly – you sold them on your skills and expertise, and your prospective boss sold you on the position and benefits of joining the company. He/she seemed excited about extending an offer. And then, with offer in hand, it was thrilling to give your notice (or tell your friends you’re finally employed after a long stint of unemployment!). All seemed right with the world.

You’ve now been on board a few days… a week… perhaps even a month. Suddenly you’re not so sure you’ve made the right decision. The job that seemed like a dream is starting to feel like a nightmare. Perhaps the position isn’t what you thought it would be; it’s either too narrow, too broad, not challenging enough, or more of a stretch than you imagined. Maybe the company isn’t measuring up. Or, perhaps your boss isn’t the caring, supportive mentor you thought he/she would be.

In a state of confusion, you wonder what you should do. Stick it out? For how long? Leave? Then what? The decision to stay or leave a new job is a personal one, with no right or wrong answer, as everyone’s situation is unique. And most people, at one time or another, have been faced with this dilemma. To help you think through your next move and determine what’s right for you, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

Is it just the newness of the job? Changing jobs can be an unsettling experience. In your previous job, you knew your way around – you knew what was expected of you; you knew your job; you knew the players; you felt like you belonged. In a new job, however, it takes time to learn the ropes and feel like you’re truly adding value. Sometimes it’s best to give yourself time to get over the “newness” and then decide if the job is right for you.

Can you live with your boss? Hiring managers sometimes put their best foot forward in an interview, then do an about-face when a new employee arrives. Even though your boss isn’t the supportive manager you thought he/she would be, can you live with the change? If so, it may be worth staying. If, however, you experience a nauseous stomach on Monday mornings or a rise in blood pressure every time he/she walks into your office, it may be wise to consider leaving.

Can you navigate the politics? Office politics can be the bane of many employees’ existence. If you’ve been hired into a political crossfire, it will be important to assess your political skills to determine if you can make it work. If politics aren’t your strength, you may want to leave before you find yourself failing without even knowing why. If you’re good at developing relationships and working with differing styles, as well as “managing up”, you may want to consider staying and seeing if you can make a tough situation work.

What will you learn if you stay in this job? Sometimes a seemingly wrong job can turn out to be a terrific opportunity to learn new skills, become exposed to new technologies, and gain valuable experience. Is it possible this job could be a stepping-stone to a better, more satisfying job down the road? Could it ultimately propel your career forward? If so, and you can tolerate everything else, it may be worth staying.

If the scope of the job has changed, can it be renegotiated? If the actual work turns out to be far different from what you thought it would be, you may want to speak with your manager to see if aspects of the job can be changed. If the scope is too narrow, can more responsibilities be added? If the workload is too great, can you get some assistance? If the job ultimately represents a step backwards and/or you’re doing work you didn’t feel like you signed up for, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Can you afford to leave without another job to go to? If your boss, or the job, or the politics are so bad it’s beginning to affect your health and personal life, then leaving sooner rather than later may be the best move. But can you afford it? Carefully evaluating your financial situation prior to jumping ship will help alleviate regrets later on. Consider also the momentum you had in your job search prior to starting your job. Can it be easily resurrected so your time of unemployment is minimized?

The decision to stay or leave an intolerable new job is a tough one. How long to stay is also a dilemma. Many have left after two weeks, never to look back. Others have stayed, only to regret staying too long. And still others have stayed and managed to make everything work out. Only you can decide what’s best for you and your situation.

If you answer the above questions honestly, you will surely make the right decision for you. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and what the job is doing to your health and self-esteem. Recognize that the longer you stay, the greater the requirement to add the job to your resume. Know that it’s always an option to stay and look for employment on the side. If you do that, it may be valuable to evaluate your job, boss, team, and culture requirements so you can develop some insightful interview questions to ask the next time around.

Talking with a trusted friend or colleague can be helpful during this challenging time. Whether you choose to stick it out and hope for the best, or leave right away and cut your losses, trust that you’ve made the right decision. And know that regardless of the outcome, the experience has presented an excellent opportunity for learning and personal growth that will be invaluable in helping you manage the rest of your career.