Blocked In? Break Out Now

How Remy got there is beyond me. But there the darned cat was, all cooped up and looking for a way out. And it struck me at once that I felt the same - boxed in and struggling to break out. What was holding me in? Fear of change, of adapting to a new way of thinking and acting, and, most of all, fear of breaking out of my comfort zone. All those great things we learned from our parents, siblings and peers can also work against us, by creating a comfort zone from which we can't break away. We're conditioned to be afraid of anything new and different and only adapt when the world arena forces us to make adjustments.

When I first started my consulting business and, more recently, my two home-based businesses in consumer services, I found that they not only required a change in my approach, but also a change in action. I've had to learn different business practices and new marketing approaches. I've basically had to change the way I think, recognize my weaknesses and fears, and work to overcome them.

It doesn't happen overnight. But you can get out of the box. Identify what you're afraid of. Then work out what you have to do to overcome your fears. And, basically, the only way is to work right through them. If your afraid of the phone, you have to get on the phone - a lot, until it becomes natural to you. If the computer looks like a time bomb to you, then get on it and keep exploring sites and applications until you feel comfortable hitting that on button. If you're afraid of people, get out and join groups that interest you.

When I was a kid in New York City, I lived near an area to which a lot of Puerto Ricans had moved. I was always told not to walk alone in those neighborhoods, to be extremely cautious if I saw large groups of them walking toward me and basically to be careful at all times. My family believed in "all men are created equal." They were simply trying to protect me from what really was a rowdy and sometimes quite dangerous neighborhood to a young girl.

What I discovered as I grew older was that I had become prejudiced against Puerto Ricans. They were 'dangerous' people, people to be avoided. I had to change that - it simply didn't fit with the ethics and concepts my parents had also taught me. But how to change it? Sitting in my room and saying 'I am NOT prejudiced' wasn't doing anything. So I volunteered to teach English as a Second Language at a local church. Amazing! My Puerto Rican students were just people

Afraid to Change?

Unlike little Martin, who worries everything to death, flees from all strangers and reacts to anything new with extreme caution, your new business, home-based or otherwise, requires you to adapt and move out of your comfort zone. Taking the reins and getting started means that you have to explore the possibilities, and be thoughtful, creative, organized, disciplined and tenacious.

Most important: Don't quit on yourself. You can get it done!

Snooze - Ya Lose

Remy and his best bud Martin (yes, they were named for our favorite after-dinner drink) love to relax. But your business won't go too far if you nap too much.

I managed a department in the financial services industry and had a management trainee going through a 3-month stint. Assigned him a project, gave directions,and offered constant guidance and help - then watched him snooze away his time. When his report was due, he submitted one of the worst drafts I've ever seen. My criticism was biting and to the point. Sent him on his way and never thought much more about him.

To my shock, 6 months later, he was at my office door to thank me. He'd quit and gone into another line of work. His comment went something like this: 'You made me realize that I wasn't happy with what I was doing. So I quit and started my own business in the consumer services area. It's slow going, but I really am loving it and I think it will grow'.

You need to enjoy your home-based business, the company you work with and its products/services. If you do, you won't be beaten. But it takes work to be a successful entrepreneur.

It's Time to Dig In and Get Your Home-Based Business Moving

Remy's a great role model - relentless pursuit of everything. Now it's time to get moving. I wanted companies that 1) had a sound business structure and good market position; 2) were ethical and offered quality consumer services/products that people really needed or wanted; 3) required no large investment; 4) required no product distribution/delivery and, thus, no inventory; 5) didn't ask me to pressure prospects or bill customers. And I wanted to set my own hours working from home, without interfering with my other work.

It took a few months research. But I finally came across not one, but two companies that fit my requirements. So I'm ready to roll with a strong Plan B.

Effort and Enthusiasm Will Help Your Home-Based Business Flourish

The lilies outside our door didn't emerge overnight. They were just two small bulbs a year ago; they needed weeding, water and fertilizer to help them along. Your home- based business, and indeed any business, needs the same kind of effort and dedication to flourish. But it won't happen overnight. So once you've decided what to do, make sure you have the resolve to keep going. Never quit on yourself and you too will flourish.

Home-Based Business - Exploring the Possibilities

My friend Remy explores everything. And so should you. When it comes to developing a home-based business, there are a couple of fundamentals. Start with your list of ‘whys.’ Consider what you want to do. Will you really enjoy and be committed to the business you select? Research your options.

The first key is integrity. There’s a lot of stuff advertised in the home-based business world. You need to find ethical people and companies with whom to work. If you’re being asked to invest, know what you are getting into. Examine the offer. Is the opportunity offering a service or product that people need or want to have? Who’s running the company? Is it sound? Are the executives open and professional? Is there training? What kind of support is available to help you get underway? Most important, is this a person or company with whom you want to be affiliated?

Encouraging Your Business to Get On Track

Working up your businesss plan the right way can get you on track and ready to go. And, remember, a quality plan is critical to obtaining bank funding. Questions you need to examine include: 1) Is you idea viable? 2) What's the potential demand for your service/product? 3) Who are your competitors? 4) Who is your accountant and/or legal advisor? 5) Are there zoning, insurance or other issues?

The questions differ when developing a home-based business, but the principles are the same - determine your why, research the opportunity, plan your approach and develop your marketing lists. Then get started and refine your approach as you go.

Don't try to do everything at once. Remember that you started life crawling, graduated to a walk, and finally leapfrogged to a run. Plan your business the same way!

Need professional help with your plan? Contact Banhem Associates at www,banhem.com