I'm Getting Closer!
What a busy couple of months it has been, but nonetheless exciting! I wanted to update you on my progress so far...
Unit 4 Lessons almost completed...left to do now is to watch the instructional DVD, complete the accompanying exercises and design project. Perhaps I won't be able to make my deadline of 1/28, but that doesn't mean that I won't try my hardest. Then onto to Unit 5 (6 Units in total and I'm almost there!)
So on to the status of my TO DO list as of today.....
-Register my Biz Name
-Finish my business plan...decided not to do one, since I'm not going to ask for financing, just made a simple production schedule with a list of details that need to handled and by when-Meet with an attorney for advice on possible trademarking issues -Order biz cards-Update my homeowner's insurance policy to cover my home business-Open a biz bank account-Set up a biz phone line or perhaps an answering service (I found an affordable vendor, Freedom Voice whose forwarding service also includes a fax line all for $9.95 mon) (Will get to soon...a must for business cards purposes)-Continue to source web design services (perhaps I can find a student or intern who can take on building my website??; I don't like any of the free templates out there-quality reflects professionalism) Finally created with Go Daddy; www.julieshomedesigns.com--only two lines up, but it's a start, especially if I want to cross off the business cards item off of this list! :-)-Purchase a Design and Accounting Software (until I can afford to purchase software, I'm playing around with Google's Sketch Up for some practice---it's FREE so why not? and me loves FREE!)-Finalize pricing of services (almost done)-Finalize a mission statement (almost done)-Brainstorm logo ideas Logo Finalized!
-Continue to work on a list of store resources (furniture, home accessories, rugs, etc)
-Marketing (I'm also thinking about registering for a marketing course at FIT...info session scheduled for 1/25/12 They'll help me with drafting a marketing plan, which is really time consuming. So I've decided to reach out for some help. Although it is a night course, it's worth the inconvenience.)
-PO Box Rental (Priced at $76/yr)
Getting the itch to open up your own business? Here are some fabulous resources that I've used:
The Boss of You www.thebossofyou.com
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho paulocoelho.com/br/ (inspiring story on following your dreams...a great motivator) A great friend introduced me to his work and now I can't get enough!
The 10 Laws of Career Reinvention: Essential Survival Skills for Any Economy by Pamela Mitchell----great read! She'll help you find your way when you need a career change
Loving this time in my life right now, although my financial future is a bit unstable right now, I have an immense feeling that it won't last for very long!
Follow Your Passion and Find Inner Peace!!!