These days, I am thinking a lot about the importance of action in entrepreneurship. Immediate ACTION.
Solo entrepreneurs are particularly prone to the procrastination and avoidance bugs. And yet, the axiom still holds true that “Nothing happens until you take action.”
Often, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the finer details that do nothing for the true growth of the business (creating letterhead and business cards, handling pointless paperwork, on and on).
Why bother with all that #!&@ now? You can handle it later *after* you’re raking it in!
Let’s get started now with 3 quick-and-easy questions:
1. What Do You Have to Sell Today?
Notice that the question is NOT “What can you go out and get to sell today?” or, “What can you take 3 months to develop and then sell down the road?”
We’re starting right where you are today. Take a look around. Go through every room in your house and think “Product.” Or, take a look at your own skills and talents and think “Service.”
Consider your passions and interests. You want to have fun with this, so stick to the things you also have a passion for.
2. Who Will Buy from You Today?
OK- got that product or service ready? Let’s start thinking about customers.
First, you’ll need to be very clear about this: You have to believe that someone out there really could benefit from what you’re selling. If you see the situation that way, you’ll think of your role as more of a problem-solver than a salesperson.
Go ahead and describe your ideal customer – that person who will buy from your TODAY!
3. How Can You Meet Your Buyer Today?
With a general idea of your customer in mind, it’s time to start thinking about how to connect with these types of people.
Think in terms of channels:
- Who could you call?
- Who could you email?
- Who could you wave a sign at?
- Who could you meet?
- Who could you write a letter?
- Who could you bring to a website?
Here’s a great example of this 3-step process in action…
Before my work evolved into internet-based entrepreneurship, I worked as a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant. (I still do some similar work with niche expert marketing today.)
To become an entrepreneur-copywriter, I took these same steps:
1. I decided the best service I could sell *today* was my copywriting & marketing skills.
2. I determined that local small business owners and ad agencies would be my most likely customers.
3. I contacted as many of these types of “customers” as possible through the cheapest and fastest channel available: old-fashion cold calling.
Though my business grew in a different direction after this experience, the action I took in the beginning led to all of the results.
Well, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to become an entrepreneur today?
