Be your own boss
It is one of the best feelings to be able to lead your own company. Make decisions, create new ideas, implement them and see it grow. What a wonderful feeling that is.
Let's talk about running a brick and mortar retail business. Before the internet that was all we knew and had to work with.
Some simple steps that we had to take to get this up and running. Meet with the building owner, organize a lease or contract with the building owner, get the builders in to redo the deco to suite our business model, meet up with all the suppliers and buy bulk loads of product to start displaying on the floor and wall, Print some flyers and start distributing them for awareness. Once all of these were done then we waited for the customers to walk in so that we could make our first dollar.
Now these were great when the competition level was so low, rents were cheap, customers did not have too many options and you were the boss of your own business, but now, running a brick and mortar retail business, you are signing your life away to becoming a slave to the landlord, your customers, the bank and more then anything to time.
In the beginning it is all the hype that makes you feel great, but very quickly you get to realize that you are no longer a boss but a slave. You make less money than when you were employed. You do not have any time for yourself or your family. You have started begging your customers to appreciate your hard work. If your business is not doing well despite all your hard work, you still can not get out of your contract with the landlord. Now you can not sleep, your family is falling apart, the bank is on your back, your staff if you had any is not supporting any more. From what started as a dream to becoming your own boss is falling apart so quick and fast.
Now let's move on to doing the same on the internet.
Register on a site that allows you to sell online. (Do not sign up on a subscription based site). Register on a commission based site. In this way there is no cost attached and you only pay as you sell. You do not have to get builders to redo the area for you as the site provider will give you all the tools to get this up and running in no time. Talk to a few suppliers and buy in only a small stock level to start. Spend 30 minutes each day to market using all the social network sites which are also free and start selling. You are now your own boss, not tied up with anything but just enjoying your dream business.
Selling online is the best way to go as this gives you the flexibility and freedom to succeed and allows you to be in control.