I thought I was going to retire about 2 months ago. Guess what? I didn’t.
It’s not entirely due to the recession. In fact, I’m liking my job better these days which helps a lot. But, I’m also spending nearly all of my “off hours” working on building a business of my own.
Let’s face it, I don’t want to stay at this job more than another 3 years, max.
Building a business isn’t for the faint-hearted. The biggest lesson learned over the past couple of years is that I have to have a plan and I have to have focus. What does that mean?
My plan is taking shape in a couple of excel spreadsheets right now. I’ve also create an LLC and I’ve gotten a business license. In addition I’ve got a business bank account and VISA card. I’ve even got my own UPS account. Doing this has made it very real for me. On paper I am in business. Come tax time I’ll be reminded of this – but by that time I fully expect to have at least something to report.
My focus? That’s another story. Internet marketing can lead one down a million rabbit holes to nowhere. Without focus my business will get nowhere. I’m getting better at following my plan and not getting caught up in the latest and greatest training that’s offered. In fact, I’m currently getting untangled from something I wish I hadn’t signed on for, but that’s how it goes. It’s making me tougher and helping me to understand that I need to do my homework before signing up.
Of course I am picking and choosing the tools of the trade and I’m finding some really good ones. If there’s any interest in the tools and resources I am choosing, please comment and let me know. I’d be glad to share them.
I’ll most likely write another post in the fairly near future listing what I am using. Believe me, when I don’t like a tool I ask for my money back (there’s one in particular that I was turned onto that turned out to be very problematic – and while I finally got my money back it was a big hassle – make sure there is a trial/money back period… ). The ones I’m using now, I’m very happy with and I find them to be extremely useful. Especially because I’m still working and need all the help I can get if I ever want any time off at all!
Thanks for reading this and please comment with your own experiences. I’d love to hear from you.
