Failing Isn't
Not Succeeding:
Not Trying Is!

Anybody who runs a prosperous business will testify that the road to success is littered with obstacles. There are no (contrary to hundreds of ads in my email box daily) get-rich overnight or make thousands each week from your couch opportunities.

Success is reached with time, patience and a lot of sweat equity. Being an editor of an ezine that publishes telecommuting and home business opportunities, I receive dozens of letters each week. The majority want to be able to stay home with their families and still earn a comfortable income. I always reply with a list of questions and a checklist to see how ready they are to be their own bosses.

A sampling of my checklist includes:

• Do you have time needed to start a business?
  
  
• Are the start up costs within your budget?
  
  
• Are you knowledgeable about your product or service?
  
  
• What are your goals?
  
  

And one of my last question is: Are you prepared to *sell* your product or service?

I promise you that I can almost hear those on the receiving end saying, "Oh, I have to talk to people? You mean I can't just do nothing and earn a nice income?"

In order to build a business , it is possible to conduct a portion of it communicating via email and faxes but let's face it... you need to speak with potential clients and customers. Whether face-to-face or by means of the telephone. The public is not going to feel comfortable doing business with a nameless entity. They want their questions and concerns answered by a living, breathing being. This is the key to success: the human element.

If the thought sends chills down your spine, practice with a script in front of a mirror, into a tape recorder or try a sales pitch on friends and family until you become more comfortable and feel confident enough to approach potential clients. It does get easier. Before long, you'll be selling your way to success!!

Barb Niehaus, webmaster and ezine publisher, is committed to helping others find their "perfect balance between work and family". To receive WAH jobs at no cost every day, send a blank email to momsworkingathome-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Visit Moms@Home Working for more inspiration and telecommuting resources.
Copyright ©2001, Barb Niehaus, All Rights Reserved

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