To say I was dejected when my first attempt at becoming a self-sustaining business owner came to an end would be a gross understatement. Admittedly I only gave myself a little over a month to do it which realistically was not nearly enough time. If promises were pay cheques I'd still be sitting on my couch formulating marketing plans, but alas, the timing wasn't meant to be, I have bills to pay, and the word of some people isn't worth much. Well I guess it's time to give up my dreams of being my own boss and go back to working for the man...
If you believe that for even a second then you don't know me at all. Make no doubt about it - I plan on making my return to an office a very successful one, but it will last only as long as it needs to. If I know one thing it's that success doesn't come to those that don't recognize and pursue it. Take, for example, the results of a couple of meetings over the last couple of weeks. To try and help my transition into my new position I've reconnected with some old friendly contacts. After some probing questions I was able to ascertain that 1) they weren't interested in the product I'm currently promoting and 2) their needs fell into line with the type of service I provide with 88MS. If I would have given up on these clients I wouldn't be in the position I am, which I'm proud to say is with one verbal agreement and one project already in the works.
Although I do believe that timing has a lot to do with certain types of success, it is by no fluke that I have found myself in the right place to take advantage of these opportunities. It was through my persistence that I was able to maintain these relationships, recognize opportunity, and finally seize it. With a couple of successes under my belt, I now find myself with renewed confidence.
Some people categorize sales reps as pesky, annoying blood-suckers who are only out to get your money. I prefer to think of good sales people not as pests, but as persistent helpers looking out for the welfare of their clients. At the end of the day, I know that I am passionate about doing what is best for my clients. Without my persistence I wouldn't be successful and I genuinely believe that my clients wouldn't be as successful either.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Directional change
I can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last post. It's not like things haven't been happening, it's just that a lot of things have been changing that updating daily would have made it look like there isn't a plan. I definitely have to say that since the middle of November my focus has changed slightly. The ability to change direction on a dime is a great benefit but not a skill that many possess. I dove into the consulting business with both feet, but I have decided to find solid steady employment, focus on the Sched-U-All project, and have 88MS as an add-on. Hopefully it'll get to a point that I can switch to 88MS and Sched-U-All on a full-time basis, but for now I have to do what I have to do.
Now some people have asked me if this is just the first step in me abandoning the whole "Empire" dream. I can understand why they ask because when faced with adversity, the natural inclination for most people is to run to what's comfortable (in this case, being employed). If this last year and a half has taught me anything, the plan for working for any employer is not a long-term venture. Loyalty does not exist any more (some would argue that in sales it never existed in the first place). In my situation, working for someone else is a mean to get to where I want to be without ignoring my current responsibilities. Although I plan on putting my complete effort into this new opportunity, my long-term goal is not to work for anyone else ever again. There is no doubting this.
So what's the point to this post you may be asking. Well quite simply, when your given situation changes, you need to recognize and adapt asap. Never lose sight of your end goal, but don't be afraid to change your path. My old manager Chad Carbno used to always say "There are many ways to climb a mountain." and in my experience, truer words have never been spoken. Sometimes the greatest discoveries are found on detours. So my advice is enjoy the ride, roll with the punches, and remember where you're going.
Now some people have asked me if this is just the first step in me abandoning the whole "Empire" dream. I can understand why they ask because when faced with adversity, the natural inclination for most people is to run to what's comfortable (in this case, being employed). If this last year and a half has taught me anything, the plan for working for any employer is not a long-term venture. Loyalty does not exist any more (some would argue that in sales it never existed in the first place). In my situation, working for someone else is a mean to get to where I want to be without ignoring my current responsibilities. Although I plan on putting my complete effort into this new opportunity, my long-term goal is not to work for anyone else ever again. There is no doubting this.
So what's the point to this post you may be asking. Well quite simply, when your given situation changes, you need to recognize and adapt asap. Never lose sight of your end goal, but don't be afraid to change your path. My old manager Chad Carbno used to always say "There are many ways to climb a mountain." and in my experience, truer words have never been spoken. Sometimes the greatest discoveries are found on detours. So my advice is enjoy the ride, roll with the punches, and remember where you're going.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Creation
Being a father of 3, one might say that I have a good handle on how to create. Artistically, however, my 7 year old can draw better than me. I'm not artistic. I had to accept this at a young age. But not being artistic isn't the same thing as not being creative. Creativity comes in many forms and luckily for me I have been gifted with a creative imagination.
I've always had ideas in my mind. Most of them I thought were too pie-in-the-sky to make reality. Whether it was how to make more money or how to make the world a better place, I always thought that these "ideas" were out of my reach. As people, we convince ourselves that we can't do something, sometimes even before we try. We always imagine things are harder to do than they are. I mean sure, some things are difficult. But in all honesty, the only thing stopping us is ourselves and the amount of effort we're willing to put in.
My "eureka" moment came recently when I discovered how easy it was to create a webpage. I always thought that it took a borderline genius with a strong understanding of how the entire internet worked in order to make a webpage. Now by know means do I kid myself that the site I built is something fantastic (check it out yourself at www.88marketingstyles.ca). It has a cool look to it but overall it's pretty basic. The thing is, I created it. Great or small, it's mine. As I constantly learn more, I'm sure the depth of my web-page creating ability is only going to grow. The thing is, I never thought I could do it but I tried.
So you may be asking "what is the point to this?". Great question - I'm glad you asked. The point is that having the ability to create is not necessarily something that comes natural to everyone. But having the ability to learn how to create does. 30 days ago I was employed in the daily deal industry. My dreams of creating a empire didn't exist. Since then, I've learned how to start my own business, recognize and engage the market for my business, write a blog based on my experiences, register domains and seek out qualified web hosts, create a webpage, and create marketing campaigns. All I did was suck up my fears and dedicate myself to the creation. It IS that easy. Now all you have to do is convince yourself you CAN do something. If you don't think you can, then just try. You might be surprised.
I've always had ideas in my mind. Most of them I thought were too pie-in-the-sky to make reality. Whether it was how to make more money or how to make the world a better place, I always thought that these "ideas" were out of my reach. As people, we convince ourselves that we can't do something, sometimes even before we try. We always imagine things are harder to do than they are. I mean sure, some things are difficult. But in all honesty, the only thing stopping us is ourselves and the amount of effort we're willing to put in.
My "eureka" moment came recently when I discovered how easy it was to create a webpage. I always thought that it took a borderline genius with a strong understanding of how the entire internet worked in order to make a webpage. Now by know means do I kid myself that the site I built is something fantastic (check it out yourself at www.88marketingstyles.ca). It has a cool look to it but overall it's pretty basic. The thing is, I created it. Great or small, it's mine. As I constantly learn more, I'm sure the depth of my web-page creating ability is only going to grow. The thing is, I never thought I could do it but I tried.
So you may be asking "what is the point to this?". Great question - I'm glad you asked. The point is that having the ability to create is not necessarily something that comes natural to everyone. But having the ability to learn how to create does. 30 days ago I was employed in the daily deal industry. My dreams of creating a empire didn't exist. Since then, I've learned how to start my own business, recognize and engage the market for my business, write a blog based on my experiences, register domains and seek out qualified web hosts, create a webpage, and create marketing campaigns. All I did was suck up my fears and dedicate myself to the creation. It IS that easy. Now all you have to do is convince yourself you CAN do something. If you don't think you can, then just try. You might be surprised.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Rebranding
One of the first lessons I teach businesses when I speak with them is that they need to create their brand. Consistency of a company's brand is paramount in Social Media (unless your strategy is to hit them with many images on all sides). Now I should mention that in most of these cases, the companies I speak with are established with years of service behind them. For newer companies still trying to find their brand, I recommend that they not become married to an idea of who they are. The reason for this is that most new companies don't even know who they are yet.
In my travels, I have heard hilarious stories on how companies have come about their name or logo's. Many times there is no real thought process. When companies brand, they need to ask themselves one big question - what is your long-term goal. Based on that answer, you need to brand accordingly. Take Sustain-A-Deals for example. The name was created out of my frustration with the daily deal industry. My biggest complaint is that in it's current state, the daily deal industry is not sustainable for either the companies running features or the businesses themselves. The naming of SAD spawned from that and conversations I had on the subject. Now is it a horrible name? Not necessarily. It draws on meaning and my intention for the industry. But is is brandable? That in itself is it's weakness in my opinion.
When you have a weakness in your brand and recognize it, you need to act swift on changing it - especially when you plan on becoming a public brand. With that being said, a new name has been recommended that I think fits perfectly. From now on, Sustain-A-Deals will now be known as The Real Deal. By doing this now, it gives the ability to properly brand and not creating confusion further down the road. I mean besides a couple of friends and family, no one knows who SAD was anyways. With a go-live date of early 2012, I think we can create a brand that people and businesses alike can get behind.
In a nutshell, by establishing a brand that will resonate with your market, even if it means rebranding, you will give your business a better chance at being recognized and remembered. At the end of the day, those are 2 values that will help bring your business success.
In my travels, I have heard hilarious stories on how companies have come about their name or logo's. Many times there is no real thought process. When companies brand, they need to ask themselves one big question - what is your long-term goal. Based on that answer, you need to brand accordingly. Take Sustain-A-Deals for example. The name was created out of my frustration with the daily deal industry. My biggest complaint is that in it's current state, the daily deal industry is not sustainable for either the companies running features or the businesses themselves. The naming of SAD spawned from that and conversations I had on the subject. Now is it a horrible name? Not necessarily. It draws on meaning and my intention for the industry. But is is brandable? That in itself is it's weakness in my opinion.
When you have a weakness in your brand and recognize it, you need to act swift on changing it - especially when you plan on becoming a public brand. With that being said, a new name has been recommended that I think fits perfectly. From now on, Sustain-A-Deals will now be known as The Real Deal. By doing this now, it gives the ability to properly brand and not creating confusion further down the road. I mean besides a couple of friends and family, no one knows who SAD was anyways. With a go-live date of early 2012, I think we can create a brand that people and businesses alike can get behind.
In a nutshell, by establishing a brand that will resonate with your market, even if it means rebranding, you will give your business a better chance at being recognized and remembered. At the end of the day, those are 2 values that will help bring your business success.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Things are rolling
I was given two pieces of advice this weekend - 1) stop titling my posts as "days" and 2) start actually writing rather than just a simple Cliff's Notes version. Both pieces of advice were right so from here on I'm going to aim to make this an actual blog. Thanx for the tips ;)
With things going as slow as they appear to be (at least to outsiders), I've been asked if I have any regrets jumping in with both feet. In a word, no. First off, things are absolutely flying. Not only am I on the verge of signing my first contract for 88MS, but after my meeting with Kyle and Jordan on Sunday, it's absolutely exhilarating at what's happening with our group venture. With as many as ideas we have flowing, the thought process to incorporate now under one banner is definitely looking like the best option. This may be the first big mistake or the first great move. That's part of the excitement of this - sure thousands of others have been down this road but there's no real right or wrong way to climb this mountain. In a nutshell, even if it's the wrong move then fine. We'll recognize it and re-strategize. The goal here is to live the next couple of year's like most people wouldn't so we can live the rest of our lives like most people can't.
I guess the first lesson I've learned from this venture is that one must constantly evolve in order to stay ahead of the curve. In my mind at least, I always saw this as a partnership between Kyle and myself. We're both smart, capable guys not afraid of hard work and both with the desire to succeed. Great equation if you ask me. But when I go back to the "smart" part, we also recognize where our weaknesses are. That makes it a necessity to bring on people with skillsets him and I simply don't have. We are very fortunate to have friends, family, and associates who will compliment our ambition and drive to succeed.
That's all for today. Another piece of advice I was given was that I may not need to write every day and I may or may not take that advice. I guess we'll see lol.
Cheers!
With things going as slow as they appear to be (at least to outsiders), I've been asked if I have any regrets jumping in with both feet. In a word, no. First off, things are absolutely flying. Not only am I on the verge of signing my first contract for 88MS, but after my meeting with Kyle and Jordan on Sunday, it's absolutely exhilarating at what's happening with our group venture. With as many as ideas we have flowing, the thought process to incorporate now under one banner is definitely looking like the best option. This may be the first big mistake or the first great move. That's part of the excitement of this - sure thousands of others have been down this road but there's no real right or wrong way to climb this mountain. In a nutshell, even if it's the wrong move then fine. We'll recognize it and re-strategize. The goal here is to live the next couple of year's like most people wouldn't so we can live the rest of our lives like most people can't.
I guess the first lesson I've learned from this venture is that one must constantly evolve in order to stay ahead of the curve. In my mind at least, I always saw this as a partnership between Kyle and myself. We're both smart, capable guys not afraid of hard work and both with the desire to succeed. Great equation if you ask me. But when I go back to the "smart" part, we also recognize where our weaknesses are. That makes it a necessity to bring on people with skillsets him and I simply don't have. We are very fortunate to have friends, family, and associates who will compliment our ambition and drive to succeed.
That's all for today. Another piece of advice I was given was that I may not need to write every day and I may or may not take that advice. I guess we'll see lol.
Cheers!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 13
Unlucky #13. The funny thing is today may in fact turn into a lucky day. Have my final interview with WJ. Although I don't really want the job, it will provide me with a steady income over the next 3 months which will help me build both 88MS and SAD (not too mention help fund the projects Kyle and I have on the go). It's just going to depend on whether or not WJ will allow me to work from home. I'm not the ideal candidate for them considering I kind of want to dictate my terms. I haven't worked in an office environment for nearly 5 years and do not like that prospect at all. Plus, if they make me sign a non-compete clause it may effectively put SAD on the shelve. I'm just waiting on word from Mia regarding the 88 MS contract. Hoping that she gets back to me today but knowing her I'm not expecting a call until Monday lol.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 12
Today will just be a follow-up day. Hopefully I'll get confirmation of my first 88MS contract. I have a phone call with WJ tomorrow which will make things very interesting over the next 3 months.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 11
Yesterday was a big day. The meeting I had was a great one and should turn into 88MS first contract. Today's goal is to put together the proposal and go from there. On the SAD front, this project may not be on the backburner after all. I still haven't responded to WJ's employment offer and may very well have the interest I'm looking for. I've been conversing with a company based out of the Ukraine about creating and hosting the site and finally got back some answers I was looking for. It may not be as easy as I was once hoping, but far from difficult. I must really say "I love when a plan comes togther." lol
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 10
Today could be a big day. Have a meeting with potentially my first contract. Other than that, it's been a little slow. Depending on how today goes I may be picking up the pace a bit.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Day 9
Start of week 3. I have a big meeting Tuesday which could be my first contract for 88MS. Website should be done this week. It may be a big week for SAD as I find out if I go ahead with it or shelve it.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Day 8
It's looking more and more like SAD is going to be delayed. Have a job offer coming down the pipe from an old competitor. Just waiting for the final part of their interview process. I may not even go in that direction though. One of my old clients has invited me to lunch on Tuesday to talk about an opportunity. I'm actually a little more excited with that one cause it may be ran through 88MS and be my first big contract. Not bad for a company with no web page or business cards yet lol.
Speaking of which, finished out the lay-out of the web page. I just need to clear the financing of it and it should be up and operational soon. Pretty basic lay-out but man was it fun putting some of my ideas down somewhere that people will be able to read them. Very exciting times.
Speaking of which, finished out the lay-out of the web page. I just need to clear the financing of it and it should be up and operational soon. Pretty basic lay-out but man was it fun putting some of my ideas down somewhere that people will be able to read them. Very exciting times.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 7
Yesterday was a good one. Met with an old volleyball friend of mine. Spent some time teaching her how social media can help perk up her business. It was great cause I was doing what I actually want to. Had a phone conversation with an old competitor that may put SAD on the back-burner. It's really going to depend on what package they end up offering. He mentioned working out of an office, and as stupid as it sounds, that may be a dealbreaker. Working on the final lay-out of the web page for 88MS. Slight chance it might be up and running by next week. Today I plan on tying up some loose ends. It'll be nice once everything is up and running and I'm being productive (financially anyways).
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Day 6
Yesterday was a pretty blah day. Set up a couple of appointments but otherwise nothing major. Not every day is going to be gold.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Day 5
Big day yesterday. Logo's complete and domains are registered. SAD may be on hold for a bit as a potential job offer has come in from a competitor. I'll know more about that tomorrow. It's gonna take a pretty damn good offer to convince me to jump on. As for 88MS, I have a couple of potentials already in the wings. Web design and hosting is next. Found a decent site for both that'll cost under $300. Not bad to start.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 4: Week 2
I'm only going to be blogging on weekdays unless something massive happens on the weekend. This is going to be a potentially huge week. Branding is nearly complete. Logo's are 95% ready which means business cards may be ordered this week. One big decision was made regarding launch. Rather than launch both at the same time, I plan on getting 88MS up and running first and put the time into SAD. I want to make sure I research my hosting options as well as template build. I'll be completing my social media builds for both companies as well as the build for one of my friend's social media presence for her company. Also decided that it wouldn't be a bad idea to find part-time work so I have cash coming in.
As for super secret stuff, Kyle and I got together on the weekend to brainstorm. Had a couple of ideas pop up that could that may be big moneymakers. It would take an investment in tech development but we both think it could be well worth it.
As for super secret stuff, Kyle and I got together on the weekend to brainstorm. Had a couple of ideas pop up that could that may be big moneymakers. It would take an investment in tech development but we both think it could be well worth it.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Day 3
Yesterday was a productive one. Got 90% of the financial set-up completed. The logo for SAD is nearly complete. I really like the look to it and the branding potential is huge. The tough one will be 88MS. So many ideas kicking through my head. Just a matter of sitting down with them. The ideal goal is to have branding for both companies ready for Monday. I have a crazy strategic idea for 88MS but I want to kick it around to a couple of people. Either way I'm pleasantly surprised with how well everything is coming together.
The big challenge will be website design. I'm not worried about SAD cause the template comes with hosting and design options. 88MS however will be my baby through and through. Some bigtime brainstorming this weekend methinks.
The big challenge will be website design. I'm not worried about SAD cause the template comes with hosting and design options. 88MS however will be my baby through and through. Some bigtime brainstorming this weekend methinks.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Day 2
So day 1 is in the bag. Officially registered both companies. Their names respectively are "88 Marketing Styles" and "Sustain-A-Deal". Worked a little on branding and set up their Facebook pages. Got a surprise call from an old friend who gave me some great advice and may even help with logo and branding. Totally not expected but completely appreciated. Also an offer for help on the accounting side of things. Definitely something I'll need down the road. As for the Facebook pages, if everything goes according to plan, launch day should be Monday.
Today will be setting up the financial side. Company bank accounts as well as e-com set-up. Narrowed down the choices for web host. Theoretically I could be ready by tomorrow but why rush it. I still have to go over the template for SAD which is a kind of important thing lol. I'm not sure if it's a good sign or not but I have yet to hear even one negative comment. I was always told that people would call me crazy or stupid for taking a risk like this but so far EVERYONE has been super supportive and told me it's what I should do. Maybe the fact I'm a little crazy makes this idea not seem so crazy lol.
Today will be setting up the financial side. Company bank accounts as well as e-com set-up. Narrowed down the choices for web host. Theoretically I could be ready by tomorrow but why rush it. I still have to go over the template for SAD which is a kind of important thing lol. I'm not sure if it's a good sign or not but I have yet to hear even one negative comment. I was always told that people would call me crazy or stupid for taking a risk like this but so far EVERYONE has been super supportive and told me it's what I should do. Maybe the fact I'm a little crazy makes this idea not seem so crazy lol.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Day 1 - The Beginning
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. How overly dramatic lol. I don't think I need to recap what got me to this point. What's important is the future and whatever happens from here on. Today is officially day 1. Jumping in with both feet and I'm ready to pour my heart and soul into this. I'd say wish me luck, but luck is for losers.
Today's goals are to register my two businesses with the province of Alberta and set up my online content. The primary business will be "88 Marketing Styles" focusing on helping businesses set up a basic online presence through social media. The secondary business will be "Sustain-A-Deals" - a new take on the highly popular daily deal industry. I figured if I started with 2 intellectual properties I can cross-promote as well as not worry about overhead like inventory and such. Being a one-man show for both may be time consuming, but I'll have complete control and the ability to switch gears as needed. If I can get the daily deal portion up and running within 30 days, an expansion into Winnipeg would not be out of the question. Otherwise sticking within Alberta will be my primary goal.
Once Kyle gets through his education, the plan is to bring him on as a 50/50 partner for the big picture goals (provided Barrett and Angie aren't already partnered in). Well time to start this bad boy. I'll update later with news on how today went.
Cheers!
Today's goals are to register my two businesses with the province of Alberta and set up my online content. The primary business will be "88 Marketing Styles" focusing on helping businesses set up a basic online presence through social media. The secondary business will be "Sustain-A-Deals" - a new take on the highly popular daily deal industry. I figured if I started with 2 intellectual properties I can cross-promote as well as not worry about overhead like inventory and such. Being a one-man show for both may be time consuming, but I'll have complete control and the ability to switch gears as needed. If I can get the daily deal portion up and running within 30 days, an expansion into Winnipeg would not be out of the question. Otherwise sticking within Alberta will be my primary goal.
Once Kyle gets through his education, the plan is to bring him on as a 50/50 partner for the big picture goals (provided Barrett and Angie aren't already partnered in). Well time to start this bad boy. I'll update later with news on how today went.
Cheers!
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