Take a deep breath and count till three…...

The obstacles along the way

Starting a project and never completing it. It happens to a lot of us a lot of times. Why is that though? Why do we give up so easily.

Along the way we probably realise that is was not the best idea to start of with and there too many obstacles that make things difficult to understand and execute.

If what I am talking about here is trying to build a piece of furniture for example, then we are not going to linger too long about and and quickly move on.

But what if what I’m talking about is a business. A business that you with all your fantastic and wild idea’s started and gave pretty much everything up for it as well, because you believed that you re-invented the wheel.

Are we going to give up at the second hurdle or are we going to find a way around, under or over it. 

I personally have a passion for what I do and I learned, since the company that I own today is not the first that own, that one has to be patient. And if wait a while and take a step back, that obstacle seems to disappear. 

That brings me actually to my first point. “Patience"…. When you start a business, you can not expect to have clients crashing your inbox with requests. They have to be first aware that you exist. That there is a new company on the market.

However long it takes, make sure that when you get that first customer, that you are ready. You can not deliver half work because your for example the computer systems where not in place or you are not too familiar with that new product yet.

So the patience follows with “Impeccable" quality, whether you deliver a service or you sell goods. Returning customers are the ones that keep us afloat. Under performance or bad quality produce will give you nothing but loosing your dream. A dream you’ve worked hard for to realise.

And working hard we have to do, always. Running your own business, how small it may be, is a 24/7 job. No more weekends, because you are always doing something that has got to do with the job.

Not that that’s a bad thing, cause you’ve got the passion for it, you got the will and  you are doing  something you really love doing.

What kind of hurdles and obstacles did you have to overcome?

Davy

Refreshing your mind: DDVmanagement

In today's difficult economy where every customer counts, it is crucial to deliver an outstanding service. "Time is money" - Benjamin Franklin

Owning and running a small business can be extremely expensive. However, you can save a great deal of money by outsourcing  time consuming project and administrative tasks. Just imagine how much time you would have to concentrate on your core business if you didn't have to do all that paperwork, make those phone calls or even schedule appointments with prospective clients. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are increasingly outsourcing ancillary but necessary work.  Tasks are being professionally completed No need to employ expensive office support Only do what you love doing most Outsourcing your administration and/or project work to DDVmanagement will enable you to do what is really important to you and your company. We are a service provider who assists in a client's business operation through our motivated "Virtual Consultants and Specialists" We provide necessary support without adding to your payroll. We work form our own offices so there is none of the hidden costs associated with additional headcount such as taking space and equipment use. We connect with our clients through the Internet, telephone or any other means that enables us to get work done "Virtually". Best regards,  Davy Davies-Vaneetvelde Managing Director How can we help? Project support All-round administration Accounts Appointment scheduling Tele / Direct marketing Cold calling Snail mail Email campaigns Database creation Database upkeep And so much more Find out what our solution could mean for your business by requesting a FREE consultation Click here to receive our informative Newsletter

Do you have what it takes?

I came accross this article and I thought it was worth sharing.

Have you got what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur?
Courtesy of Standard Bank BizConnect

Learn what qualities entrepreneurs have in common and whether you also have what it takes to succeed. 

Entrepreneurs occupy a central position in our market economy. They serve as the spark plug in our economy's engine, activating and stimulating all economic activity.

The most dynamic societies in the world are the ones that have the most entrepreneurs, plus the economic and legal structure to encourage and motivate entrepreneurs to greater activities.

Just what makes you such an integral part of a prosperous economy? It's entrepreneurial energy, creativity and motivation that trigger the production and sale of new products and services.

It's the entrepreneur who seeks opportunities to profit by satisfying as yet unsatisfied needs. It's the entrepreneur who seeks disequilibrium - a gap between the wants and needs of the customers and the products and services that are currently available, and finds a way to fill that gap.

Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

You do if you fit the following description: Entrepreneurs are optimistic and future oriented; they believe that success is possible and are willing to risk their resources in the pursuit of profit.

They are fast-moving and flexible, willing to change quickly when they get new information. Entrepreneurs are persistent and determined to succeed, because their own money and ego are at risk.

Entrepreneurial skills

Entrepreneurs are skilled at selling against their competitors by creating perceptions of difference and uniqueness in their products and services. They continually seek ways to offer their products and services so they're more attractive than anything else available.

Entrepreneurs are capable of dealing effectively with the legal and governmental requirements of business.
They're creative and determined in satisfying regulations and acquiring the licenses necessary to do business. They are excellent problem solvers and are continually seeking solutions to the obstacles that inevitably arise.

Entrepreneurs are capable of setting up the internal business systems, processes, procedures and bookkeeping necessary for operating a successful business.

They have a natural instinct for the financial condition of their businesses. And they're intensely focused on sales, cash flow and revenue at all times.

Because entrepreneurs create wealth, jobs, opportunities and prosperity in the nation, they are the most important people in a market economy, and there are never enough of them. Are you ready to join their forces?

Get to work on these action exercises that will help you launch your business:

*What opportunities exist today for you to create or bring new products or services to the market that people   want, need and are willing to pay for? 

*What are your three best opportunities?

*Where are the best opportunities for you to profit by bringing together people, money and other factors to create products and services that people want?

*Use your creativity, rather than your money, to find new, better, cheaper ways to sell your products or services or to reduce your costs of operation.

*Tell yourself continually that "failure is not an option". Be willing to move out of your comfort zone and take risks if necessary to start and build your business.

Some quotes to start the day

• Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all  

- Dale Carnegie

• There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure 

- Colin Powell

• Business is never so healthy as when, like a chicken, it must do a certain amount of scratching around for what it gets 

- Henry Ford

• All lasting business is built on friendship 

- Alfred A. Montapert

• The customer pays your salary, treat them as such 

- Davy Davies-Vaneetvelde

• There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else 

- Sam Walton