2007 in Review 2008 Tips

It has been a long, long year. I've learned many lessons about "people" and business relationships as opposed to personal relationships.



I started my business in '05 without a clue as to what I was actually doing. A married mom of 3 boys I wasn't really sure what it was that I wanted to do since my boys were rapidly growing and my services at home were much less needed. After being home with them all for so long it was very difficult mentally to try to make the adjustment that I would be out in the "world" all alone without my family. That just was not appealing to me in any way. Therefore, I found a few freelancing opportunities, way, way underbid on the projects, worked my butt off for many hours to complete them and successfully did, but basically making no money as the time I put in was way more than I had estimated on the original bid. Well, I have since learned after numerous mistakes.



In '05 business was ok, it was not extremely lucrative as again, I was learning the ropes, going from mom/wife to business owner. In '06 business picked up a bit, I was making some money, not a lot but it was very rewarding to me to know that I could do this on my own all by myself. Once mid '06 came around I was getting so busy I needed to hire some contractors to assist with my overflow, again this was another first for me and again, I had underbid not realizing I would need to pay contractors as well as make some money for myself. Ugh...you live and learn I guess. So again, I'm doing a ton of work for very minimal money.



As of '07 business was doing very well, I was making a pretty good profit and staying out of the red. My downfall is in the marketing area. With this all being new and marketing not being a strongpoint and not have a ton of money to spend on marketing assistance some of the projects had ended, therefore causing business to rapidly slow to the point I needed to seek an outside position to supplement the business.



I very much enjoy working with the clients I do have and I very much enjoy the work that I do for them. I have been very fortunate to have been able to obtain these clients.



My goal in this new year is to keep the current clients I have and keep them 100% satisfied, but to also grow my business to also help other mom's/dad's like myself to be able to stay at home and make a legitimate income. I know as well as most people do that a legitimate income at home is very difficult to find, but once it is located it is one of the most rewarding opportunities you will ever have.



So with my little story said, if there is anyone that has any tips on marketing or networking that is inexpensive, but that is also a good way to market and gets results I would so appreciate the assistance.