My background in business begins with a typical ‘brick and mortar’ service business. After 14 years working for others in the carpet cleaning industry, my wife and I started our own company in 1996, borrowing $20,000 to get the equipment needed. But the one thing I knew I needed more than anything else was a $1000 marketing course from a fellow who teaches carpet cleaners how to market. That, by the way, should be an on-going education for all of us.
Too many new (and experienced) business owners fail in this regard. Shelling out tens of thousands to get the equipment, store, supplies, etc., then giving only an afterthought to image advertising the ad man sold them that does nothing to set them apart, not realizing that customers do not automatically “come if you build it.”
Marketing is everything. Within two years we were grossing $150,000 per year with one truck when most single truck operators were thrilled with $100,000, thanks to our marketing ‘gurus.’ Not long after that we were grossing $200,000, then we sold the business. Even before I sold, I started network marketing online in 2004. I bought into two different ‘businesses’ and lost money in both. At this point, I should have realized that the same action is not going to get different results. That is, said Albert Einstein, one definition of insanity. But I bought a third, very similar program. And bought their co-op advertising. And made nothing. (except a tax right-off) But aren’t people making a killing in these programs? Yes, but what the few who are succeeding neglect to tell the masses with their wallets open and credit cards in hand is that 95% of everyone that starts in one of these programs never make a dime. They claim you have to “join the right team” to succeed, so join them. But only 1 out of 20 who sign up make any money. Why is that? Because they’re asking you to duplicate a system that produces a 95% failure rate! Let me repeat that: You’re being taught how to duplicate a system that produces a 95% failure rate. The truth is, most people who say they want to be in business aren’t sure what‘s involved. They need information, advice, guidance and even suggestions as to what kind of business to get into. Too many online marketers are preying on these folks, taking their money, often repeatedly, without any concern about their lack of success. Others offer very good products and services, but sell to such huge numbers that they cannot possibly know how everyone who buys from them is doing with their products. That’s ok if you already know what to do with what they’re selling. Then there are a few good marketers selling any number of the programs available who truly want their clients to succeed, stay in close touch with them and offer all the help they need. I’m doing business with a couple of them. See my 'Helpful Resources' page. You may know what kind of person you want to buy from, what kind of help you need or don’t need, and what to do with the product, system or program you’re buying. Good for you. You’re ahead of the game. For those of you not yet so far along, there are good sources and good people out there to help you and yes, sell you stuff, but it’s stuff you can really use. It’s down to this: You know what due diligence is. Do it. You can’t get around it. It’s reaping what you sow, or the law of attraction, or what goes around comes around. Anyway you say it, you don’t get something for nothing. So persist. If you trip and fall while walking, you don’t stay down and decide never to walk again.
Because you will fall. That's where resilience comes. You've got to bounce back from those bad decisions and mistakes. You will make them, we all do.
And don’t ever buy anything you don’t need and can‘t use right away. My equipment-buying rule-of-thumb in the carpet cleaning business was that if it was going to make me money right away, then it would pay for itself many times over and I would buy it. Just be sure to keep emotion out of the decision-making process. If you do these things you will prosper!
| 
