Susan is a life coach. She’s been working with clients ever since she received her certification. First with a few friends and later with the referrals her friends sent her. Of course one of those referrals taught her about marketing and helped her get a website up. Everything seemed to be going great.
Now, three years later, she’s struggling to get enough clients. She seems to get just enough clients to keep afloat. However she’s not fully replaced what she made at her day job.
Yet, she’s self-employed. She runs her own business. Or does she?
That’s the question I asked Susan when she called me last week. She told me she wasn’t getting any new clients and that her leads have pretty much dried up. She’s committed to her business, but not sure how much longer she can run in the red since she’s financing her business with her credit cards.
I asked Susan, “So, if you had to think about it this way – are you employed or unemployed? In other words, are you working or not?”
At first she insisted that she was employed – self-employed at that. She has some clients. She just doesn’t have enough and she doesn’t know what to do.
So when I asked her why she wasn’t getting more leads she gave me the same tired answer that the media is banging away on – it must be the economy. She felt that “the economy was keeping people from contacting her and taking her programs.”
Of course the economy is adjusting itself from the overblown, over indulgent corporate abuses. That’s why we keep hearing about layoffs and buyouts. But in truth the economy isn’t affecting us small business owners too much, really. But that’s another story.
So I asked Susan to consider, just for a moment, what she might be doing differently if she was unemployed rather than self employed. Without even a breath she said, “Well, I’d be out there looking for a job.”
EXACTLY!
Getting out there to look for a job is exactly what she – or any of us – would do. We’d be reading ads, searching the web, making calls, scheduling meetings and following up appointments. But wait a minute…isn’t that what we would be doing with our business as well?
Another way to put it – isn’t that the same process we would go through in marketing out business? We’d promote our offer, generate new leads, schedule appointments, and followup with prospects. In other words – we’d be actively engaged in marketing and selling our products and services.
In short order, Susan got it. She remembers the days of looking for work. And she could see, almost immediately, that in having a business she always had to be looking for work. She always had to be generating new leads and working those leads into hiring her.
And that’s the truth with running a small business – you’re always looking for work. Remember, you’re only self-employed if you’re actually employed by your business.
Did you ever think the secret to succeeding in your business would be act as though your unemployed?
If so, what tactics are you finding the most successful in finding more clients? And if not, how do you think your business could improve – even grow – if you treated yourself as being unemployed?
(note: image from nogger on Flickr, 
some rights reserved)
It happens to all of us when we start getting comfortable with the current success of our business. We forget everything we did to get to that point. It’s easy enough to ride the wave, the tough part is paddling out into the ocean to find it.
Treating yourself as unemployed does a couple of things. It puts you in the mindset of always feeling like you have to be doing something or your not making money. This mentality says, “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me”–which is important to have regardless of what your position is in life. Also, it shows people that although you’re unemployed that you are willing to do what it takes. It’s the work or be worked mentality. Or, like Gregory Moore said, “Like authors [pioneer technologists] are compelled to conduct their craft regardless of whether anyone will pay for it.”
Very common sense and well put. Thanks!
A nice dose of reality. As a small business owner its so easy to get stuck in the day to day operational grind, and easy to forget about some of the things that keep the cash flowing in over the long term — marketing the business. What are your thoughts as to how to do low cost online marketing?
I must say that the biggest obstacle of being a self-employed is how to getting potential leads/clients from time to time. As we know, we all fully dependent with the customers. NO New Customers = No Income!
In this case, I would rather say that I’m an unemployed person…
Hi Dawud, I think that’s a great comparison! People who are unemployed don’t (usually) expect to find a new job without looking, and yet lots of small business owners think the customers will just find them. A few months ago, I had an established client email me out of the blue and say we had to stop working together because she “had no money” and it was all I could do not to be flippant and reply with Dan Kennedy’s “so, go where the money is.” I had a new client to fill her spot in less than a week because instead of telling *her*, I told myself, and off I went to find that new client.
Sure, sales cycles might be a bit longer right now, but I’m finding there’s still plenty of business out there, and plenty of new projects being started.
This makes a lot of sense. If your schedule isn’t full, you’re either unemployed or working part-time. If you want to make the transition to full-time, of course you have to pound the pavement. So, in addition to listing self-employment tactics, it might be useful here to review what we have all done when we needed a “day job” in the past:
*Told everyone we knew we were looking for work.
*Asked everyone we knew if they knew of anyone who might require our services.
*Worked on our resumes to make them stand out from the pack.
*Went to both interviews for specific jobs, and exploratory meetings with people of influence and expertise.
*Updated our “look.”
*Gathered good references.
*Brushed up on our skills through education and review (classes, books, research).
*Did some pro-bono work to stay limber and meet people.
*Took care of ourselves to avoid the “unemployment blues” (exercise, eating well, meditation, socializing, creative pursuits, reaching out for support from friends and family).
*Eschewed victim mentality and instead saw ourselves as gifted and valuable.
*Attended industry events.
As you can see, the strategies are not all that different.
Oh, and one more thing. We went to employment agencies or worked with executive recruiters.
Think about how that might translate to being a small business owner who needs more clients. Who are our “headhunters”? They might be strategic partners, people with complementary skills with whom you can work to add value to your products and services. Or, an advisor like Dawud who provides you with new strategies for putting yourself out there effectively.
Of course our referrals—our satisfied customers and associates who are all to happy to spread the word—are our agents too. But we have to be proactive for this to be an effective way to find work. Just as you can’t rest on your laurels after registering with an employment agency—they have other people and things on their minds and you have to call them and remind them of your availability—the same is true with our “agents;” ask them if they would keep you in mind, and make it easy for them to do it by providing them with business cards, a link to your fabulous website, a one-sheet, etc.
I’ve said this for years- if you don’t have clients you ARE unemployed, and you should act like it. As our inbound flow of customers has grown smaller, I do more every day to get just one or two new quality clients per month.
No clients?That does equal unemployed for the self-employed person.
A part of all businesses is to generate new business. There is always a churn rate of clients. Some businesses have repeat customers others not. I have been able to generate new leads from my website by continuously adding content by studying the keywords people used to find my site. This allows me to add content that people are looking for. The more content I add the more unique hits I receive.
When we get too comfortable we stop being creative. We sit on our butts and wait for good things to happen. I’m just getting my foundation together to start my own business.
This is a great point to remember when I’m feeling too comfortable. Thanks!
Wow, its like me in the story. But I prefer to work at home. This is my dream and I’m becoming to realize this little by little. Nothing can beat the essence of working at your own pace at your own risk.
Hey, thanks for the great reminder. It is all about mindset and attitude, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that as a self employed (unemployed) writer.
And Carol? You rock! Great follow up comments. Love the list.
Cheers
George
First off thanks for the great information and I am digging your site! Great layout and feel!
I think that the easiest thing to do once we as small business owners can do is to get comfortable when things are going well and when things stop going so well we are stuck at a loss of what to do. Every time this happens to me, I just think of what created the success in the first place. It was the basics. So whenever business drops of, go back to the basics!
Thanks for the follow on twitter by the way!
Quite simply, it is easy to get complacent when working for yourself, especially in the line of work you described. It is always worth remembering back to when you first started out, the drive and motivation to explore new avenues and get the ball rolling. If that sense of work ethic and drive can be continued then you will not find yourself in the position this lady (is she real?) found herself in.
For those of us who are self-employed, drumming up new business is an essential part to what we do. Without it, we’re likely to invite failure, which isn’t the fault of the economy, rather ourselves for not directing our energies that way.
Though I am employed with company, you could very much say the same advice you shared should be part of the business plan for larger companies. Getting in the trenches, digging up leads, and making it happen should all be on everyone’s to do list in a company. Lets face it – we are connected now more than we have ever been. Sales shouldn’t just be the salesman/woman’s job. Its everyone’s job.
Excellent post, Dawud! Just the thought process I need to kick myself in gear. Thanks!
Great post, what are you guys doing to drum up new business? I am about I go knocking on doors with my brochures and business cards asking if people need any computer help. We are a managed services company here in Olrando.
I love this timely post. Stop the “it’s the economy” excuses and get out there and do the work! It can be exciting to get out there again and best of all it turn your business towards a whole new way of growth!
Thank you!
Dawud, this is perfect. I had that epiphany on my own a few years ago, during the little 2005ish tech bust. I had way too much time on my hands and next to no income.
My attitude became much healthier when I stopped thinking “My business is a failure” and started thinking “I am unemployed.”
There’s something dismal and ugly about the “failure” part of a failed business. But hey, everyone is unemployed at some time in their lives. When I realized I was unemployed, it felt normal and I knew what to do next.
Although the current economy situation seems extremely bad, but as long as we keep trying on, I’m sure we can find the jobs in the end.
So, for the unemployed people, remember not to lose your faith and everything will be fined!
The current economic crisis has surely affected a lot of us so I am also being creative in looking for some extra income. I know a thing or two about computers so I go around my neighborhood handing out my calling card for they ever have computer problems just give me call.
So true.
Asking how I would behave in a similar situation if I worked for someone else (or wanted to) illuminates several self-employment dilemmas. How hard is it to answer the question, “What do you do?,” when you work for someone else? Why, then, can’t it be as straightforward when we work for ourselves?
Complacency is our greatest enemy, but it’s hard not to see things through a “relative” looking glass. For example, we are appalled at poverty in America, which would be luxurious surroundings in most third world countries. I think the same principle applies here.
Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture will give you the perspective you need to keep working hard for your own benefit.
i know you’ve tried it already but use a website or ask google to put you on the front choices get yourself out their and be confident
Ahh yes I have been and am in the same situation. Thus the reason I have several jobs going at the same time, always. Until I see enough money coming in to replace what I’m making at another job, I wouldn’t quit that one.
I think that you are absolutely right about the difficulty in starting a new business. A few people leave their jobs with cleints to start with, but other wise they are in tough shape.
Making time to actively market your business every day, in some way, is something every business owner should to in both good and bad markets.
I think you make a good point that there’s little difference between being under-employed, and unemployed.
When self employed, there’s absolutely no excuse for not working 8 hours a day, even if you don’t have that much work.
The rest of the time should be spent Chasing new Work!
I agree with you. maybe I have a similar problems…When I initiated my business, I was very pay attention to a new customer..but now, I have many customers…I think, my attention is rather reduced caused I must share my attentions…Your suggestion is help me to rethinking again about my attention…thanks 4 sharing..
This post got some depressive touch on it. with the economic crisis im afraid of all negativity! 🙂
i think freelancers have it easy though.
May I firstly say, what a brilliant website Dawud, I’ll definately be coming back.
You raise a good point, and it really pivots on the issue of pro-activity.
To be pro-active is an essential characteristic of a self-made, self-employed business person. What seems to have happened in this scenario is that pro-activity seems to have dwindled as time has gone by.
If seeing yourself as unemployed is a good technique you personally see increased your proactivity, then I by all means commend it. However I believe there are also other ways to continue to strive to seek out new leads etc, for instance keeping a journal of new ideas to work on, or settings periodic goals to try and accomplish.
Fantastick post, Dawud..
In the thought process, i think we all need to kick ourself in a bigger gear. Thanks You!! 😀
Everyone needs a little kick in the pants sometimes. Hopefully, you gave Susan the kick she needed.
A new perspective or new motivation can be especially critical when you own your business. As business drops off, there are fewer people to motivate you so some businesses just slip into darkness.
I am luck because my wife kicks me everyday so I don’t get a change to forget my goals.
When people are blinded by their own thoughts,it’s difficult for them to see the situation in another angle. This article enlighten me as well.Great article,great blog!hope to read more from you!
Thank you!
I love this timely post. Stop the “it’s the economy” excuses and get out there and do the work! It can be exciting to get out there again and best of all it turn your business towards a whole new way of growth!
Interesting point. We can all get a bit lazy sometimes. But thinking of myself as “unemployed” is a bit unsettling.
I agree with your point about maintaining a hunger for progress, in this case new business. The relationship to employment is less clear. People who succeed in employment also succeed in their own businesses and vice versa. Getting a job is a task. Building a career is the same as building a business – it requires sustained focus and energy, and not everyone is capable or willing to do what is required to achieve those goals
I agree with the previous poster, this is all just a matter of being proactive. And whatever works to get you to be more proactive is what you should do. Thinking of yourself as unemployed is a good way to do that, so it works.
To get new clients you should always be looking for new and different ways to promote your business. There is always something you haven’t tried. Even if you think it won’t get very good results it’s usually worth a try. The internet has very many opportunities for promoting your business and the world outside the internet has just as many, you just have to be creative and never get complacent.
Thanks for this great post and the equally great comments. I’m just starting to get self-employed through affiliate marketing and keeping all these points in mind will be of tremendous help.
I guess it’s hard to kick yourself in the butt when having the luxury of being at home. A constant “I’m unemployed” attitude should ensure not to fall into a financial hole ever but it also shouldn’t be on the brink of creating too much stress. I would actually like to see that mentality modified because to me it has too much negative connotations. It has a touch of panic and failure.
So a more positive mantra which is along the lines of my previous commenter could be “I employ myself in a pro-active manner”. That should still get the job done, if not better. Because let’s remember that avoiding stress and negativity is one of the main reasons to get self-employed in the first place. Isn’t it? As usual, finding the right balance is key and for some that might take a few years.
I run a self-made business and some months I do great and other months I swear that I am not going to do this anymore and get a real job, but I always go back to my business. It is tough. best of luck
This is a tough one, most businesses face with once and awhile. You can always get a part time side job and run the business in your free time until things pick up. I think people are just trying to get bread on the table and not thinking about a life couch.
@birkenstock – you think freelancers have it easy???
Under what misapprehension you live! 😉
Reality stories are always welcomed by people, and it is a great way to inspire people for effective working. In the same way Dawud Miracle has done a tremendous job by sharing a real story with all of us. Heartily thanks.
Getting more clients is a matter of exposure and publicity. But if you are not doing any work towards that end, you are definitely in trouble. Consider yourself employed in the advertising market if you want to make $.
My 2 cents.
Good vibes to all!
sometimes, we confuse with our business, cause there are so many competitor overthere….but, customer satisfaction is the key….I agree with u, consider as unemployed is one good solution…
Thank you for this inspiring blog. I realize that being a successful entrepreneur is just a matter of perspective and way of thinking. Complacency is not healthy for the business because it will stop growing.
This is an awesome post. Great tips, very concise and to the point. Good read for someone who intends to startout. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with the part that the best place to get employed is – self-employed
Great post and some very helpful tips. I believe never to give up, always strive for success and you will be sure to find it.
Very well put. In fact I find it applicable to our daily lives as well. Most of the time if you wish something to happen, you better start doing something. That’s how miracle comes along.
I enjoyed this entry. This whole economy crashing I think in a very weird way is great for everyone in the long run. It seems to be putting things back in order starting with the housing market all the way down to jobs. I look forward to following your future entries.
Yes you are rite . At one point of time , one reaches a threshold when he thinks he has enough and does not want to work harder for more success. This is a really good post with lots of insight !
Great point and a great article, thanks for the insight
As a marketer in these difficult times, it is necessary to develop new strategies to gain new clients. Thanks for this post, your blog is great!
This a inspiring post, stories like that are always cool. Thanks for this inspiring blog.
Very nice post. If you want to have a successful business you have to be willing to go out and look for more work. Even once you have established yourself you should always be looking for more so that your business can keep growing. It would be nice if all the business would just come to you but unforunatly that’s not the way it works.
lol. This one got me as well. Looking for work is the same with marketing and trying to promote what you have to offer so that you can get paid with it. A business doesn’t grow with it remaining stagnant. It needs to be fed constantly which is why we try to gather all needed resources at our disposal.
There’s a better way imo – act like you’re working for a very strict boss and you have to give the company 100% or you’ll be fired. In other words you’re either working hard or your company is going down.
We put all our efforts and ideas in our little business, we have no time to be lazy or non inventive.
I hate it when people blame the economy or everyone else rather than being accountable for. Great blog post here and hopefully people will have a different p.o.v.
starting a new business it’s hard, even more now..with this with the economic crisis ! thanks for a great article.
Getting more client is the today’s necessity. But I think that to get more client it is necessary to develop the business strategy and some advertisement skills as well as good presentation skills.
I think everybody has to keep on working if he wants to reach success. If he keeps on he will get results, early or later.
Interesting point and I was thinking the same as Susan giving up and baming the economic recession. Now I gues have to just move forward. Thanks Dawud.
I prefer not to think of myself as unemployed – for me that is too negative. However, I do operate what I call “the rhythm” of business. My rhythm is the tasks, duties, activities (whatever you want to call them) that I need to do everyday to keep the flow of business.
For me it’s posting in my blog and writing articles daily – or at least 3 times a week, commenting on high profile & relevant (to my market) blogs and recording the Get More Business Show every Friday at 9 am pacific.
I love doing all of this – so for me it’s not really work. But I’ve identified these things as the activities that keep a steady flow of qualified traffic to my blog. This builds my email list and gives me the opportunity to create more “intersections” for business.
Every business owner must identify these activities to stay viable and then just do the rhythm with regularity (daily, weekly, whatever).
Hi,
it was a pleasure!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog! I will keep visiting this blog very often. Thank You!
Best regards
Roy Bennett
I’ve never thought of it that way. That’s a really nice way to look at it. I’m going to stop waiting around right now and officially become unemployed.
Awesome spin on being a home based entrepreneur. If everyone looked at it this way, there wouldn’t be so many whiners who say it doesn’t work. Get to work and act like you’re out of work and you’ll be acting completely different! Thanks for sharing!
When we are thinking as if we’re unemployed, we tend to be more open to various ideas and more creative with how we make money. That’s why this technique works. Having your own business means constantly looking for new ways to draw in customers and make money.
If you act is if you are unemployed it really could help grow your business. If you are out looking for more work eventually you are going to find some, and if you try hard enough hopefully you’ll take some business from your competitors. Also, most likely word is going to spread about how hard of a worker you are and the quality of service you have, and more customers will find you through “word of mouth.”
Thats an ionetersting way to put it. I reun my own small web design company and have a similar experience. Sometimes there is more than sufficient work and sometimes web design projects are difficult to come by. In either case it is similar to what it was me in the first few years when I was actually working on contrcats as opposed to being iun permanent emplyment. From working as a web design cobntractor to running a small web design company, the transition has been gradual but the cuircumstances are same. One cannot give up though no matter ho tough it might seem at times. All successfull busineses web design or otherwise have gone through similar experiences. Those who perserve end up becoming established companies in time.
and the smalles clients – cost your most time.
Sometimes it’s difficult to consider yourself employed especially if you don’t have the largest client base and you’re barely getting by. I work part time and freelance on the side. It’s nice being in the ‘I’m employed’ mindset; however I have feelings that I’m not “completely” employed, and that I don’t have the fullness that some may have with their job
thank…this article help my thesis
For those of us who are self-employed, drumming up new business is an essential part to what we do. Without it, we’re likely to invite failure, which isn’t the fault of the economy, rather ourselves for not directing our energies that way.
I’ve been working my own business for the past couple of year. Initially it was to make some extra money. As it’s grown into more, I’ve found that adding to my client base is a necessity to keep my business growing. I’ve had to develop many skills in order to accomplish this. It’s hard work, but fun at the same time.
When we get too comfortable we stop being creative. We sit on our butts and wait for good things to happen. I’m just getting my foundation together to start my own business.
This is very impressive to me..thanks for the share…
if you act is if you are unemployed it really could help grow your business. If you are out looking for more work eventually you are going to find some, and if you try hard enough hopefully you’ll take some business from your competitors.
Hi Dawud,
i want to start doing business in Search market.
I need your advice particularly for this industry. What? How? When? all type of questions reply. Please help me
I am working in a digital company but don’t know the business rules to get success.
thanks in advance
I think someone like Susan should consider changing her marketing strategy. As Pamela put, we start making money with our business and get too comfortable.
We sometimes forget that business in any market is constantly changing. If it changes, we must change as well.
Great post. You make a lot of sense. Can’t call yourself employed until your schedules are full, which is, pretty hard now a days for a self-employed, but hanging on is not a bad idea, the world might just come over.
Great perspective to take on getting new clients!
“But in truth the economy isn’t affecting us small business owners too much, really.”
Interesting you should say that. I am finding that to be true, more or less. Of course, some people are tight on money and not spending as much. I’m pretty certain that the slumped economy has had some effect on my business, but certainly not like some people are making it out to be. People are still definitely buying.
This post got some depressive touch on it. with the economic crisis im afraid of all negativity!
Great tips, very concise and to the point.
Good advice. Someone I know of said one time to imagine each hour of your time as a dollar value. A good way of thinking for some self-employed people who aren’t motivated to keep working as much as they would be if hired by someone else.
The nice thing about being self employed is the vast sources of income so you are not tied to one source. But it’s also good to get that one big client so your revenue is over a certain level. But then you lose your freedom to some extent.
Some really great thoughts in this post (and the comments)-especially: “you’re always looking for work. Remember, you’re only self-employed if you’re actually employed by your business.”
I think you’re right to bring up the point about how we’d behave if we acted as if we were unemployed…I think that would definitely make us try THAT much harder to put ourselves out there and try to sell our best parts to prospective employers..
As a fresh grad I am on the stage of being excited towards the working environment. I look for possible employment here in our country. With high competition I think of putting up my own business with some help from sme experienced professionals. Being self-employed and employed for me seems to be the same. Working hard to achieve your goals, marketing yourself and the business and requires lots of connections and confidence.
Nice one , me myself are self-employed and I never thought about this opportunity to be hired by a companion , despite that self-employed are independent work , not enough money will be earned if you’re not an experienced enterpreneur , maybe I’ll consider hired are the best way to open new opportunity in the future
Actually, kind of scary to equate the two (self-employed = unemployed). But yes, if one is “self-employed”, then one doesn’t have the security of slacking off once in a while, because there’s a neverending need to upkeep, update and upgrade.
Self employment is one aspect of the life and the decision to take him/her a long way. If someone looses the freedom then there is no such big issue. On the other hand you are totally independent.
In my opinion, if you cant get new clients its time to rethink and restructure your activity. Try and add another angle to the business. Sometimes this often leads to new paths even complete switch of business.
Say you are providing service A, then find a related service B which could be offered. Then together A + B with have a wider client base. If B fails, try service C. If C succeed you can scrap service A. and continue this way. This is creativity and innovation, which is needed to survive in business.
Excellent post Dawud.
Haha no, definitely not. Not until I read this at least 😉
– John
Well, I write for a living and when I’m not getting any clients I definitely realize I’m “unemployed” b/c I don’t have any money coming in…I don’t really get any thinking that suggests otherwise…and yes I act like an unemployed person by tweaking hte resume, updating samples and searching for work wherever I can find it.
This blog can make or break a small business owner. If one followed your way of thinking, it will be a hard route but could be pointing to success. I’ll practice what you teach because I don’t have any choice but to succeed. 😀
In the web world, from what I’ve heard web design seems to be on the up, but SEO on the down. I guess this is because people are still prepared to make the investment on the site, but once they realise that its not going any traffic, they are not prepared to take the SEO route.
Interesting article, thanks. I am looking forward to read your next grear artcile !
When the economic climate changes, we ALL have to change as well.
Large businesses are culling unnecessary tasks and jobs, and small biz or sole operators equally have to look at what works and what doesn’t and do more of the former and less of the latter.
It is a time to finetune one’s business, and yet, to be open to new insights and avenues for additional income.
Self-examination on how she does things is warranted.
Very educational article. It shows people that although you’re unemployed that you are willing to do what it takes.
Thanks for the advice. I have to work harder for myself to make sure I don’t have to be employed
Timely post.
You can’t stand still in business. Every day is a chance to find a new customer and to find a new way to keep your business fresh. It’s too easy to think you’ve “arrived” and that they are no more mountains to climb. Keep working toward more goals. Your customers will see you strive to make your business better.
In my opinion, Being self-employed should be creative. It is not just about getting more client, but how to make us always think about making jobs, and not searching for a job.
The common problem when we start to make own biz is when we are not getting paid each month by the employer. Yes, of course, many people will getting stress if the have no regular income as the usually receive each month when the employed. But when you start a new biz, you should ready for this condition, or at least you have prepare second alternative for your income.
Another tips. We should have dream, a visible target which we want to reach in a certain time. For example, in five years we want to own a beautiful house. We should know the specification of the house, and also the price. Every morning when we wake up, we should try to visualize our dream and think what should we done to achieve it, and how far we are from our target. It is important as one of our spirit and passion to start the new day.
Great article. I think the key is to act like we are unemployed because it keeps us on our toes and prevents us from becoming jaded- it’s also better for business!
Good point Dawud. Small business owners are marketers. They are in a constant state of generating clients, customers and sales. It’s so important to stay mobile, not get bogged down with too much overhead and therefore not able to read and react to changes in customers needs or the economy in general.
If you follow your dream, you are destined to succeed.
I really agree with the comment about thinking we are unemployed puts us in a whole different mind-set. I remember spouts of unemployment. It makes you nervous/anxious/observant/ et al
This is the kind of post that lights a fire under a person. Thanks. We always have to be proactive, and a sense of urgency doesn’t hurt.
The best way we are finding new clients at the moment are through active promotions that help get our current clients to refer in family and friends. Referral clients are absolutely amazing.
Hey Dawud .The story about Susan is very nice. It seems that she can be some role model for many people .
I can definitely relate. There is some shocking complacency that happens at my competitors once they build a PageRank fortress, in terms of stale or biased content purely aimed at driving short term revenue.
Thanks for the advice. I have to work harder for myself to make sure I don’t have to be employed.
i think there are many people don’t realize, actually they’re unemployed even they’re employed..
for me, the key is how we’re not stuck in the name of ‘office’… because i don’t really like also to work under pressure..
anyway, you gave a great point here Dawud.. i’m waiting for your next miracle posting.. 🙂
it is excellent post .I asked her why she wasn’t getting more leads she gave me the same tired answer that the media is banging away on it must be the economy.
During this time of recession, we just can’t rely with our small business to survive if it has not been doing well for some time now. If we are not getting enough, then we should start thinking that there is something wrong and act accordingly.
Absolutely!! Great piece of advice. Its easy to fall into a certain mindset and not see the wood for the trees.
I’ve often found its good to speak to friends you’ve not seen in a while because they tend to offer the most honest and useful advice. Especially when it comes to finances and business.
Well put! I would like to point out something very important as well. Considering the economical situation we have right now I think we should focus more on “over delivering” to existing clients. If they are happy with what you do for them then it is easier to be proactive and pitch for new jobs with them rather than to always seek new clients.
Sometimes the most obvious things are the last things you think of as a small business. I think you have to constantly be out there looking for work if you are going to succeed…Although current economics will play a major role also.
Great read, I found even more value from the *comments* above.
This is the third post of yours which I am reading. Combined with the tremendous number and variety in comments it is fantastic. The topics you have chosen are so simply written in the sense that the argument is so easily understood. thanks
i agree with you..
coz if i consider “employee”, i feel different compare “unemployee”…
btw, thx your advice..yhis nice blog…
Your post is encouraging. Looking for client is not different when you look for a Job. The logic is simple.
I will be able to use this preposition if my boss ask about getting clients.
Absolutely!! Great piece of advice. Its easy to fall into a certain mindset and not see the wood for the trees.
I’ve often found its good to speak to friends you’ve not seen in a while because they tend to offer the most honest and useful advice. Especially when it comes to finances and business.
Activity breeds activity! Sitting around thinking about how slow your business is, isn’t going to get you anymore business. The best method I’ve found is just getting out there and getting active. Chase every lead and every possible lead. Other leads tend to always pop up!
Very inspirational story Dawud and definitely a great advice!
Most of the time we tend to be complacent and make tons of excuses. I’m lucky to have experienced the so called ‘recession’ because it allowed me take action and be positive in all aspects of my life.
Thank you
This is a great way of looking at things. I think when people jump into self employment that it’s going to be very similar from working at a desk job but you’re just your own boss.
Of course, this isn’t the case at all. If you came from a desk job, you probably saw all the managers and other leaders in the organization always running around and in meetings. Truth be told, it was these meetings that were helping to generate more business so you could keep your desk job.
So now you have to be that person in the meeting and at the desk. Great way of looking at this. Thanks!
I have been self-unemployed for a long, long time!
I never manage to get above the fray – Now I am hiring a sales rep, and joining local business groups – see how that goes.
I’ve been trying to market myself more lately. I’m starting to wonder though if i’m not spending enough time on what I actually enjoy doing. Meaning I’m a photographer, trying to do a ton of marketing work, but have been spending so much time marketing, that i’m not doing as much photography as I would like to.
Well, I write for a living and when I’m not getting any clients I definitely realize I’m “unemployed” b/c I don’t have any money coming in…I don’t really get any thinking that suggests otherwise…and yes I act like an unemployed person by tweaking hte resume, updating samples and searching for work wherever I can find it.
I’m lucky to have experienced the so called recessionbecause it allowed me take action and be positive in all aspects of my life.
When we get too comfortable we stop being creative. We sit on our butts and wait for good things to happen. I’m just getting my foundation together to start my own business.
This is a great point to remember when I’m feeling too comfortable. Thanks!
You are soooo right! This is the kick in the pants that many “self-employed” require.. It’s really not as easy as putting in the work, keeping the faith, and spinning the wheels. Being self-employed myself, I’m the hardest boss I’ve ever had. I thought my military superiors were demanding.. not compared to me! Why? Because I know that I won’t get paid unless I’m giving value, purposing my actions, and leveraging my time. Thanks for sharing this post. Being your own boss can be so rewarding, as long as you are doing the things that are making you money and not just wasting your time away. If you’re doing the latter and “keeping busy”, you are better keeping your day job! I look forward to hearing more of this discussion! Thanks again for sharing! ~MD
I think in this day and age nobody should consider themselves “safe”. Not that they should obsess about the economy to the detriment of their own sanity but they shouldn’t rest on their laurels either.
From the biggest business to the smallest, worrying too much about the economy is almost as fatal as not worrying enough. You simply need to focus your energy on being as productive as possible and always striving to provide your customers with good service and good value.
That way you can always be assured of a good night’s sleep and get up fresh the following morning and just hustle, hustle hustle!
Scary that she is financing the business with her credit cards.
Reality is sure to kick-in eventually when she realises that the only way to pay the bills is to get revenue!
Hope it works out for her
Nice story you got here, although the story is kinda scary! From my personal experiences I would stay away from such behavior! The first thing I would stay away is getting more in debt by paying with credit card. Sometimes people dont realize that they pay more for their job than it brings in, it can easily happen when you are self employed.
Excellent post, Dawud! Just the thought process I need to kick myself in gear. Thanks!
I can definitely relate. There is some shocking complacency that happens at my competitors once they build a PageRank fortress, in terms of stale or biased content purely aimed at driving short term revenue.
When you are self-employed you have to make clients regularly and grow your business. If no new clients are made your revenue will decrease. So having a good life coach is very necessary.
Very well thought out post Dawud! Keep us updated!
Good advice. Someone I know of said one time to imagine each hour of your time as a dollar value. A good way of thinking for some self-employed people who aren’t motivated to keep working as much as they would be if hired by someone else
We forget everything we did to get to that point. It’s easy enough to ride the wave, the tough part is paddling out into the ocean to find it.
That’s a really interesting mindset and idea. Wish I had found the article sooner. Any ideas for restaurants ?
Ha, just the kick in the pants I needed today, thank you Dawud. It’s not for everyone, but I love working for myself and wouldn’t have it any other way.
That’s a very realistic way of thinking. It really puts things into perspective. It’s really good advice for someone running red consistently.
It’s really interesting putting yourself in a different position. So we can have a look from outside our usual circle.
Great post!
The economy is often used as an excuse for not taking action. I once read that you should spend more than half of your time finding new clients when you are self employed to avoid these situation. Hope everything turned out well for your friend.
It’s all about mindset. If you consider yourself “unemployed” – you’ll be more motivated to take action hopefully. This follows along the same principal as gettting more done, when you have less time.
another thing i would like to add is, when trying to venture on another business while your original business still has some credit to pay to suppliers, never ever use the money intended for credit payment for start up capital of your new business.
we learned this the hard way when the biggest client in our new business refused to pay his dues and we ended up losing that business, and the original business because of angry suppliers.
no matter how good the plan, make sure you have everything worked out. make contingency plans and try to make your different business independent from each other to avoid having them fall at the same time.
Getting more creative and developing a strong point of difference for your business is the secret to getting more clients in my opinion. That and doing what you do well.
thanks for your post. It is very uplifting. Gives inspiration to people.
When I was unemployed, I went back to school to learn more and have a bachelors degree while taking some sideline works to pay my tuition fees. Now I am a supervisor of a company. And this is my achievement.
Being self employed is extremely difficult. Yes, you get to chose your own hours and work around family responsibility but you do not have all the benefits you would get with a company. Keeping clients is the key and if you have the resources then you will be fine. Without the resources however, the chances are you will not last the duration. Definitely a career move which needs extreme careful thinking and planning along with much drive and determination.
This is easy for me, since I AM unemployed, but I think it’s all mindset like you say. This is good motivation, and also promotes entrepreneurship.
That’s the thing being self emplyed you have to have a different mindset to regular employment.
Great article
Interesting post Dawud, I really like your thinking. Think out the box!!
In that sense, folks, any business is “unemployed” because “they are always looking for more business”. What kind of value is there in a statement like that? Leaves a bad aftertaste.
Hi,
Really nice advice to get out of hectic situation.Really nice idea.
Regards,
Sana
When we get too comfortable we stop being creative. We sit on our butts and wait for good things to happen. I?m just getting my foundation together to start my own business.