'No deal,' is the expression they use on the TV show. I think they make a letter 'X' with their forearms for added impact.
In our little business we get quite few enquiries and some people go ahead. We had a learning experience recently with one customer.
The customer was keen. Asked all the usual questions and you could tell gave some serious pondering time. They kept getting back to us, more questions, more requests for information and other business related issues.
We answered all the calls, provided as much information as we could. Compared to most potential customers we easily spend ten times the usual amount of time. They kept saying how keen they were, 'on the point of buying', 'just one more question', etc .
After maybe a month of this intense relaying of knowledge my wife contacted the person and received a text saying they had signed up with another company. That is fair enough. What we take from this is not any feelings regarding the potential customer but where did we go wrong.
In my previous work in the emergency services a golden rule was to always remember the basics. If you have somebody with huge blood loss why put in a drip before stemming the bleed. It would be like filling the bath with no plug, rather than inserting the plug you turn the taps on more.
This is where we slipped up. Our basics. Usually a few e-mails and two or three phone calls is all that is required. The support we were providing is normally for after the person has come on board. The error was ours. The potential customer was a social friend and we forgot or ignored the basics.
Nurses developed a thing called the Nursing Process many years ago. It is a formula for
Assessing a situation or issue ( 'What is the problem.')
Planning a method of dealing with the issue ('How shall we deal with it.')
Implementation of the plan, actually doing what you said you would do
Assessment to review events and decide how improvements could be made.
This method allows us to formulate plans and evaluate how well the plan works. In previous dealings with potential customers we stuck to our basics, our plan. With the 'No deal' customer we meandered away from routine.
We learnt a valuable lesson.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Let The Tech Work for You
What is the point of having your own business if you end up with less free time than when employed? Of course, some self-employed accept the longer hours or poorer pay as part of the consequences for not having to answer to 'the man.'
With my business I was well paid before. I wanted more time to be with those I wanted to be with not at work morning, noon and night.
To demonstrate some of the tools available I will describe the process of a recent contact. We will call the contact Jo. It could have been Excalibur or Frederick but Jo is easier and quicker to type.
Jo saw an ad and thought, 'Mmmm, I'll get in touch with those guys.' We put a few ads in local newspapers. The ad is written on-line and the office staff then ring for payment details. This saves time as the ad can be written at anytime, anywhere and e-mailed. I often rise very early, can attend to most things on the computer ( no suit, no tie, big cup of tea). I would imagine the newspapers will soon have direct payment on their websites.
The second place for our ads is on the internet. Similar procedure as before but can pay by credit card on the website. The google ads you see next to this blog might contain an ad for our business. If you click on the ad it costs the advertiser ( cost varies from a few cents upwards ). Those few cents are then split between Google and the writer of the blog. You need to have thousands of regular readers before you can retire though.
Back to Jo. He then went on-line and found our website. Hopefully, he was impressed and decided to complete the on-line contact form.
When the contact form was submitted it triggered an automatic reply. This would let him know the submission was successful and somebody would be in touch within a few days.
So far we could be anywhere in the world and this would all be going on. For the telephone contact we can still be anywhere. We use Skype. A program on the computer that lets you use the internet as a telephone line.
With the growing popularity of mobile broadband our type of business could be run from anywhere in Australia. Whilst overseas we use the locally available wireless. Recently whilst in Mexico my wife could speak to a few clients as if they were in the same city without using international telephone systems. We will be in Japan soon and can carry on as if we were back home.
The automatic e-mails can be timed and edited to suit your own preferences. We like to send an e-mail that contains a FAQ section. This often means the telephone calls don't have to be very long.
The automated program ensures we do not have to spend a lot of time chasing up clients. The UWS system tracks the client from the first contact.
Once Jo made the initial expression of interest his details appeared on our client track in a new enquiry section. Once contact was made he was placed on the initial contact file. As he moved through the process from potential to actual customer we could track details. Each potential customer will have a mini-file, this details contacts made and has a free text section to record any notes significant to the client.
The beauty of a system like this is apparent with multiple clients. All may be at different stages. By checking the UWS we can see how many e-mails have been sent, how many messages have been left and how often they have responded. If we have sent a few messages and no answer has been returned we let the client go.
These systems cost a few dollars a month. However, they work. It means I can spend less time with admin. and more time doing the things I want to do.
Anybody who has a lot experiences in on-line business will be well aware of these types of systems but for us newbies they are a real blessing. For those just starting off especially I hope this has been some help.
Rob
With my business I was well paid before. I wanted more time to be with those I wanted to be with not at work morning, noon and night.
To demonstrate some of the tools available I will describe the process of a recent contact. We will call the contact Jo. It could have been Excalibur or Frederick but Jo is easier and quicker to type.
Jo saw an ad and thought, 'Mmmm, I'll get in touch with those guys.' We put a few ads in local newspapers. The ad is written on-line and the office staff then ring for payment details. This saves time as the ad can be written at anytime, anywhere and e-mailed. I often rise very early, can attend to most things on the computer ( no suit, no tie, big cup of tea). I would imagine the newspapers will soon have direct payment on their websites.
The second place for our ads is on the internet. Similar procedure as before but can pay by credit card on the website. The google ads you see next to this blog might contain an ad for our business. If you click on the ad it costs the advertiser ( cost varies from a few cents upwards ). Those few cents are then split between Google and the writer of the blog. You need to have thousands of regular readers before you can retire though.
Back to Jo. He then went on-line and found our website. Hopefully, he was impressed and decided to complete the on-line contact form.
When the contact form was submitted it triggered an automatic reply. This would let him know the submission was successful and somebody would be in touch within a few days.
So far we could be anywhere in the world and this would all be going on. For the telephone contact we can still be anywhere. We use Skype. A program on the computer that lets you use the internet as a telephone line.
With the growing popularity of mobile broadband our type of business could be run from anywhere in Australia. Whilst overseas we use the locally available wireless. Recently whilst in Mexico my wife could speak to a few clients as if they were in the same city without using international telephone systems. We will be in Japan soon and can carry on as if we were back home.
The automatic e-mails can be timed and edited to suit your own preferences. We like to send an e-mail that contains a FAQ section. This often means the telephone calls don't have to be very long.
The automated program ensures we do not have to spend a lot of time chasing up clients. The UWS system tracks the client from the first contact.
Once Jo made the initial expression of interest his details appeared on our client track in a new enquiry section. Once contact was made he was placed on the initial contact file. As he moved through the process from potential to actual customer we could track details. Each potential customer will have a mini-file, this details contacts made and has a free text section to record any notes significant to the client.
The beauty of a system like this is apparent with multiple clients. All may be at different stages. By checking the UWS we can see how many e-mails have been sent, how many messages have been left and how often they have responded. If we have sent a few messages and no answer has been returned we let the client go.
These systems cost a few dollars a month. However, they work. It means I can spend less time with admin. and more time doing the things I want to do.
Anybody who has a lot experiences in on-line business will be well aware of these types of systems but for us newbies they are a real blessing. For those just starting off especially I hope this has been some help.
Rob
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Long Ride On A Bike
At 80 klms I was shattered. My speed had more than halved. I was aching in my shoulder and my backside was sore. The thought of a further 20 klms filled me with dread.
I could pull over, rest and complete the trip a little later. I could stop and ring my wife and she would collect me.
Despite the fact finishing this journey had no consequences to anybody but me I wanted to get home. Without help or assistance and as soon as possible. In an instant I thought of a milkshake I would have on return. This kept me going, for a little while at least.
My day had started at about 5.30 that morning. I checked a few e-mails, some to do with my home business and by six I was a free man. I had committed to a 100 kilometre ride by posting my intention on bicycle website www.bicycles.net.au/forums/
If I did not do it the world would keep turning and, quite frankly, nobody would give a boo.
This was all about me.
At 7am I was out the door. The dogs realised no walk for them when they noticed the cycle gear. Despite their sorrowful looks I avoided eye contact and made my way to the bike. My trusty Giant Upland. About 4 or 5 years old but still going well. Semi road tyres should help a little on the road, I added a few pumps of air to the tyres. The 'max pressure' on the side wall says 60 lbs. I did not check as I am sure it was probably over. Generally the higher the pressure the easier to pedal.
The first 10 k and I am at Dreamworld. I think I am going a little too fast. From what I have read it is best to start these long hauls using a slower speed and save energy for the end.
I continue along the V1. A bike path that connects the Gold Coast to Brisbane. It is mainly a shoulder of the ordinary road with no separation from other traffic except a white line. There is plenty of debris, lots of glass and pebbles. Still it provides a bit of distance from the cars.
The next 20 ks are a breeze. The early morning air is warm without being unpleasant. There is little wind.
As I reach Eagleby and head towards Cabbage Tree Point I remember different sections of road or places where I have been before. In my previous life I was a Paramedic based at Beenleigh.
I remember a factory where a guy had nearly lost his hand, another where a man had probably had a heart attack and fell from his truck and a few other very sad cases.
The road heads east as I leave the V1 behind. Mainly flat so the roads are straight. They cut through the sugar cane fields. The cane always looks stumpier than how I remember the giant stuff in North Queensland.
At this point the wind has picked up. Nothing too dreadful but it causes me to change gear. I don't know my exact speed but as I arrive in Cabbage Tree Point I check my watch. I have been on the go for two hour. That means an average speed of 25 klms/hr.
I am thrilled. I was planning on it taking up to six hours. I begin to imagine being home for lunch.
Halfway there. Feel okay and I know I have a tailwind back to Eagleby.
I have a break for 15 mins. Buy some Gatorade and a pastry thing from the store. The shop lady kindly fills my two water bottles.
After the rest I remount. Ouch. My backside starts to ache. It improves within a few minutes. Pretty soon I am flying along. Back into a high gear. I know I am going too fast but it feels so effortless.
Before rejoining the V1 a few small hills need to be crossed. I notice I have to change to easier gears. This is my first indicator I am low on energy.
On the V1 heading south. A short, steep hill. As I reach the top I am drained. Even using an easy gear each pedal stroke is hard work. At the top I do not even have the pleasure and rest from a steep downhill section. The gradient is shallow and the headwind means I have to pedal just to go downhill. I feel angry at the injustice.
Up ahead some roadworks. The guy flips his sign around and I read 'SLOW'. I know it is a generic sign but it feels like a dig at me.
As I crawl through the roadworks it feels like the brakes are on. By the time I am out the other side (all of 50 metres) a long line of cars has formed. A guy on a motorbike watches me trundle past. His head moves so slowly as he follows my progress.
I keep drinking the water. I wonder if I am just not up to 100 ks. Maybe I should have tried for less today and gradually increased to 100 klms.
When the milkshake fantasy starts I suddenly have a goal. I can't remember the last time I had a milkshake. All I can think about is milk, two raw eggs and a blob of maple syrup all mixed together. I have never had raw eggs before. No other ingredients seem appropriate.
I begin to rationalise pulling over. I tell myself it was a good effort but next time need to be prepared a little better. In the future I will carry some Gatorade and some snacks. I also need to pace a little better. I should have held back a little on the first 30 klms and the wind assisted run from the coast.
As I ponder these issues I realise I am still going and can maintain a slower speed. I set small targets of the next lamp-post, top of the next hill, ten more revolutions of the pedals.
By 90 klms I am back at Dreamworld. I am getting back into a rhythm again. The fun has completely gone. I just want to get home, have a milkshake, shower and rest.
The road is flat until my own suburb. I live nearly at the top of a very steep hill. Climbing distance is about 250 metres. In the back of my mind I know it is waiting to get me. It has occupied my mind since setting off. I usually get up in one of the middle gears, by standing on the pedals I reach the top breathless and thundering heart rate.
I cycle past Movie World. On my left is the hill I live on. The hill looks down on my snail like progress. I have to travel past the hill, cross the M1 and approach from the south.
Slowly I edge closer to the hill. As the first part of the slope begins I quickly alter the gearing. I use almost the lowest gear. The granny gear. It has been a long time since I have had to use the easiest gear.
Halfway up, again breathless, I have no easier gear to move to. I am out of the saddle. Lots of wasted energy. I do not want to dismount now. I look up, another 50 metres to go. Each pedal stroke moves me forward a few centimetres. I can feel my heart pumping. I am pretty sure this is not good for the body. I now have suncream in my eyes.
Again I glance up, 20 metres, then 10 then 5 and finally my own driveway. I have no feeling of elation, no sense of achievement just a desire for milkshake. A thought crosses my mind, what if we have no eggs?
It has taken 4 hours and 40 minutes, including the 15 minute break. Despite the sensation of hardly moving the return journey was not much slower. I was very pleased with the time.
The dogs are happy to see me. They begin licking the sweat from my legs, suncream and all.
I enter the house and straight to the fridge. Two eggs, milk and maple syrup. Into the blender and then down the cake hole. Boy oh boy it tastes good. Even sitting writing this now, 24 hours later, I can still feel the good vibes it gave me.
For the next few hours I ate and rested. A headache developed not long after returning home. I tried fluids and panadol and more food. The headache did not go until I had a can of Guinness in the evening.
Would I do it again? Maybe, but with a few more breaks, more food to eat and plan a run with the wind coming from behind on the return.
I could pull over, rest and complete the trip a little later. I could stop and ring my wife and she would collect me.
Despite the fact finishing this journey had no consequences to anybody but me I wanted to get home. Without help or assistance and as soon as possible. In an instant I thought of a milkshake I would have on return. This kept me going, for a little while at least.
My day had started at about 5.30 that morning. I checked a few e-mails, some to do with my home business and by six I was a free man. I had committed to a 100 kilometre ride by posting my intention on bicycle website www.bicycles.net.au/forums/
If I did not do it the world would keep turning and, quite frankly, nobody would give a boo.
This was all about me.
At 7am I was out the door. The dogs realised no walk for them when they noticed the cycle gear. Despite their sorrowful looks I avoided eye contact and made my way to the bike. My trusty Giant Upland. About 4 or 5 years old but still going well. Semi road tyres should help a little on the road, I added a few pumps of air to the tyres. The 'max pressure' on the side wall says 60 lbs. I did not check as I am sure it was probably over. Generally the higher the pressure the easier to pedal.
The first 10 k and I am at Dreamworld. I think I am going a little too fast. From what I have read it is best to start these long hauls using a slower speed and save energy for the end.
I continue along the V1. A bike path that connects the Gold Coast to Brisbane. It is mainly a shoulder of the ordinary road with no separation from other traffic except a white line. There is plenty of debris, lots of glass and pebbles. Still it provides a bit of distance from the cars.
The next 20 ks are a breeze. The early morning air is warm without being unpleasant. There is little wind.
As I reach Eagleby and head towards Cabbage Tree Point I remember different sections of road or places where I have been before. In my previous life I was a Paramedic based at Beenleigh.
I remember a factory where a guy had nearly lost his hand, another where a man had probably had a heart attack and fell from his truck and a few other very sad cases.
The road heads east as I leave the V1 behind. Mainly flat so the roads are straight. They cut through the sugar cane fields. The cane always looks stumpier than how I remember the giant stuff in North Queensland.
At this point the wind has picked up. Nothing too dreadful but it causes me to change gear. I don't know my exact speed but as I arrive in Cabbage Tree Point I check my watch. I have been on the go for two hour. That means an average speed of 25 klms/hr.
I am thrilled. I was planning on it taking up to six hours. I begin to imagine being home for lunch.
Halfway there. Feel okay and I know I have a tailwind back to Eagleby.
I have a break for 15 mins. Buy some Gatorade and a pastry thing from the store. The shop lady kindly fills my two water bottles.
After the rest I remount. Ouch. My backside starts to ache. It improves within a few minutes. Pretty soon I am flying along. Back into a high gear. I know I am going too fast but it feels so effortless.
Before rejoining the V1 a few small hills need to be crossed. I notice I have to change to easier gears. This is my first indicator I am low on energy.
On the V1 heading south. A short, steep hill. As I reach the top I am drained. Even using an easy gear each pedal stroke is hard work. At the top I do not even have the pleasure and rest from a steep downhill section. The gradient is shallow and the headwind means I have to pedal just to go downhill. I feel angry at the injustice.
Up ahead some roadworks. The guy flips his sign around and I read 'SLOW'. I know it is a generic sign but it feels like a dig at me.
As I crawl through the roadworks it feels like the brakes are on. By the time I am out the other side (all of 50 metres) a long line of cars has formed. A guy on a motorbike watches me trundle past. His head moves so slowly as he follows my progress.
I keep drinking the water. I wonder if I am just not up to 100 ks. Maybe I should have tried for less today and gradually increased to 100 klms.
When the milkshake fantasy starts I suddenly have a goal. I can't remember the last time I had a milkshake. All I can think about is milk, two raw eggs and a blob of maple syrup all mixed together. I have never had raw eggs before. No other ingredients seem appropriate.
I begin to rationalise pulling over. I tell myself it was a good effort but next time need to be prepared a little better. In the future I will carry some Gatorade and some snacks. I also need to pace a little better. I should have held back a little on the first 30 klms and the wind assisted run from the coast.
As I ponder these issues I realise I am still going and can maintain a slower speed. I set small targets of the next lamp-post, top of the next hill, ten more revolutions of the pedals.
By 90 klms I am back at Dreamworld. I am getting back into a rhythm again. The fun has completely gone. I just want to get home, have a milkshake, shower and rest.
The road is flat until my own suburb. I live nearly at the top of a very steep hill. Climbing distance is about 250 metres. In the back of my mind I know it is waiting to get me. It has occupied my mind since setting off. I usually get up in one of the middle gears, by standing on the pedals I reach the top breathless and thundering heart rate.
I cycle past Movie World. On my left is the hill I live on. The hill looks down on my snail like progress. I have to travel past the hill, cross the M1 and approach from the south.
Slowly I edge closer to the hill. As the first part of the slope begins I quickly alter the gearing. I use almost the lowest gear. The granny gear. It has been a long time since I have had to use the easiest gear.
Halfway up, again breathless, I have no easier gear to move to. I am out of the saddle. Lots of wasted energy. I do not want to dismount now. I look up, another 50 metres to go. Each pedal stroke moves me forward a few centimetres. I can feel my heart pumping. I am pretty sure this is not good for the body. I now have suncream in my eyes.
Again I glance up, 20 metres, then 10 then 5 and finally my own driveway. I have no feeling of elation, no sense of achievement just a desire for milkshake. A thought crosses my mind, what if we have no eggs?
It has taken 4 hours and 40 minutes, including the 15 minute break. Despite the sensation of hardly moving the return journey was not much slower. I was very pleased with the time.
The dogs are happy to see me. They begin licking the sweat from my legs, suncream and all.
I enter the house and straight to the fridge. Two eggs, milk and maple syrup. Into the blender and then down the cake hole. Boy oh boy it tastes good. Even sitting writing this now, 24 hours later, I can still feel the good vibes it gave me.
For the next few hours I ate and rested. A headache developed not long after returning home. I tried fluids and panadol and more food. The headache did not go until I had a can of Guinness in the evening.
Would I do it again? Maybe, but with a few more breaks, more food to eat and plan a run with the wind coming from behind on the return.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Reality check for working from home
Despite being enthusiastic one should also be realistic. In many things in life you can learn by mistakes. These may have been errors by your self or acts by others.
As part of my business plan I looked at why businesses fail, and in particular why do so many small businesses last less than a year or two.
I have tried to show how my current situation racks up against some of the causes of failure and how I hope to be profitable. Most of these are from articles and the web and they are in no particular order.
1. People start a business for the wrong reason. They think it will be easier than employment, have more free time and earn more money.
2. Poor management. Just because somebody is a greater carpenter does not guarantee they can effectively market themselves, plan effectively, manage others and maintain the books. They may not have good people skills needed for dealing with customers. Stressful issues include issues with health insurance, liability insurance, worker's comp insurance.
3. Insufficient capital. Many businesses need loans and / or huge amounts of cash just to start up. The ongoing costs can be difficult until (hopefully) money begins to come in. Ongoing fees include rent, mortgage and maintenance.
4. Poor location. Macdonalds spend extra to get the right site. They could save a fortune on a different block of land but exposure equals profit.
5. Lack of a plan. Most small business owners do not have a written plan. Having a plan helps deal with situations when they arise. Planning also helps sets the price for items.
6. Over-expansion. During a good run there may be a temptation to employ a few people or move to a bigger site. Problems occur when the run is over. The bigger premises might cost more than the old place and the employees may be left twiddling their thumbs.
7. No website. Hard to imagine these days but it is mentioned as one of the causes. Other issues include using technology effectively.
So how have I planned for these situations.
1. I've started my involvement in this business for these things. I know nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes it may take a while and I need to work hard.
2. No employees. Working on the marketing and customer interaction side of things
3. Minimal startup costs. A few ads, website payments, internet bills.
4. Work from home. All sales via internet and telephone. Actually with skype I can operate from anywhere in the world.
5. Planning done. evaluate every month every month.
6. Will not be expanding. This is a singular operation, my wife is involved but no employees.
7. Got a website.
So far many of the problems do not apply. That does not mean profit will automatically follow. Eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive will improve the chances.
As part of my business plan I looked at why businesses fail, and in particular why do so many small businesses last less than a year or two.
I have tried to show how my current situation racks up against some of the causes of failure and how I hope to be profitable. Most of these are from articles and the web and they are in no particular order.
1. People start a business for the wrong reason. They think it will be easier than employment, have more free time and earn more money.
2. Poor management. Just because somebody is a greater carpenter does not guarantee they can effectively market themselves, plan effectively, manage others and maintain the books. They may not have good people skills needed for dealing with customers. Stressful issues include issues with health insurance, liability insurance, worker's comp insurance.
3. Insufficient capital. Many businesses need loans and / or huge amounts of cash just to start up. The ongoing costs can be difficult until (hopefully) money begins to come in. Ongoing fees include rent, mortgage and maintenance.
4. Poor location. Macdonalds spend extra to get the right site. They could save a fortune on a different block of land but exposure equals profit.
5. Lack of a plan. Most small business owners do not have a written plan. Having a plan helps deal with situations when they arise. Planning also helps sets the price for items.
6. Over-expansion. During a good run there may be a temptation to employ a few people or move to a bigger site. Problems occur when the run is over. The bigger premises might cost more than the old place and the employees may be left twiddling their thumbs.
7. No website. Hard to imagine these days but it is mentioned as one of the causes. Other issues include using technology effectively.
So how have I planned for these situations.
1. I've started my involvement in this business for these things. I know nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes it may take a while and I need to work hard.
2. No employees. Working on the marketing and customer interaction side of things
3. Minimal startup costs. A few ads, website payments, internet bills.
4. Work from home. All sales via internet and telephone. Actually with skype I can operate from anywhere in the world.
5. Planning done. evaluate every month every month.
6. Will not be expanding. This is a singular operation, my wife is involved but no employees.
7. Got a website.
So far many of the problems do not apply. That does not mean profit will automatically follow. Eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive will improve the chances.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Setting up and first days
'How much do you expect to earn?' said the tax man.
'Err, I don't know.' replied me.
'Just an estimate will be fine,' he continued before adding (I think he thought I did not know what 'estimate' meant) 'just a rough idea will be fine.'
He was very nice about it all. He explained about business tax numbers and how to use them, 'But only with genuine business expenses'. He even emphasised the genuine bit and sounded quite stern when he said it.
As I sat later in my luxury room at a Mexican resort I could appreciate the genuine business claim I would write for that. I was there on business. It was not a vacation. Work is work. The fact I had a flowery shirt on and was sipping a pina colada does not mean I was not at work. I even flicked through some brochures to emphasise the genuineness of it all.
'Err, I don't know.' replied me.
'Just an estimate will be fine,' he continued before adding (I think he thought I did not know what 'estimate' meant) 'just a rough idea will be fine.'
He was very nice about it all. He explained about business tax numbers and how to use them, 'But only with genuine business expenses'. He even emphasised the genuine bit and sounded quite stern when he said it.
As I sat later in my luxury room at a Mexican resort I could appreciate the genuine business claim I would write for that. I was there on business. It was not a vacation. Work is work. The fact I had a flowery shirt on and was sipping a pina colada does not mean I was not at work. I even flicked through some brochures to emphasise the genuineness of it all.
(Left) A business meeting in Acapulco. Behind my wife were some guys diving. Quite amazing.
Writing ads also brought its fair share of worries. The ordinary classifieds and Google ads is what I thought I would try.
I originally read what other people had written. I was tempted to try, 'please buy my stuff so I don't have to do night duty anymore.' It did not seem very serious and business like though ( it would be interesting to see how successful it would be).
Setting up the google ads account was quite easy. Thinking of things to write was a little trickier. You are only allowed 25 characters for the top line and 35 characters for the next two lines. Characters includes letters, spaces etc.
Those in the know will have heard of AIDA. Apparently all successful ads contain this.
A - attention, grab the reader's attention. Best word is 'free'. But my stuff is not free so I can not use it. 'Sex' also works but again my stuff is a bit more cerebral than loinal ( I do not think that is a real word but on the internet I doubt my English teacher will be reading). In the end I just stated what it is.
I-interest. Make the reader think 'mmmm'.
D- desire. Make the reader think 'oooohhhh'
A- Action. Make the reader click your site and buy stuff or at least enquire.
So far so good.
Tax number to claim legitimate trips to Mexico - check.
Advertisements on google ads and local newspaper-check.
Website ( luckily my wife did all this, phew) -check.
All I have to do is sit back, let the orders flood in, learn Spanish and plan that early retirement.
Hasta Luego Amigos
I originally read what other people had written. I was tempted to try, 'please buy my stuff so I don't have to do night duty anymore.' It did not seem very serious and business like though ( it would be interesting to see how successful it would be).
Setting up the google ads account was quite easy. Thinking of things to write was a little trickier. You are only allowed 25 characters for the top line and 35 characters for the next two lines. Characters includes letters, spaces etc.
Those in the know will have heard of AIDA. Apparently all successful ads contain this.
A - attention, grab the reader's attention. Best word is 'free'. But my stuff is not free so I can not use it. 'Sex' also works but again my stuff is a bit more cerebral than loinal ( I do not think that is a real word but on the internet I doubt my English teacher will be reading). In the end I just stated what it is.
I-interest. Make the reader think 'mmmm'.
D- desire. Make the reader think 'oooohhhh'
A- Action. Make the reader click your site and buy stuff or at least enquire.
So far so good.
Tax number to claim legitimate trips to Mexico - check.
Advertisements on google ads and local newspaper-check.
Website ( luckily my wife did all this, phew) -check.
All I have to do is sit back, let the orders flood in, learn Spanish and plan that early retirement.
Hasta Luego Amigos
All new to me
If somebody had told me a few years ago I would be my own boss and involved in a home business I would not have believed them.
Having worked in hospitals around the world for the past 25 years and a few years as a paramedic why should I throw that away for my own business.
I'm still not sure why I am doing it to tell the truth. I do know that it feels right. It is a new challenge. I must admit it has me all fired up. I feel very enthusiastic and can not wait for the next project.
Each day brings a new challenge. From taxation issues, advertising, promotion etc etc etc. I now know what a word document is but excel, just a load of boxes to me.
The travel is also pretty good. Last month in Mexico, next week to Japan and then in July to Hawaii. As well as that I get to choose when I have my holiday/vacation.
Previously time off had to be applied for, everybody wanted school holidays, time spent with the family was limited. Anybody who has worked shift work knows how draining it can be. A lot of research show that shift workers often die at a much younger age than non-shift workers.
I can point to one episode that made me realise I had to appraise my life.
Christmas day a few years ago. About 7pm. I was called out to a collapsed man. Despite CPR and all the usual procedures he died. His family took comfort from the fact he was at home and with his loved ones.
Two issues stayed with me. He was only a few years older than me and if I was to collapse the chances of it happening at my home was limited as I was hardly there. Working 50 to 60 hours a week is not conducive to spending quality time with the family.
When in Mexico I listened to a man called Bob Davis talk about motivation and attaining goals.
If I am to make a success of this I need to commit myself.
In the same way a sprinter does not start a 100m race thinking 'ooh it is a lovely day' ( I do not know what they think to tell the truth) I can not begin this journey thinking 'I wonder what will happen.'
My goal is for the business to succeed. However, it is not at any cost. I will still be true to myself. Success must come from hard work and /or smart ideas.
So, dear reader, if anybody has stumbled across this blog. Keep in touch and drop by every now and again and I will try to provide an honest account of what it is like.
Having worked in hospitals around the world for the past 25 years and a few years as a paramedic why should I throw that away for my own business.
I'm still not sure why I am doing it to tell the truth. I do know that it feels right. It is a new challenge. I must admit it has me all fired up. I feel very enthusiastic and can not wait for the next project.
Each day brings a new challenge. From taxation issues, advertising, promotion etc etc etc. I now know what a word document is but excel, just a load of boxes to me.
The travel is also pretty good. Last month in Mexico, next week to Japan and then in July to Hawaii. As well as that I get to choose when I have my holiday/vacation.
Previously time off had to be applied for, everybody wanted school holidays, time spent with the family was limited. Anybody who has worked shift work knows how draining it can be. A lot of research show that shift workers often die at a much younger age than non-shift workers.
I can point to one episode that made me realise I had to appraise my life.
Christmas day a few years ago. About 7pm. I was called out to a collapsed man. Despite CPR and all the usual procedures he died. His family took comfort from the fact he was at home and with his loved ones.
Two issues stayed with me. He was only a few years older than me and if I was to collapse the chances of it happening at my home was limited as I was hardly there. Working 50 to 60 hours a week is not conducive to spending quality time with the family.
When in Mexico I listened to a man called Bob Davis talk about motivation and attaining goals.
If I am to make a success of this I need to commit myself.
In the same way a sprinter does not start a 100m race thinking 'ooh it is a lovely day' ( I do not know what they think to tell the truth) I can not begin this journey thinking 'I wonder what will happen.'
My goal is for the business to succeed. However, it is not at any cost. I will still be true to myself. Success must come from hard work and /or smart ideas.
So, dear reader, if anybody has stumbled across this blog. Keep in touch and drop by every now and again and I will try to provide an honest account of what it is like.
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