Ten years ago my husband and I started our “five-year plan” to become home owners. We’re still two years away from our goal.
Here is the difference between us and most people. We have not given up. This journey has been a difficult one. We’ve had a lot of challenges, and probably have many more before the final two years (we hope) are up. We could have “thrown in the towel” many times.
In the book “Think and Grow Rich” Napolean Hill says “When you make a plan, if that plan fails, make another plan. If that plan fails, make another plan.” It’s interesting that life has prepared me for that psychology. (So where is the rich part?) In my family, there was always a plan A, B, C… etc. It seemed that nothing ever went according to plan. We were constantly in a state of flux. So it seemed a natural thing for me to always have a backup.
I’ve recreated myself a few times. I never planned on becoming a VA. I did so because my husband and I were finally able to have a child and we knew that we would not be able to raise her on one income, and we also knew that we did not want to put her into child care. I’m so fortunate to have this business and my clients who I have actually become great friends with.
So just because your first vision doesn’t come true, never give up. How can you parlay your talents into a more suitable business venture and capitalize on new markets?
6 responses so far ↓
276 // February 24, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Building Email Lists
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You have to …
savantadmin // February 25, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hey do you think its worthwhile to get a virtual office ? I know a couple but their plans look rather pricey. Appreciate any recommendations
Maggie Ruch // February 28, 2009 at 8:09 am
You wrote to me via my blog about Virtual Office space.
I think this is a great investment if you are setting up a business that is very competitive. When people call in to the virtual office they should always be getting a live person, not a recording , they should feel as though that person is your secretary and not an answering service. That is what you are paying for. This implants in their mind a sense of stability which in these financial times is CRUCIAL. I will happily recommend you to one here CPES@cpes.net http://www.cpes.net she is very professional, handles phone services, mail forwarding (if you are long distance that might not work) and also the use of her conference room as a part of the package deal If you are outside the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area you should look into Executive Suites in your area and look for a package that is comparative to hers. They should not be too pricey.
Hope this helps you some! And please come back and blog with me anytime.
Maggie Ruch // February 28, 2009 at 8:10 am
I agree you have to build an email list.
Danielle Kubus // March 1, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Maggie
I loved your small business success or failure article. I could not agree with you more. I myself have just started my own VA business due to having children and not wanting to put them in child care as well. Nice to know that I am not alone in my thinking. Best of luck to you and please keep in touch!
Maggie Ruch // March 1, 2009 at 4:44 pm
You are definitely not alone! More women are going this way- taking business into their own hands! Good luck and I wish you success!