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Starting a One-Person Business

Starting a small business is hard work even when you have others helping you, but starting and running a one person business on your own presents even more challenges.

Maybe you’re exhausted from working for someone else, and have always dreamed of starting your own business. But, before you jump ship, let me share some wise words: Starting and running a business alone isn’t for everyone. You need to put in a lot upfront (mostly consisting of time and some money) in order to reap the rewards in the future.

A U.S. census from 2010 indicated that there are more than 20 million one person businesses in the United States, accounting for more than three-fourths of all U.S. businesses.

One of the biggest attractions for starting your own one person business is being your own boss, and setting your own schedule – at least in theory. This ideally works best for singletons and small families, where the man or the woman can put in the necessary time into the business, while the other parent focuses more on the family.

Running the show solo requires ample amounts of determination, discipline, and fearlessness.  I’ll never forget when I started my first business, and at times just wanted to bury my head in the sand and ask, What did I get myself into?

If you think you’re up for the challenge, and got what it takes, here a few tips on starting your own one person business.

Starting a One Person Business

Choose a business that involves something you know about. The less time you need to spend learning the business, the more time you will have to run it. Keep the future in mind when starting up your business – Do you want to sell your business eventually, or do you just want a change of lifestyle?

Another idea to keep in mind is how much cash you might need. There are some who will tell you that you need an ample amount of cash to start-up, however I disagree with this thinking. If everyone needed large amounts of capital for start-up, nobody would be starting a businesses. And just in case you don’t believe me, read this article:  6 businesses you can start for under $200.

Focus on the Big Picture

Time is a solo entrepreneur’s biggest friend. A hawk-like focus on your most important functions as a business owner is essential. Rather than spending too much time doing administrative work, you should be focused on marketing your business and driving sales.

Most sole proprietors say that their biggest challenge is finding the time and resources to generate new business. Being a double solopreneur I know first hand that time is tight most of the time, and without focus on the big picture it’s very easy to get sidetracked.

When you’re starting out, you’re trying to build from the ground up, so you need to be clear on who your customers are, because you don’t have any time to waste on those who aren’t your customers.

In the beginning I kept things pretty simple in marketing. I used web presence through Twitter, and our home page to establish the company online.

Keep It Small

There years since starting one of my business, I still keep it small as a home based business. I converted my second bedroom into an office in which I do a lot of work from, this way it saves me time and money by not having to rent a facility.

I’m also employed full-time, and as much as I enjoy seeing my business grow, I’m not interested in it blowing up overnight. Slow, steady, and gradual growth is what I’m after, this way I’m able to handle the work load, and perform the task at hand in best of quality.

Keeping Focus

Being a solo-entrepreneur isn’t for the easily distracted. To manage your limited amount of time effectively, you have to be disciplined. I try to do specific tasks on specific days.  One day of the week I really focus on doing a lot of business development. Other days in the week are for the business planning and the numbers side. Another day is heavily focused on customer service issues.

Taking care of small details is crucial for business success. For example, if you’re starting a cleaning company, having antimicrobial shelving units from a trusted company such as Schaefershelving.com would be a good investment for future business growth and to maintain the quality of your work.

If you want to succeed as a business owner, you need to put your business first and foremost. There have been many times that I backed out of social gatherings simply because there were more important things to get done. Sacrifice is key to your success.

Final Thoughts

Realize that you are the most valuable part of your business and take care of yourself. Without you, your business would not be able to survive. I’m the first one in line for hard work in order to reap the benefits in the future, but every animal needs a break once in a while. Work hard to reach your goals, but remember to find some time for living life as well.

Cheers!
Eddie

Photo Credits (leonrw, marcamos)

Branding Your Cleaning Business

Branding is an essential part of any company, including your own newly started cleaning business. We as human beings have identies, be it our skin color, first and last name or even our background. It is something tha that uniquely sets us apart from the rest. In the same breath, it is essential to give your company an identitiy. Setting your self apart from the rest is crucial for future success.

There are hundereds of cleaning business already in existance within your 500 mile radius. Your business is the new kid on the block, so what will you do to standout from the rest?

Choosing your company name, logo, unique selling point, mission statement and color scheme make up your identity. It is essential to research before you conclude on anything, because it’s crucial for your new cleaning business to stand out in some way.

Most small business owners associate branding as being only for large companies. However, this is not the case. Getting it right from the start for your small business can have huge effects for your bottom line in the future. And with a little effort you can achieve a level of cohesiveness that your competitors lack.

Below are five main elements of branding your new cleaning business and how to make them work to your advantage.

1. Company Logo

Your logo is the visual representation of what your cleaning business is all about. Many business owners don’t put enough thought into this element for one reason or another. I thinkthis is a mistake. Creating a powerful logo is one of the simplest ways to differentiate yourself from the other cleaning companies. A well designed logo can capture the essence of your company.

There are basically three kinds of logos. Font-based logos consist primarily of a type treatment. IBM, Microsoft and Sony are great examples.

Next are logos that literally illustrate what a company does, such as when a house-painting company uses an illustration of a brush in its logo.

Final type of logo is one that uses abstract graphic symbols. Nike’s swoosh is a great example , which is also linked to the company’s brand.

Be creative and look at what others are using within your local cleaning industry. And never forget the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

If you’d like more info on creating an effective logo, read this article by Enterpreneur on how to create a logo.

2. Business Name

Your cleaning business name should tell the story of what you do in a nutshell. I remember when I first started out, I think it took me two days to come up with a company name for my cleaning business.

In the end, all the thinking came down to a simple name.

“Father & Son Cleaning Servcies”

It made total sense. I started the business with my fathers suggestion and he was also going to be my first employee. I wanted the name to reflect a family tradition and finally I wanted it to contain what we did, which was “cleaning services”.

I kept an eye towards the not so distant future, so I used the broad words “cleaning servcices” in the name. It did not limit us to office cleaning, construction clean up, commericial cleaning or one day if I wanted to jump into house cleaning and add that division to the company.

3. Color Scheme

Choosing the right color or mix of colors will enhance the overall branding process.  Consistency is key. After all the color(s) you choose will be used on the business cards, letterhead, t-shirts, truck lettering and brochures.

Setting yourself apart you take the first step to getting noticed.

4. Mission Statement

This is a brief summary of your goals and beliefs. By having an effective mission statement, it shows commitment to your potential customers. Prominently display your mission statement wherever possible.

5. Unique Selling Point

The Unique Selling Proposition (a.k.a. Unique Selling Point, or USP) is a marketing concept that was first proposed as a theory to explain a pattern among successful advertising campaigns. It states that such campaigns made unique propositions to the customer and that this convinced them to switch brands.

Your unique selling point/slogan encapsulates what you have to offer. Getting your slogan right can instantly associate your company with the service you offer.

Effective brainstorming on coming up with the right slogan can yield great dividends in the future.

 

Your unique selling point/slogan encapsulates what you have to offer. It can be described as an extension of your company name. Getting your slogan right can instantly associate your company with the service you offer.