Posted by Merry_CA on 6/14/05 6:48pm
Msg #44653

Do You Have the Mindset and Skills to be an Entrepreneur?

After finally reading most all of the posts since the beginning of this forum I have been doing a lot of soul searching... I am beginning to understand why some of the old-timers here get so tired of the same old questions... It is because the answers are out there for the taking. If it is a question about notarial procedure you can and should refer to your state's notary handbook. If it's a question about building your business, there is a plethora (excessive amount) of information on the web. I would just start googling! If you truly want to build your own business, you will find it very gratifying to search out the information on your own.

Also, my apologies to any posters here who I have offended. It was totally uncalled for and unprofessional of me.

Here's something I found on the web today just by googling "marketing" (this is just one out of hundreds of items):

**You probably already know that starting a small business requires extensive research and analysis of many factors. But many entrepreneurs often overlook the one requiring the most critical assessment. And, it’s as close as the nearest mirror.

That’s because wanting to be an entrepreneur is one thing; being one is quite another. You will take on responsibilities and commitments far different from those of an employee, even if you have management experience. It’s a challenge that can be exhilarating and rewarding. Unless you’re prepared mentally and emotionally, however, it can also be overwhelming.

Before you study financing options and plan store layouts, sit down and conduct a probing interview with yourself to see if you’re the right person for the all-important job of entrepreneur-owner-boss.

Are You a Self-Starter?
Nothing in business happens by itself. As the owner, you’re responsible for everything from establishing your firm’s vision to setting the daily work schedule. The fact that you’re exploring small business ownership and asking questions is a good sign.

Are You a Positive Thinker?
The moment you become a business owner, you represent yourself, your business and your expectations for success. What you say and do must convey confidence and commitment to moving forward. Employees, who sense these qualities will share that determination to succeed, even under difficult circumstances. If you work alone, there will be days when you have to be your own cheerleader.

Are You Disciplined?
Your days of the “9-to-5 routine” are over. Running a small business requires a continuous commitment to quality and detail. You cannot afford to cut corners, miss deadlines or make promises beyond your capabilities. If you plan to run the business from home, you must be able to resist temptations and distractions in order to get your work done.

Are You a Lifelong Learner? Entrepreneurs who continually seek information, new ideas and sound advice have the best chance for success. Being attuned to market trends and issues makes it easier to adjust products and services to customers’ needs and preferences. You’re also in a better position to enhance your competitive advantage and efficiency, and address potential problems before they harm your business.

Can You Market Yourself and Your Business? Some people have trouble with this one because of the negative (and often unfair) connotations associated with being a “salesperson.” No business, no matter how good, will succeed without some kind of marketing. The good news is that promoting your business is easier than you may think as long as you know what to do and how to do it. After all, we all enjoy saying good things about ourselves. When you craft and tell your story in the right way, more people will be willing and eager to hear it.

Can you be Objective?
Your ideas and practices may seem “bulletproof,” but reality may be far different. Is there really a need for a particular product or service in your area? Are the hours of operation fair to your employees? Is renting equipment better than owning it? A good business owner knows how to examine an issue from many perspectives and understand that strengths and limitations of each.

So how did your “candidate” for entrepreneur-owner-boss do? If every answer was a “yes,” your small business dream is on its way to becoming a reality. For areas of concern, the solution may be business counseling, management courses, or a concerted effort to discard some unproductive habits in favor new ones.

Finally, make it a point to conduct regular self-reviews. Thinking and approaches that worked in the start-up phase may not be as appropriate for a thriving concern, or if a major market shift occurs. When you work for yourself, you want to be confident the entrepreneur-owner-boss knows exactly what he or she is doing.**

Reply by SamIam_CA on 6/14/05 6:53pm
Msg #44654

Merry - that was a great post. I will include 44653 on the messages to read listing along with 33325, 44234 & 44429. Thanx!

Reply by HisHughness on 6/14/05 6:54pm
Msg #44655

Merry mea culpas:

***Also, my apologies to any posters here who I have offended. It was totally uncalled for and unprofessional of me.***

I wasn't offended, Merry. I thought you a worthy though uninformed antagonist.

I am wondering, though, when you will start responding to beginners' questions like the Old Pharts do.

Reply by CaliNotary on 6/14/05 6:56pm
Msg #44656

Re: Do You Have the Mindset and Skills to be an Entrepreneur

"I am beginning to understand why some of the old-timers here get so tired of the same old questions... It is because the answers are out there for the taking"

Glad you're seeing the light. It gets really old having the same questions asked over and over again by people who obviously haven't bothered to read this board, they just barge in and just want the information handed to them. I'm sure you remember the "California Notary" thread of just 2 days ago. So guess what's posted on the board today?

"I am a new notary in Louisiana and would like some information on what type of services a notary can offer, how much to charge for various services and information on how to become a signing agent. I know this is a lot to ask for, but I will never know if I don't ask a question."

Sigh. She would know if she made the simple effort to start reading this board.

Reply by Becca/FL on 6/14/05 6:57pm
Msg #44658

Thank you, Mary. Good information for all. May I ask that you post this as often as HisHughness posts his canned answer?

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/14/05 8:03pm
Msg #44667

Merry...you made my day...

Thank you so much for your post. I have to get two inspections uploaded, but I wanted to tell you that first.

Reply by Merry_CA on 6/15/05 11:24am
Msg #44816

Re: Merry...you made my day...

A special thank you to Brenda! It was after going to your website and reading your blog that I started thinking very hard about what I am really after when I come to this forum. It is so easy to get sucked in to the petty little squabbles that occur here... I admit to participating in a few of them. But, the real value here is the education and shared real life experiences of you folks out in the trenches that gives us insight into the business of being a NSA that goes far beyond what we all learned in any NSA classes we may have taken.

Reply by CarolynCO on 6/14/05 8:18pm
Msg #44672

Great post Merry. It sounds like you are on the right track to be a successful self-employed person.

I don't know how many have seen the thread on GMN, but on June 13 (yesterday) a thread was begun by MichiganAl entitled "This Weeks Posts" -- I'm not certain if MichiganAl posts here or not, and I'm sorry I don't recognize the name if you do. The thread is worth looking at. It's the truth and it's also quite funny -- except, I guess for the ones who will think it's cruel, rude and uncalled for. I would copy the text of MichiganAl's post here, but I don't think it would be ethical.

Reply by HisHughness on 6/14/05 8:43pm
Msg #44678

Listen to CarolynCo. She knows what she's talking about

I've got to echo CarolynCO's suggestion that everybody go to GMN and read MichiganAl's June 13 post entitled "This Week's Posts." It is hilarious. If I could be that funny, I wouldn't be messing around with you guys; I'd be on Letterman and Leno rollin' 'em in the aisles.

Reply by Ernest_CT on 6/14/05 9:54pm
Msg #44691

Thank you, Merry_CA, for being a very big person!

It took more guts for you to say what you did than to sit back and keep quiet. You have made me proud to be in the same profession as you are.

Best wishes for your success!

Reply by Nicole_NCali on 6/14/05 11:25pm
Msg #44722

Thank you..

Introspective thoughts on whether you can be an entreprenuer or not can be devastating. I soul searched and fought hard for the information that I have and the continuous information that I need to be self sufficient.

My signing is not a hobby or a fly by night situation. This money helps me to provide better for my family, save for education and ensure that my two munchkins are happy, healthy kids. I am not an "old fart", but I have been self-employed in other ventures, with very little assistance or support. I am getting my knocks and bruises by my own sweat and tears, that way, when I succeed, I can and will appreciate it more..

You are on the right track. Also check out the SBA website for information that most of the newbies haven't even bothered to check into. It gives you important information on business plans, loans, and how to keep yourself on track.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/14/05 11:37pm
Msg #44724

I am not an 'old timer' but I think you've got a lot of gumption and I think it will take you far.

Reply by JanetK/CA on 6/14/05 11:53pm
Msg #44732

Good job - on all counts!!!

... and thanks for sharing the quote.

Being able to admit one might have been wrong - especially on a public forum - is huge! Learning what you have will benefit you much more than just posting a question and getting an easy answer. Hopefully, you'll inspire others to do the same.

Reply by CarolynCO on 6/15/05 8:06am
Msg #44777

Re: Too bad new SAs aren't commenting. n/m