The Business Things We learned In 2006

Janine replied:

After starting this new thread I guess I should start.

The things I have learned in 2006 are -

# we are all in control of our dreams and making them a reality.

# sometimes we do have to take a risk make those dreams come true

# for those of us who have taken the plunge with our own businesses we learn everyday how to do things easier, quicker and better - these little learning curves can make our business richer for the experience.

# I have realised in 2006 that it is the little things such as personal service that party plan/ home based businesses offer that make a huge difference and this should never be sacrificed. Things I have done and will continue to do with Cheeky Chops - poping in a thank you note, a discount coupon, a follow-up email to check purchase is there on time, even a phone call if need be. It is nice when you receive a little thank you note as in this day and age where we do everything on the computer it puts a human face/voice or touch to it. Plus it costs very little.

# not matter what life throws at you you get back up, take the ranes and go for it.

As I think of more (when the girls are not fighting and ready to kill each other) I will post some more.

Janine

PS - Mr Party Plans - just wondering if this thread should be in with the motivational stuff???

Please everyone get involved with this as we can all learn fro each other.

SaucyKath replied:

My #1 for business success would be

COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION!

you can never give too much of it!  Keep in touch with EVERYONE & follow through with EVERYTHING

kim025 replied:

One of the things I have learnt is to never pay cash to someone in good faith! Especially if I have never met them before.  Everything I will be paying in future will go through my credit card so that I can lodge a complain with my bank.

Lots of other things too....Communication is a big thing.

Oh and you can't please 100% of people 100% of the time.

Also That sometimes you just can't "make" someone do it - you can offer support and advice but at the end of the day if the person isn't willing to get off their butt and do it there isn't anything else I can do.

And most of all the biggest thing is to have fun!  I have a great group of customers and I have so much fun with them I never feel like I'm "working" it's just like hanging out with friends, and it always pay off in their comments!!!

Kim

Zammy replied:

My number one tip from 2006 is....

Release with Ease.

My regional told me this one day and I've taken it to heart. Whether it's a recruit who decides now isn't the right time for her, or a hostess who just won't re-book that postponed party.
Release them with ease and when it's time they'll be there :)

Janine replied:

I like this one Zammy. It even made me take a big deep breath in and out just reading. Things are different depending on how you want to take it and at the end of the day things that go wrong or do not happen it really is not the end of the world - just stand back, take a deep breath and move on.

marina replied:

Hi Janine and everyone,

It is an awesome subject for a post and I really believe we never ever stop learning.

I have learnt the following in 2006

- I always reinforce twice  to the ladies that have booked a party that they cannot call me and cancel the party completely as I have given so and so free jewellery based on her booking.

I have had a number of cancellations in 2006 and I do not want a repeat of this in 2007.

If the lady commits to a party she needs to have it. It was my fault as I did not educate the prospective hostess.

- I have learnt to keep away from negative people because they really play havoc with your emotions and they do not want what is best for you. They try and bring you down. That is unfair and something that you do not need when you are trying to build your business.

- I have learnt how to use E- Tax. It really is the best for business and making sure you pay the correct amount of GST. Very simple and easy to use and makes accounting a breeze.

- I have learnt that Quicken is an awesome program to keep track of Sales ,expense and your household finances and also who has paid and who has not paid for their products.

- I have learnt that Vistaprint.com have the best and cheapest business cards around.  They have saved me so much money.

Have a Brilliant day

marina

Janine replied:

Thanks Marina,

I was hoping ( I knew you would Hahaha) add to this topic. I too am a believer that we can all learn things from everyone here even the little things can sometimes make a huge difference to our businesses and lilfe in general.

Janine

CuddleBee replied:

I guess that I have learnt alot... I have gone from a regular working person to a business owner all by myself!!! Exciting stuff for me!!!