I know far too many self-employed folks who think they have no control over how much they make in their business from year to year. I’ll meet a business owner at a networking event or a workshop and hear things like this:
- The economy is bad this year so I won’t be able to increase my income.
- You just never know what customers (or clients) will do. No one has any loyalty any more.
- I hope to make more money next year, but I’ll just have to see how things go.
These kinds of statements tell me a few things and here they are:
- That business owner isn’t willing to take responsibility for her (or his) business.
- She doesn’t consistently look at income streams.
- She probably doesn’t track her costs of doing business very well.
- Her mindset is that there is less opportunity in bad economic times to build a small business.
Here’s the truth – more entrepreneurs build their businesses in hard economic times than in a great economy. There is ALWAYS opportunity. Now, right now, is the time to be looking at your income for this year and deciding what you want to make next year. Yes, you CAN influence what you make. You CAN find ways to increase your income and improve your profit. You CAN find ways to lower your overhead costs, too. I can help you with my 3-step “Create Income” system that helps you with mindset, a step-by-step way to look at what has happened in your business so far this year, evaluate your income and costs, and actually build a plan for your income next year. Want to give yourself a raise? E-mail me and we’ll get started.
Kristina Shands says
December 5, 2011 at 11:42 amYou are so right, Sue. Now is the time to follow your dreams (if not now, then when?). I must be talking to the same business owners because I am hearing the same thing. It is all about mindset and seeing the opportunities that are out there. Can’t wait for your teleclass. You always offer great stuff.
Sue Painter says
December 5, 2011 at 11:59 amThanks, Kristina.
Tiffany deSilva says
December 1, 2011 at 10:10 pmSue, I love the mindset that there is ALWAYS opportunity. It’s so true. You just have to be proactive and seize the opportunities sometimes. Your teleclass sounds like it will be fabulous!
Sue Painter says
December 1, 2011 at 10:22 pmThanks, Tiffany!
Linda Pucci says
November 30, 2011 at 2:34 pmOne of the things I’ve always liked about being self-employed is the fact that I can control my income! Can’t wait for your workshop–your teleclasses are always SO helpful! Great way to ensure that 2012 is the best year ever!
Sue Painter says
November 30, 2011 at 3:24 pmI’ll look forward to hearing you on the teleclass call, Linda.
Sue
Jeff Brunson says
November 30, 2011 at 8:20 amLove the positive thoughts here! This year I began with a goal in mind; replace my biggest client. I knew – due to their situation – that I would not do as much as I have done in the past 9 years with them. I don’t want to lose them, I just could no longer depend on them so much. Having that mindset moved me toward not only other clients who replaced them, but to a whole new program that I am loving very much. Thanks for your words of exhortation Sue.
Sue Painter says
November 30, 2011 at 8:35 amHi Jeff, I’m glad that this blog post helped boost what you are already doing.
Sue
Mary Ellen Miller says
November 30, 2011 at 6:58 amSue, you are right that we do have control of our destinies! I just wrapped up my strategic planning for 2012. Your program sounds excellent. Best of luck with it!
Bill Painter says
November 29, 2011 at 10:10 pmThis will be a great workshop, I have seen the worksheet and it will be a great yardstick to see where you are and where you need to go.
Sue Painter says
November 29, 2011 at 10:27 pmThanks, sweetie.