| Today about 70% of the workforce is in the service | | | | Use your skills, talents and strengths, along with |
| sector. Since your first business will very likely be a | | | | something you like to do, and incorporate them into |
| service business (you already know how to do it and | | | | your service business. |
| it's cheap and easy to start), look through your resume | | | | The one skill you are going to need above all others is |
| for a creative, labor, or social job skill that you can turn | | | | the ability to sell. In the beginning there will only be you |
| into a business. | | | | and you'll have to do all of the selling. Get used to it. |
| In the beginning you will probably be the one doing all of | | | | Get good at it. Once you get your business off the |
| the work. But since you'll be running a business from a | | | | ground you will need to train others to do what you do. |
| skill you already know, it's just like working for an | | | | Enthusiasm is contagious and it draws a buyer in. If |
| employer only all of the money goes into your pocket | | | | you are excited about your business, others will be |
| instead of making someone else rich. | | | | also. Be persistent in your selling. In the beginning you |
| You learn how to run a business from the ground up | | | | will need to hustle for business. |
| by bootstrapping it. Once you start hiring people you | | | | The best way to start a service business is to |
| will know exactly how to train them to do their jobs. | | | | bootstrap it. When you don't have a lot of money to |
| You'll want to start matching your job skills with other | | | | spend you have to get more creative. |
| factors to generate unique ideas for your business. Do | | | | Your service business should be something that will |
| you have any hidden talents that you could get paid | | | | generate cash flow quickly and has long-term potential |
| for? You can use your expert knowledge to create a | | | | to grow into something bigger. Your brand is the first |
| niche within your service business? Do you know all of | | | | thing people know about your business. Make sure it's |
| the hiking trails in your neighborhood? | | | | a good one. This is the first exposure your customer |
| Start combing these elements to create niche markets | | | | has and it should establish you in a good light. |
| within your service business. In a sea of competition | | | | Flyers and business cards are great, inexpensive |
| you want to stand out as being unique and different. | | | | ways to market your business. A great way to get |
| What kind of working style do you have? | | | | new customers is to give them a discount for trying |
| Do you like working in the morning or late at night? Do | | | | out your services. |
| you like working indoors or outdoors? Do you like to | | | | And above all else give excellent customer service. It's |
| travel or stay close to home? Know your work style, | | | | free and it will keep your customers coming back to |
| whether it's working alone or with others? | | | | you. |