I
knew that there were a lot of companies that I could interview with
for a job using my typing skills. But they would probably want me to
work out of their office because the job included other
responsibilities like answering phones or filing.
So,
I thought about the kinds of jobs that are just bare bones typing,
with nothing else involved. And I remembered ... back in high
school, I worked as a data entry clerk at a local production shop.
I
began researching data entry and uncovered that it was a
highly sought-after service, prevalent in nearly every industry
... from accounting to insurance to financial to marketing! And that
outsourcing data entry was becoming more and more accepted.
Pursuing leads ...
I followed up on every
lead and did research every single day - using directories, the
library, the newspapers, the chamber of commerce, and any other free
resources I could get my hands on.
I'm
not good at sales. In fact, I detest selling on the phone or in
person at all. So my technique was very passive. I created postcards
and mailed out a handful or so every day as I came across potential
clients in my research.
I
mailed out a letter to my family and friends, letting them know of
my new business endeavor and asking them politely to spread the
word.
I
also wrote a personalized note card to professional business
contacts - those people I'd worked with in the past - whose employer
may need my services or who could refer me to other business people
or companies that might benefit from my services.
A Rough Start
Finances were very tight. I felt alone and lacked confidence. At
that time, the internet was not flooded with free home business
advice and techniques like it is now, and there was no one to show
me the way. But in 1995, I legally formed Projects Plus.
A Lot Of Mistakes Along The Way
Mistakes are really just stepping stones, making you stronger and
leading you to new and better achievements. But they hurt too! I
worked too many hours and invested more money into the business than
I earned (i.e. credit card debt). My recordkeeping was a mess and I
wasn't pricing my data entry projects properly, resulting in less
earnings per hour than I wanted and needed.
But,
somehow, I was doing enough things the right way because ...
Projects Plus was thriving!
Incredible growth
In late 1997, my second son was born. And by the time he was two
years old, I had over 25 stay at home moms doing data entry from
their homes for Projects Plus customers. My services had expanded to
include marketing, internet, and business writing. I had learned
how to correct a lot of my missteps and was making a lot of money!
Inspiration
My kids have always been my inspiration to keep striving and growing
in new directions. But working from home also became a passion - one
of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. Helping other stay at
home moms bloom into successful business owners is still one of my
greatest joys.
I love hearing your success stories ... please use
the Tell Michelle
form and keep me posted!
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