Self-Starter? striving to be one...

[createyourdream]

Hi, having attended some of the webinars and followed Clicknewz for a few months, I've met many of this group already. I'm glad to be here and looking forward to acting on what I've been learning. For the last few years, I've been exploring online businesses, and I'd say my primary passion has been to create a business that I can do while encouraging harmony at home.

I'm married to Barney, the Chimney Guy, and have a son, Matt, who is 13. Gallagher's Chimney Service is our primary business. Barney works solo doing the chimney work and I manage his business from our home. My goal for the last five years has been to find an alternative source of income that I can enjoy doing and can automate to bring in residual or passive income, long after Barney decides he doesn't want to do chimney work anymore.

Much of what I do doesn't sit right with my husband. In my mistakes, attempts, discouragement, and perseverance, I know there is a way, if not many, to accomplish both harmony at home and building a successful business, so that's what I feel I'm here to do.

Lynn, you suggested something in your webinar a couple weeks ago that I was ready to hear and do: FOCUS on one project! How simple is that, you say?

Very difficult for me, I must say, but it's becoming easier.

ONE Project, ONE focus, ONE Purpose, ONE Action Plan, then the next..

I like writing, online technology, and being on the leading edge of learning. I'm in the process of drilling down Niches I am passionate about and can provide value for a good return. As I act upon what I learn, and follow through with the discipline of implementing it, I'll keep you posted on my progress. Your journey is assisting mine, so thank you, wherever you are in the process.

Best for now,
Mary

[Al Smith]

[createyourdream]

[Kit Singleton]

[ashley059]

[Lynn Terry]

Hi Mary

One of the things that occurred to me when we were talking (in the private forum) is that a business model that compliments your family business might be a good option. I'm not sure how you currently keep in touch with your customer database, but Send Out Cards might just work for you. If you've never looked into it before, talk to David Dutton. He is usually on the webinars, and is also an Elite Member - so you'll find him in the private forum as well.

[createyourdream]

Hi, Lynn,

Yes, that's a terrific way to keep in touch with our customers. I've tried to put a reminder "system" in place, using postcards that one of our vendors created, then hand pulling customers who requested a reminder notice, and printing out address labels from our financial program (Qbooks).

So, that can certainly use improvement and Send Out Cards has been my radar and could be a solution...

Right now, though, a project I'm working on is using Serif PagePlus to create a "Discount/Reminder" postcard to send out to our customers who want a reminder.

To encourage scheduling before August 31st. we are offering $10 off a regular chimney cleaning.

Some may not want to schedule before that time, so we are encouraging referrals.

If the customer passes the postcard to someone who schedules before 8/31, we will give that customer $10 off their next cleaning whenever they get it done this year.

I'm hoping it turns out to be a win-win, with the customer saving some bucks, we will have some happy new and continuing customers, and Barney will be working when he wants to work.

I have a couple variations of copy to test, and I'm using labels with small printing, but hightlighting with different colors and different color fonts.

I'll stagger my mailing to see what gets the most response. This is the most fun I've had in a while!

I realize it's too much work, and I should be automating it, but I like to test the process by hand the first time.

[WAHumor]

[tam2005]

Hi Mary,

Nice to meet you. Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to your posts.

[Maa]

[Lynn Terry]

That's a great idea, Mary. The reason I suggested Send Out Cards is because it can work hand-in-hand with your current business, just as you mentioned - but also as a standalone business that you would enjoy personally. When you get a chance, talk to David Dutton. He'll give you a demo walk-through and show you the business side of it.

[createyourdream]

[Lynn Terry]

[Kurt Henninger]

[cindyc]