ALL SO SWEET, LLC                       A Different Kind of Experience

A problem I notice within the Entrepreneurial world is a simple observation that very few entrepreneurs have a niche market. It is inevitable to have repeat businesses, meaning more than one person conducting the same type of business in a given area. Often times, entrepreneurs feel threatened by this occurrence and view everyone as their competition. Yes, you will have competition within the same market but this doesn't mean you cannot beat the odds and be successful.

Let's put jewelry vendors in the spotlight for a moment. Most of us who are in the "Vendor's World" know, you will get more jewelry vendors then any other type of vendor, true? If you fall in this category, knowing your niche market can and will be helpful for you. 

You can decide to sell jewelry that consists of birthstones or maybe you can sell jewelry that is inspired by animals (cat pendants, chains, charms, etc...). Whatever jewelry you sell, be sure to sell something different than your competition. Know what people are compelled to buy. Zodiac jewelry, Birthstone Jewelry, Bling-Bling, pearls, etc....

After you have identified what appeals to the masses, build on this niche. Find different types of jewelry within your niche market i.e. chokers, long chains, interchangeable jewelry, matching sets, etc... Find your niche and stick to it. As you build, you will begin to expand to different areas.

This same concept can be applied to many other businesses even if you are a tax preparer. If most offices close 9 months out of the year, find a reason to stay open at least 10 months out of the year. If the other tax preparers are preparing simple taxes, build your niche on business taxes and chose your genre (corporate businesses, small businesses, entrepreneurs, government, etc...) Find something different and make it work for you!

I have always looked for ways to describe what it is I do. It has been very easy for me to provide my mission statement for my business because, after all, I developed it. On a drop of a dime, I can recite, "Our Mission is to educate, train and develop new and emerging entrepreneurs." This is only a way to quickly sum up my focus. What I do is much, much greater. I am what many will call a "Social Entrepreneur."

So, what is a Social Entrepreneur? A social entrepreneur is a change agent for society. We investigate what is not working within the system and we solve the problem. In doing so, we spread the solution by multiple means and work to help others take new leaps and measures to initiate global change.

Let me break this down for you in simple terms! My vision is not centered around my own quest for financial freedom. Although financial freedom is a goal, it is not my primary focus. My vision is to change the way disenfranchised populations view their relationship with money. Many of us, who have been raised in low to moderate income households, seem to have dreams of being rich but, too, many of us don't take the risk to make this happen. We are always waiting for a "handout" and we have become obsessed with titles that belong to companies we don't own. For example. Supervisor, Manager, Director, Coordinator and Case Manager, to name a few.

If you have a talent or skill, you should take advantage of living out your dream without fear and excuses. For this very reason, the rich is getting richer and the poor is getting poorer. Fear has been a main character in stealing the dreams of many people. This has been a serious problem in our society and because of this, I am determined to help as many people as possible recognize their full potential, look fear in the face and take a risk. It's not about selling you a product, it's about unlimited opportunities to live out your dream.

Let's take a honest look at what's happening with many entrepreneurs. They are not investing in themselves. When you think about it, almost every successful person has had a coach or mentor. Coaching can be expensive if you are counting your dollars every step of the way. Coaching is actually an investment if the right coach is hired! I am sure most have entered into business ventures that yield no return on their investment. Money lost and not invested is a sad state of affairs!

Before you respond to negative or bad feedback on your social media sites, consider allowing a reasonable about of time to past in order for you to gather your thoughts. Often times, we allow our emotions to dominate and control our actions. If we see something hurtful, our normal reaction is to respond almost immediately. This is not always the best thing to do.

As a Business Management Consultant and a Licensed Therapist, I coach my clients about the benefits of allowing time to past prior to "acting out." It is my belief that those who post negative comments are usually indirectly communicating and expecting a response OR they may be "going through something" and their emotion has nothing to do with you.

Allowing time to past gives you an opportunity to be diplomatic and "save face." After all, you have a business to run and a reputation to uphold!

Many Entrepreneurs confuse what is meant by the word "Business Owner." They get an idea, register a business name and start ordering business cards, websites, brochures and other items used to brand and market their business. Often times, they do not balance their books or realize their expenses are outweighing their revenue. If money is not coming into the business or if people do not pay you for your product or service, then it may be a hobby you are managing; not a business.

Taking time necessary to invest in yourself and in your business is an essential element for success. Spend time developing, editing and working your business plan. Get a business coach, take educational seminars related to running a business and stay the course. It is not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Get connected, learn and grow your business!