Business or Hobby: You Are What You Think

Each day thousands of new home businesses are born.  More and more entrepreneurs worldwide are realizing the benefits of working out of their homes.  Many start out as a part time business; with the intent that they will resign from their full time job outside the home once the income level is matched. 

Interestingly, many entrepreneurs who start a business don’t run their business like a business which sometimes may cause frustration over a period of time. 

The examples below will further illustrate this.   

Jane works full time in an office outside of her home.  She just signed up with a direct sales company as a consultant for a cosmetic company. Jane told a few of her friends about her new business venture; yet many around her do not even know that she is selling the product.  She uses language such as “I sell XYZ makeup” or “I’m a rep for 123 Company.”  In this example Jane does not look at herself as a business woman.  Rather, she dabbles in it.  She is a hobbyist. 

Conversely, Sue is a family manager (she’s a stay at home mom to her three children).  She decided to start a home business.  After much research, she decided that she really liked the product line and support of a cosmetic company. 

Sue had the mindset that she would be successful.  She told all her friends and family about her new business.  She had professional business cards made and gave them to everyone she met who came within three feet of her (including at the grocery store and at her children’s school).   

She “felt the fear and did it anyway”.  She wasn’t comfortable getting on the phone and telling people about her new business - but she believed in the product so much, she did it anyway.  Sue remembered a great book she recently read.  She couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough; she told everyone about that book and how it would impact their life. 

Then Sue reminded herself how easy it was to tell everyone about that book; and never felt like she was imposing.  She chose to feel the exact same way about offering the cosmetics to people around her. 

Jane’s husband was disappointed in all the money his wife was spending on makeup.  They were now the proud owners of a closet full of cosmetics.  Sue’s husband was pleasantly shocked at the increase in their checking account.  His wife was an excellent business owner. She was earning all sorts of money for the family. 

Both women had the exact same opportunity.  The only difference was their attitude.  One “sold makeup” (and not very well I might add); and the other had a booming cosmetic business. 

In my article, Direct Sales Tips, one of the tips that I mention is: 

“You must honestly believe and feel that what you are selling is a worthwhile and honest value in order to be a success in selling. When you have the conviction that you are selling a worthwhile product, you will sell with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. When the prospect becomes enthusiastic, he buys.” 

Become enthusiastic about your chosen business or simply ask yourself: 

Which are you?  Do you try to sell stuff? Or are you a business owner?  As the 17th century, the French philosopher René Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” 

© 2007-2008 Regina Baker & Company

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