When is Going "The Extra Mile" Too Much?

Recently, I met with a prospective client. She asked me for my credentials and I verbally went over them and later sent her some links to sample writing. This was not enough to convince her to do business with me. So she asked me to write a sample for her based on information about her product.

I am trying to build my business and do not have very many clients, therefore I obliged. She sent me some links and some ideas she wanted in the writing and I sent her my sample. It took me about an hour to write the sample; every word has to be just right. 

Starting a business is tricky in this regard. Everyone tells you that you have to build a solid reputation and follow through, but what about working for free? Potentially, I will get this job and then I will be paid to complete the rest of the work, but as of now, I'm not visiting the bank. 

What things have you done to gain or keep a client?

Taking a break after working for free 

Starting a Home Based Business

Good Grief

A few months ago I brilliantly decided to open my own business. I know lots of people who have their own business and I arrogantly thought it would not be difficult to get my licenses, website, social media, business cards, invoices, tax id number, ad nauseum. Well like everything in life, it is a struggle. The struggle sometimes lies in the internet itself, or gaining control of my computer from other family members (note: my), or household duties which seem to drive one crazy when sitting amongst them daily, or any of a plethora of other things. Sometimes I'm actually able to put all these shiny objects aside and work on the business. Its plan, its details, its life.

Right now is one of those times, but here I am writing unknown persons about my "struggle". I am trying to figure out what exactly motivates me to work when I have a job. It's not the pay for sure. It's not my boss or my high yearning for success. But, when I work for others, I get up early, get ready, get out the door, get to work and work, pretty much for forty hours a week. No qualms. No naps. Why doesn't this translate to my job here at home. When I have client work, I am motivated to complete it as soon as possible, but when it's something for my business, it lingers. And lingers. Does this make me a bad person? Am I not putting forth enough effort? Do I care?

The idea of this blog is to take you, the reader, through the ups and downs of starting and owning a business. For now, I continue to wait on the state to send my license, so I can apply for more licenses.

3.26.2014