Do not give up

[supermom2007]

I have to stress this all the time because I almost did the same. When you invest money in a business you have to be serious and go through with it until the end. No matter what try your best and tell everyone.

[Audrey]

It is my suggestion that folks wait a year. See what happens in a year. A business can not be built in 30 days or even 90 days...but after a year, if you look back, you'll see the growth :)

[supermom2007]

I agree, some take less time usually depending on how new the business is, newer businesses give you more prospects

[Terri-Avon]

I have to say that I'm pleased with how well my business it working for me so far. However I am working it. I am reinvesting my profits so that I can build. Because of that it really isnt giving me any money at the moment but I know (or certainly think) that at the rate things are going, that in time all will be good!

Point is yes it does take time for a business to grow. You must be patient and work at it. Nothing falls into your lap miraculously no matter what some people promise you. Anything that sounds too good to be true probably is. :)

[Audrey]

Terri,

I also reinvested most of what I made at the beginning. One suggestion is to hold an open house twice a year and sell off your demos at demo cost. This will give you money to reinvest into more demos :)

[Terri-Avon]

I tried an open house when I first joined and we had a Nor'easter come in that day and dump buckets and buckets of rain. Roads were floaded and closed. So nobody came *sobs* Alright my family and one friend showed up and I still managed between 200-300 in sales that day so it wasnt all bad. In fact a road that I take to get to my house is still closed from it...so it a detour through the local condo's still.

I think I'll host maybe a back to school party to break in the Holiday items and such. :D

[supermom2007]

I cannot do open houses with my business, but I feel offline marketing returns the best results. Business cards and postcards are definitely the way to go.

[Debbi]

one year is good, but not all businesses are profitable within that time period.

[joinwinners]

Everyone here all have very good points. I wished I found this Forum when I was starting out 7 years ago.
"You have to fail before you can succeed"-Jeffery Combs

[MaryAnn]

I can't agree more!

[Jillsescape]

I just started my online business and am learning tons of stuff about online marketing.......safelists are great and they are free! I have seen lots of different businesses on them so far.

[Debbi]

but are safelists really safe?

[Audrey]

Debbi,

I would create a new email account for safelists. I would not use a working email.

[Debbi]

exactly. safe lists really aren't safe and can seriously jeopardize your business, imo. I don't think they're worth it, frankly.