Growing to become a successful entrepreneur

When I started my business I only advertised a couple times. After that it was more word of mouth from happy customers. For me it was focus on service. When I make an appointment, let's say 0800, it doesn't mean I show up at 0800 - it means I have my tools out, setup and ready to work at 0800. If I am going to be late, contact the person, let them know. Treat the person with respect and what ever service you offer, do it like you want it done for yourself! Be honest. People understand we are only human and mistakes will happen, if they do - stand up admit it and take care of it. Trust is earned hard, and lost easy. It takes time to get a good business going. Lots of hard work, long hours to begin with. Just remember treat people like you want to be treated.

I'm shocked that this was posted over a year ago and no responses. So first things first, find something you enjoy doing. Mine is web design and vinyl cutting/shirt printing. And start hacking away at it!

The best way to gain customers, is to offer your services for FREE at first. For instance, I contacted a random aerospace company in Kansas, offering them my services for decals. I sent them 10 free decals, and sure enough. They ordered $500 worth of decals and a frequent customer. That is the BEST way to start off.

Secondly, if you want a serious business, be serious. Save up money, 6-12 months of income, and quit your job. Time is money, the more time you're spending working for someone else, the less time you could be sourcing customers, making new product, etc. Get business cards or somesort of contact info. Me, for one of my ventures TroopTrades (stock trading service) my business cards were wearble dogtags. People wore that ALL of the time. Make it unique, if everyone is a square, be an F'ing circle. (corny as hell lol)

And enjoy your TIME, you are no one elses watch but YOUR'S. Hire and develop great employees to do the grunt work for you

CPL Hayward Johnson I hope that you are excelling at business ownership or stewardship at this point! I wanted to complement you on a great question and make a few points too. People and reputation as is mentioned in a few of the posts below are essential to running a successful business, but I have also found that know my numbers, the market / competition, and innovations / future initiatives really keeps me focused. What is the next step for the business and how do you get there? How do you develop loyalty? And finally, I whiteboard everything! GL, I hope all is well.