After fumbling around my business for a number of months, and getting the feeling of just wanting to give up, I signed up for a business seminar a few weeks ago.

It isn’t easy to be the sole owner of a business and there isn’t always a colleague I can turn to.  So quite often, my great idea might really not be such a great idea.  The reality of an online business became harder and harder for me, and had at one point in the last few months regretted my whole idea of starting it up.  I usually drop my parcels off at the local post office in the late afternoon.  Often I also see a few people I know of an online business coming in to do the same thing.  There we are standing in a line, me with my handful of parcels, usually no more than 2 a day, and them with boxes and boxes full of parcels ready for delivery.  Sometimes they ask, “How is business?” and I always feel quite embarrassed about my slow business.  My confidence isn’t that great.

 I am beginning to think how silly I have been by going into a business without a clear plan.  Honestly, what was I thinking?

 Yesterday I attended a business seminar for the first time.  I have wanted to attend one for a long time.  But what puts me off?  Silly enough are the images on these business seminars website.  It is always images of business men in suits and ties, ladies with perfectly groomed hair, tailored jackets smiling happily with a cup of coffee or glass of wine next to the facilitator that scares me off!  I am actually petrified of networking!!!!!!  So one day a few weeks ago I decided to face my fear!  I woke up on a Saturday morning and signed up for a business seminar!  Somehow I did it.  But later on I asked myself what is it about those photos that scared me so much?  It is because of the way I think of myself and my business.  All I could think of was “My business is too small.  I am not a great marketer.  I have no idea what I am doing.  These people are established, business men & women.  These people look successful and I don’t.   They know what they are doing, I am not.   I am just a mum with 3 kids trying to make a difference!”

As I arrived at the seminar, the room was almost full.  I found a seat close by, introduced myself to the person next to me.  She asked about my business, and the questions came “What is your target market?  What is your point of difference?  How long have you been in the industry?   Honestly, I fumbled with my answers because I see where I have missed – I am not even clear of my own direction.

But I listened, took notes during the seminar about publicity and how I can use it for my business.   The presenter said “Is not about the size of your business, is about your story.  We all have a product, idea, brand….and ultimately we are all trying to solve a problem for a client, customer, etc.”

I understood for the first time what publicity is all about!  I understood its benefits for my business and how I can use it.  The seminar was just an introductory course.  The presenter has another 2 days intensive course with a 4 digit course fee to it.  I did not sign up because of the price tag.  Then I sat down at a sofa in a corner, feeling a little overwhelmed and down by the course fee.  I can see that if I can equipped myself with this skill set and getting the right coaching, it will far out weigh the cost in the long run. So I had a think and then became clear that “well true, I can’t sign up today, but this is something to consider for 2012, I can still come back.”  Suddenly my mindset changed, I don’t feel so low, so overwhelmed, but understanding that I am not pushing away an opportunity but just that it isn’t the right time to do it.

I went back to the seminar room and chatted to the facilitator.  She is a Public Relations guru, whom have over 20 years of experience and I know her from our days in tourism.  We caught up briefly but she was encouraging, and relate to all the fear I have about my business!  She gave me examples and identified to me my fears are not unique.  It is common but I must first deal with it!

This afternoon while driving back from the shops with Lara, I chatted to myself in the car, something I often do when I am trying to clear a problem in my head.  Then I realise, hang on, yes I have rushed into it without a clear business plan, but it isn’t the end of it.  I can undo this.  Just go back to step 1 and start again.  Suddenly, the light comes on and I can see ideas coming in and skills that I have had suddenly came flying back!

 I then jumped on to a few websites and found another few places locally that offers free marketing advice.  I even found a government grant for small businesses that can be used towards some smaller courses. 

So I can see is November, year is closing soon, but I have achieved one important thing. 

 I have faced my fear, did something about it and see that there is now an opportunity.  But I must continually work on shifting my fears!

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