Independence Day

NOTE: Due to an unforeseen problem, our site was in maintenance mode and off-line, at the publication time. We apologize for this delay. Next week’s post will be published on Monday, as usual. Thank you for your patience.

Your personal “independence day” occurred when you decided to strike out on your own. You may have left your job voluntarily or involuntarily, either way, you made a decision to go it alone. You may be a freelancer, part-timer, or self-employed independent professional. Contrary to popular belief, you are probably not a true entrepreneur. There is a distinct difference between entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals. Entrepreneurs start businesses for the purpose of building a business to take on a life of its own, to be sold, or duplicated through franchising. True entrepreneurs may not have a skill for doing a certain type of work or producing a specialized service. They are skilled at establishing a business where other people produce the work of the business. Self-employed professionals, however, usually have a particular skill, talent, ability, or expertise in producing a specialized result. They could be designers, photographers, consultants, sales professionals, or even doctors and dentists. The difference is, they personally produce the work of the business. They are in the business of performing the special work.

You probably know these differences already, but haven’t consciously thought them through. This is why I am pointing them out to you. One of the primary reasons people start their own business is to be in control of the work they love to do; and not merely to become a business owner . They want freedom to do it their way and reap the rewards of being the owner. Ah, independence and freedom! Sounds a lot like the reasons our America came into existence.

With this freedom and independence, comes the responsibility of establishing the business; meaning everything that is required to operate a business. Doing the work of the business, however, is where independent professionals excel. What keeps them supplied with their ongoing stream of work? And, how do they manage the resulting income from the work they complete? The first question is related to attracting more clients. This is accomplished through sales and marketing. Sales and marketing are the keys to increasing the supply of work and thus producing an increase in revenue. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But if you are like most self-employed independent professionals, you never had to worry about sales and marketing when you were an employee and had a real job. Your employer had other personnel who handled that part of the business and brought in orders for work  (that you did). Your “independence day” was the day you stepped out on your own and became responsible for sales and marketing.

Another aspect of being on your own, is that you will become the Chief Financial Officer. You will be responsible for managing the money. You will do the work and get paid, however, the income will be variable and inconsistent. Bills and expenses are usually fixed and invariable, and arrive like clockwork. Financial obligations must be met whether you have the cash, or not. Many times, you will find it necessary to increase your debt through the use of credit cards or bank loans. One day (certainly not independence day!), you will realize that this debt is sneaking up on you.  Your pipeline of new business is down to a mere trickle. What will you do?!

You my friend will need a plan! Even professional financial planners sometimes experience this dilemma. In spite of what the old song says, the answer is not blowing in the wind, rather it is to be found in establishing an effective and comprehensive sales and marketing plan. A plan that will permit the maximization of your marketing efforts and attract more qualified clients than you can handle. It will, also be found in a disciplined money management plan that takes into account the variable nature of your income, but allows meeting expenses and obligations in a timely manner.

The journey between where you are and where you want to be is the pinnacle path. The difference between those two distinct points represents your potential. The Pinnacle Path Program provides tools that will change potential into realization. It is a unique approach that will help you to regain your dream of freedom, independence, and control of your own business. It will enable you to attract a steady stream of highly qualified clients and to manage the money that your work will generate. You will earn more money, work fewer hours, and enjoy your business more. You will be able to do the work that you love to do, and do very well, without the stress associated with running the business.

Make your personal “independence day” become a real cause to celebrate! Take the first step by resolving to take control of your business and your finances. Then, begin the journey to your pinnacle and the fulfillment of your true potential by calling 513-761-1976. We offer a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you get started.