ConsummateCash™

Don't Start A New Business With A Lame Name

2007-04-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of working with an attorney-graphical designer-oh, the list can go on. Basically he is an entrepreneur, well versed in providing people with intelligent advice about how to market and brand their business. As you know when starting any business, especially a business as a writer, you should protect your copyrights.

You should also learn to brand your products and services. Think about it. If Nike didn’t come up with a great brand, a great logo, today they might be just another shoemaker. Sounds a bit extreme, but it’s true.

One of the most important aspects of creating a new business is selecting your business name. Ask anyone. If you are familiar with the AWE, the Association of Web Entrepreneurs, you will soon learn that “naming” and branding your business go hand-in-hand.

Naming your business seems like a difficult task… at first. But remember, it is one of the most important tasks you have. So how do you do it? Try checking out Kevin’s site. He has a great approach to naming your business. This from an expert in the field, trust me. Had it not been for our meeting, I may not have discovered the next best name for my new business… which we’ll talk about next time we chat. So check it out. See for yourself what naming a business is about.

Turn Your Knowledge Into Money

2007-04-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

One of the important ideas I present in ConsummateCash is that anyone can follow their passion and become successful. It doesn't matter if you are a stay-at-home mother or a professional looking to follow their childhood dreams.

If you want to succeed in business, you have to recognize the differences between online and offline marketing. One of the best tools I know that helps newbies create a successful home business (like mine) with little or no investment (as I teach) is Turn Knowledge Into Money.

I know, it sounds loud. I've worked with this fellow for years however. There are some controversial practices even Dan will admit to his business. But the bottom line is this. His program works. If you want to set your writing business or any home business on auto pilot, you have to follow the right tactics. Turn Knowledge Into Money is risk free. I tried it. You won't get ahead unless you are willing to invest in your education.

Consider this a step in the right direction. And, if it doesn't work for you, then just email Dan and get your money back. But I bet you won't have to.

Business Automation

2007-03-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

When you first start out as a writer, you undoubtedly will spend most of your time working in your business instead of on it. What does that mean?

You will spend most of your time seeking new clients and writing. For a great time, this will undoubtedly cause you much pleasure and satisfaction. You may find this is where you prefer to remain until your dying day.

If you are like me, you probably have plans to expand your business. Work smarter, not harder. As I find my life becoming increasingly congested, I have plans to expand my business into an automated "machine" if you will, that works for me. Right now, I am working for my business, and it is a lot of work.

Once you get the writing thing down, you may find someone knocking at your door at all times. Take the time to learn from each and every experience. As you do, you will find new opportunities to grow and expand your business.

Much of the marketing experience I have drawn on comes from many of the high-profile clients I write for.

My plan for the future? To expand my business into a fully automated service, one that will still provide you the knowledge and information you need, satisfy my need for creativity, but also allow me the opportunity to spend more time doing what everyone loves best... having a little fun.

How To Find Your Passion For Writing

2007-02-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine the other day asked me what I thought about writing and how I decided to leave my job as an HR specialist to become a writer. I told her I simply listened to my heart and decided to follow my passion. Since the time I was a child people encouraged me to write. I had a grade school teacher that told me to send one of my stories to a children’s book publisher. At the time however, I wasn’t yet ready to follow my passion. I was still spending time exploring the world of opportunities ahead of me.

Eventually, after spending much time working for others, I decided true happiness would only come if I turned back to my passion. Moreover, by following my passion, my writing became much better than it had been in the past.

When you write with passion, the words that come from your pen or “mouth” are always better than words you must struggle with. As a fledgling writer, you may find you have trouble deciding what subject area of writing to focus in. You may look at writer boards or surf the Net for ideas about what to write about.

The easiest way to write well is to write about what you know and what you love. While I write in many different genres and styles, much of the writing I do involves writing about business, the business of writing, health subjects, marketing and parenting. Why? These are all areas I have much passion for and experience in.

If you plan to start your own business as a successful writer, one of the first steps you have to take is to sit down and take inventory of your life. Write down the subjects or topics you are most familiar with and those you feel passionate about.

Then look for opportunities to write on these subjects. If you do not have any experience as a writer or published works, simply work on creating a portfolio of work. Write articles on subjects you love and send them to free publications including local newspapers or magazines for consideration. Most free publications provide submission guidelines or an editor’s contact information.

By taking some time to explore your passion, you will quickly be able to tell whether writing in this area is something you (1) like (2) can become good at and (3) want to continue as a career opportunity.

The life of a writer involves a few mundane tasks. However, it is also filled with excitement and intrigue. Make sure you take time out of your day to think about your passions, and then take some time to chase them. Only then will you find satisfaction from your work, and only then will you succeed.

Balancing Career, Family and Life In General

2007-01-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems I've been besieged by unusual circumstances. A blizzard for example, left my children home from daycare for six days. They were also home for the holidays. The time we spent together was priceless, but I found myself very behind with work and my MBA program.

What do you do when you fall behind? The worst thing you can do is panic. When you work as a writer, your life is often ruled by deadlines. So set your priorities according to your deadlines. Remember also however, that there are circumstances where it may be appropriate to ask for an extension.

But don't make a habit of it. If you find your life constantly bombarded by mishaps, take a moment to step back and reevaluate your plan of action. You may find a new way of working that meshes better with your life and accomodates any unexpected events (like blizzards) that may come your way.

If writing for example, you can hire a contract writer to help you out in the event you are not able to work. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Keep that in mind.

Our primary site has moved. Take a look, just click here. My hope is we'll soon have the ConsummateCash series in print for all of you requesting copies. Just remember if you book ahead you'll receive a free copy of our newsletter. So hurry while you still can!

Little-Known Customer Service Secrets

2006-11-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

How do you keep your customers coming back for more? You make them your priority. No matter what business you are in, whether the freelance writing business, web design business or marketing, you have to pay attention to your customer.

Sometimes you have to do this when juggling multiple tasks. Recently for example, I found myself burdened with a midterm paper I had to complete for my MBA, family visiting from out of town and a tremendous writing project. I literally had to create 4 books, sales letters and demos in just 3 weeks. This while keeping up with courses and family matters.

The point is, when you are in business for yourself, you can’t call in sick. You still have to find ways to serve your customers, even while bogged down by other tasks. Remember, the key to success is customer service. Find out what your customer’s want, then find ways you can fulfill their needs without compromising your sanity.
When you neglect your customer’s, you neglect your business. Make your customer’s a priority, and everything else will eventually fall into place.

Practical Matters In Business

2006-11-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

Every successful business owner and entrepreneur has to start somewhere. One of the reasons my business is so successful is because I have worked in so many fields.

I began my career as an Office Manager more than 10 years go. From there, after receiving my B.S. in HR Management, I became an HR Professional. From there I sought certification and also membership with multiple prestigious organizations, including SHRM and NAWW.

Now I am completing my MBA in Entrepreneurship. This is the "final touch" if you will, to my career as a freelancer, entrepreneur and self-made professional.

If a full-time mother of 3 children under 3 can manage graduate studies, a blossoming career, a happy homelife AND diversify and expand her business to include consulting services, anyone can. The key is taking advantage of strategies catering to time-pressed individuals. Who among us is not pressed for time in modern society?

What does it take to become an entrepreneur? One important step includes gaining practical skills in time-management, business management and leadership. You also need to understand how to serve your customers well and how to sell and market your products and services. The key here is fulfilling your customer's needs. We'll talk more about that next week.

ConsummateCash offers practical education, much like AJU offers practical courses. Whether your desire includes starting a successful freelance business or establishing yourself as a self-made professional, remember above all else to remain practical.

The Real Secret Of Success Every Small Business Owner Must Have

2006-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

How can a full-time mother of three kids under three run a business and go to school? As a ConsummateProfessional™ I find the only way to remain committed is to remain professional. There are certain attributes a professional has that allow them to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.

A professional must always remain organized. They must commit to customer service. And they must commit to continuous improvement. One way I am improving my life is by completing my MBA concentrating on Entrepreneurship from a prestigious online university. Education is vital to your success.

What kind of education should you look for when expanding your career as a professional freelancer? One that offers practical, real life skills. Practical skills are those you can apply to real-life circumstances. Lectures will only get you so far. As a business professional, you will face constant challenges (including time-management) daily.

One method of learning how to balance and resolve challenges is by enjoying a practical education. When starting out as a self-employed professional, remember to interact with others in a direct, focused and "professional" manner. And don't forget to learn as much as you can about your industry. The more you know, the better capable you are of providing professional services.

Every Parent, Entrepreneur and Person Is Imperfect At Times

2006-09-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

We are all imperfect at times. Likely, more often than not. For all of you trying to be parents and professionals or entrepreneurs, I would like to direct you to a funny article I wrote located here.

It is very difficult juggling parenting, a budding business, your desire to become an entrepreneur or successful writer and the wild things life throws at you.

My studies at AJU are going well so far. People tell me I am crazy to try to take on more. I know however that getting my MBA concentrating in Entrepreneurship will only serve me and my family much better in the long-term.

One reason I like the program I selected is it allows students the opportunity to pursue online education. When you are busy juggling your career, parenting or your vision as an entrepreneur or freelance writer, a quality online education affords you something that can only be described as priceless.

Keep in mind on your journey toward success that no one is perfect. You will make mistakes along the way. Do not berate yourself, but take comfort in knowing that we all learn as we travel life's journey.

Take time to learn things the step-by-step way when you can, and laugh at the small mishaps that sometimes happen in life.

Website Snafu!

2006-09-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

To all loyal fans, our site temporarily disappeared into cyberspace, our blog will be up and running again shortly!

Realize Step-By-Step Success… The Consummate Way™

Thank You For Your Patience And Support!

Need a quote for freelance writing? Contact Us Today...

Venture Capital

2006-09-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

Most people who start their own business rely on friends and family for capital. The good new is if you are starting your own freelance writing business you don’t need much in the way of capital. Here are some basic start up expenses to consider:

Your computer
A printer/fax/copy machine
Paper supplies
Advertising dollars

Of these, the latter will cost the most… unless you take advantage of the multiple sources of free advertising currently available on the Web today.

Too many small business owners get caught up in the trap of believing they have to have an SBA loan or other source of formal venture capital to get their business off the ground. The reality is most entrepreneurs start new companies with funds from personal accounts, including checking accounts, credit cards and money from friends and family.
Most lenders are hesitant to give a new business money until it has proven its worthiness (meaning its ability to make money). You are much more likely to get money once you have set up a business that is producing some income, and you want to expand it, than you are to get money when first starting out.

In the early stages of your business, funds from friends and family may be vital to your success. Family and friends can help pool their resources and help you get your business off the ground.

What you’ll want to do though, is treat your friends and family like formal investors. Let them know exactly what they’ll get from the deal and when. You should consider paying any funds you receive from friends or family back with interest.

But, you should also be realistic about your goals and expectations. Give yourself enough time to get your business off the ground. Most businesses don’t make money in the first few months of operations.

Freelance writing is the perfect home business for someone with little venture capital to start a home business. At most you may pay:

- $500-1200 for a new computer
- $100 for a printer/copier
- $200-600 for memberships to writers groups or paid work sites
- $400 for paper supplies

You can easily start a writing business for less than $3k. To advertise cheaply and inexpensively, invest in some cheap business cards (or make your own) and have your friends and family pass them around. You are likely to land your first clients through networking and relationship building. Do a good job, and they’ll refer you to more friends.

After you establish your business, you can commit more funds to advertising and promotions. (Though you may find you don’t have to!)

Persistence Is Key

2006-09-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Persistence pays off. There is no doubt about it. No matter your profession, whether a traditional corporate employee or an innovative entrepreneur, you won’t realize true success unless you are persistent in all you do, in all you aim for.

Freelance writing is among the most demanding and competitive industries. To establish your reputation, to create a “presence” if you will, you have to remain persistent. You have to tolerate the ups and downs that come with rejection, writing, submissions and bidding on writing projects.

Nothing in life is easy as a writer. In fact, if you want to realize your full income potential, you’ll have to work hard, very hard. Of course, as I teach in ConsummateCash™ anyone with a strong will and need to learn can succeed. IF of course, they remain unrelenting in their desire to learn, grow and develop as a writer.
ConsummateCash™ makes entering and succeeding in the freelance business much easier than it would be if you approached writing without any formal guidelines. However, you still have to work hard to prosper. CC isn’t a “get rich quick scheme” you see. It is a manual… a life tool for those interested in creating real income opportunities for their family and loved ones.

Don’t think mastering the 12 dirty little secrets is all it will take. You have to not only recognize the 12 dirty little secrets of the industry, but also figure out ways to manipulate them successfully. Doing so will eventually help you succeed in everything you do as a writer and a freelance master.

The last blog talked a bit about goal setting. Goal setting is one tool you can use to persevere when times get tough. Another tool you can pull from your belt is constancy of purpose. You should decide what your purpose is as a writer early in your career, and then remain true to it during your career.

CC teaches that if you persevere, you’ll gain small rewards that add up to larger financial and career successes. Small steps initially result in large opportunities later in life and in your business endeavors.
Remember. Good things come to those that persevere.

Does Your Degree Matter?

2006-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Do you have to have a degree to succeed? No. It helps a lot however. You don't need a degree to get started. However, if you want to become a successful entrepreneur and grow your business and career, there is a lot you can gain by having a degree.

Having a degree like one offered by AJU's Tracy College can make a difference if you plan to advance your career or start a successful business. Many people have the expectation that a prestigious degree will result in a top salary career. The key is using your degree properly to enhance and expand your career. A degree concentrating in business, entrepreneurship or other majors can really help advance your status, whether your business is as a self-employed writer or other professional.

You do however, need to find a University offering practical education. One that provides you with life-skills training (like those offered at AJU). There are far too many people out there with college degree’s working at Pizza Hut or the local convenience store (no offense, it’s hard to get a job anywhere).

There are many successful people, including Bill Gates that make millions of dollars each year, yet never finished college. Why? They had talent. They had ambition. They were smart. So yes, you can succeed without a degree. But it certainly helps to have one. And, these days, Universities including AJU offer online courses for time crunched professionals.

What that means is you can focus on work, raising your family and other important venues while still advancing your education.

Some programs even credit you for experience gained by working in the corporate world. This is important to me as an entrepreneur and one reason I selected AJU.

Don’t let the lack of a degree or the right “credentials” hold you back. Anyone can succeed. If your passion is writing, and you want to become a successful freelance writer, you can do it, with or without a degree. But when you have time, consider getting a degree. Select an online program that meets your needs, expectations and provides you the flexibility of online education if needed.

One of the things I encourage in ConsummateCash™ is following your dreams. You have to identify you skills, talents and abilities. Then combine them with your desires. You can learn how to write. You can get a degree. Remain constant, persistent and dedicated. Then search for solutions that work for you.

Write, Rewrite, Then Write Again?

2006-09-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

There are limits you should set when it comes to revising work you create for your customers. Customer service is obviously the number one concern of anyone working any home business. You want to make sure your customers are happy; after all, they are your bread-and-butter.

But how far should you go when offering your customers unlimited services? One of the biggest mistakes newbies make is offering customers unlimited rewrites. While this may seem the ideal form of customer service, it can backfire on you terribly.

Take for example the customer that pays you a deposit for a project you start together. A common example may be a sales letter. You are confident you will receive full payment. After all, you have your deposit, right?But after delivering the final product, the customer asks for a rewrite. Then another one. Then asks you to make a few more changes. Then has you wait several more weeks while he or she works on uploading your letter to their site to make sure it looks right.

You may end up getting your final payment months after you started the project, or worse, never.

My advice? If you do plan to offer any revisions or rewrites, limit them. Offer your customer one or at most, two rewrites based on an early draft of the project. Set a defined time frame for completing rewrites, and tell the customer exactly when payment is due. This may be 30 days after the start of the project together, or when you deliver your final product.
Be sure you make these terms clear and get them in writing. Otherwise you will have a long hard road ahead of you when it comes time to receive payment.

Start A New Career As A Writer

2006-09-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

I read an excerpt in Self Magazine the other day that said the best is yet to come. It’s true. Too many people who want to start their own business, regardless of the kind of business they want to start, think it is too late. Time has run out. That simply isn’t true.

You don’t have to publish your first novel by 30. You can start a new career, even if you don’t have one now, regardless of your age, your experience and your skills. It’s true. All you need is motivation… and maybe a little inspiration.

According to the article I read, citing David Galenson Ph.D who is author of Old Masters and Young Geniuses, many creative people don’t peak until later in life, after 30s, well into their 40s and beyond. Why? They have more life experiences to share with the world.

Many creative people he points out, as does Self, that people learn through experience and trial and error. So it may take some time to fine tune your craft. And that is ok. Whatever your pursuit.

Have you ever seen the movie Rudy? You know, about the college kid who wanted to play football. Everyone told him he couldn’t do it. But he persisted. An important tagline from that flick you should consider is this… “Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who just won’t quit…”
So don’t quit. If you want to start your own successful business from home you can do it. All you need is persistence, passion and dedication. And a few, carefully planned out strategies.
How do you start? Why not write down your goals. List your top three goals for your freelance writing business. That’s the first place to begin.

Coping With Rejection

2006-09-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

No one appreciates rejection. It doesn't matter if you apply for a new job or you send your manuscript to a favorite publisher. You don't want your bids rejected if you are a commercial or BizTech writer, and you don't want an editor to reject your carefully crafted query.

Whether you are a new or experienced writer, you’ll have to cope with rejection at some point or another.

Everyone has an opinion about your work. You’ll find everything you write you love. Or hate. Or alternate between the two.

Once you establish a “career” as a part-time freelancer however, and start raking in the big bucks, you’ll expect everyone to think your work is terrific. But that isn’t always the case.

Even today, after being published by many well known names in the industry and after receiving international acclaim and praise for my work, I occasionally get a rejection.
Every now and again I bid on a project and the buyer doesn’t select me as their writer. Do I let that worry me? Heck no.
I may not be on Oprah yet, but I will. But seriously folks, listen up. If you want to make money and a living as a freelance writer, you have to cope with a little rejection. Don’t take it personally.

Most of the time it’s because the subject material you’re writing on didn’t find its way to the right publisher, agent or other representative… yet. Now, if you do get to the point where you are ready to submit your masterpieces to print publishers or agents, and you aren’t receiving at the very least personalized rejection letters, you may be doing something wrong.
There is a system, a way to attract positive attention. You have to know how to market your material correctly. That’s one of the things I teach in ConsummateCash™.

And by all means, thank anyone that looks at your work or considers your proposal profusely for his or her time. No use going off on a tangent or getting angry. That is simply ridiculous, and will get you banned from the writing community in general. Your work may not be right for everyone, but it is right for someone.
And when you are cashing in your big checks from people that do agree to work with you, you can laugh all the way to the bank…
So don’t worry about rejection. It’s bound to happen. But you can get around it. And as long as you remain determined and have a product or skill you know is worthwhile and people are interested in… you’ll get where you need to go.

Writing Is Hard Work

2006-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

I’m not going to lie. Writing is a lot of hard work. ConsummateCash™ is a system you can use to succeed at freelance writing. But you aren’t going to get anywhere unless you put in a little hard work.

Too many people get off these days believing they can make money without lifting a finger. Sure there are a lot of get rich quick schemes out there. Sure you can spend a few dollars and make a few dollars on some of them.
But if you really want to succeed, if you really have a passion for your work and a desire to achieve something great, you have to invest a little time and effort.

Will it pay off? I hope so. It certainly did for me, and for thousands of others. There are lots of ways to make money while working part time as a writer. There are many keys.

There are secrets of the industry.

Even knowing these however, is not enough to propel you to instant success. You have to take some time to get to know your industry, to master your craft…

So commit yourself to a certain level of work. Agree to work each and every day at your business, and ultimately you will achieve success, personally and financially.

ConsummateCash™ is a sequential learning system, one that will help its audience gain knowledge of the freelance writing industry specifically, but also self-employment in general, and realize small successes along the way. Why do other books fail? They fail because they do not produce tangible results for their readers. CC provides tangible results, every step of the way.