Jorge Garza, a freelance photographer who was successful for eight years before he became the photo editor at a major magazine about cars, was previously a successful freelancer. His home was his office. It was difficult because I worked late and slept in. He recalls that he realized there were rules for being your boss and everything changed.
If you are thinking of starting or running a small business at home, here are some tips to help you get started and grow your business.
1. Enjoy what you do.
It is essential that you enjoy, believe in and love your project. This will make it a success. “I took a photography class in my eighth semester of industrial engineering. Garza says that it was there that I realized I wanted to be a photographer for the rest of my life.
He knew that despite being risky, it was better to do what he enjoyed. Customers will perceive it when a person does work that excites them and makes every effort to do it right. This creates continuous cash flow over time.
2. You look like a professional.
You will always look flawless if you sell beauty products. If you are a natural products company, it is important to be attractive and have people see you eating your products. This will earn you the trust of your prospects, and keep them loyal to the ones who have already purchased.
You should always look good no matter what profession you are in. This is what makes the difference between someone who is a professional and someone who’s just trying to make it work, especially if you own your business.
3. Be the best.
“It was bad for me to photograph watches the first time. Garza says that I didn’t know that the hands should always be noted at 10:15. Otherwise, the brand is not. He was able to not only find courses and diplomas but also to peruse magazines to learn the tricks used by large-format photographers.
Subscribe to newsletters and publications if you are an independent worker. They will help you develop your sales strategy, management, marketing, and advertising and give you insight into your competitors.
4. Your space will be designed and built.
George says, “I used to do my breakfast in the kitchen until my wife told me to put my camera in place or not going to cook again.” You don’t have to spend a lot if you live in an apartment. Instead, choose a space that is yours and have your own office.
Garza will remodel a space, keeping out distracting things (like TV) and setting up a gallery for customers to view their items. It is important to keep your cosmetics or clothes commercial cases clean so your customers feel like they are dealing with professionals. Ask your family to respect your work space.
5. You can take your office anywhere you like.
“I spent more time on the streets in’my office.’ Garza said that he bought a smartphone, which was able to receive mails from customers who required my services. “I checked online to see if my money had been deposited into the bank account, and I could chat with my friends. A smart phone with unlimited internet can earn you between $ 500 and $ 800 depending on which rate plan you choose. There are also mini-computers and laptops available starting at $ 3,500 that can be equipped with basic tools like word processing and spreadsheets.
6. You can customize your offer.
A home-based business has the advantage of being able to tailor your service to each customer. To deliver the goods, or order on the specified day, and to send emails announcing exclusive packages for each customer. You can do anything.
“I knew what my customers wanted, so I was able to arm my marketing strategies. He explains that in trade magazines, value is determined by the date of delivery. In social studies, it is important to get the names and contact information of all attendees at events.
7. Your offer will be more valuable.
This is a time when people value their time. You can wash your car in just 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or get a pizza for free. It is essential that customers and prospects see your products and services as a way to solve a problem or make life easier.
“I have heard it said that devil you don’t know is better than what you do know. Garza said that if there are businesses that are successful because they are the most bad, imagine what will happen if you have a quality service.
8. Only sell benefits.
Your customers are your best testimonials when you speak about your product/service.
We recommend that you include customer satisfaction in your advertising, whether it is flyers, website or blog. “With the gallery home, I rode my friends to see my work and recommended you. Word of mouth referral is a great way to promote freelance work. It is inexpensive and it always gets the message across, “says the photographer.
9. Create personal ties.
Your customer should feel like you are putting in the effort, creativity, and concentration to complete the job. Don’t be a supplier anymore, become an expert advisor. “Every photo I took during a session was a part of me, and people saw it that way. Although it seems magical, this attitude attracts more clients.
10. Organize your time.
A lack of a work method is a common problem for entrepreneurs working from home. Results: Work at night, weekends, holidays, and late deliveries. You will need to establish working hours as if you were working for a company.
Also, efficient processes must be designed to eliminate any unnecessary steps from your day-to-day operations.
11. Your work should be priced.
You can sell your products by catalog, lend services, or manufacturing. Calculate how much it will cost to produce your product or generate it. Next, research the prices of the competition so you know what the best price is. You are still a professional, and your work is valuable. You should also consider the cost of your education, which has allowed you to grow and become the best.
12. Learn how to collect.
Although it seems obvious, not everyone is able to collect. You can start by selling your products and services to your friends, family, and acquaintances.
To collect data, set deadlines. They should be between 15 and 30 days. This work will become easier as more users are added.
13. Your business should be self-sufficient.
It is a big mistake to finance your customers’ projects with your own funds. It is better to ask for a 50% deposit and then the rest of the cash once the contract has been signed or the goods have been delivered.
To make inventory, you can request a loan from the bank or one of your suppliers. This will ensure that you always have enough units to satisfy your customers’ needs. The rule of thumb is that one thing is your money business and the other your own money, while another is your home.
14. Multiple payment options can be created.
Customers don’t have to be present at your office. You can open a bank account that is only for your business’s revenue. Your customers can make deposits or transfer funds online.
You can also create different payment plans to ensure cash flow in your business. While it is preferable to extend, this is not the norm.
15. Pay your taxes.
Large companies can get a refund by paying fees in receipts. Garza advises that it is important to pay taxes on time. At the end of each fiscal year, the Ministry of Finance can even refund you. An accountant can help you streamline this task.