I've owned my own business for four years now. Here are the lessons I'd like to pass along.

I've owned my own business for four years now, and roller coaster ride is still the best way to describe the experience. Lots of big ups followed by big downs. Always a thrill, though.
I've gotten tons of advice along the way and learned some things on my own, too. Here are the lessons I'd like to pass along.
1) Don't panic. Bad stuff will happen. Just face it, deal with it and move on. Panicking can make you freeze up, and that can be deadly if it lasts too long.
2) Starting a business requires lots of hard work for little or no reward. If you're expecting to get a big return on your investment quickly, you'll probably be disappointed.
3) It takes MORE than you think to start and run a business. More money. More time. More energy. More patience. (See #2 above.)
4) Persistent, consistent marketing is essential. Visibility is a key to success, and it takes persistence to be visible. Avoid the mistake many start-up businesses make. They expect immediate results and give up on marketing strategies before they have time to work.
5) Write your own rules.
Don't be afraid to try lots of different marketing and sales tactics. Try things and look at results. Figure out what works for you.
6) Believe in yourself. Confidence will get you through tough times.
7) The best defense is a good offence. Clients leave. You won't win every pitch. The best things you can do are to stay visible and keep selling. (There's no rest for the business owner.) So chin up. Owning your own business is not the easiest path, but it's YOURS! ©2006 Copyright Clairvoyant Communications, Inc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire Cunningham, president of Clairvoyant Communications, Inc., helps companies jumpstart their sales with increased visibility. She shares her expertise on her web site http://www.clairvoyantcommunications.com and in monthly e-newsletters, Communiqué and Communiqué-Small Business. Contact Claire at 1-763-479-3499 or claire@claircomm.com