Dec 13 2008
Do What You Know and Like
In “Third Enterprise” I described how my editorial services business came about. If, in the horrible economic climate of late 2008, which will probably continue through 2009, you want or have to start your own business, be sure it is something you already know. I did not think of that until my former associates suggested it to me. Looking back, I can see how it should have been obvious to me from the start.
My first job, which I more or less fell into after school, was being a gofer for our local newspaper. This included, as the name implies, doing a lot of different jobs; however, one of my duties was to write local stories. Over the ensuing years, I worked in many different places, but one thing always floated to the surface, writing and producing business-related publications. In a bank I became director of training and was responsible for producing training materials for every department in the bank. In a mortgage company I produced all kinds of publications ranging from how-to manuals to thousand-page legal guides.
I had always enjoyed writing, coordinating production and printing, and distribution of publications, but it never dawned on me that I could do that as an independent contractor until it was forced on me. The beauty of this was that I already knew how to do it and did not have a steep learning curve to get started. The contacts I needed, such as graphic artists and printers, were already in place. I did purchase a computer for word processing and other uses, but today that would have been something I already had.
After successfully running the business in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, I moved back to my hometown in North Central Pennsylvania. I was able to quickly establish the same business where I now live, because I had everything I needed. All I had to do was establish new contacts for printing. In fact, that business started off so well that I purchased a color copier and printed most of the jobs I got simply using the copier! I renamed my business Johnson Editorial Services.
TIP: The business you start should be based on something you know how to do, and that you like doing. It does not have to be the work you did for an employer, but could even be based on your hobby or other personal interest.
Next I will explain how my editorial services evolved into my present occupation.
Thanks for supporting this view. It may seem obvious to do what you know, but too many of us don’t even think of it!