I have also just started an online business. I now have to figure out how to get a mailing list. This is my next hurdle to overcome. I know I will.

Thanks for listening,
Sandra Wapniarski
bewomensnetwork.com

My challenge is marketing for new customers and FOCUS. I started my small online boutique business 2 years ago while working full time. After being laid off, I decided to focus on my business and be my own boss. Well, now the challenges of running my business has sort of took the fun of "shopping" :o)

I have hits to my website, but no purchases. I'm thinking of restructuring my business to utilize my Gemologist background. I wonder if this is a good move. I know I have to sell the existing inventory before making any changes to my company.

Does anyone have suggestions, ideas, or advise on this?

Thank you,
Evelyn

Getting more customers. I think I am doing everything I can short of spending enormous amounts of money. I network both in-person and online, and I am very active in social media. I belong to several local organizations. Many people know of or have heard of my business, but we are just not bringing in enough income to sustain us.

I think I could most benefit from either more creative ways of marketing the company or better sales skills. I am not a sales person, so I may not have the drive that a true sales person possesses. I can explain why you need our services, how I can help you grow your business, but when I meet with resistance I tend to back down. I think we could also benefit form more creative ways of marketing the business, either with email marketing, giveaways, etc.

I would say my biggest challenge is dealing with all the "icky stuff" that comes up as you are putting yourself out there.....the limiting beliefs that need to be shifted and of course, my relationship to money...which is shifting...slowly but surely...LOL!

Blessings,

Elaine


--
Goddess of Laughter and Possibilities
Discover Your Possibilities!
www.avalonianmoon.com

I can totally relate to not wanting to do the "sales aspect" of your business (I hate "selling" too), but I think you may want to rethink that. Look at it this way: No one else will feel the same way you do about your business, therefore no one else can bring the passion and dedication and deep down belief or enthusiasm in the same way that you do. And until you get out there and start "telling not selling" people about your business, you won't be able to relate to the challenges that your sales employees will face once you've trained them and set them loose to spread the word. Just my 2 cents...

Interesting topic! I am still considering what my reply would be but I enjoyed reading everyone else's replies.

> There are so many creative passionate women who want to make a difference via their footprint, and so they start a small business. Whether you are in healing arts, coaching, financial services or any other small solo-business venture- what do you see as the biggest challenge or biggest obstacles you need to overcome in yourself?

I have a home-based, direct sales business. Some of my challenges are being consistent with my time and efforts and networking to meet new prospects. I am somewhat new to the area I live and, although I have joined a womens business networking group, it's been slow-going meeting people. My business is Internet based so I have been exploring various online venues for meeting new people.