PURPOSELY SAID - Dr. Linda F. Beed

MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

There are many among us who seek, and some may even say are compelled to operate in a fashion considered Business Unusual. Due to a necessity to operate in what may be considered an unorthodox manner, the extraordinary individual may be viewed as odd, lacking savvy and possibly devoid of possessing the intellect to compete with the movers and shakers.

Innovators, mavericks, pioneers, independent thinkers, i.e., those willing to buck the system are often viewed in a light shining at less than full wattage.

Opposition to their methods is openly ridiculed while established processes long ago enthroned as the only way is given as sound advice. Example after example of impending failure is presented as the reason why not to deviate from proven institutional methods.

Despite scenarios of gloom and warnings of impending failure, should you deviate from the norm, you are driven to discard what is given as sound advice. You are compelled to step beyond tradition into the abyss of the unknown.

Why?

Because you are who you are, different, unique, driven and an independent thinker.

As an independent, maverick, pioneer, the chosen, the uncertainty of what lies ahead as you color outside the lines will at times haunt you. Your path will be littered with a bevy of naysayers, will at times cause tentativeness and possibly self-doubt. At times the uncharted path will cause inability to see the light at the end of the tunnel in broad daylight.

Does the uncertainty of your expedition entitle you to throw out the baby with the bathwater? No, but it does maintain that you have the option of choice. Sadly, the decision to stray from traditional publishing is one hotly debated from a variety of viewpoints.

The majority of writers choose and swear by the validity of traditional publishing. That is a personal choice; so too is that of seeking self or independent publishing.

Regardless of your choice it is wise to understand the constants of what every business person must possess. Chief among them is the necessity of having a sound business plan.

Marketing plan? No, I said a business plan.

What is a business plan? The necessity of having to ask this elementary question to some will set off another level of debate regarding readiness for business. Yet for those in need of clarity here is the simple definition. A business plan is a written document that details a proposed or existing venture.

In practical terms for your current or anticipated business it explains the:

• Vision
• Mission
• Current status (if exiting business)
• Expected need of company
• Marketing plan

Often I quote and maintain that, “A person without a plan is person planning to fail.”

Having a plan and having a viable plan are what I classify as vision siblings. Both are birthed with the intent of success. And underdeveloped plan sees the desired result, but is not supported with (thought out) steps that nurtures the plan toward success. The viable plan moves ahead of its underdeveloped kinsman when it includes processes researched and applied (if only in mock sessions) to your company’s need. This does not by any means imply that every researched possibility will succeed. It does mean that you are eliminating as many unnecessary pitfalls as possible.

So what does all of this mean? It means that regardless of which avenue of publication you seek, YOU must have a viable business plan in place as your guide toward realizing your goal of success.

You can find her on the web at:

http://www.lindabeed.com/ / MySpace / On Assignment Reviews/R U Living On