Resetting the Mind

At the end of 2015, I shook up my life.

I left my job because I felt the company and ownership was doing some shady things to both their customers and their employees.

The timing wasn't the best and I didn't have a back-up plan. I only had a part-time job, a bit of savings and one last check. I wasn't prepared to leave.

I mulled around for days trying to determine what my next move would be. After speaking with a close friend, I decided on starting my own business. While I'd had this thought for years, it still filled me with fear to strike out on my own.

I order for me to get this business up and running, I had to do more than go through the motions. I had to change my way of thinking. If I was going to be an entrepreneur, all fears had to be overcome. I had to become stronger, more determined and more proactive.

I had to become a new man.

Here's the thing: I had no clue where to start.

I looked at what I wanted to accomplish beyond starting a business. The first thing that came to mind was getting in shape. Not just walking around and looking good "in shape." I wanted a competitive physique.

Weight training always builds my confidence. To get the competitive physique I desired would require discipline. So would starting a business. I decided to tie the two together.

I'm in the gym no less than three times a week. After a workout, I feel energized and motivated. I take that feeling and pour it into my business efforts.

I feel stronger now at 37 than I ever did and I've made strides in my business plan. While I have a ways to go on both fronts, I'm confident that keeping this fitness-based, entrepreneurial routine will bring success.

With that said, I think it's time to ramp it up.

How would you go about changing your mindset?

Bootstrap Marketing

I am in no way, shape or form a marketing expert and it shows.

As I trudge (yes, trudging is how I can describe it at this point) through the muck of entrepreneurship, I continually put forth effort to get the word about my business.

I've told family and friends, handed out business cards, posted on Facebook and Twitter, bought ads on Google and Facebook, created a Twitter page, created a Facebook page, started a blog, and added my website to Google My Business and Manta.

While I know there's more I can do, this has been my starting point because it's within my budget at this time. Every day, I scour the web looking for more ideas on how to get the word out about my business in new and creative ways. I devour podcasts by Gary Vaynerchuk, John Lee Dumas and Ryan Daniel Moran, gleaning whatever knowledge I can in regards to promoting Equitable Bookkeeping.

I even started this blog as a means to get my thoughts out about my journey into entrepreneurship in hopes of lighting a spark while testing some of the things I've learned along the way.

Whatever I can do to let the world, and more importantly the city of Indianapolis, know that I'm here and I'm ready to work, I'm trying to do. I want your business.

Any ideas on how else I can improve my chances of gaining more clients?

Please feel free to share your thoughts and what you've done to grow your business.