When a business is starting out, you have to weather difficult times. That’s the only way the business is going to improve.”You may have heard stories of overnight success, but these are the exception and not the rule. If you’re expecting an overnight success, you’re going to be disappointed, which means you’re going to give up prematurely.
Being patient is easier said than done, however. What happens if in the first six months of a business, you are continually losing money? What happens if your site traffic has hit a lull?

Take someone who has started up a string of affiliate sites. He has followed all of the recommendations: designed quality sites, signed up for affiliate programs with good payouts and keeps the sites updated with traffic. Still, nothing much is happening with the sites. What can a small business owner do if things aren’t initially going his way? In addition to patience, any business owner needs adaptability.

Adapting to Difficulty
On this site, you’ll find info about how entrepreneurs need to be headstrong and willful. Don’t confuse this with being wholly inflexible and uncompromising. There’s great value in having a vision, but as they say, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

If you aren’t able to adapt to a changing marketplace, you can’t hope to excel as a business leader. There are many roads towards bringing a vision to fruition, so you should never stick to one game plan, especially if things are not going well.

Take the above example. There’s always more work that business owner could be doing. The fact that the business hasn’t taken off is proof enough that more needs to be done. He could direct his content on the site towards specific keywords, using multimedia, such as video. He could add forums to the site or find places to advertise and exchange links, to name a few possible solutions. When a business is starting out, you have to weather difficult times. That’s the only way the business is going to improve.

A good business leader does not just project long-term hopes and dreams — he’s good at recognizing and fixing problems. Be certain that problems are going to arise. There has never been a business that didn’t experience a few hiccups along the way.

Learning from mistakes is an essential part of growth. A business leader must have a balance between confidence and the ability to see when things are not working. Having a healthy balance between those two traits will give you a strong mental edge as the business gets rolling.

Ecommerce Business Plans
A web-based business has a few distinct advantages. Since ecommerce is far less expensive than running a brick and mortar business, you have much more time to steadily build up a consumer base before you start to panic. This does not mean, however, that you shouldn’t always be looking for new ways to improve. You could take this advice and think that all ecommerce businesses are slow-growth opportunities. Ebusinesses will grow according to how much work you put in. The truth is you should always be looking for ways to change and improve, even if you’ve had a stellar first quarter. Business should always be evolving.

So long as you take these above issues to heart, you’ll have a mental edge when starting a business. This is true if you’re running a brick and mortar business, which has greater start-up costs. The same issues apply — increased advertising, new products and so on.

Strength isn’t about always being right, but also about admitting when you’re wrong. You have the will to sustain the lean years. This is what it is to be battle-tested, and so long as you handle these problems effectively and quickly, you will be much better suited to being a leader in your chosen field.

Affiliate Marketing Success Stories
When you’re feeling really down and out of luck, it’s a good idea to read through past affiliate marketer success stories to remind yourself that hard work does actually pay off. Take the successes of such websites as HollywoodVideo.com, JogTunes.com, or Jason Calacanis, the mind behind Engadget.com and AutoBlog.com.

What all of those sites have in common is appeal to a specific niche, as well as useful and entertaining content. They’re so well entrenched that people may not even realize that they are visiting an affiliate site.

This is what you should be striving for — not just profits but a complete web presence. The two go hand in hand. Truth be told, it’s a much more competitive industry than when a site like Engadget first came on board. However, this does not mean there aren’t niche networks waiting to be fulfilled.

“Unless you have a substantial savings to cover, living expenses for a year or longer, continue working your regular job while building your small business during after hours.”No. 1 — Start a Small Business That Incorporates Something You Are Passionate About
Your small affiliate business will require a great deal of time and energy, which is why it is so important to do something that you already love. Choose a niche related to your area of expertise. This approach will give you an edge by ensuring that you are engaged, knowledgeable and devoted to your business.

No. 2 — Don’t Quit Your Day Job…Yet
According to many experts, it can take a year or more for your small business to begin producing profits. Before leaving your day job, you need to get your business off the ground and running smoothly. Unless you have a substantial savings to cover, living expenses for a year or longer, continue working your regular job while building your small business during after hours. Once you establish a dedicated list of clients and start drawing steady income, you can consider turning your small affiliate business into a full-time job.

No. 3 — Find a Mentor for Starting Your Own Successful Small Business
Building a small business from the ground up can be daunting, but there is no reason to go it alone. Having support in your new venture is successful, which is why finding a mentor is such an important step. Guidance from an experienced expert is invaluable, so start making contact with people in your industry today. Attend meetings sponsored by your local chamber of commerce or utilize the Internet to make contacts with authoritative people in your field.

No. 4 — Start Finding Clients for Your Small Business Immediately
Waiting to find clients until after you have each tiny element of your business in place is a big mistake. Instead, start taking on clients as soon as possible. Create business cards that showcase your contact information and services, seek out new clients online or utilize existing networks to acquire new clients. By taking this step, you will already have a list of loyal customers once your business officially launches.

No. 5 — Create a Small Business Plan
Appropriate planning can save time and help you avoid costly mistakes. Writing a solid business plan can help your refine your goals, establish an achievable plan of action and eliminate unnecessary spending. A well-written business plan will include a detailed assessment of the current market and an analysis of your competition. This document should also outline your marketing strategy, management details and financial plan.

No. 6 — Figure Out Your Finances and Locate Investors for Your Own Small Business
Whether your business has low or high start-up costs, it is essential to figure out financial issues and find investors immediately. Estimate costs and establish a budget. Keep track of all financial records very carefully and start seeking out potential investors, whether you are approaching private individuals or securing a loan from a local bank.

No. 7 — Start Your Own Small Business and Focus on Professionalism
Projecting a level of professionalism is essential at every step of business development. Start working on your small businesses brand and image immediately. Get off to a good start by getting business cards, setting up an office, getting a separate business line and treating all potential customers in a professional manner. Let everyone know that you are serious about your business and the services you have to offer.

No. 8 — Keep Detailed Tax Records for Your Small Business
Owning a small business has special tax implications, which is why it is essential to keep detailed tax records. Start researching tax information specialized for small business owners. Keep detailed records of all expenses as well as any business earnings. Carefully tracking this information will help you better prepare for the tax season.

No. 9 — Market Your Small Business Effectively
Your marketing strategy can make or break your business, so plan your promotional strategy carefully. Analyze the competition to see what other businesses are doing, then create a marketing plan that incorporates a number of different techniques and tactics. Utilize off-line marketing as well as online marketing to build the most robust plan possible.

No. 10 — Start Your Own Small Business and Engage Potential Customers
Getting the attention of potential customers is perhaps the most important step for small businesses, but it can also be the most difficult. The key is to understand your audience and strive to meet their needs. Create marketing materials designed to grab the interest of potential clients. Carefully follow up on every lead. By forming a true connection with each customer, you can build a loyal audience for years to come.

“If you can find someone with similar goals who shares your vision, a partner can be a valuable source of support. A business partner can aid the cause by contributing his or her own financial resources or helping with the search for outside funding.”Ask Friends and Family for Help
One of the best ways to look for financial support is to turn to the people who know you the best. Since your friends and family already have a vested interest in seeing you succeed, these supporters are generally more likely to pitch in. This type of financing is most appropriate when your start-up costs are relatively low. Some friends or family member may be willing to offer an outright gift, while others will expect repayment once the profits start pouring in.

Find a Business Partner
Another way to bring more financial resources to your business is to take on a partner. If you can find someone with similar goals who shares your vision, a partner can be a valuable source of support. A business partner can aid the cause by contributing his or her own financial resources or helping with the search for outside funding. If you choose this option, always be sure to find a partner who is easy to work with and truly committed to the success of the project.

Get Outside Investors Involved
Finding outside investors can be challenging, but the right approach can lead to major results. The first step is to create a highly detailed business plan. A well-crafted plan should include a thorough analysis of the current market and the existing competition.

In addition to this basic information, you plan should outline your marketing strategy, budget, management plan and operating procedures. Be prepared to make your business pitch and expect to face an uphill battle to convince potential investors that your business is worth the risk.

Consider a Home Equity Loan to Finance Your Home Business
A home equity loan is another creative option to consider. However, there are many different factors to consider before making this choice. If the housing market is stable and you can secure a fixed-rate loan, this might be an excellent option. If the market is unsteady or if you opt for a variable-interest loan, rising costs might make it difficult or even impossible to pay back the loan. If you are not willing to take this risk, consider a different method of financing your home business.

Ways to Finance Your Home Business — Credit Cards
If the start-up expenses for your home business are relatively low, using credit cards to cover the cost is a potential option. When using this method, it is essential to be judicious with spending and create a solid repayment plan. Failing to repay this debt can tarnish your personal credit record, so it essential to make each payment on time. Focus on paying back more than the minimum payment each month and keep an eye on interest rates.

There are a number of excellent ways to finance your home business, but it might require a little creativity and hard work to make these strategies a success. Always start by evaluating your needs and considering all of the available funding sources. With a little planning and research, you can find the money you need to make your business a true success.

In the past few years personal branding has been discussed exhaustively throughout the Net. The difference between today and over ten years ago when it was first mentioned by Tom Peters, is the rise of social technologies that have made branding not only more personal, but within reach.

From the corporate brand (BMW), to the product brand (BMW M3 Coupe) and down to the personal brand (car salesman), branding is a critical component to a customer’s purchasing decision. These days, customer complaints and opinions are online and viewable through a simple search, on either Google() or through social networks. There is no hiding anymore and transparency and authenticity are the only means to survive and thrive in this new digital kingdom.

Many people think that personal branding is just for celebrities such as Paris Hilton or Britney Spears, yet each and every one of us is a brand. Personal branding, by definition, is the process by which we market ourselves to others. As a brand, we can leverage the same strategies that make these celebrities or corporate brands appeal to others. We can build brand equity just like them.

We can also have just as much presence as most startups and mid-size companies and products. Social media tools have leveled the playing ground and have enabled us to reach incredible heights, at the cost of our time. Today, I want to share the personal branding process, so you can start to think about what face you want to show to the world and how you want to position yourself for success!

1. Discover your brand

Brand discovery is about figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life, setting goals, writing down a mission, vision and personal brand statement (what you do and who you serve), as well as creating a development plan. Have you ever been called intelligent or humorous by your peers or coworkers? That description is part of your brand, especially if you feel those attributed pertain to you. To know if you’ve discovered your brand, you need to make this equation equal:

Your self-impression = How people perceive you

Before you enter the next step in the personal branding process, you’ll want to select a niche, whereby you can be the master of your domain. For example, Joel Comm has mastered the Google Adsense niche and brands himself using his name, and Brian Solis owns the social media PR niche with his PR 2.0 blog (under his name). When I say domain, I mean an area where there aren’t many competitors and literally, your online domain name. Once you sort this all out, now it’s time to create your brand.

2. Create your brand

1. Business card: It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student, CEO, or a consultant, everyone should have their own business card. The card should contain your picture, your personal brand statement (such as Boston Financial Expert), as well as your *preferred* contact information and corporate logo if necessary.

You can create your own business card and share it through your mobile phone using mydropcard.com or rmbrme.com. On the web, BusinessCard2.com is a great social network for creating and distributing your person business card.

2. Resume/cover letter/references document: These are typical documents that you need for applying for jobs and when you go on interviews (something over 2 million job seekers will be doing as we speak). Be sure to prioritize each document with information custom to the target position. Take your resume online and add social features to it to make the ultimate social media resume, promoting your personal brand to the world and making it shareable.

3. Portfolio: Whether you use a CD, web or print portfolio, it’s a great way to showcase the work you’ve done in the past, which can convince someone of your ability to accomplish the same results for the future. Figdig.com and carbonmade.com are social networks for people who want to show off their creative skills to the world.

4. Blog()/website: You need to own yourname.com or a website that aligns with your name in some fashion. Depending on who you are, how much time you have on your hands and if you can accept criticism, you should either start a blog or stick with a static homepage. Those who blog will have a stronger asset than those who don’t because blogs rank higher in search engines and lend more to your expertise and interest areas over time.

5. LinkedIn profile: A LinkedIn() profile is a combination of a resume, cover letter, references document and a moving and living database of your network. Use it to create your own personal advertising, to search for jobs or meet new people.

6. Facebook profile: Over 160 million people have profiles, but almost none of them have branded themselves properly using this medium. Be sure to include a Facebook() picture of just you, without any obscene gestures or unnecessary vodka bottles. Also, input your work experience and fill out your profile, while turning on the privacy options that disable the ability for people to tag you in pictures and videos (allowing people to see the ones tagged of you).

7. Twitter profile: Your Twitter() profile should have an avatar that is carved out of your Facebook picture and used in your LinkedIn profile. You need to use a distinct background, fill out your profile and include a link to either your blog or LinkedIn profile. Twitterbacks.com, developed by internet mogul Jim Kukral, has templates you can use to sculpt your very own Twitter background (Photoshop skills not included). Twitbacks.com is another solution that also lets you promote your Twitter profile.

8. Video() resume: A video resume is a short video of you talking about why you are the best for a specific job opportunity. You get about a minute or so to communicate your brand and are able to send the link, once you upload it to YouTube(), to hiring managers.

9. Wardrobe: Your personal style is tangible and is extremely important for standing out from the crowd. Select clothing that best represents you because it will be viewable through your pictures/avatars online, as well as when you meet people in reality.

10. Email address: Don’t overlook your email address as not being a significant part of your toolkit. Most people use email over all social networks and when you connect with someone on a social network, you are notified via email, so get used to it. Your email address poses a great opportunity for your brand. I recommend using gmail because of the acceptance of Google and since GTalk() allows you to form tighter relationships with others. For your address, use “firstname.lastname@gmail.com.”

What’s next?

In the next post, I will discuss how you can take the personal branding toolkit you’ve developed and communicate it to your audience. I’ll give you tips on how to market your personal brand to become known in your niche. Then, I’ll finish by explaining how you should monitor and update your brand over your lifetime.

What follows are five advanced strategies for small businesses that may already have small online communities and understand how to create an online presence, but don’t know what to do next.

What Is An Advanced Strategy?

Strategy 1: Multimedia Usage

In addition to taking photos of products, you can also take pictures at office events as a way to highlight company culture. This not only helps convince others to work with you or to buy from you (consumers see that you are down to earth and one of them, instead of a stuffy company), it also helps your HR department recruit new employees. Who doesn’t want to work for a company that celebrates birthdays and has a good time?

Videos are useful for explaining complex how-tos or concepts. Showing step by step directions can have a greater impact than even the most well written article. Businesses don’t have to invest huge sums of money to create good videos, either. I highly recommend the relatively cheap Flip camcorder, which takes great videos and is easy for even a non-technical marketer to use.

Multimedia can break down the faceless business-to-consumer sales flow and make your company appear friendlier. Use videos and images to show that your business is fun, you care about your employees, and most importantly, that you care about your customers.

Example: WorldMusicSupply.com

WorldMusicSupply.com, an online retailer of musical instruments and accessories, has used YouTube() to build a strong online community. Their channel has built over 7,000 subscribers and has over 260,000 views.

Strategy 2: Integrate Offline and Online Advertising

Including your Facebook Page or blog URL in offline ads act as social proof, inviting potential consumers to see your community and increase trust in your business. Not only can integrating online and offline advertising help the conversion process, but it can also help build your community. Introducing potential consumers to your social profiles means they may join your community now and buy later.

Strategy 3: Message Adaptation

Social platforms each have an ecosystem of their own. What might be acceptable on Tumblr() might be considered spam on Facebook(). A specific style of writing might spread on Twitter() but fail on FriendFeed(). Understanding that each site is different and then customizing your message ensures they do well on each respective site.

Not only does customizing messages across sites help the message spread but it keeps users from receiving multiple identical communications. Be sure to maximize your potential by sending a user that follows the business on Twitter and Facebook two different messages, instead of the same thing.

Strategy 4: Local Social Networks, Beyond Yelp

First, make sure you check your competitors. Where are they listed? Check their inbound links to check for business directories you can add yourself to. Also, make sure your business has been added to Google Maps(), using the Local Business Center.

Take the time to include all the information you can and update any old news. For many consumers, this will be their first interaction with the business.

Example: Bella Napoli in New York

Bella Napoli is a small pizzeria in New York that has done a great job of making sure they appear in as many local searches as possible.

Strategy 5: Contests and Discounts

A good social media contest should include some sort of sharing or virality as a requirement for winning.

Discounts are also a great way to connect with your community. By giving exclusive coupons to your social community, you’re rewarding and reminding them that you are not only a brand to engage with, but also to buy from.

Example: NetFirms.com

NetFirms.com decided to make it easier to register a domain by allowing people to do it via Twitter. Those who participated or spread the word by tweeting, were also entered into a prize drawing.

Conclusion

You need a social media policy that sets the foundation of your expectations, empowers your employees to tweet or blog without fear, rewards social media problem-solving, and educates staff on things to avoid in both personal and professional status updates.

It’s smart business to have a social media policy, and lucky for you some of the biggest brands have already paved the way and published policies that you can emulate.

1. Kodak on Transparency

The Kodak Social Media Tips document is available for download as a PDF and is a good read, especially for businesses just getting their feet wet. Their actual corporate policies start on page 10 and provide an educational, instructional, and digestible utility that employees can reference when in tricky situations. It reads like a guide book, making it much more approachable than a standard policy agreement.

What to steal: Transparency guidelines
Why? They’re simple, straightforward, and very clear on boundaries.
Text: Even when you are talking as an individual, people may perceive you to be talking on behalf of Kodak. If you blog or discuss photography, printing or other topics related to a Kodak business, be upfront and explain that you work for Kodak; however, if you aren’t an official company spokesperson, add a disclaimer to the effect: “The opinions and positions expressed are my own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Eastman Kodak Company.”

2. Intel on Moderation

They acknowledge their guidelines are dynamic in nature and will evolve as new trends and technologies are made available. They also clearly spell out what to think about when engaging in social forums and how to handle the sometimes sticky situation of content moderation.

What to steal: Moderation guidelines
Why? Intel does a good job at breaking down why bad or negative content should not be moderated unless it’s offensive .
Text: “The Good, the Bad, but not the Ugly. If the content is positive or negative and in context to the conversation, then we approve the content, regardless of whether it’s favorable or unfavorable to Intel. However if the content is ugly, offensive, denigrating and completely out of context, then we reject the content.”

3. IBM on Social Media Value

The brand has tried and true social experiences, which makes their policies for IMBers read like best practices learned from real experience in the field.

What to steal: Add Value section
Why? They inspire IBMers to be thoughtful content creators on the web.
Text: “If it helps you, your coworkers, our clients or our partners to do their jobs and solve problems; if it helps to improve knowledge or skills; if it contributes directly or indirectly to the improvement of IBM’s products, processes and policies; if it builds a sense of community; or if it helps to promote IBM’s Values, then it is adding value. Though not directly business-related, background information you choose to share about yourself, such as information about your family or personal interests, may be useful in helping establish a relationship between you and your readers, but it is entirely your choice whether to share this information.”