Comments on: Want to Start a Business? Are You Santa or an Elf?

By: charlene

charlene — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:25:54 +0000

@JanLaundon It sounds like you’re on your way to being a Santa! Marketing is difficult for those not in the field (I’m the owner of an online marketing agency). But, your idea to align with a strategic partner to give/receive referrals is an excellent one. As a massage therapist you would benefit from a strategic relationship with anyone in the physical therapy field. You could also eventually join forces with strategic partners and create a wellness group at one location – with everyone pitching in for the marketing efforts (whether done in house or through an agency). Networking is the key.

By: PointA_PointB

PointA_PointB — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:01:42 +0000

@JanLaundon Hi Jan, it is always good to examine these kinds of issues in advance. Maybe joining a bigger practice where they do some of the marketing for you and there are other practitioners who can refer is an option? And you, in turn, would be able to contribute some of your ideas to them. As @charlene said below, she has been able to learn some of these skills. Over time, perhaps you could too. I think your current thought process will lead you to the option that is right for you at this time.

By: JanLaundon

JanLaundon — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 06:57:27 +0000

I heard Carol speak tonight at Institute for Integrative Nutrition and found it very helpful. She brought up the Elf/kSanta Clause type person. I am definitely more elf but want to be a Santa Claus. I work as a massage therapist and like it because I am independent and only need to show up for the job which I do. I like helping others promote their business but have a hard time promoting my own Health Counseling business. I like being given specific directions but am also a huge idea person. The follow thru is the problem. As a result of listening to Carol tonight on a webinar and answering these questions I most definitely need to re-evalute how I am going to work as a Health Coach. I am inclined towards being aligned with an organization or individual who would send me clients. Getting the clients seems to be a daunting task for me. I think I will share these questions with the other students at IIN.

By: PointA_PointB

PointA_PointB — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:57:29 +0000

@charlene I am glad you were able to find your inner Santa, Charlene. You make a good point that people can learn over time, however, many who start a business don’t budget the resources needed for that learning curve so consequently, don’t get the time they need to acquire skills and modify behaviors. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!

By: charlene

charlene — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:38:50 +0000

This is so spot on in the descriptions of what you’re bottom line behavior is. Though I will say that it is possible to learn how to be Santa – it just takes a lot of work if you’re truly an Elf. I started as Elf-like – willing to do the work with direction, but yearning to be able to provide the direction myself. Actually, it was more like wanting to make the final decisions because I knew more than most of the managers I worked for. Eventually I stepped out on my own and had to deal with lack of skills – but was willing to learn them. Now my business is growing and I’m helping others to grow, too (team members). So while I agree with the overview, I would add the caveat that even if someone is Elf-trending, they can become a successful business owner if they’re willing to learn the new skills.

By: PointA_PointB

PointA_PointB — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:29:51 +0000

@myuntangledlife So glad you enjoyed this. It was one of my favorite parts of Carol’s book.

By: myuntangledlife

myuntangledlife — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:29:31 +0000

Really enjoyed this article. I can’t tell you how many “entrepreneurs” I’ve had waiting around all day for me to lead them. your advice is fantastic, you just can’t make it on your own that way so it’s better to find out first!