The joy of online shopping

Walking into a well known computer chain store in Durban, I enquired about a product after having been ignored by the 5 salesmen.  After waiting what felt like forever, the salesman returned with a demo of the product – demo meaning a plastic shell, meaning they didn’t even have stock.  I asked about the price and was told it retails at R2,500.  He didn’t look too interested.  He also didn’t refer to nor showed me any of the add-ons that come with the product.  In fact, he didn’t even make eye contact.  An ATM has more personality.   Um….     

Upon arriving at home I hopped onto the net and found the same product for R1,000 plus free extra’s thrown in to make the deal sweeter.  Shipping is free of charge.  A reputable online shop.  Within 30min the order was placed, paid for and confirmed.  Delivery will take place via courier.

Apart from having to wait for delivery, I fail to see the point in supporting brick and mortar computer shops.

It is good to down tools

All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl. On Friday morning I made a promise not to work this weekend. I promised I would not touch a PC nor speak of the websites I’m building. It is hard when you are driven by circumstance to get your business up and running, getting it to stabilise, find a rhythm and then to grow it. When your business venture is a second job, time is thee most important resource.

To make a promise of abstinence from work becomes a painful sacrifice in that moment. I sulked for a few hours, but eventually came around. It was only once I realised why I’m so driven to succeed that I could let go. My motivation is simple – my family.

A year ago we bought our first house and 18 months ago we decided to give love a chance. This weekend was a celebration of what we have achieved so far, how we as individuals have grown and how strong our relationship is.

Sometimes, not too often, you have to really down your tools. Just enjoy the special souls in your life and take in your surroundings. Spend a bit of that work time with loved ones, as it replenishes what work takes out of you.

Learn something new

Think you’re the master at what you do?  Mmmm, not quite, there is always something new you can learn, even if it’s just a fresh perspective.  Take time to read about the topics that affect your business, dream up new ways of attracting more customers and clients.  Be open to input from friends, family and outsiders.  Don’t dismiss their opinion out of hand without having given their words some thought first.

Don’t be afraid to let your mind wander.  Think of the extravagant and do research on it.  It might not cost you that much money or time to actually implement or learn.  See where you can recycle old products, services or ideas. 

And keep your finger on the pulse of others who do what you do.  Visit their websites, pay attention to their marketing campaigns, listen to what people have to say about these services or products.  You might learn of a niche area in your field that nobody has taken to the next level yet.

By growing yourself, you grow your business. 

Do something you love

Starting your own business without any form of capital is very, very tough.  Cash flow problems take the top spot on your worry list, yet you have to spend money to make money.  Sounds cliched?  It might sound like it, but it is true.

You would probably have to keep your day job and pursue your business venture in your free time.  This in itself causes delays as you have limited time to invest in developing and growing your business.  More so, you forfeit the little bit of free time you might have had.

So, what is point of all this dribble?  Simply this.  If you decide to start your own business, pick something that you are passionate about.  In the long run your interest in what you do will help you overcome the human tendency to lose motivation.

I enjoy computers and the internet and just being creative.  This combo lead me down a path and now I am pursuing my interests.  My name is Barbara and I’m a freelance website and graphic designer.