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The Life of Being Self Employed

awelldressedbullet by awelldressedbullet

The Life of being Self Employed

We have been self employed since 1983 and this is a life that has suited us very well. Hmmmm, maybe we just don't like being told what to do? LOL Seriously, the key to sucess, besides offering good quality products and excellent service is:

- Planning and Research
- Strong Management and Marketing
- Great Organizational and Communication Skills
- Commitment

In the words of a friend of mine...... "Know what you sell and sell what you know!"

Lens created on March 20, 2008
Last updated on February 12, 2011

Brief History - Starting out Mail Order

Our first business (1983) was actually mail order only (ahem, this is what online shopping used to be, shopping was done by mail instead of by computer). We operated out of a spare room and stocked no inventory. As customers ordered products from our ads in newspapers or magazines and eventually from our catalogue, we then turned around and ordered product from our suppliers. We had excellent suppliers (no, not drop shippers) who would have our product to us in 1-2 days.

......and back then I was a blonde LOL

June 1, 1983 

Brief History - Retail Stores

After nine successful months of mail order and a great customer base, we decided to open a retail store. Again, we wanted to start small and our first store was only 9' x 9'. We outgrew this little store within a few months.

We had several retail stores over the next nine years, each store becoming larger and our business becoming more established and successful.

We actually really enjoyed setting up our new stores, from laying out a floor plan to making awesome displays.

Our last store we actually built into a large shed on the farm we lived on. It was great to just walk out the front door, cross the parking area with coffee cup in hand, and go to "work".

We retired in 1992, and moved up here to Spanish. Retirement was fun for the first year and then we both got bored! LOL

In 2001, the internet peaked our interest and A Well Dressed Bullet was born!

We've never looked back.

Build up interesting customer base

This next picture brings back a really funny memory. A customer of ours was a curator for a military museum and dropped by one afternoon with a 20mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun.

Of course, as our customers dropped by and saw this outside our shop, they ALL said "Rick finally and went out and bought himself a tank".

No, wait, that's the next picture LOL

Rick's new toy? 

Advertising Opportunities

Then one day a military transport with a Leopard Tank on it stopped in our small town right across from our shop.

Rick ran out like a crazy man, tearing down our store sign on his way, screaming grab the camera.

Rick never misses a perfect advertising opportunity.

As they left, Rick said to them "Tanks for the Memories"

Kathy and her new Tank? 

Business Vehicles

It is imperative that we had a vehicle for business purposes. And it was much easier to keep our auto expenses separate by having two vehicles; one for business and one for pleasure.

We had this 1967 Honda Civic, it used to be gold in color.... I said "used to".

Of course, Rick being Rick, he decided to take our business vehicle one step further and include a great way for people to remember us..... it worked! LOL

Many years later people still talk about our camo car!

Who wouldn't remember this! 

Advantages to Self Employment

There are many advantages to being self employed, here are just a few.

Be sure to add yours to the list below, I really would like to know what you think!

* no links please!

1

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Having control of your own destiny

3 points

2

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Personal satisfaction of running a successful business

3 points

3

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For online businesses, working in PJ's all day!

2 points

4

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Most love what they do, so enjoy their "jobs"

1 point

5

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Being your own boss

1 point

6

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More daily flexibility, setting your own schedule and hours

1 point

7

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Great for those who hate 9-5

1 point

8

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No office politics!

No sucking up to the boss..you are the boss!1 point

Disadvantages to Self Employment

Yes, there are disadvantages too. I listed a few to start with, but also included simple solutions too.

Be sure to add yours to the list below, I really would like to know what you think!

* no links please

1

Vote Up

Your friends think you don't have a real job.

* sigh *4 points

2

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You don't get typical days off; most work on weekends and holidays.

We also have a choice of which days we work or don more...3 points

3

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If your business fails, you have no one to blame but yourself, you're are financially responsible for any mistakes made.

A good business plan, responsible financial manage more...2 points

4

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You don't have employee benefits to fall back on (Employment Insurance Benefits)

a simple solution is to put extra money aside each more...1 point

5

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Long Hours

although this doesn't apply to some, many people w more...0 points

In Progress

....... more to come

This is a work in progress

I'll be adding to this as soon as I can

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Hello, you may leave your comments below

What do you think of being in business for yourself? Good points, bad points or just tell us why you love being in business for yourself.

  • ItayasDesigns Apr 1, 2012 @ 4:58 pm | delete
    I commuted 4 hours a day for many years working corporate life. When my body gave out on me, I had to figure out how to bring in income from home. Working from home is so much better than that grueling grind. Don't miss that part one bit! Setting boundaries with your work time and having others respect that you do indeed have a job (LOL) is also very important. Great article as always. Thanks for sharing some of your business career with us all. :)
  • Squidoolinepro Feb 14, 2011 @ 10:52 am | delete
    Blessed by a squid angel;)
  • janices7 Oct 17, 2010 @ 9:50 am | delete
    My husband and I own our own business as well. You've done a great job outlining the pros and cons of being self-employed. My mother is the worst for thinking we don't have real jobs. She just calls in the middle of the day and when I say that I have to go, she'll just keep talking like I didn't even say anything (for another 15 or 20 minutes). That said, the pros have definitely outweighed the cons for us. I wish you continued success!

    P.S. Love the camo car :)
  • TheWhistler Oct 13, 2010 @ 10:28 am | delete
    My goodness, you certainly seem to live a diversified life. Good for you!
  • JaguarJulie Sep 26, 2010 @ 9:08 am | delete
    You, my dearest Kathy, have done a really bang-up job with this presentation. I wish you continued success with your self-employed life.
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Quick Links Back Up

  1. Brief History - Starting out Mail Order
  2. June 1, 1983
  3. Brief History - Retail Stores
  4. Build up interesting customer base
  5. Rick's new toy?
  6. Advertising Opportunities
  7. Kathy and her new Tank?
  8. Business Vehicles
  9. Who wouldn't remember this!
  10. Advantages to Self Employment
  11. Disadvantages to Self Employment
  12. In Progress
  13. Our Website
  14. Guestbook Feedback

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awelldressedbullet

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