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
......and back then I was a blonde LOL
June 1, 1983
Brief History - Retail Stores
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
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
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
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
Having control of your own destiny
3 points
2
Personal satisfaction of running a successful business
3 points
3
For online businesses, working in PJ's all day!
2 points
4
Most love what they do, so enjoy their "jobs"
1 point
5
Being your own boss
1 point
6
More daily flexibility, setting your own schedule and hours
1 point
7
Great for those who hate 9-5
1 point
8
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
Your friends think you don't have a real job.
* sigh *4 points
2
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
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
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
In Progress
This is a work in progress
I'll be adding to this as soon as I can
Our Website
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Guestbook Feedback

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.
-
- Load More
About Me on Squidoo
My Top 20 Lenses
Quick Links Back Up
- Brief History - Starting out Mail Order
- June 1, 1983
- Brief History - Retail Stores
- Build up interesting customer base
- Rick's new toy?
- Advertising Opportunities
- Kathy and her new Tank?
- Business Vehicles
- Who wouldn't remember this!
- Advantages to Self Employment
- Disadvantages to Self Employment
- In Progress
- Our Website
- Guestbook Feedback
This UpMarket page written by
awelldressedbullet
offers handmade Belt Buckles, Bolo Ties, Bullet Pens, Ceiling Fan Pulls, Cufflinks, Earrings, Fridge Magnets, Keychains, Money Clips,... more »
Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?
Connect with UpMarket
This author recommends...
-
★ How to Sell Your Handmade Products Online! | ETSY SUCCESS TIPS & TOOLS ★
Most of the advice below can be applied when selling any handmade product online... -
The Zazzle ProSellers: The Most Successful Sellers At Zazzle
DO PEOPLE REALLY MAKE MONEY ON ZAZZLE? According to these Prosellers the answer... -
Internet Income University Review
No hype factual review about IIU. Beware. Proceed with caution. While investigat... -
Internet Marketing: How To Overcome Your Fear Of Success
It's hard to believe that fear of success is preventing you from achieving your... -
Where To Shop Online Auctions Besides eBay
Shopping eBay for your favorite items, but can't find them? The best sellers of... -
How to Make Pinback Buttons and Magnets for Fun and Profit
Shortly after leaving the corporate world, I decided to learn how to make pin-ba...
