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September 26th, 2008 - The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

GUEST POST - From Sales Rep to Fashion Designer by Sarah Radford

Now here's a story of how to make lemons into lemonade (hence the picture Sarah Radford submitted)! There are a lot of great tips here, enjoy. Mike out.

I always knew that one day I would own my own business. I started my company, Chic Gems, etc. jewelry, as a side project in 2002 while working as a top medical sales representative. I have always enjoyed fashion, beginning at a very early age. I enjoyed owning Chic Gems for the obvious reason of designing my own creations and I used my sales bonuses to finance the company - everything from jewelry bead stock to filing fees for the incorporation. I am thankful that I took life into my own hands when I did because in October of 2006 I was laid off from my sales job due to a company buy out. Chic Gems, etc. became full time from that moment on.

Here are a few things I have learned along the way:

It will cost at least twice as much as you think to build and run your business.
You can finance your business with credit cards if you do it wisely - I have 6 business credit cards. Remember to keep your balances at half your limit!
Hire a good accountant. The tax benefits of owning your own business are great.
Get a web site and a blog. They are valuable tools to promote your business.
You are going to have to step out of your comfort zone. I began cold calling and attending networking events. Not everything about owning your own business is glamorous.
You will most likely work harder and longer than you did at �your regular job.� Get over it! I can tell you that being an entrepreneur is not easy, but it sure is fun.

My biggest tips to being a successful entrepreneur:

Discuss your idea with people you trust who are successful in business.
Read a lot of business books - particularly those from other entrepreneurs. My favorites are Richard Branson and Donald Trump.
Trust yourself - if you don�t, no one else will either. Go with your gut instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is!
Set up your business structure - Establishing a corporation protects you legally and allows for tax benefits.

�I believe that anything you can dream can be your reality with hard work and a little bit of luck.� Sarah

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Chic Gems, etc. jewelry is proudly handmade in the USA | We can create custom designs upon request. Please contact us for more information.

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