It can be difficult to make that mental switch between someone who takes orders and someone who gives orders.  Before you “fired your boss,” as they like to say, you went to work and were given tasks and goals by your higher ups.  There was already a business plan to follow by the time you jumped in.  Now, it’s up to you to define those goals and other daily tasks that will allow your business to thrive.  Let’s get started with how to make your plan.

First, you need to decide what type of marketing strategy you’re going to use.  This is all going to depend on what you have to sell.  If you’re an artist selling what you’ve made, you could do this in the physical form of going to art galleries, or set up your own webpage that showcases what you have to sell.  Take a minute to yourself and think about what avenue will suit your sales.  Is it in the community, or online?

For the sake of this article, let’s assume that you decided to go with an online presence.  Imagine you’re still the artist trying to sell your paintings.  You need to be where the other artists and art lovers are.  Start doing research by doing a web search of artists, and see what sites come up.  Take notes on which sites have an active blog, some sites will also allow you to advertise your wares. 

Now you have a much better idea of what your long term goal is going to look like.  You want to be among the people frequenting the big sites because this is your target market; they already love art and are the biggest customers in your field of work.

Your first step in that direction will be to create your own online identity.  This will most likely be in the form of your own website or blog.  You want to stand out from the crowd and have something to offer that the other artists don’t.  This should be the easiest part!  You don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not.  No matter what it is that you have to share about your work it will be right.  People respond to open honesty, if the customers see that you are being truthful with them and yourself, they will buy from you. 

The little daily tasks are what will come next.  You need to give your online presence a body.  Think back to the direction you want your company to go in and with what type of identity.  Start centering your site on your goals and beliefs and write instructive or opinionated articles about your given subject.  Showcase what makes you special!  Every day, make a point to expand your website a little more.  Whether this is creating a new banner, adding a new article, or touching up the layout, achieve something every day. 

Keeping yourself motivated can be tough when you aren’t seeing the financial results you want.  Remember that building your business takes time and that the best way to succeed is when you are in it for the long haul.  Keep educating yourself, read books, articles, and tutorials on different marketing strategies.  Hearing about other people’s success will motivate you to achieve your own.