Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary-Joe Figueira on December 19, 2010 at 8:11am

Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

 

Permalink Reply by Anke Johnson on December 20, 2010 at 11:27am

Awesome Carol, thanks so much for posting this!  I'll report back and let you know how I like it!

Permalink Reply by Cindy Jeffery on December 20, 2010 at 6:14pm

Thanks for this Carol....I have come to a cross roads with my business so to speak.  I always thought it would support me financially till I die or close to it.  But that isn't happening...the older I get the more I doubt my dream and the more I think I should just walk away....if it wasn't for my belief in the horses as healers I would, I still might even though I believe in the healing process with the horses, simply because I haven't got the finances to get something like that off the ground to the point where I would get a return on my investment, enough to support me for the rest of my life.  So far the horse business for me is like pushing a big elephant up hill because of the lack of funding.

Permalink Reply by Carol Upton on December 21, 2010 at 2:51pm

Hi Cindy - Sorry to hear the discouragement in your voice. I just want to add that all businesses go through fallow periods. Mine has many times, and it is always at those times I want to give up. Instead of giving up, I try to think creatively - do something I've not done before, join a new forum or organization, seek support on Facebook or join a new social networking site, place an ad, write an article or an e-book - decide what you really want to see happen in concrete terms for your biz and ask the Universe to show you a different path. Inevitably, when I have done that in the past, clients have come knocking on my door within days. It is the Law of Attraction in action and it has not failed me yet.

I also saw that you lost a beloved equine member of your family earlier this month and you dream of her still. Perhaps, your energy is needed  for this transition before it can go to the business. Please don't give up unless you are sure that's what you want to do.

Many warm wishes,

Carol

 

Permalink Reply by Linda Finstad on January 10, 2011 at 8:48am

There is a need for a women's equine business network where we can brainstorm new ideas in a safe enviroment where we are not in fear of voicing out ideas and can be an encouragement to each other.

 

I think the key to surviving (no matter what kind of business you have ) is to think of creative ways to redesign and repackage what you offer maybe to a new market segment. And really examine what areas of your business are profiatble and what are a drain and cut loose from the activities that are holding you back - I call is end of year post mortem.

I am an equine photographer and to stay in business I have had to allow my business to evolve - I no longer worry about everyone owning a camera and taking their own pictures - I developed a fun hands on equine photography workshop that teaches budding photographers how to get "The shot" I thought this might harm my photography business after all I am giving away the farm so to speak but quite the opposite has happened. last year I saw a 50% increase in sales.  

 

Plus the riding schools or clubs who I partner with to host the workshops also win - they get $350 for hosting plus a crowd of new people exposed to their business and what they offer. By parnering with me they have a new service to offer at their location that does not disrupt lesson plans or cost anything to offer - it really is a win win for everyone. drop me a line if you would like to learn more about this opportunity  or check out www,imagineitsold.ca