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.Sarah Radford

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:

  1. It will cost at least twice as much as you think to build and run your business.
  2. 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!
  3. Hire a good accountant. The tax benefits of owning your own business are great.
  4. Get a web site and a blog. They are valuable tools to promote your business.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:
  1. Discuss your idea with people you trust who are successful in business.
  2. Read a lot of business books - particularly those from other entrepreneurs.  My favorites are Richard Branson and Donald Trump.
  3. Trust yourself - if you don't, no one else will either. Go with your gut instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is!
  4. 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."

Drop me a line anytime. I enjoy helping other entrepreneurs live their dreams!
Sarah@ChicGemsEtc.com
www.ChicGemsEtc.com
www.bestprofessionaldesignerfashionjewelry.com

And you can check out my sites at:
http://chicgemsetc.blogspot.com
www.bestprofessionaldesignerfashionjewelry.com
Have a great day!

~Sarah

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Category: Managing Focus, The Right Actions, Your Belief System
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  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Hi!
    I am so pleased to be featured on TPE.
    Thanks for posting my story!
    Sarah

  • Mike Michalowicz

    Sarah,

    Our pleasure! All that I ask is that you send us tons of jewlery so that the woman at our office can go home sparkling…. and put in some extra for my wife. (I kid. I kid.)

    Bribery will get you no where. Well sometimes.

    - Mike

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Hey Mike,
    so how many ladies are at your office?
    Sarah

  • Mike Michalowicz

    A lot…. and I was kidding. But thank you.

    :>)

    - Mike

  • http://www.teenentrepreneurblog.com Shonika Proctor, Teen Biz Coach

    Congratulations Sarah!

    I was in a similar position when I started my company. I was a top sales rep in the cellular and wireless industry for my region and after nearly a dozen years of working there the company was sold. It felt like I had to ‘start over’ with a new owner and his vision (which was very different than the former owners) so I decided to leave and start something on my own. While nothing compares to the freedom of being an entreprneur, I am now more appreciative of my time that I actually worked in “corporate” as a salesperson. I have found that it helped me tremendously overall in developing both structure and mindset. I see the importance of “having to answer to someone with hard deadlines” bc it is critical to have that structure in place in your own business. And also the skills learned in sales from relationship building to packaging/branding to being able to do sales presentations have been invaluable. Here’s wishing you continued success in your business venture.

    Cheers.

    http://www.teenentrepreneurblog.com

  • Paul

    Although I don’t have my own business per se, I am an independent contractor very much in a sales capacity, I can definitely relate to the necessity of promoting yourself online and hiring top level advisors. I’ve also read a lot of business books which have been very helpful to me. I always love hearing stories about a self-starter. We need more innovators and risk takers!

  • Nicole Price

    Sarah, you rock! Thanks for the great advice.:)

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Hi Mike,
    Ok, LOL. I was ready to send a box o’ gems. :)
    Sarah

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Hi Shonika,
    thank you for your story! That’s exactly how I felt. Being laid off once was good enough for me to learn that I’d rather count on myself!
    Cheers,
    Sarah
    PS I like your web site!

  • http://www.NetworkingEffectively.com Scott Bradley

    Sarah,

    Congrats on kicking butt and taking names! Love the picture! How creative!

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Thanks for your comments everyone! Keep ‘em coming.
    I’d love to hear your stories too!
    XO, Sarah

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Hey Scott,
    I just checked out your site….great stuff!
    Sarah

  • http://www.NetworkingEffectively.com Scott Bradley

    Thanks for the compliment Sarah.Keep up the great work!

  • http://www.luckydayboutique.com Kathleen Herrebout

    I was lucky the day I met Sarah at a networking event over 2 years ago. She is such an inspiration. All your hard work and perserverence is paying off. Congrats and cheers to all your success.

  • http://www.chicgemsetc.com Sarah

    Thanks for the note Kathleen! I am lucky to have met you too!

  • http://www.shopaholicstv.com Laurie king

    I am a big fan of supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that lives inside so many of us. Thanks for the great advice and tips! Congrats to you and all of your success!

    Laurie