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A sense of anguish - as a lion chained to a
cart A high, unbroken haughtiness of heart That
self-same stuff which erst proud empires
sway'd, Of which the conquerers of the world were
made. Capricious fate of man! that
very pride In captive scourg'd, in castle
deify'd. No Muse, shall thy deeds relate, No
statue to honor for thy sheeps fate!
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Are You a Lion Chained To a Cart?
The Nine To Five Job was created in the late
1800s to organize the agriculture workers from
the country side into working cogs - to be
consumed and forgotten by the coming age of
industrialism. 120 years later.the industrial
age is over. And you still go to work Nine to
Five.
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When You Die.
Will you lay on your death bed and think to
yourself, If I could only have spent more time
working at my job
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Is It Time to Quit Your Job?
This short presentation will give you the tools
you need to start your own software consulting
business and make more money and have more free
time to enjoy your one and only life. Because
when it comes down to it. all you have is time.
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Heres How I Know
Ive been an independent software consultant in
Central Iowa for the last 15 years, and if I can
do it, anyone can.
Database Programming and Web Designwww.iowacom.ne
t515.758.2000
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Start Slowly
When I said quit your job, I didnt mean today,
thats not very wise. Instead, you need to
develop a 12 to 18 month plan that will get you
to the point where you can quit. Take that time
to start doing the following things.
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The List

• Create a company name.
• Incorporate as an LLC get a Federal ID
• Open a business checking account.
• Setup your basic financial statements in
  Quickbooks.
• Research the competition extensively.
• Define a niche market that matches your skill
  set.
• Make sure there are enough prospects in your
  geographical area usually more than 100.
• Develop a business graphical logo and unique
  selling proposition.

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The List (Continued)
9. Have your stationary, business cards, and
envelopes professionally printed. 10. Buy a color
laser printer and make sure your computer is up
to speed. 11. Build a database of potential
customers in your niche market using industry
guides, directories, or list purchasing
services. 12. Write a 10 page white paper
outlining a problem and solution that is common
in your niche market. 13. Learn How to Sell
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Learning How to Sell
Sounds easy enough..but its not. If you want to
make it in this business you need to be 30
software genius and 70 ravenous sales
executive. Nothing will kill your new business
faster than a lack of prospects, referrals, and
repeat business.
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Here are some clues

• Go to Dale Carnigie Sales Training -
  Twice(because you wont learn enough the first
  time)
• Start hanging out with sales people not
  software people.
• Purchase small easy to read sales books like
  these

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Here are some more clues

• 4. Spend the first hour of each day on the phone
  talking to prospective customers.
• 5. Send out hand written thank you notes.
• 6. Create a monthly newsletter and send a
  hardcopy to each of your customers and potential
  prospects. (email newsletters have no value in
  todays world)
• Bring food to your customers office. Donuts are a
  great hit in the morning.
• Dress like your customers. Dont overdress it
  make them self-conscious. Dont underdress it
  makes you look like a slob.

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Making Money

• If youre good at something never do it for
  free.
• Youre only worth as much as you charge.
• Invoice early and often.
• Make invoices due upon receipt. Let your
  customers know that you are not a bank and you
  dont provide credit or let people pay late.
• If an invoice is late dont be afraid to follow
  up with a polite phone call.
• If its a big project bill in regular
  installments and be sure to stop work if they are
  slow to pay.
• Dont burn any bridges

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Things Not To Do

• Dont get a partner Theres an old saying in
  business Two partners is One too Many..
• Do not even consider a venture capitalist for
  startup funds. 1 out of 6 venture capitalist
  deals fail. Venture capitalists expect a 25
  return on each investment. That means if you
  succeed they will want a 150 return on
  investment. Or more likely the keys to the
  office. Now all of a sudden youve got a job
  again. Congratulations!

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Things Not To Do

• If you have to borrow money, get a line of credit
  from your local bank. Use the money only for
  equipment. Do not use the money for payroll. If
  you cant make ends meet - get a part time job.
• Dont use Headhunters like Robert Half or
  Technisource to find work. They will bill you out
  at 80 and pay you 35. Being a better sales
  person is a much more profitable solution than
  headhunters.
• Stay away from RFPs and websites like
  craigslist.com and elance.com. These sources are
  looking for the lowest price provider. You want
  to sell on quality and value plus build long
  term relationships with your new clients.

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Taxes

• Dont cheat on your taxes
• Keep track of every mile, every expense, and
  every penny spent on your business.
• Dont write off your vacation, new car, or part
  of your home. Because the IRS will audit you
  especially if youre writing off home expenses as
  business expenses.
• Have a professional prepare your taxes. That way,
  when you get audited (and you will), they go see
  the IRS, then come back and tell you what you
  need to do.

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And Finally Dont Be Afraid To Succeed
If youre a Lion amongst Sheep, its your
destiny to slip the chains and discover this new
world thats waiting to be conquered. -OR- If
youre a Sheep amongst Sheep, then you have no
destiny. You are simply a Cog in someone elses
machine. In a giant machine that makes sweaters
and sheep sandwiches.
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Thank You
This Powerpoint presentation is available in PDF
format on my website at www.iowacom.net Pleas
e call IOWACOM for a free consultation on all
your database programming and web related needs.