I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, saying that all of the sudden, I’m just so busy. I’m getting bigger clients, bigger projects, referrals left and right, and was even recently asked to be the guest of honor at a business networking event. His response was that it was much like the musician who spends years playing weddings and rinky-dink bars, only to become an “overnight success.”

So yeah, “all of the sudden” I’m busy, and some great opportunities are coming my way…but the reality is that it’s taken more than eight years to get to this point. I feel like I’ve paid my dues, and am finally starting to reap the benefits from all of my hard work and effort.

When I started TAMAR Graphics, I had no idea what I was doing…and learned pretty much through trial and error (oh, if only Business of Design Online had been around back then…) But I stuck it out.

When I lost my main client (who provided 90% of my income – not something I recommend, by the way), I was so ready to throw in the towel, but was fortunate enough to be in a situation financially where I could try to rebuild…and I did.

When my son was born, I went through another transition, and wondered if trying to build a business while adjusting to my new role as “mother” was too much. Again I decided to tough it out.

So by the time we moved, I figured I could handle the challenges of rebuilding my business in a new and unfamiliar area with my eyes closed. Okay, so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but I really wasn’t prepared for the challenges I faced. Who knew geography plays such a big role when it comes to marketing and promoting a business? I sure didn’t.

Once I got here, and realized that I wasn’t going to be able to just walk out my door and get business, I looked at my options.

As networking had been a big help in building business when I was in Austin, I figured I’d give it a try here. Unfortunately, there weren’t any networking groups that seemed like the right fit for me. So I started my own through Meetup.com. It took a really long time to get going, and there were several times when I was the only one there, but with patience and persistence, I built up membership, and now my networking luncheons fill up every month. Now, I’m meeting other business people, making connections and getting referrals from members that have led to some pretty exciting projects. And running my networking group has opened doors to other events and opportunities.

Another tool I used to help get my name out there was to respond to my local Business Journal’s “A Lesson Learned” section. I’m not sure if this was specific to the Boston Business Journal, but every week I used to receive an email asking questions like, “Is networking important to your business?” and “What type of personality does it take to be an entrepreneur?” While I had to keep my responses to 50 words or less, if my response was chosen, it was a free way to get my name – and photo – in the business journal. Unfortunately, the “A Lesson Learned” section has been discontinued, but I got at least one call or email each time my response was featured, so it was well worth the effort for me.

Actually, writing in general has been very successful for me. I started in December 2005 with a free blog on Blogger.com. Then, I started writing this column, which forced me to develop a plan, and document my progress, ultimately holding myself accountable – something I desperately needed. And, as part of my plan, I’ve started writing press releases. In addition to submitting press releases to trade journals, I found PRNewswire.com, which has been invaluable. I received a complimentary 1-year membership complete with one year of free web distribution of my releases. I highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already.

Of course, I’ve also become more involved in my community and my son’s school, just to meet people…because you just never know who you’ll meet. And whether I meet them through networking events, the community or just by chance, if we connect, I always invite them out for coffee or lunch. That gives me the opportunity to get to know them better, and begin building a relationship – a key to successful networking.

So yeah…as you can see, my “all of the sudden” moment has taken some time and effort. But the point is that I got here. I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m Out of the Bedroom, but hey, if you work hard enough, put in enough time and effort, and pay your dues, maybe you, too, can become an overnight success!

Resources:

Networking
• Meetup
• Biznik - Business Networking that Doesn’t Suck
• Business Networking International (BNI)
• LinkedIn
• ConnectBuzz
• Wild Women Entrepreneurs
• Business Networking Me
• FastPitch
• Bizmeed
• Facebook

Blogging
• Blogger
• WordPress - free blogs
• WordPress.org - Open source blogging software and customizable themes
• Typepad.com

PR Resources
• Writing a Press Release
• PR Newswire
• PRWeb.com
• PRLeap.com

Misc
• Business Journals
• US Chamber of Commerce

Join me next time, as I continue my journey Out of the Bedroom,
Tamar Wallace | Principal, TAMAR Graphics