I went full time with my PC Rescue (my PC Repair and Support business) in June 2011.
I first went to the Entrepreneurs circle meeting a couple of months later, for three reasons:
a) you seemed to know what you were talking about, but weren't some aloof, elitist know-it-all
b) it was a free initial meeting, what did I have to lose, it deserved a chance
c) people who know me will tell you I am quite bright but lack direction!
After the first meeting, my head was full of ideas, I felt motivated, and I felt more positive about my business than I'd ever felt.
I always knew that the success or failure of a business is down to the actions or inactions of the owner, but the negativity that seems so prevalent today is quite hard to fight against.
Since my first meeting with you, my monthly turnover has trebled. I put most of this down to an increased self-belief, which in turn has led to me asking for more business from people, and for using many ways to keep in touch with existing customers and encouraging them to refer me to others. I have always bent over backwards to ensure customers are happy with my service.
There are so many things still to do, but one important thing I've done is;
I write out a weekly timetable, with what I plan for each day. The first hour is for thinking. It might extend to 90 minutes as Nigel suggests, but I don't book any PC repair callouts for this first hour. On this timetable, I include posting to Facebook, adding to my Blog, reading email, doing leaflet distribution etc.
The other thing I like about the Entrepreneurs Circle is that the advice is more practical and relevant than any other I have experienced.
Thanks and best regards
Adam
PC Rescue