about me, the martha rules

The Martha Rules: Rule #3

  1. Loving life in Southern California! says:

    I'm with you! I don't have a business plan written down on paper, just in my head. The task seems daunting to me and I'm afraid to start because I don't know where to start! You know? It is great to hear that there are others out there that feel the same 🙂

  2. tiffany says:

    You might want to check out Jen Lee's right brain business plan. http://www.rightbrainbusinessplan.com/
    She really encourages people to take a nontraditional approach to their planning. I haven't gone through the steps yet, but when I get my act together, I'm definitely going to give this a look!

  3. Lauren says:

    i did one a few years ago & go back to it just to see where i'm at every once in a while… (whenever i stumble across it because it's not in a safe place haha)

    it's actually really satisfying to find i've reached a lot of the concrete goals i set for myself.

    i think they're great to do but also important to update- WHICH i haven't done eeeek- so maybe when i take my little break i'll get on that.

    xoxoo

  4. Miss Wendy says:

    I have a business plan outlined but find researching the local competition is impossible. B-Plans are vital though, keeps you on track and focused on the goal.

  5. Blair says:

    I have had fits and starts of wanting to do just what you are doing–starting your own design co-but this step of a plan always gets me! I keep telling myself that I will do it "this weekend" and then of course it never happens! Good luck! xx

  6. Dagny @ Beautiful Living says:

    I think business plans are super important, but oh so boring to make! These Martha are really great. Puts things into perspective. Thanks for the super sweet comment on Indie's room! I'm totally in love with that spray paint as well, you should see the store! They have every color imaginable! There's like 15 shades of blue! And green! And aqua! LOVE LOVE!!

  7. brynalexandra says:

    yes yes YES. Business plans are crucial. Design*Sponge did a great post about it a while back in their series for woman entrepreneurs. I haven't written mine yet because unfortunately right now it's still more of a hobby. But once I quit the day job, it's the first thing I will do! That, along with getting a wholesale license and all my tax sh!t together haha.

  8. Shannon says:

    I wholeheartedly agree about making a business plan. This is sort of my forte in life, so they come a little easier to me. When I started my own little crafty business, it was the first thing I did. It helps me stay focused when my heads gets clouded with all things crafty and pretty and I lose track of the nitty gritty not-so-fun details. And I also agree about letting a professional handle the nitty gritty as well. Luckily my husband is a finance guy, so he gets to play around with Excel while I make pretty things.

  9. carlee says:

    Sorry, I can't help you with the business plan. I know in a Women of Business meeting I went to yesterday at school the speaker said that's the only thing she regrets about her last business, she didn't start with one so strange it's today's rule! I wish I was more help! Good luck, I'm sure you will come up with an amazing plan 🙂

    I can say that the first two photographs are gorgeous. I wouldn't have thought to stack the two mirrors like the top photograph. Love it.

  10. Sarah - La Jeune Marie says:

    Whether it be a formal business plan or just a list of goals, I think it's important to write down what your hoping your business to become. Good advice, I think I need this book!

  11. Re:Fresh Design Studio says:

    I was lucky that during my ID schooling, I had to take a class called Professional Business Practices. During the class we had to write a business plan and that is what I am using for my business today. It was extremely helpful to lay everything out and have a plan in mind for the direction of your business.

    The book we read in class is called Professional Practice for Interior Designers by Christine Piotrowski.

    I highly recommend getting it, I thought it was super helpful and it talks about contracts, sales and use tax, business plans and many other things that will help you start your business.

    Good luck!!

  12. Erika @ BluLabel Bungalow says:

    Writing a business plan can be a bit boring. To get started I wrote about my business in past tense and how I want it to be perceived by the public. I add to it from time to time and it gives me direction and helps me to stay focused when writing out my plan.

  13. Emily says:

    Fabulous post! I love the pics (and desire an office like one someday) and the advice is perfect. Very motivating!!

  14. Willow Decor says:

    Great post! I am really enjoying these. I agree a business plan needs to be written down -its just such a daunting task.
    xx-Gina

  15. Kristen says:

    I love these pictures! Especially number two with the pink 🙂

  16. Haven and Home says:

    Hi!

    I never wrote a formal on but maybe I should. I do think it is great to have goals to work towards though. Let me know if you write one!

  17. Crystal @ Plush Palate says:

    I definitely have to pick up a copy of this book! The business side of running a business can sometimes be a snooze, but nothing is more stylish than a well informed, savvy business lady 🙂

    I love how you're sharing what you learn with us along the way!

  18. Design Actually says:

    I really need to do a business plan…and a million other things to get rolling and be more productive. I'm loving the Martha rules, thanks for sharing 🙂

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