I am constantly learning and trying new things in my business, and training is a big part of my success. As I have been tutored by Kip, I have learned two great truths. First, attitude has a great deal to do with success. And second, you have to begin to succeed. Kip gave me a small sign for my office that I read every day. It reads:

The beginning is the most important part of the work.
All glory comes from daring to begin.
Once begun, a task is easy.
Well begun is half done.
The beginning is half the whole.
Begin it, and the work will be completed.

This is so true. Many times we need to convince others to begin (to use the Internet for example :)).

The following is a truncated list of some of my activities for this past month.

Week 13
Even though we get approval to build a web site, the selling process never ends. It takes time to get the details worked out. For instance, as I built the site for Amazin Art, I had to help Reed decide what he wanted. Working with clients, I have discovered it is my responsibility to guide them down the correct path to produce a web site that is striking and functional. With Amazin Art, I think we did both, but you can decide as you visit the web site at www.amazinart.com.

Week 14
This week I attended an E-Commerce and Internet conference arranged by the SIFE organization at Ricks College. It was a great opportunity for the students to practice their skills at organizing a business fair and getting the community involved, and I got a chance to make contacts in the Internet and E-Commerce community.

Week 15
I know our directory, RexburgOnline, is making an impact. I frequently receive requests to post community events and surveys. I am also getting more inquires about advertising from the businesses in the area. The Chamber of Commerce even asked me to work on a committee to help the businesses in the area understand how to use the Internet more effectively. I hope this will pay dividends in the future.

Week 16
I am still getting responses to our mailing about web services. This week I made appointments to meet with four potential clients for consultations about web sites. However, I still have to sell even when they come asking about a web site. Often they are still unsure about the Internet, and it is important to find ways to help them understand the benefits of having a web site.

Week 17
I am excited to start a new directory that will cover the entire state. It is a medical directory. I have visited with several professionals in the medical community, and they are excited about having a site that will bring medical information to the public. The site will serve to help our communities become healthier by becoming better informed on the medical services offered in our area.

In closing, I'd like to comment about the need to be prepared for all situations. I realized I had some weaknesses in the area of selling - especially in closing the deal. I am now getting trained in selling techniques. There are many good books you can read. I really believe selling is an art, and that it can be learned. For you resellers out there, I can't say enough about the investment I made in my business by participating in the hands-on training conducted at ICServ. It was the best investment I ever made. I took the training before I became the reseller in a fishbowl, and without it, I would not have the confidence to be out here selling web sites and advertising for RexburgOnline.com. This is an unsolicited endorsement of the training that is conducted at ICServ. Don't hesitate; it was the best money I ever spent.