Dan Kennedy, the famed copywriter, once said that “the worst number in business is one.”
If your a freelancer, solo business or sole proprietor you know how scary the number one can be. Especially if you are down to just one client or one paid assignment this month. Yes, one client. One paid assignment. And if that isn’t frightening enough I would also like to add, one virtual assistant (really any freelancer!) trying to offer too many services to specialize or serve a niche.
Now ask yourself, am I offering more than three or four services? Am I also finding it hard to keep up with the trends, certifications, updates, and technology linked to all of my offered services? Then maybe you should either narrow your offerings by specializing in only three or four services needed in your niche or become a multiple practice.
Recently I chose the later. I am now part of an ongoing network of remote professionals that can offer the services and talents of other VAs and service providers creating a more “total” solution to my clients. However, the best part is that I can focus on what I do best. No more buying all of the books and CDs then fretting over the learning curve needed to offer too many services.
If you are struggling as a freelancer, solo business, sole proprietor or even a virtual assistant to find the services that you need to outsource, then I invite you to visit our main site, Gemstone Business Solutions. There you will find a list of services to boost your online prescence and bottom line.
Let me hear from you. Are you trying to offer too many services and be everything to everyone? What steps have you taken towards reducing your number of offered services and specializing in only a few?
Great post, I enjoyed reading it.
One of anything when it denotes scarcity or lack of choices or options. I do agree on that point.
Hi Leisa,
Your article is sooo true. And you are quite a good person to help others get up and going strong.
I’m a good copywriter, and I can suggest options for, say, graphics or help with images to a degree. But I sell myself as a copywriter. If the need for one of the other services arises, I can sometimes handle it as an added bonus for the client.
Added gravy. You, dear Leisa, are chock-full of gravy! But you might want to seriously consider marketing yourself in just one or two specific areas. Gravy can be added as needed.
Dot
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laura Miller, Leisa. Leisa said: One may be a lonely number, but in business it's a scary number. http://ping.fm/6G9o0 [...]
Yes, but remember I am a Southerner. We eat everything with gravy on it. LOL.
No seriously I do see your point. Sell yourself as one profession, but offer other services if requested and you are able. Do you usually go with your comfort level at that point as to offering that little extra to the client? Does sometimes a lack of time cause you to outsource the extra service the client needs or how do you work it in?
I think all of us should offer our services as one profession, but sometimes services in that profession do overlap. I say as long as it is not not overkill, it is okay to offer no more than four services per business/freelancer.
I have heard some business coaches say one or two services, and I have heard some coaches say three or four services per business. Several people in my writers group, AIW, are quite comfortable offering their services as a writer, translator, and linguist or a writer, researcher, and consultant. Again, I think time restraints and comfort levels play a part here. Bottom line at the end of the day, they are still writers offering different services and expertise.
I also believe that niche plays a part here too. Some niches are so specialized maybe only one service could be offered per profession.
Great thoughts though, Dot. Yes, you are a good copywriter–no a great–copywriter. I am honored to know you. Thanks so much for your interesting reply.
$1 million in lottery ticket winnings with only 1 winning ticket. 1 doesn’t sound so scary to me. LOL.
Services, Kenny, services. Not money! LOL.
Thanks, Joe! And you too, Laura.