Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

I'm in the process of developing a business providing publicity writing and media relations to small businesses in my hometown.

My considerations and concerns are making sure I am trained to offer the best services in writing, the most targeted media sends, and the best advice in creating publicity for these companies. That comes with experience, but I am one who wants to be able to offer the best off the bat.

I also fret over not making any legal mistakes, with licensing, registration, personal protection in how I set up my business and phrase my contracts, etc. I want to offer customers the best service, without mistakes that will cost them or me.

One of my challenges is in changing my mindset to accept the higher pay per hour that I must ask, because it fits with the professional norm, because it is what my service is worth to me and to them, and because that is what I must charge to cover overhead, self-employment taxes, etc. When I quote a project I just about choke at the figure that I calculate, because I am not used to doing this part of the business.

You might want to pick up a copy of Rasputin For Hire. Although it's directed primarily at management consultants (and those considering a second career in consulting), it's really appropriate for just about any service business.

I'm guessing that you'll get several good ideas from the book. So many of them apply to businesses in general, and service businesses more particularly.