When you started your home based business you were probably very clear on why it was that you wanted to start that journey. You were tired of leaving your children in day care, tired of reporting to someone else, tired of not earning enough to pay the bills, or, you saw a great opportunity and you just wanted in on it. Knowing your WHY is what generally starts you on your journey. Knowing your WHO, however, is what guides you down your path of success. If you don't know your WHO you really gain nothing.

In developing your WHO you need to know that...........

YOU ARE UNIQUE

There is no one else in the world like you. All your contributions to the world are unique to you.

YOUR BUSINESS IS UNIQUE

No one else can run your business like you can. You can try to duplicate someone else's actions or success, but your business will ALWAYS be unique to you.

NOW IS UNIQUE

Never before have we lived "right now". Right now has never happened before.

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Let's look at YOU. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

- Why are you unique?
- What sets you apart from others?
- What do you want it to be that sets you apart?
- What do you want to have been said about you when it is all said and done?

This is the most important aspect of developing your business. If you know "WHO" you are it can give you the strength you need to get through all aspects of your business.

Let's break it down into the "Four V's". This is a concept H. Dale Burke developed from Less is More Leadership.

VOICE

What voice do you listen to?


VISION

What is the big picture of your life? Not what you will be doing in a year or five, but at the end of the line?


VALUES

What core values do you have that are unshakeable?


VITAL RELATIONSHIPS

What relationships do you have your life that support your VOICE, VISION and VALUES?


I will be transparent and share some of my V's. Remember, these are MY personal V's. They could be very different from yours.

VOICE - God, my husband, and I have one business mentor that always comes to mind when I am communicating. I respect their tone, style and integrity.

VISION - I have based my life on Proverbs 31:25-26 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

VALUES - I have broken this up in an acronym. I write this at the top of my calendar each week.

G - racious - I want to teach Grace and give it
R - elevent - In touch with the real world and help those in it
A - uthentic - Both in person and in practice
C - aring - To all I come across
E - xcellence - Do my best in all endeavors

VITAL RELATIONSHIP - I have made a list of those that I MUST make a priority in my life.

God
Husband
Children
Family
Specific Friends

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Let's look at your "IT".

- Why is YOUR business unique?
- What is it you want to offer people and focus on?
- What do you want your expertise to be?

Your IT is based on your life experiences and interests. Look for and advertise to those in this niche arena.

Educate yourself in that niche area so you have more to offer people.

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Let's look at your NOW!

You can learn from the past and you can hope for the future, but we are living right NOW. Do not get caught up in what has happened or what might happen but focus on what you can change and do right now and then DO IT! Don't wait for life to line up perfectly.....it never will.

Gail Wahl owns a successful home based business with Mia Bella Gourmet Candles. http://www.homewithsoy.com Within three months of beginning her business her site was on the front page of the search engines and has remained there for over a year.