We're still talking about the one thing that would make the biggest difference for your business over the next year if you were to do it. Karyn wrote: My business will be starting in late June or July if all goes well. I cannot predict any glitches we may have, but I think the most important thing I could do would be to get the word out.

Two things are important for a new business like Karyn's. One is making sure you have systems in place to support the business. And the second is getting the word out. After all, if no one knows you're in business, they won't know to look for you. Make sure everyone you know knows what you're doing and ask them to refer business to you. Word-of-mouth advertising is the least expensvie but most effective means of marketing your business.

Joan wrote: The one thing I would do differently, working from home in the coming year, is learn more about blogging. I have a country decor web site: Green Gables Country, www.greengablescountry.com I get a lot of positive feedback from people who order from me or check out the web site, but without spending a lot of money on advertising, it's hard to get the products in front of people. Going on blogging sites that are connected to the same idea seems to be the way to go, but I have to admit I have not spent time investigating this and learning how to blog. My goal this year is to put more effort into advertising my site through this venue.

Your idea is already paying off, Joan, since this is a blogging site and now you've gotten some free advertising by being included in this post! Seriously, most of us know what would help boost our business. But we're either too busy, too intimidated or too something else to buckle down and do what we need to do. That's why I suggest you just focus on one thing. That way it's not overwhelming. One thing is much more manageable than a long list of ideas.

What's your "one thing?"

Simply Yours,