Well, allow me to start off by saying that I'm a nineteen year old kid who, after investing some money into tools for making, ranking, publicizing, etc. adsense blogs, realized that I made a huge mistake when I caught a glimpse of the potential in offline marketing. The reason I'm requesting guidance is basically because I know that at the ripe age of nineteen, I'm not apt to making as rational and well thought out business decisions as I would be if I were a bit older and wiser.

What I want to know is if you guys can share experiences you had when you first got into the offline game; where you may have rushed into some things when you should have formed a more complete strategy. Or maybe even some decisions that, despite ample planning, just merely didn't work out as expected.

I don't want it to seem like I'm asking you to plan my business out for me, and I think many other members could benefit from just a few words of wisdom as well.

First rule is do it only if you really think you like it, not just for the money.
Second rule is, do not despair if money doesn't come in immediately.
The third is keep in mind that it's often a numbers game when it comes to finding clients, and whatever method you use, you are going to get rejected even for no good reason.

The last rule applies to you specifically, don't hink that because you're young people are not going to take you seriously, be professional (prepared and knowledgeable) and it'll come through.

Oh, last thing, don't lose the opportunity to get good experience, even if it's not rewarding financially, consider it an investment for the future.

Based on my experience...

PK

I'm still finding my feet (and I'm a touch older than you), so I've no specific advice, so far.

That said, there is an excellent book in the download section that's WELL worth reading -

http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackha...-fastlane.html

Also, something that I typically use to pull in clients (bouncing off of what brkseven said)-- is that you are willing to offer them a trial. This can be used as experience for yourself in the mean time. And a potential client right after, or down the road.

Well 19 years old can be an asset to take decision in a rush. But quite a brake to take decision for a long run.

I'm a bit older (just turned 25) and I'm in offline / online business for a couple of years.

When i have to take a decision in emergency my experience shows that i took the good ones. For important decision i use to set down with a piece of paper and make a SWOT analysis of the options available. I force myself to be calm.

If you think them through properly, age wouldn't matter.

On another matter, here is my formula for success (online / offline for any kind of business)

Work + Skills + Luck = Success

Luck is a factor which i do not believe in but as you can't calculate the odds to meet the right client at the right time, i'd rather stick to "luck'

Some others can call that karma.


My point is the best asset you have dealing with your post, is that you know your weaknesses. From there, just act accordingly.

Dealing with the plan, i believe it is very important to have one. It won't be the plan of your life but you'll know where you are heading at and also it will drastically help with your marketing.
Best of luck for your ventures