Getting Down to Business

Getting Down to BusinessI’ve always thought of going Indie as starting my own business. Since I’d never done that before, I followed one of my basic rules of life – know what I don’t know and then find it out. So, I researched self-publishing, worked with a consultant who taught me the ropes about Google Adwords and Amazon and asked my friends who’d already taken that step for advice before I uploaded my first book. Though I’ve made my share of mistakes, thanks to everyone who’s bought my books, I’ve succeeded beyond anything I imagined when I took my first steps down that road.

As 2012 wound to a close, I realized that there was a lot about running a business that I didn’t know and, more to the point, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. So I’ve signed up for FastTrac Growth Venture, a 10-week program for entrepreneurs who want to learn more about growing and running their businesses. I’ll be spending Thursday mornings with a dozen people who, like me, have started a business and who are nothing like me because I’m the only self-published author in the group. I’m looking forward to learning from them and the instructor because every business shares common concerns and challenges.

In preparation for this course, I wrote a description of my business, which I named Joel Goldman Books (“Amazon” was already taken), beginning with a Vision Statement, a Mission Statement and a Values Statement. I’m sharing these with you because you have invested your time and money in my books and me and I want you to know where we’re going from here. We’re in this together.

Vision Statement

Joel Goldman Books (JGB) will engage with readers throughout the world, building lasting relationships and providing them with high quality professionally produced commercial fiction and related multi-media entertainment opportunities at reasonable prices.

Mission Statement

JGB is a sole proprietorship engaged in writing, publishing and selling on the Internet high quality professionally produced commercial fiction and related multi-media entertainment opportunities at reasonable prices throughout the world.

Values Statement

Joel Goldman’s relationship with his readers is JGB’s most important asset. Creating, growing and sustaining those relationships requires that he respect his readers, engage with them and provide them with high quality, professionally produced commercial fiction and related multi-media entertainment opportunities at reasonable prices.

In my next post, I’ll share with you my goals for 2013 and give you a preview of coming attractions. I’d love for you to let me know what you’d like to see this year so give me a shout in the comments box below.


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