Kelly Said:

HOw can i get trained for a new career when i dont know what i want to do?

We Answered:

There must be something you are interested in or are proficient with. Mark these things down on paper and try to get a job in the field to see if you like it. Good luck!

Ana Said:

Should I Re-train for a new Career?

We Answered:

First of all I don't think you are giving yourself a fair shake so to say. Marketing yourself via flyers is not much of a marketing scheme. Plus a business is not going to blossom over night. First before you give up on your career and retrain for something else please realize that you after having done this for 20 years are an expert in your field. The world needs more experts. You just need a better way to market yourself. I would try getting your company in a phone book and I don't mean just your name with an address and a phone number. I mean you need an ad that states you are an expert and you have been doing what you do for 20 years and your clients will vouch for your quality of work. Second, give your customers some incentive to get you more customers. The best advertising is word of mouth. If you give your current customers discounts for referals they might do some of the marketing work for you. Say give them $50 for every referal they give you. Also, get on your feet or get on your phone and start soliciting people cold calling is a way to let people know who you are. Get a brochure together something you can do on your own computer with Microsoft Office or something similiar and go around to other business who you think might need your services. You can't just put together any type of flyer or brochure it has to look professional because the quality of your brochure will say a lot about you. But, don't spend money on it if you don't have too. You will be amazed how easy it is to make your own on your home computer. Take a few digital pictures of yourself, your staff, your office, your equipment etc. Write in the brochure how many years you have done this and how many of your customers are happy with your work etc. But, you have to get out there. Another thing is contact your government, here in the U.S.A. you can often get grants from the government to start your own business or they will give you money to advertise etc. Look into that. I am sure Australia has similar programs. A lot of that government money goes unused every year. As for retraining why?? If you have been doing this for years why not go down to your local community college or technical school and teach a few night classes. Students are dying to learn what you can teach them. You might have to take a class or two to get certified to teach college classes but, you can do it. Teaching a few night classes or a weekend classed is something you might be able to swing. But, my advice to you is to ramp up your marketing a little with a nicer brochure and some cold calling either going to door to door or on the phone etc. Just hang in there. No need to retrain for anything yet. OK, I hope this helps and I wish you all the luck in the World. Take care.