Knowing the right people.

I've noticed in the last few days of working slowly and winding down properly from trading, sometimes knowing the right person is the only thing making you successful or not.

Knowing the market and people within it is important. Take notice of what other people around you are selling. Use the internet to find businesses similar to yours and see if you can work with them or use them for inspiration. Don't just outright steal their ideas though, it is like stealing their child (because that's often how much people care for their ideas).

Knowing the customer. I've heard of people carrying around items for months on end, even years, before they sell them. I try and work with commissions a lot, as I can make sure that the item suits the customer spot on. This is virtually impossible when trading in the real world. The moral is, don't be disheartened if it takes you ages to sell something, but be pleased that you did keep it long enough for someone who really likes it to buy it.

Utilise the people you know, they may have more skills than you expect, and networking is a really good way to learn more about business itself. I'm sure my friends who are self employed and can make things are sick of me questioning them!