Do Home Business Owners Need Resumes?
I saw this question asked somewhere, “Does a business owner need a resume?”
Immediately I thought, “No, only someone applying for a job needs a resume.”
Then I began thinking about it and it’s application to home business owners. Customers/clients will want to know what you do and often ask for referrals. This information may not be in the strict sense a resume, but will provide information that helps them make a knowledgeable decision, just as an employer refers to the traditional resume.
1. If you have a service type home business….carpentry, carpet cleaning, dressmaking, consulting if various types, writing, arts, computer repair, etc….your customers usually will want a description of what you offer, a summary of your experience, and often referrals. They may have been referred to you in the first place and want this information to expand upon what they were told or to confirm it.
2. If you make products, either to sell outright in a shop or over the Internet, customers often will want to know your background and the quality of the product. (For instance, you may see these designated by stars or customer ratings on web sites.)
What type of “resumes” are we talking about where customers/clients can find this information?
*Brochures, bookmarks, flyers of various types
*Web sites or blogs
*Press releases, either in print media or online
*Interviews
(For instance, the interview at Work From Home Momma, gives the reader a glimpse of my background from which they could seek additional information. This wasn’t done with the purpose of promoting me. But as I was thinking about interviews, I realized that any interview likely gives background, informal resume type of information and could be used a referral.)
*Referrals - word of mouth from customers/clients
*Ratings - for instance, authors often find their books rated or reviewed on book store and book sites
These are a few of the methods home business owners can use to let customers/clients (current and potential) know about their products and services. Even though they’re not what we think of as the traditional resume, they are necessary for home business owners in developing a loyal customer base.
Can you think of more? Can you share experiences about how these “resumes” helped you?
Tags: home+biz, Home+biz+notes, Home+business, promotion, resumes, Work+From+Home+MommaShare This
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Business Blogging, Promotion
5 opinions for Do Home Business Owners Need Resumes?
Laura
Aug 7, 2007 at 11:42 am
Hi Mary Emma!
Good topic. I maintain my resume simply because it is an easy way to keep all of my professional information together. I do believe several of my clients have requested it, but not every client is interested in it.
Darlene McDaniel
Aug 7, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Good Stuff!! I like this twist on the traditional concept of a resume. Let me share two things that come to mind: First the interview (which is my specialty), resumes open doors, but interviews will get you the job, the contract or the business. If the business owner cannot speak about what they do, or what service they offer, a recommendation will not help them maintain the business, nor will a resume.
Second, all of the items you list in your post as “resumes” are also called moments of truth. Every entry point, every document, every in person or telephone contact is a moment of truth for potential customers. So how you present yourself on your “resumes” matters. It will either validate, and verify that you are a credible business owner or it will place a question mark in the mind of a potential customers. Moments of truth, resumes, interviews, what ever we call it, all of them are critical to the success of generating revenue and becoming successful in our businesses.
Mary Emma
Aug 7, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Thanks, Laura, for sharing your info about resumes. I can see by keeping one up to date, you have a good reference point.
Until I read that question about businesses needing a resume, I hadn’t given it much thought. Lots of interesting angles to it.
Mary Emma
Aug 7, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your input about interviews and “resumes.” Yes, resumes and all the introductory info will call attention. But you do have to follow through and validate yourself to keep customers/clients coming.
Marilena Cruz
Feb 12, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Yes, absolutely should a business owner need a resume. I am in the process of obtaining an SBA loan and it is a requirement for underwriting.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: