Now Introducing: Finley Racing

For the first time in a year I have launched an all new website from the ground up. Okay, I’ve worked on a handful of smaller, niche sites in the interim but those are fairly limited in scope as I wrote a handful of html pages and uploaded them. My newest site, Finley Racing, uses WordPress for its content management system though I’ll be managing it more as an information portal than as a blog.

Making Something Out Of An Abandoned Domain Name

The name Finley Racing actually belongs to a real life race car family who developed the site in 2003. Apparently, they abandoned the domain name and went with something else, which I found to be a curious move. I snapped up the name when I found it on GoDaddy for next to nothing.

Regardless, my site has nothing to do with Team Finley but I thought that the name sounded cool. Besides, an aged domain looks good even though I’ve sat on it for the better part of the last year. Think SEO!

Right now, I’m covering NASCAR related topics for the simple reason that my motorsports knowledge is fairly limited. Admittedly, I have yet to take in a NASCAR race, but since I now live in North Carolina (I moved here in 2004) I don’t really have an excuse not to go. Of course, being given tickets to the pricey Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte later this month would be nice. You hear that Coke?

When It Comes To Car Sites, Three Is A Charm

Finley Racing represents my third major automotive site following The Auto Writer (launched February 2006) and Auto Trends (launched April 2008) as car sites I know manage. I’m still writing automotive articles for one customer and I have a monthly automotive column that appears in 435 South Magazine (Overland Park, KS) as well a bi-monthly column in Wisconsin Golfer.

Let’s just say that I have found my niche and I enjoy covering cars from many different angles — i.e., by manufacturer, car parts, accessories, automotive trends, sporting, you name it.

Speaking of niche, I have several small sites I plan on launching over the coming few weeks (probably months) basically activating a number of domains I have held onto for the past several years. I’m of the mind that a small, tightly knit network of sites can be beneficial, a good way to share links as well as to bring in traffic for new business.

Stay tuned!

Let’s Bring January To A Close!

One day is remaining for this first month of 2009 and I cannot properly express to you what a whirlwind of a month that it has been for me.

Thankfully, my business remains stable, but the dark clouds are on the horizon. If I pay too much attention to the daily layoff reports, I can quickly grow discouraged. Instead, I’ve chosen to focus on those things which are much more uplifting or at least those things which have nothing to do with the economy!

The Time To Launch A Business Is Now

I am discovering what seems to be a greater number of people who have decided to go into business for themselves.  My cousin is partnering with a friend who launched a “green business” after spending the last twenty-five years in retail. He has had the unfortunate experience of working for two retailers who went bankrupt, though those jobs disappeared well over a decade apart.

I think a lot of people are deciding that they’ve had enough and have decided to venture out on their own. After all, what have they got to lose? Answer: steady pay, an ungrateful boss, crabby co-workers, lousy commute, etc. Best wishes with everything, Jerry, your past successes heading up various retail locations will work to your advantage.

As far as my current group of clients, I’ve encouraged everyone to hang in there. It is easy to focus on the negative while missing opportunities that are sitting right before your eyes. This is a good time to snap up a business (such as an online store or a blog) as prices are much lower and some people want to get out. I like to keep my eyes on Sitepoint to see what is out there.

Prepare Now And You’ll Prosper Later

I truly believe that people who position themselves now for the coming recovery — and the recovery will come — are those folks who will shine later on. I’ve come across any number of people who are panicking which can lead to irrational behavior. Don’t be too quick to make a drastic decision when the heat has been turned up in your life!

I distinctly recall the tough recession of the early 1980s and it was worse than this one, but we recovered and the economy eventually soared. That gave way to the go-go 1990s when the technology sector boomed. I am, however, cautious about this pork laden “stimulus” bill making its way through Congress — what impact that it will have on the economy several years hence is the great unknown.

Taking My Business To The Next Level

Besides meeting all of the needs of my present clients, I am keeping my eyes open for more work. But, instead of actively pursuing specific jobs at the moment, I’m gauging what is out there and considering how I can best accommodate an increased workload.

Part of that review involves me reassessing my business and planning for the future. I’ve never done this before (at least that far out), but I’m looking at establishing attainable goals that I want to reach three years or more down the line. I can see that laying a solid plan now will help me move in that direction.

Not Ready To Put Out The Help Wanted Sign

To this day, I’ve been a one person business but I’m mulling taking on — gasp! — at least one employee or perhaps contracting out work. Don’t send your resume to me just yet, because I don’t have anything in place right now and I can’t see me going that direction before the year is out.

I can recall quite a number of conversations I had with people early on (I launched my business in November 2002) where I insisted I would never take on staff. But, some of the projects I could end up handling would be all the more easier to do if I had people working with me. I write like the dickens all throughout the day, but some of those assignments could be farmed out to a qualified writer.

I suppose what we think is right for the moment will apply always, but just thinking about working with someone is a fresh thought, one that involves a lot of consideration. If and when I do make a change you’ll know about it here.

Enjoy your weekend.