**LATE RELEASE**

INTRODUCTION
This newsletter is officially my first late release. In my defense, youll find it improves on the last one in a number of ways. It is certainly easier to navigate as there are jump links to every article / section right here on the intro page. The articles are also some of my most detailed ones yet. Continuing with the trend of older newsletters, I discuss something which is somewhat overlooked in our conversation about entrepreneurship. There is so much emphasis on helping entrepreneurs become employers of labour that we might be overlooking the importance of that early stage when entrepreneurs must work alone as Solopreneurs. In the first article, I show why working alone (initially) is not a bad idea & why getting it right at that stage is very important. Also in this issue, a research article on the famous briolette (which jewellery enthusiasts will appreciate), and the first ever Newsletter Discount Promo! Enjoy!!

Ms Rosemary M.I.
Creative Director & Owner, HMJServices

CONTENTS
1. The Real Deal About Working Alone 2. Crazy About The Briolette! 3. HMJS Newsletter Discount 4. Sources, Downloads, & More Deals 5. Contact Info & Copyright Details Page 3 7 Page 8 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12
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HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

Page 02

Article 1

The Real Deal About Working Alone

If you plan on becoming an entrepreneur, theres a good chance youll start by working solo. Ive learned the name for this kind of entrepreneur; The Solopreneur. Some solopreneurs are professionals who freelance within an industry. My kind of Solopreneur however, plans to go big but has to start small. And starting small means operating as a micro-business with a staff of One (that means you) who handles every aspect of business.

A solopreneur builds his or her own business but also works alone. That person runs all the business parts from accounting to customer service. Loren Ridinger [HERE]

The term Solopreneur is used when referring to the Independent Professional or IP Generally, the solopreneur is not interested in expanding into a company... The Solopreneur [HERE]

As our enthusiasm for entrepreneurship grows and new initiatives are launched, many more of us will take the plunge into solopreneurship. However, there are potent negatives associated with being self-employed in this sense. When people get the impression you work alone, as an entrepreneur or independent professional, red flags go up! For many, working alone suggests a dishonest lifestyle. These misconceptions need to change because here in Nigeria and around the world, many entrepreneurs cannot help starting their businesses as solopreneurs. In this article, I dig deep into my experiences and share what it means to work solo, why I think its a good way to start, and how to ensure being a solopreneur does not become a liability.

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

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Dont Get It Twisted!

As an aspiring entrepreneur, finding ways to avoid the negatives associated with working alone is an absolute priority. These impressions vary depending on your gender and honestly, on the amount of capital you have on hand. We tend to like stories about the successful entrepreneur who bootstrapped her way to success. Unfortunately, this has not translated into a better impression of people whore in the process of bootstrapping their businesses. While I hope things change culturally, aspiring entrepreneurs should understand that navigating this minefield of negativity and stereotypes is part of their responsibility. Here are some mistakes Solopreneurs should avoid:

Working alone is no excuse for not creating something of value (like a prototype). Prototypes serve as evidence and record of what you do. They can also be used as samples to test your product on the market.

Working alone does not mean keeping your business or idea a secret. Tell someone about it. Talk to family & friends about your intentions even if youd like to keep the details to yourself.

Working alone does not require that you remain in the informal sector. Begin to operate formally as soon as possible. Start with a registered business name and as your business grows, file for incorporation.

Working alone is no excuse for not having a designated office-space or work-space. Set-up a home-office (a work area within your home) or rent a formal space with a virtual office service.

Working alone does not mean doing it alone all the time. Outsource certain things especially if doing so improves your ability to conduct business in a professional way.

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04 #04,

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5 Reasons to Start Solo

Starting solo has its advantages. Its certainly a good way to start a business when resources are limited. Here are 5 additional reasons to go ahead and start solo:

1. Test Your Idea & Gain Confidence

Confidence in your idea is an important ingredient for success. Your confidence, backed by real-world data, will make it easier to get customers as well as future staff & investors to believe in you and your business. And when people believe in you, its easier for them to make commitments. Build confidence by developing your ideas & by finding new ways to offer value.

2. Protect Yourself and Your Idea

Understand that when you start out, your bargaining power will be limited. What you have to offer are mostly ideas that have the potential to succeed and this makes you vulnerable. Working alone reduces the risk of having your idea stolen by someone who may have the resources to implement and profit from it before you do. That said, this risk is only reduced not eliminated. Working in a secure environment is also important.

3. Discover Reasonable Expectations of Performance

Starting out solo is an opportunity to understand how your business should operate from day to day. This micro-scale of activity will give you an idea of how your business should perform as it grows bigger. Things to observe include your rate of production, the things that can go wrong in the process of production, the best way to record & store products, etc. What you learn will guide your planning and assessments as your business grows.

4. Develop Systems and Frameworks

Systems allow us to manage operations easily and concentrate on the main activity of business. You may choose to adapt systems used by others or create systems to suit your needs. Whatever the case, youll certainly need a system for tracking inventory (tools & products), or for managing sales & customers. Put systems in place and give your business the semblance of a formal structure before it begins to grow. Layers of complexity may be added with time, but youll probably never have to start from scratch.

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

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5. Prepare Your Plan B!

Ive learned that businesses seldom rely on one source of income. If youre familiar with business literature, youll notice everyone agrees on the need to diversify income streams. This may require adding more variety to existing products or offering more services related to a particular product. It might even require learning new skills. Your time as a solopreneur is an opportunity to map-out possible income streams, related & unrelated to the main business at hand. This blueprint will come in handy especially during difficult or uncertain times.

Working Solo Shouldnt Hold You Back.

It would be unwise to criticize negative impressions and discuss advantages without addressing some of the real problems that can arise from being a solopreneur. These problems can become serious handicaps if not checked. If youre convinced youd like to go it solo, here are 5 things you can do to nip any possible handicaps in the bud.

1. Study and Learn Formal Skills

When you work alone, theres the risk of being limited by what you know & how much you know. These limitations can make it difficult for your business to compete. Do not let your knowledge and skills remain stagnant. Study, take courses, and learn new things.

2. Dont Be In The Dark!

If you intend to go it solo, youll need to hone your information gathering skills. How will you stay up-to-date with industry developments & trends? Will you use the internet & social media? Will you connect with competitors or join an organization? This point is critical. Its about being in the know while youre off doing your thing.

3. Stay Motivated, Be Productive!

Make sure the solitary nature of working alone does not become a problem. Going solo may require being by yourself 70% of the time, and its not always easy to thrive under such conditions. Find ways to always bring your best to your work. Research selfmotivation, time management & project management techniques (the basics at least) to learn how to go about executing your work consistently, without neglecting personal needs.
HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04 Page 06

4. Develop Your Brand and Promote it!

Brands are complicated. To simplify, your brand is how people see you and what they associate with you. For solopreneurs, the risk of remaining unknown (and therefore untrusted) is high indeed. Manage perceptions by demonstrating what you do & what you stand for. This means products, services, values, goals, and your unique way of doing things. If possible, promote them via multiple channels (social media, a web-log, guest posts, and carefully planned paid advertising). If using multiple channels is not an option, zero in on a few & use them consistently to promote yourself and your business.

5. Network & Prepare For Transition

Building a support network takes time, effort, and skill. Its important to invest in growing your networking skills and in meeting new people. Having a network of respected, trustworthy people paves the way for a sustainable transition from solopreneur to employer of labour. Your network will include loyal customers, fellow entrepreneurs, financial institutions, sales outlets, and suppliers. Networking is all about building the connections that will make your future plans a reality.

Postscript
Its clear that working alane is anything but easy. It is what you make it. How well you perform will have an impact on the reputation of your business, and indeed on whether your business survives. As an experienced, dedicated Solopreneur, I respect anyone who has gone this route or who plans to do so. Working together, we can change the misconceptions of young solopreneurs here in Nigeria, and make it easier for others to strike out on their own. Most living things are born small and vulnerable but grow to be strong and independent. Similarly, some of the big enterprises of our day began as small solopreneurships. So, if you have a good idea, go ahead and start a business. Solopreneur or not, you could be greatness in the making!

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

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Article 2

Crazy About The Briolette!

Cornflower Blue Yogo Sapphire from Yogo Gulch, Montana. [Photo Credit: Wikipedia]

The Briolette is one of the most beloved cuts in the history of jewellery making! Also known as The Teardrop & Drop shape, its been an object of admiration for centuries. Most jewellery enthusiasts share an
A briolette is an elongated pear-shaped gemstone cut with facets and is often drilled to hang like a bead

appreciation for the beauty & allure of the Briolette! It epitomizes classic beauty: feminine, gentle, with a natural, fluid form.

Wikipedia [HERE]

The Briolette has gone in & out of fashion many times. It was the apex of highfashion in the Victorian era. And as the tide turned on that resurgence, it grew popular again, buoyed by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s.

David Federman, as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE] The briolette is in another renaissance phase. Over the last 2 decades, the demand for gemstones in this cut has increased significantly. With 1920s fashion now also re-emerging, its no wonder the briolette seems to be everywhere.
Diamond briolettes are a hot collectors item. At a May 2013 auction held in Hong Kong, a high-grade flawless diamond briolette sold for record price. The Winston Legacy diamond also accomplished a similar feat at an auction held earlier in Geneva.

Yahoo News [HERE] As a maker of beaded jewellery, I get to indulge my love for this cut in a special way. And the good news is that where I indulge, my customers benefit! With briolettes available in Turquoise, Amethyst, Quartz, Jade, and more, women no longer have to break the bank to own beautiful briolettes.
One of the great things about briolettes is that they make relatively inexpensive materials appear elegant

Doug Graham, as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE]

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04 Page 08

The Beauty O The Briolette!

Ive learned there are 4 things to recognize in order to fully appreciate the briolette:

1. Its History
The Briolette is found in the crown jewels of many royal families, including the Austrian dynasty, the Romanovs of Russia and the royal and Napoleonic houses of France.

Cheryl Fenelle, as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE]

This connection between briolettes & the elegant opulence of old royalty captures the imagination of many, and is one reason the briolette is coveted around the world.

2. Its Form
... Briolette cut gems are designed to be viewed from all angles ...

Cheryl Fenelle, as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE] We may think of the briolette as a bead. In its early days many centuries ago however, it had to compete with gem cuts meant to be set into frames that left only one side of the gem visible. Unlike its peers at the time, the briolette could be worn without a frame & seen from all sides. This became part of its allure.

3. Its Lunar Radiance!

Their radiance stayed contained within like the light of the moon rather than bursting its seams like the light of the noonday sun.

David Federman, as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE] I was intrigued when I read those words for the first time. Federmans meaning became clearer when I tried to re-create the appearance of a briolette digitally. The brightness at the top and bottom seem to originate from a sheltered core of light. As you can see, it is remarkable indeed!

4. Pendant Extraordinaire!
Briolettes are ... ideal for pendants and earrings. hung by their tips, their voluptuous forms, like raindrops caught in midair, can be admired ...

Andy Oriel as seen on Briolettes.com [HERE] Finally, the briolette is the quintessential pendant. Its natural, fluid droop is simply unmatched in elegance. In my opinion, this is its most fascinating quality. The perfect pair of earrings could very well be a matching set of single diamond briolettes!
CLICK HERE FOR SOURCES AND DEALS ON HMJS JEWELLERY!! HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04 Page 09

HMJS BUSINESS NEWS

Im launching the first Newsletter Discount Promo! Yay!!! All items featured on this page are available at a special 20% discount rate. To participate, contact me with the reference number of the item and well take it from there. Offer ends on Monday, June 17th. Happy Shopping!!!

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REF 062: Lots of Blue Now 1600.00 SEE ONLINE Page 10

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

Sources For: Crazy About The Briolette!

Wikipedia page about the Briolette http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briolette Briolette Diamond sets $11 Million Auction Record In Hong Kong, Yahoo News http://news.yahoo.com/briolette-diamond-sets-11-million-auction-record-hong-174255487.html Briolette Diamond: Old Glories, By David Federman , Modern Jeweler 1999 http://www.briolettes.com/b_articles.htm Drops of Light, By Doug Graham, Coloured Stone Magazine, 2001 http://www.briolettes.com/b_articles.htm Briolettes Enchant Modern Day Customers, By Cheryl Fenelle, Retail.com, 2001 http://www.briolettes.com/b_articles.htm Return to Elegance: Steve Green and Brilliant Briolettes, by Andy Oriel, Lapidary Journal, 1998 http://www.briolettes.com/b_articles.htm

HMJS Jewellery with Briolette Details

Crystal Parade Type: Necklace Price: 3000.00

The Perfect Collar Piece Type: Necklace Price: 2500.00

Crystal Matinee Necklace Type: Necklace Price: 2000.00

Elegant Turquoise Type: Earrings Price: 1500.00

Smokey Crystals Type: Earrings Price: 800.00

FREE DOWNLOAD
Download free HMJS wallpaper for your desktop, tablet & mobile. http://www.hmjs-ng.com/2013/05/free-download-for-may-2013.html

HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04

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THANKS A MILLION!

I would like to thank you for adjusting to my new delivery system. Making this newsletter openly available does have some advantages. Lets hope it continues to work for the best. So far, the only certainty is that plans will change when they must. Thank-you for your time. All the best! Rosemary M. I.

CONTACT INFORMATION ~ HandMade Jewelry Services ~

URL: Email: Phone: Twitter: http://www.hmjs-ng.com HMJServices@gmail.com, info@hmjs-ng.com 0706 189 2461 @HMJServices

COPYRIGHT
HMJServices, 2013 Some Rights Reserved You are not permitted to republish or bulk print this material. You may redistribute and share this newsletter in its current digital form. To have any provisions revised for you or your organization, contact me at HMJServices@gmail.com or Rosemary@hmjs-ng.com HMJS Newsletter, Issue #04, Page 12