So, you have a business idea huh? Well, what are you waiting for? The first thing you need to do is find the courage to start!
There are many reasons to start a business. The most common is that you have a great idea for a product or service that the world needs. There are plenty of other reasons as well: You want to set your own pace and work from home, you want to make money without having a boss hovering over your shoulder, or the freedom to be able to make your own decisions about how to run the business.
But starting a business isn't always easy. It takes time, money and hard work. If you're like most entrepreneurs, you're probably worried about making mistakes and failing. Those anxieties can stop you from getting started at all. If your fear of failure is holding you back from starting your own business, then here's something to consider: If you don't try, then you'll never know the outcome. Even if you don't have much money to start, start with what you have and build onto it later. It's the passion for your product or service that will fuel you into being creative and making a way.
Here are 10 tips for starting a business:
- Start with a plan (learn what legal logistics you need to have in order, business licenses, reporting sales tax, website, etc.). There are several resources to help you get started.
- Decide what sets you apart from others (even if it's within the same field, think about how you will be different in some way).
- Understand your target market (when I started out, I conducted surveys and sent them to family and friends, and that's when I knew there was a need for my product).
- Determine how much money you need to get started with the basics (remember, baby steps--don't compare your start to someone else's business).
- Consider consulting with other entrepreneurs and pick their brains.
- Be prepared for early challenges and setbacks--they're apart of the process.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- Read books about entrepreneurship (I like the "Entrepreneur Roller Coaster" by Darren Hardy).
- Have fun! Don't forget to enjoy the process. Sometimes we get so caught up on wanting everything to be perfect, when the goal should be doing what your passionate about and enjoying the ride.
- Make self-care a priority! You cannot operate a business if you don't first take care of yourself. You will either overwhelm yourself to an unhealthy point or give up.
Please know that you are not alone. So many people want to start their own business but allow fear to stop them. The truth is you must be willing to fail in order to learn. What sets the successful entrepreneurs apart is their courage to simply start. Put yourself out there and just start!