How to start your own business

Are you ready to be your own boss?

It’s the dream. Flexible hours, nobody to answer to, setting your own path in the comforts of your own home.

The allure of being your own boss is certainly strong for some people, and while you may have felt the calling for years, it can be daunting to start a business on your own.

For some of us, we have no idea what kind of business is right for us.

For others, you may already have an amazing idea or skills you want to market, but struggle to take the leap to make this dream a reality.

It doesn’t matter which of these scenarios you see yourself in. The most important thing is to start making progress, rather than getting stuck in pre-production.

We are sharing the steps you can take to begin your entrepreneurial journey and build your own business.

Turn your idea into a vision

It’s one thing to have a great idea, but it is another to have a vision. A vision is a grand view of how your business will impact your life and those of your clients.

Make your business mission meaningful, and people will believe in it as much as you do.

Sit down with a cup of coffee and ask yourself what you want your business to be, who it’s going to help and how.

Why are you motivated to bring this dream into the world? Think about where you see it going and how your service is going to help people.

Invest in technology

This may go without saying, but you will need your own computer and appropriate software to build out your idea, even if your dream is a brick and mortar shop.

Beyond a computer, you’ll need a drive to store and back everything up in case of technological devastation.

You’ll need to consider programs you might need like a web-building service, online education or Photoshop.

Don’t let this overwhelm you, having the right tools will make building your business easier from the get-go.

Ask for advice

Talk about your business. Maybe sit down with a trusted friend and nut out the vision for your business.

If you’re not sure how to bring it to life, ask someone who has built their own business.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anybody personally. Go out, find somebody you admire and introduce yourself.

Don’t be embarrassed; you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help.

Then, ask the questions you have and listen deeply to what they have to say.

You’ll be surprised how just talking about your business can help it lift off the ground.

Block out ‘work time’ in your calendar

Getting your business up and running takes a lot of grunt work. You have to be willing to put in the time and money to help it flourish.

And while this can seem daunting, it’s worth exploring something you are passionate about.

It won’t be easy, it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

So, are you dedicated to following this through in the good times and bad?

If you commit, you should then make a promise to yourself that you won’t pull out when you feel that inkling of self-doubt.

Because there are going to be bumps in the road, but no successful business is immune to them.

Anything worth having is worth fighting for.

 

Let us know what your dream business is in the comments below.

If you’re looking for personalised guidance, somebody who can ease you through every step, then check out our career change coaching service.

Sheonaigh Rennie

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I’m an organisational development specialist with particular interests in strengths-based leadership, management, team and career development within the higher education sector.

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