Thinking of Starting a Business? Three Things You Need To Know
The internet has turned everyone into entrepreneurs.
Unfortunately being an entrepreneur doesn’t guarantee business success.
Running a successful business — one that consistently pays your mortgage and builds a retirement fund — requires more than a website and a PayPal account.
It requires planning and taking the time to research, dive deep and figure out your niche, positioning and product and then executing and going through some trial and error to see what is working and what isn’t.
I’ve found that business owners who design their business with intention experience much less frustration and are happier with their results.
As a long-time business strategist, I’ve helped build businesses and I’ve seen what leads people to success and what drives them to failure — so here are a few things I want you to know.
It’s Going to Take Time
Get rich quick schemes are just that…schemes. When you focus on the fundamentals and take the time to figure out what you are going to do and how you are going to do it, set clear benchmarks, and have the discipline and support to make steady movement forward, you will build a solid foundation on which your business can grow. The Sistine Chapel was not built in a day, and neither will your business. Patience, planning, and perseverance is required.
Doubt Will Creep In
There will come a point where you are laying in bed at night wondering what in the hell you have gotten yourself into. Wondering who you thought you were to try something like this. We’ve all been there. You can do this! Having your plan in place so you can see your goals and progress in real-time will help quiet that voice of doubt. Also, find a community of fellow business builders, this is too hard to do alone — and lucky for you, you don’t have to.
You Have the Ultimate Say
In a 9-5 job you don’t always have a say in what makes you happy. You are there to serve them. When you become a business owner you get to make decisions that truly serve you. From your workspace to your hours, you get to create a business that best suits your unique strengths and compensates you for the life you want to live. But, you have to be careful. We are creatures of habit and if you are not intentional about what you want to build you will recreate all the things you hate about your job in your business.
Starting a new business is exciting, but enthusiasm and a good idea aren’t good enough to carry you forward.
Making plans, setting goals, and building strategy don’t have to be boring. It can actually be an exciting chance to explore your gifts, learn about the industry you want to enter and figure out how to make this everything you want it to be. Plus, this gives you a head start on the competition and helps you cruise to a more successful rollout — and ultimately a business that is profitable.
