Do you dream of starting your own business?

Does it seem too overwhelming and scary, so the dream feels better than making it a reality?

Or are you ready to take the leap and excited about the journey and what lies ahead?

This is a question many ask themselves but most certainly in the last couple of years. In fact, studies have shown, “the # of “Microbusinesses” started during the pandemic reached 2.8 million more than in 2019. Microbusinesses are defined as, businesses with a discrete domain name and an active website.” Brookings.edu

So how did so many find the courage or the “know how”” to get started on this venture? Well, I can’t speak to that as there are so many contributors and likely unique to every situation such as loss of jobs, virtual accessibility, people taking time to assess their lives and exploring what they may have been contemplating for some time. But the bigger question may be how did they know what to do or how to take what they want to do and create a business?

Here is some of what I know:

-        They made it a priority.  They stopped procrastinating on what they really want and committed the time and energy into formulating their idea into a vision.

-        They created a “First Steps” plan to taking action

-        They began sharing their vision with others. But its one thing to have a vision and create a plan but how do you know if its really what you want? 

Here are some truths to consider when starting on your own:

-        First ask yourself, do you want to own and run a business OR do you just want to be the creator and visionary?

-        You will wear all hats: creator (service, product, content) sales + marketing, and bookkeeping, BUT just for a period of time. As your business grows so can your team.

-        You can work as a contractor or sole business proprietorship. You do not need to be incorporated unless you are concerned about potential legal issues. All can be done simultaneously while employed in your current job.

-        Have a plan and be organized it will serve you well.

-        You should get comfortable with self promoting

-        You don’t need to spend a lot of money (depending on what it is) for example a service business can be minimal if you don’t need a lot of equipment

-        Offer some pro bono work to begin building awareness and recognition

Is this feeling a bit overwhelming? It may, but the intention is to help give you some insight into decisions that need to be thought through in the very early stages. To help you make decisions that can set you up for success.

Here are some tips to reduce the overwhelm:

-        You do not have to quit your current job to get started

-        You don’t need to work on this every hour outside of your current work. You can be strategic and plan it, so you make the most out of the time you are able to dedicate to it. Without affecting your self care and wellbeing.

-        Simple action steps are key when starting out. You don’t climb to the top of the stairs in one fell swoop. You take each step at a time……or maybe skip one here or there.

Starting your own business is such an exciting venture. No business starting from scratch is a well-oiled machine. Don’t force yourself to stick to something in the process that doesn’t feel right. The beginning is where you have the grace to pivot and change as you grow. Take your time in the process and embrace the chaos when it comes but most of all learn and celebrate each and every win along the way.

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