Do you have a great idea that can improve people’s way of living? Or maybe an idea that solves a problem that you could potentially monetize? Have you ever thought of starting a business but convinced yourself you’re too busy, don’t have enough resources, people won’t buy from you… you get where I’m going; you simply talk yourself out of it. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 9.1 million women-owned businesses nationwide, employing 7.9 million employees and generating $1.4 trillion in sales. Surprising enough, according to Guidant Financial’s 2018 State of Small Business survey, women account for 26 percent of current business owners. This is a huge disparity compared to male representation in the entrepreneurial space. The opportunities exist, we just have to seize the space! You say you’re a mom, no problem. Maybe you already have a job, no problem. Maybe you’re currently a mom pursuing higher education with a job— YOU CAN STILL DO IT! Women are built to persevere. Now, this is by no means advice to anyone to neglect self-care in pursuance of starting a business; understand there will be sacrifices and you will need to gauge when it’s time for you to disconnect from things and regroup in order to keep pushing through.
With that being said, here are six steps to that will help you become a boss before ditching your 9-5 (despite the madness that may be going on your life):
1. Stop Making Excuses/Find Time
I’m sure there are a million reasons why you can’t start your business, but there is at least one reason why you should! Before you even devise your business plan, look at your schedule for every hour of the day. Look at your schedule and see where there are gaps. Trust me there are gaps. We spend time on social media, texting/talking on the phone, etc. so I’m sure there is time for starting your business. I am a mother of two. I get up at 5:40am and I usually don’t get to sleep until about 11pm at night. In between all of the daily chaos, I work out for 45 minutes 2-3 weekdays and still have to take client appointments. The sacrifice—no social life lol. But I’m ok with that. If I need to recharge, I have friends that I can connect with for a quick Saturday brunch or dinner. Finding the time is about wanting to maximize every minute of every day.
2. Create Your Plan
Spend a day or two writing down your plan for your business and what you want to accomplish short term. Putting your ideas on paper is very important. It helps you map out what your vision will look like. Think about who your target audience is, what problem are you solving for them, how you will stand out from your competitor, etc.
3. Take Initiative, Take Action
There are many resources accessible for little to no cost. Free webinars, lunch and learns, free e-books, free consults with various consultants and coaches. Take the time to learn what is out there to get you started. Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have various business owners, consultants, and coaches that offer occasional free e-courses, live videos and post free content that can help you get started.
4. Network, Network, Network
Build a strong network of like-minded individuals that will keep you motivated, encouraged, and connected to resources that will further bring your business to life. This can be done in-person, of course by attending networking events in your area, but can also be accomplished through online networking. Building relationships with business owners and business influencers. Any social media platform will aid in online networking. My favorite is LinkedIn. It’s an exclusive community that is open to anyone but many people shy away from engagement on LinkedIn—thus the exclusivity. I personally love engaging with CEO’s, company Presidents, Entrepreneurs, and Business Influencers all over the world. Engaging on LinkedIn has generated an increase in clientele AND an international business partnership that allows my business to be marketed and accessible on a global platform. It is believed that your net worth is connected to your network, well it’s true!
5. Be Open to Constructive Feedback
When someone you connect with serves as a mentor and provides you with feedback to help your business grow, use the feedback. Of course, you will apply what you feel is applicable to your vision, but don’t completely dismiss someone’s feedback that is trying to help you.
6. Be Careful
Be careful who you share your vision with. Not everyone wants to see you flourish with your business. This includes family and “friends”. You want to surround yourself with people that will challenge you and push you. We create enough self-doubt on our own. Often times your biggest supporters are strangers or distant acquaintances. Simply put, be judicious in who you share your vision with. You want to surround yourself with people that will continuously encourage your vision.
If you realize something doesn’t work as you begin to see your business come to life… go back to the drawing board to make adjustments. Just don’t give up. If you are looking to sit down and talk through your business plan or your plan for your career, head to www.nextlevelwriting.net and schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I provide career transition and job search services along with professional writing services.
Follow me on LinkedIn (DeAnnah Stinson Reese), Instagram (@jobsearchjedi) and Facebook @NLWCareerPrep for FREE job search tips and career transition tips! Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way!