Before you even plan- it's time to plan the plan!
Starting a Business: The Very Beginning
We’ve all had those moments—sitting at our desks, daydreaming about leaving the 9-to-5 grind behind and being our own boss. Many of us wish we could break free, but the reality is, it’s tough. After a long day of work, who has the energy to start something new? And let’s not even talk about the weekends—two days that feel like an extension of the workweek, filled with chores, errands, and prepping for the next round of Monday blues.
You might be scrolling through YouTube, watching entrepreneur after entrepreneur share their success stories. They’re selling you the idea that you can do it too. But before jumping headfirst into the business world, you need to pause and ask yourself some crucial questions:
- Why do you want to do this? Are you truly driven to run your own business, or are you simply looking for a change in your current job situation?
- What are your current commitments? Family, personal life, and even financial constraints could impact your decision.
- Do you have the health and energy? Running a business requires both mental and physical stamina, so it’s important to assess whether you’re ready for the challenge. (Stay tuned for more Chronicles on this soon!)
If you’re still determined to start your own business, let’s move forward. But remember—it’s not about rushing in. Instead, let’s break it down into manageable steps, so you can start building toward your goal without overwhelming yourself. Especially if you’re still working full-time, you’ll need to approach this as a marathon, not a sprint.
Stage 1: Planning is Key
Before you dive into any technical details, the first thing you need to do is capture your ideas. This is your vision stage. Think of it like sketching out a rough blueprint.
Start by jotting down ideas wherever you can: sticky notes on the fridge, notes on your phone, or a dedicated journal. These notes should focus on what your business could be and why it excites you—not yet on how to execute it.
Your vision will be your anchor, especially when exhaustion hits, or when doubt creeps in and you feel like giving up. You need something tangible to look at that reminds you of why you’re doing this in the first place.
And of course, there’s the age-old enemy: procrastination. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or tempted to put things off, remember: it’s normal! But don’t delete your notes in frustration, no matter how silly they seem at the time. Those small, random thoughts could spark a big idea down the line.
Stage 2: Organize Your Chaos
Now that you’ve got your ideas flowing, the next challenge is staying organized. Whether you’re writing on paper, taking notes on your phone, or typing on your laptop, things can get messy fast. One minute, you’re jotting down brilliant insights; the next, you can’t find that one note that had the key to your business idea.
Your computer, once a companion for YouTube binge-watching, is now your business HQ. If you don’t develop a system to organize your notes, ideas, and plans, you’ll be dealing with clutter that wastes both time and mental energy.
Find a method that works for you—whether it’s a specific app, folders on your laptop, or even color-coded sticky notes. The goal is to stay in control and avoid the chaos of scattered notes. And be cautious—this is prime procrastination territory. When you start organizing, set a timer, because it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of endlessly refining systems instead of moving forward with actual work.
Stage 3: Learn from Others (Without Getting Discouraged)
A key part of starting any business is understanding the competition. Whether it’s Instagram influencers, YouTube creators, or established entrepreneurs in your field, take the time to study what others are doing.
But here’s the tricky part: it can feel disheartening to see people who seem miles ahead of you, doing the same thing you want to do, and doing it so well. Remember, this is just part of the journey. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on what you can learn from them.
Look for gaps. What can you do differently or better? How can you bring your unique take to the table? For example, there are tons of hairdressers and nail technicians out there, but each one thrives because they’ve found their own niche, personality, or way of doing things that keeps clients coming back.
When you find someone who’s successful in your chosen field, observe not just what works, but what doesn’t. Take notes on both their strengths and weaknesses—this can help you shape your business in a way that stands out from the crowd.
Bonus Tip: Make Time for YOU
Remember, starting a business isn’t just about work. It’s also about taking care of yourself along the way. Make sure you carve out time for breaks, downtime, and reflection. Whether it’s making a cup of tea, going for a walk, or listening to some music, recharging your energy is just as important as any business plan.
Coming Soon: More Chronicles and Workshops
This is just the beginning. In upcoming Chronicles, I’ll cover more detailed steps on planning, creating your business strategy, and how to overcome the hurdles that will inevitably pop up along the way.
Ready to dive in deeper? Keep an eye out for my upcoming workshop on starting your own business, or drop a message through the contact form if you’d like more info.
Until then, grab a cup of tea (and maybe a biscuit or two), get your notes in order, and start shaping your future. It’s time to make that dream a reality.