If you’re in your own business you may agree. Business can be like doing a full-time, 24/7 personal development program. Each day you’re confronted with who you are, what you know, how bold you’re willing to be, how much risk you’re willing to take.. all without the safety net of a secure salary. Cleo magazine asked me for some steps to consider when starting a business. I think they apply regardless if you’re new or experienced.
Cleo | April 2008
So, you want to start a business? Discover what you can do better than others (what is your unique advantage). This can take some digging and thought!
Find Your Passion – What is that you would do even if you were not paid for it? Do what you’re passionate about is a key to the long-term enthusiasm for your business.
Find a Mentor – A mentor can help guide you, keep you accountable on track. Plus their years of business experience means that your own path can be fast-tracked.
Create a business plan – A plan is a must! You need to have a direction in which to go if you’re moving forward. A plan doesn’t have to be complicated… a one-page overview will do, but be sure it tells you where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.
Set goals – Where are you going? What will you achieve? By When?
Get Educated – No matter how well (or badly) you did at school you can still be a successful business owner, but you’ll need to learn about business. When you’re you’re own boss you need to know about more than just the immediate task. You wear many hats as a business owner so find the books, mentors, courses and networks to help you build your business skills.
Cleo | April 2008
Get help to get started. Consider joining HerBusiness. We help thousands of women to get started and get going, by providing business education (most of which you can take part in without leaving home), mentoring and information. Learn More at our website.
