Ready to Be Your Own Boss?
Still clinging to that day job for security while dreaming of starting your own company? Now is the time! While few of us can afford the luxury of throwing caution to the wind to start a small business, now is the perfect time.
Some of us have the strong desire to become an entrepreneur but have to keep the day job while we give this starting a idea the go-ahead. That’s fine! You’ll be in good company as most small business entrepreneurs start part-time.
Number one (and opt quoted by the mega billionaire Donald Trump) is to do something you have the passion for. Now whatever your particular feelings are for him, he has a point. You must, must, must LOVE what you do. As a matter of fact, I’ve heard it said that passion exceeds skill.
Starting a small business takes effort, focus and lots of time. So maybe your day job is all consuming? You’ll have to carve out a specific schedule (and stick to it!) to make this business work. Don’t just try to “fit it in” when you have time. It won’t work. Trust us on that. You must commit and be very proactive about it.
The most important quality successful entrepreneurs have isn’t skill or the right connections. While those certainly help, the most important thing you can have is passion for your endeavor. Whether it’s baking artisan bread or designing new buildings, you must have a passion for it.
It won’t take a ton of time to start, so start small. Even if your job is all consuming, you can probably still find a few hours in your week just for your business. Write this time on your calendar and stick to it. The easiest way to fail is to do nothing or just give up. Commit to your goals and be active about doing what they require to become a reality.
For instance, if you’re baker working in a restaurant and you dream of starting your own artisan bakery, be patient. Build slowly—especially if you’re career keeps you working crazy hours. You can start by renting a kitchen and making bread to sell to local cafes. You don’t need to jump in with both feel and buy a restaurant. Stay focused and start within your means.
Keep at it and stay motivated. Listen to motivating tapes, read books, do online research. Work at it and don’t give up. It’s easy to get frustrated if things don’t take off as quickly as you’d planned. If you really want it badly, you’ll find a way to make it work. You may need to take classes or even get a different day job if yours requires so much of you that you’re always too exhausted to work on your business. If you’re serious about it, you’ll make the sacrifices. And there are plenty to be made when running your own business.
You also need to start putting some of that 8th grade math to work. You’ll need to be your own chief financial officer, so get comfortable with your budget and what you’ll need to succeed. Track what gets you results, and dump what doesn’t. Operate on a shoestring if you must, but stay within your budget. So many new business owners get excited and overspend and literally get themselves in the hole before they begin!
Set yourself up for success from the start. You’ll start holding your head higher and feeling more accomplished. Being your own boss is a tremendous feeling. Good luck!
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