Getting Started as an Entrepreneur – What You Need to Know …

Think you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

Looking for some guidance and tips to help get you started?

Or need someone to pick you up if you’ve fallen to the wayside?

Well, then it’s time to start hustling. Entrepreneurship is all about the hustle. Especially for those of you just starting out. You have to hustle in order to succeed and survive! What has helped me succeed is creating a story around my business. Something people can relate to. It’s not all about fancy cars, lots of money endless trips to the spa. It’s the human-side of things … making your passion come to life! People tend to be more receptive to storytelling and engagement as opposed to flipping through a traditional, boring brochure.

Ready for some tips to keep your sanity?

Let’s get started …!

(1) Anyone who said ideas aren’t worth anything never had a good idea. Don’t even listen to that crap. Your ideas are guiding and building your dream, your big picture. A good thing to get into the habit of doing is keeping an idea journal. Write at least 5-10 ideas in it every single day.

(2) Identify the right business for you by giving yourself permission to explore (yup, get that idea notebook out again). Be willing to look at different angles of yourself and listen to your intuition. Ask yourself, “What gives me the energy to move forward even when I am tired?” Not sure how to figure out what is “right” for you? Here’s a few ways to dig deeper …

• Do what you know: Are you looking for a change? Take a look at everything you’ve accomplished for others and think about how you could package up those skills and offer them as your own.
• Do what others do: Have you done your research? Take some time to learn about other businesses that peak your interest. Once you’ve found one, emulate it.
• Solve a common problem: Is there a gap in the market somewhere? Or something you’d like to bring to the market that isn’t already out there or perhaps an improvement? When taking this approach, think of yourself as a student and gain all the knowledge possible before you start opening your wallet.

(3) Build a business plan as it will greatly improve your chances for success in the long-haul. Most people tend not to, but it will help you focus, gain clarity, gain confidence and get you in the market quicker. Begin with writing down your goals, strategies, action steps and ask yourself the following questions …

• What am I creating and who will I serve?
• What is my promise to my customers, clients and myself?
• What are my objective, strategies and action steps in order to achieve my goals?

(4) Network. Network. This can afford you mentorship opportunities, strengthen your network (obviously), get your name out there (once you’ve gotten to that point in your business plan) and help you learn from other people who have the success you desire. When it comes to networking, that’s not just adding “suggested friends” on Facebook. It’s also joining online groups for your niche and for entrepreneurs and engaging in those groups. They’re very helpful on the level of your business as well as building confidence and helping your grow. Listening to the right advice from those who know success is valuable to your business. But also remember, you don’t have to take all the advice you get. Take everything with a grain of salt and learn how to trust your gut. Truthfully, it more often right than wrong.

(5) No matter what your niche is and how you plan on getting things done, brand yourself. It is very important to have a strong brand. I cannot stress this enough. Branding yourself is your only really security. And when I say “yourself”, that doesn’t mean that you have to tackle this all on your own. Especially if you’re not graphically creative. There are plenty of people world-wide who have this niche and are willing to help you take your idea from paper to pen (well in this day and age … make you digital).

(6) Embrace all of the useful tools at your fingers tips and get the word out. Be willing to let everyone know who you are and what you do without conviction or apology. Use social networks as a place to gain traction. Don’t underestimate the power of other methods as well, such as word-of-mouth, having a great looking website, blog posts, guest blogging, emails and newsletter and yup, even the good ‘ol fashion but still highly essential telephone. If you take habit to this step, you will be well on your way to making it in the “big world” of being your own boss.

All the while working through these steps, don’t forget to take risks. Get out of your comfort zone. One of the most exciting parts of being an entrepreneur is the thrill you get from seeing if something works. And of course, how it worked. There is no playbook on becoming an entrepreneur. There is no “one size fits all” answer. So, if anything, remember this … you are not alone. If you want to grow as an entrepreneur but are feeling stuck, reach out and connect with others. You may be surprised by the invaluable connections that are right there at your fingertips!