photo via flickr user Matthieu Lienart
When it comes to starting a business, taking the first step is the hardest. Just the idea can be scary and there are a million “what ifs” that run through your head. But I’ve got an important piece of news for you, something that most people don’t think of, and when they do they place it on a shelve in the back of their mind and continue coming up with ideas and daydreaming their lives away. That news? If you don’t start somewhere, you won’t get anywhere.
It’s important to remember that starting requires action. The biggest roadblock for those wanting to start a business is inaction from not knowing where to begin. An overwhelming fact that can kill your business not only before it gets off the ground, but also, while it’s still an idea.
So many potential entrepreneurs get caught up in trying to make their business perfect before launching. This is a mistake. The key to starting your business is to hit the ground running, and just start. Planning is important, but it’s nothing without implementation.
1) Start by offering one service or product
What helped me when I first started my PR business was doing just one thing: I pitched and I placed. Even though I knew I wanted to add more services later on, I began with my strength at the time, and focused on perfecting the service I offered while offering it. In this way, it was less overwhelming for me. It’s very easy to confuse your customer and yourself by offering too much at a time. Plus, a limited range of offerings in the beginning gives you a foundation when you’re looking to expand.
Once you have established yourself doing that one thing, you can add on more services or products. For example, now I do PR workshops and consulting along with pitching and placing.
2) You don’t need all the bells and whistles right away
Don’t get me wrong, you want to look professional when starting a new business, however you don’t need all the equipment and staff at the get go. It took me two years to get around to a website when I first started Fifteen Media. Most of my business came from word of mouth recommendations rather than a website search. I realize this approach may be a bit too extreme and your business probably needs a website in this day and age, but it may not necessarily need that computer you’ve been eyeing with a high-speed processor or a fancy online marketing service just yet.
I recommend generating income and then trying to buy one thing every month or two that will aid in the development of your business. Maybe this month you’re investing in a website, next month might be business cards and the month after that might be something else. The point is to prioritize and stick with buying the tools you need to start right now.
In the same vein, not having “everything you need” to start your business is most likely just an excuse that’s holding you back from actually starting your business.
3) Use your social circle to get the word out
There is nothing better than word of mouth advertising. It’s not only the most trusted, but it’s free. Utilize those closest to you, you know, the ones who think you’re amazing and will praise your business just because they love you.
When I first started Neon Notebook I was, seriously, the only one looking at it. Luckily for me, I have friends and family who support me. They shared my posts and the site was able to grow.
4) Define your customer
This is a great way to save money. The reality is you can’t create a product that is perfect for everyone. Instead, focus on targeting the one group of people your product is really meant for.
For example, in my PR business, I only target other PR firms for my services. This not only helps me know where to go after new business, but it also helps me stay focused and keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. Every time I think about adding a new service or trying something new, I think back to my ideal customer and ask myself if they would see value in that.
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