Three things to do when you start a business

Congrats! You’ve made the decision, you’re tired of the juggle, and you’re ready to start a business. It feels great. Of course, it does! This move is going to change everything for you and your family. You’re going to be able to be the mom you want to be and have the career you’ve worked so hard to build because it’s almost 2020, and we should be able to have both not be forced to choose between career and family. It’s absurd that people would ever feel like they have to choose between the two, but we know it happens every day. Now, let’s get to work and figure out where to start. What should you work on first? 

 Has the panic set in? Are you wondering what the heck am I thinking or starting at a blank screen with no idea what to type? Are you wondering who am I to think I can do this? I’m crazy. Deep breath, it’s normal.  Believe me. I still have moments where I wonder what was I thinking, but you know what, three years in this is the BEST decision I’ve ever made and it will be your best decision too. Promise.

What are the first three things to do when you decide to start a business?

#1 this is fun

Think about what type of business you want to create. Have a brainstorm session and go through your background, skills, education, job responsibilities, what could you do to build a business? You don’t have to figure it all out right now, but you need to come up with a few ideas so that you can start to identify your Ideal Customer. If you're not sure where to start, read this post on the types of businesses you can start. 

#2 this is critical; do not skip this step

Determine who your ideal customer is and what they need from you. If you're not sure who they are, this post will help. Here’s the truth, you can’t build a business that’s going to succeed unless you know who you’re helping. The more you know about them, the better. Honestly, you can’t know too much about your ideal customer. Before you say, I want to help everyone; please understand to be successful, you need to choose a niche and focus on that customer first. Yes, you may have multiple ideal customers you could serve, but to start, select one and focus on helping them and serve them exceptionally well. 

#3 This is scary but do it anyway; it will make a huge difference, I promise

Talk to your Ideal Customer. Pick up the phone and calls friends or acquaintances who fit the description of your Ideal Customer and ask if you could talk to them for 15-20 minutes. Offer to buy coffee if they’re local. Let them know you want to make a change and leave the corporate world so that you have more time with your family, but you don’t want to give up your career because you’ve worked hard to get where you are. Ask them about your business idea. See what questions they have or what they need and figure out how you can help. You may find that these conversations give you new ideas.

Is this all you’ll do to start a business, no but these three steps will help you determine what business you’re starting, who you’re going to serve, and what you’re going to do to earn money. Once you’ve completed these three items, you’ll be ready to move on to the next. Keep moving forward, and you’ll get there.