Many ambitious people think of starting a business at some point in their lives, but their approach determines whether their idea will succeed or fail. If you are looking to start a business, there are a few proven steps that are essential to your business start-up.
Find your Passion
To start a successful venture, the first step is to determine what you are good at, what drives you and what is your passion. I always say this to my family, friends and clients – “passion will keep you going when profit is not flowing.” You need to love something enough to be able to dedicate time and effort to it. You can use your life experiences, education and skills to transform your idea into reality. Just imagine doing what you love every working day of your life – it stops being a chore and become a lifestyle. Some of us have peculiar gifts which will yield great fulfilment if developed and enhanced the right way.
What Do You Want From Your Passion?
Once you have been able to explore and discover your passion, you need to determine what you want from it. You must remember that not all ideas or passion are viable. We are referring to finding fulfilment first and not necessarily turning your passion into profit. Some people just want to help others achieve their dreams or live better lives. Some love to impart skills or build systems that make things work better. There are millions of ideas you can explore if you are true to your passion and strengths.
- Non-Profit Making Passion
Money makes the world go round and we need money to pay the bills. So if your passion is not a profit-making business, do not despair – just don’t quit your day job. There are many ways you can find fulfilment doing what you love and keep your regular job. You just need to find the right balance and sync the two to work together effectively. If you need to dedicate a few hours in the evening twice a week towards your passion, then so be it, as long as other parts of your life do not suffer for it. I believe if we love something enough, we will make time for it in our lives.
- Profit Making Passion
On the other hand if you want to earn an income from your passion, you will need to take a different route. You should first settle in your mind that you have the skills and knowledge to run a business. Running a business is not a leisure activity and you must be prepared for the journey. Ask your family and friends to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of the skills and entrepreneurial traits that your business requires. Then list the ones you already have, the ones you can develop and where you need someone else’s input to compliment your weaknesses.
What Do You Have?
So now you know you enjoy making hair accessories or providing answers to life’s questions. The next thing you need to do is to think of how to package that passion into a product or service. What is out there and how can you make your product or service different from others? This can unlock the key to your uniqueness and a niche market. Sometimes the difference in your products can be your customer service, packaging, a little bit extra or the additional accessory that creates a completely new market. You need to explore the possibilities of your products and services through research and by talking to people to find out what needs are not being met. The best way to start is to use your competitors as a guideline to discover the missing pieces or gap in the market.
We all seek fulfilment one way or another but what better way to find fulfilment doing what you love and helping others too. Enjoy the process and I wish you good success
Temi Koleowo
Business First Steps provides pre business start-up one-to-one sessions and workshops on How to Define your Passion and How to Develop Business Ideas. The sessions and workshops help you discover what you love and enjoy and help you start your own business stress-free and totally motivated. Visit the website at www.businessfirststeps.co.uk to find out more.
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Photos courtesy of Lockheed & Tracynbran sxc.hu
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