I was fascinated as I watched the snow fall over the weekend. I watched it fall way back from my window so I was unaware of the effect it had on the ground. It was obvious that the snow was light – you know those flakes that you think will never settle. I thought that the snow will probably clear out in a few hours so we can go out the next day.
But how wrong was I! Due to the consistency of the snowflakes that kept on falling, it became quite obvious that it was going to be the traffic-stopping, school-closing kind of snow. I was taken aback when I ventured out and surveyed what had happened. Alas, the whole place was covered in snow…it was breathtakingly beautiful and a snow fight with the kids was imminent.
My Business First Steps
You may wonder why I’m going on about the weather, isn’t this suppose to be a business blog. Well the snow reminded me of when I started out in business. It was challenging to get any client initially and I was overjoyed if anyone even agreed to work with me for a small fee. Clients came in trickles, sometimes one or two in a few months interval. I had to constantly remind myself that small steps lead to giant strides and I was learning a lot as I went along. Today I can gladly say I now get a regular flow of clients every month. It has taken hard work (even when I don’t feel like it) mixed with consistent and persistent actions to get this far and I am not even near where I want to be yet.
The journey can be rough when you start out in business, but it doesn’t stay rough forever. You develop new knowledge, skills and a better coping mechanism to deal with whatever comes your way.
But you will never grow if you do not start or if you keep starting and stopping every time you hit a roadblock.
A few flakes of snow for a few minutes cannot make much difference, but a few flakes that continue to fall over time can have a snowball effect.
Find Your Starting Block
If you want your passion, idea, concept, community group or social enterprise to make a difference, you need to commit to being consistent and persistent.
Three very important steps to help you get over the first few hurdles of starting a business:
- Find your starting line – define your passion, aims and objective.
- Get on your marks – put things in place to prepare you for the journey and stay focused.
- Then GO! Push forward in the right gear and with all that you’ve got and never look back.
Starting and running your own passion-based business is a fulfilling and rewarding option. Whether you want to do it full-time or in addition to your current job or family life, you deserve the chance to give it a go.
I wish you good success.
Temi Koleowo.
Get in touch if you find the business start-up journey rather hazy. I am passionate about helping people package their passion, ideas or concept into something fulfilling and enjoyable. www.businessfirststeps.co.uk – personalised and practical business start-up coaching, brainstorming, resources and support.
Business First Steps Blog 