Have you thought about starting your own business? Are you ready to be your own boss? The time has come that you have realized that you are ready to spread your wings and go a different route but you’re unsure of which path or direction to take. Being an entrepreneur is not as scary as you may think but it isn’t a piece of cake. Like any job you take, it requires dedication, perseverance and persistence to get it right and change the world.
Becoming an entrepreneur is more than what people assume and half of what people know. To understand entrepreneurship, it takes like-minded individuals with the right attitude that sets them apart from the crowd.
Below are ten pieces of the puzzle you need to consider when launching your entrepreneurial career:
1. Do What You Love
Don’t simply begin a business as a result of one thing that hip or trendy thinking commercializing it will generate cash. Create a business idea that you are enthusiastic about that is associated with your expertise. From there, develop a product or service that will enhance and simplify people’s lives.
2. Take Advantage Of Available Online Resources
The web is a goldmine exploiting resources at your fingertips. Thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration, they offer information on how to write business plans, legal advice and local resources for startups and more. Other sites like SCORE, Entrepreneur.com and Bplans are excellent online tools to utilize just to name a few.
3. Build a Great Support System
From beginning to end, you will be investing a vast amount of energy and resources in your entrepreneurial career, so be sure to set up a support system is on board with you. The need for emotional and financial awareness is important to keep in mind too.
4. Share Your Ideas With Friends And Family
For every idea you birth, it’s best to share with those closest to you in your circle that you may consider family, friends or a mentor. You can count on these individuals to give you honest feedback and their suggestions or advice whether you think it is crazy or not.
5. Find a Mentor
In order to be highly successful, it is imperative that you seek a mentor, whether they are a local entrepreneur or seasoned business leader, they have a wealth of knowledge worth tapping into. Being a part of their network can result in endless opportunities which could help connect you to the right individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask if they will be your mentor, more than likely they will be happy to oblige. Sometimes, it’s not what you know but who you know.
6. Blog (until you are heard)
Just because you don’t have a company yet with a website doesn’t mean that your voice can’t be heard. Start a blog using Blogger, WordPress or Tumblr to name few. Stay on top of trends, best practices and most of share your personal experiences of what worked and what hasn’t. One day, someone will look to you for guidance and inspiration or find your blog invaluable.
7. Get On The Social Media Bandwagon
Get with the program or get left behind. Being a tech savvy entrepreneur is a popular trait to display. Knowing how to work and manage several or emerging social platforms to their benefit separates you from the pack. Be sure to that your presence exist on networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ to increase your professional connections while branding yourself as a go-to entrepreneur.
Be able to explain your business in a short amount of words or as if it was an elevator pitch. Knowing how to explain your business and specific niche (if necessary) helps anyone to understand what it is you are promoting, otherwise how do you expect it to succeed.
9. Network, Network and Network
Whether you are introverted or extroverted, networking is the key to forging everlasting (business) relationships that will be your recipe to success. You can search for events on MeetUp.com, tweetups or conferences to where you can meet and connect with other professionals that will be able to help take your business far.
10. Be Patient!
Ever heard the adage, “patience is a virtue”? Repeat that over and over until it’s embedded in your brain. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so keep in mind and know that it will take time before seeing any profit.