First, you gotta ask yourself: Do you believe that it’s possible for you to run a meaningful and profitable business?
If you answered yes, then you’ve just tackled the first step to becoming an entrepreneur! You know that you want the freedom and satisfaction that comes from using your skills to make an impact in the world, on your terms.
But this realization is just the first step.
Now you have to create that business. This is where the problems begin. Many of us have so many ideas, so many dreams, that we are unclear about which business we want to start.
I’ve seen countless people struggle with this. I’ve struggled with it too within my own business. I had so many ideas, but it was so difficult for me to strategize how they would all fit together. Being unsure about which business to start and how to start triggers feelings of frustration, stress, and self-doubt.
Here are typically the core issues that many entrepreneurs struggle with:
- You may lack good ideas.
- You may have too many ideas, but you’re afraid to choose the wrong one.
- You may have one idea, but you’re unsure if it will work.
Struggling with any of these? If so, you’re in the right place.
Here’s what I’ve learned about entrepreneurship over the years:
- Being an entrepreneur requires a tremendous amount of clarity. There is a really great exercise on clarity that I’ve published HERE.
- If you’re going to be successful in business, you’re signing up for a long term roller coaster ride. It’s a 24/7 job over an extended period of time to get to where you want to be. You can find various blogs with tips for how to get started HERE.
- In the beginning, you might work much longer hours for way less pay. This period can last from months to years.
- You’ve got to be mentally prepared for rejection and disappointment, which can also be coupled with frustration and self-doubt.
- And finally? No matter how smart and passionate and prepared you are, there are no guarantees that it will actually work out.
Now, I’m not saying any of this to depress or scare you! I’m saying this to empower you.
There’s a lot of risk to entrepreneurship. But the rewards (when they come) are worth it all. Business is exciting. It’s a constant adventure. You have to stay vigilant and flexible. You have to continuously challenge yourself and extend yourself outside of your comfort zone. Both you and your business will evolve as you go. It takes a lot of courage, but also a lot of love for what you do and who you serve.
In order to start the right business, you have to understand and accept the rules of the game. So, do you agree to them?
If entrepreneurship is right for you, surround yourself with those that will support you. Get clear about your business vision. Take the necessary, but small steps you need to take to build momentum (and profits) over time. And above all, make sure that you love your business, your customers, and the work itself. Once you do that, you’ll be well on your way to owning and running a business you love.
Need more help? Check out my 1:1, group and self-study offerings: https://christinagiordano.com/offerings/