Starting up a business requires a lot of different steps. First-time entrepreneurs and small business founders often feel anxious when they think about all the factors that play into getting their idea off the ground. It can also seem like success or failure hinges on finding deep-pocket founders, expert mentors, ample press coverage, and other ‘champions’.
You already possess some of the most important assets you’ll need to achieve success. These are nothing less than your personal faculties - the power of your own head, heart, and hands. Much of your potential for success will be determined by the quality of your idea, the strength and sincerity of your belief in it, and your effort to make it a reality.
Succeed with your head: The impact of innovative ideas
Big or small, every successful business starts with an innovative idea. Nike was born when Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman recognised the hidden potential of a waffle iron to improve soles for running shoes. Howard Schultz brought the espresso bar concept from Italy to the United States and grew Starbucks into a global phenomenon.
Even if your business moderations are on a more modest scale than these world-famous brands. Nevertheless, your first step is to come up with an innovative idea. It’s good to have role models in business, but try not to mimic someone else’s success. Successful businesses are always built from the special aptitudes and unique insights of the people who founded them.
Succeed with your heart: The power of positive belief
To bring your idea to fruition, you must genuinely believe in it. You can only persuade others to invest when you convey your own enthusiasm and confidence in your idea. An idea for a business might seem great, but if it fails to ignite your sense of passion, then it isn’t right for you. Go back to the drawing board and start again.
A secure and persevering spirit will be an essential factor in your success. Trust that you’ll adapt to changes, learn to conquer fear, and approach uncertainty with confidence. Become fiercely committed to seeing your goals through. Freeing yourself of negativity will require a conscious effort so take note of the goals you tend to put off and the productive tasks you usually avoid. As you learn to identify the negative beliefs that are impeding your progress, you’ll feel empowered to change them. Use tools that can help you manage the challenging aspects of your business.
Succeed with your hands: The effectiveness of effort
The best ideas and most heartfelt belief are of little value without the resolve to take action and work hard. You’ll sometimes hear people explain a business leader’s success by giving credit to ‘good luck’. People who talk like this have little knowledge or practical experience starting a business.
If you believe in succeeding through perseverance, you have the right frame of mind to do what it takes to make your business grow. In business, there’s no such thing as luck. You achieve success because you’re willing to work hard for it.
People who are accustomed to working hard are less inclined to feel overwhelmed by challenges. They are eager to acquire new skills because they can quickly put them to good use.
Practical ways to get started
If you’ve been thinking about starting a business but you haven’t yet taken the leap, there are a few ways you can position yourself for success.
1. If you have a business idea, write a quick business plan - a Lean Plan
2. Validate your idea and make sure it’s worth pursuing: Passion is important - but so are the details. Think through your business, and whether you’ll need to seek a loan or private investment.
3. Make sure you take care of the details: You’ll need to think about registering your business’s legal structure, doing market research, finding office space, and developing a website.
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