by Kristy Dickerson, CEO and co-founder of STARTplanner
Somewhere, at some point in your life, you’ve had a brilliant idea for a start-up business. Am I right? Or maybe you have a hobby that you love and want to make a career out of it. Odds are that you’ve often fantasized about ditching your J-O-B to start a business of your own; to be your own boss; to set your own hours and make your own decisions.
Just the thought of it brings a smile to your face. And then you wonder, maybe it’s just as romantic as it is fathomable. And maybe, just maybe it’s as fathomable as it is achievable. But don’t stop there, you’re on the right track. Maybe you already have what you need at your fingertips, and from the comfort of your own home.
Now all you need is to take the leap, right? So many people have found success and there’s no reason why you can’t be one of them. After all, the past few years has been an absolute renaissance of startup businesses, from information technology to online stores that run the gamut, and every other niche market in between. Not to mention the ever growing wonders of the sharing economy. Yes, we are in a business renaissance and it shows no sign of slowing.
Now before you quit your job, however, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind. For example, how much do you know about the business you want to create? Is there a market for your product? If so, what does it look like? Where does it exist? Just how thick is the competition?
These are all inevitable questions and you’ll need to find a way to answer them. It would be wise to keep in mind that without a job to pay the bills your margin for error could get real slim real quick. And while it’s true that having something to lose can be a very strong motivator, your goal should be to limit the amount of adversity you experience in starting your new business. Your first test will be to ask yourself if you are truly devoted to the noble and lofty goal of starting a business. Your answer to this question should be a resounding “Yes!”
Here are some keys to being a little more efficient on your journey.
While you continue on at your day job, you’ll likely need to find a way to become more efficient in your daily life. This means planning. Plan your day with care and sincerity. Cut out as much excess as possible by shedding any idle activities that don’t contribute to your goal. If you learn to plan effectively and have a sincere relationship with your daily planner, you won’t have to be nearly as patient as you think. Meanwhile, the impulse to jump start your business should give way to understanding. You will gain your footing and plot a smoother runway from which to launch.
So after your shift at the office, and during the time you would normally spend rotting away blissfully on Netflix, sneak away quietly to a place where you can focus the power of your mind on planning and researching and methodically getting closer to that decisive moment. You can do this at home but don’t get too comfy, find a place where you can concentrate and make a habit of it by scheduling a specific time each day (or night) to devote to your discipline.
Your home computer, your daily planner and you, together they are unbreakable.
It is, of course, easier said than done. But that doesn’t mean you should fret, growing pains are natural. And besides, this is your second test, it’s what it’s like to be your own boss. Don’t lose your spirit, be empowered by your will to succeed. At times It may feel like it’s all work and no play. So make sure you reward yourself with something simple at each new juncture of your development. It’s much too demanding to be efficient if all you do is work. Remember, be as kind to yourself as you are sincere about your success, efficiency is all about balance. So measure things carefully, do your homework and start your new business in the coming year.
Kristy Dickerson, keynote speaker, businesswoman, and active CEO and co-founder of STARTplanner, has devoted her life to providing hope for individuals who are looking to achieve balance, success, and happiness within their own lives. Dickerson has been sought after for keynote speaking due to her relatable story, no excuses tone, valuable advice, and upbeat personality that she entrenches in all aspects of her brands. Through business coaching, workshops, and speaking she has shown individuals how to make change happen in their life and small business.
