June, 2009

I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m a full time mother of two and I run a successful business from home. Everyday after I take my children to school, I spend the day at work in my home office and am home to greet them at the end of the day. Needless to say, I feel blessed and that’s one of the reasons why I decided to devote a portion of my career to helping others achieve a more satisfying work-life balance.

While it may seem that I’m living the American Dream, the truth is that I’m no superhero—I’m a person just like you. I don’t possess any magic power, I didn’t receive any formal business training or earn an advanced degree that made my dream of launching a successful business more attainable. In fact, I think that if I had been fully aware of what it would take to research, develop, launch, maintain and succeed in business, I might have given up before I even started and--as a result--missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Every business starts with an idea and what you decide to do with that idea is entirely up to you. But why is it so difficult to take that first step? Possibly it’s because we are so focused on the end result that we overlook the gratification that can be derived out of the process itself. We think, “It will take years to launch a business that will generate enough money to replace my current salary.” Or, “I’ve never run my own business before…where do I start?” It’s easy to get overwhelmed and to become paralyzed into inactivity. But if launching your own business is a dream that just won’t go away, maybe it’s time to take the first step towards trying. And that’s all you have to do for now. Take one step. If it works, then you’ll take the next one and see where it takes you.

Step One:

Why not start by brainstorming on a name? I remember that when I first came up with the idea for my contractor referral business, I used to walk around my house with a pad and pencil and, for fun, jotted down potential names for my new business. One night as I was watching television with my husband, the name “Home Remedies” popped into my head and it was at that exact moment that my business took on an identity of its own and I realized that I was truly committed to my idea.

Step Two:

So now that you have some ideas for a name, maybe your next step will be to do a little research? Find out what other products or services are out there and who your potential competitors might be. You can take a trip to the library or just conduct your research online. You might find it stimulating to learn more about your concept and it’s potential in the market or you might stumble upon organizations, chat rooms or other websites that offer support for your new business venture. One more step forward.

Step Three:

Now that you’ve done some research, you might feel more comfortable discussing your business idea with other people. Seek out industry related business owners or professionals, family or friends, explain your business model and ask for their feedback. If you want to take it a step further, make an appointment with a your local SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) or SBA (Small Business Administration) representative. You’ll be surprised by how verbalizing your idea will make your business seem more like a reality and will help give you the confidence to move ahead.

Step Four:

And in discussing your idea, perhaps someone will offer you a name of another person who can help you in business. Maybe they know a small business attorney or accountant or even a potential client. Now, you’ve begun the networking process and your next step can be to call that person and introduce yourself. One more step leading you on your way.

When I started my business, I didn’t dream about making millions of dollars. I simply focused on the day-to-day tasks involved in learning more about the business and it’s potential to see where it would take me. And each affirmation of my idea encouraged me to go on. I liked the challenge of learning something new and the satisfaction of accomplishing a new goal each week no matter how small. No magic. No mystery. Just following an idea one step at a time.

Regards,

Hear What People Are Saying . . .

When my son gets off the bus, I'll be here- that is the priceless part of the business you have allowed me to be part of...as always, I'm humbled when I think of it. The opportunity you created for others, really allows me to follow my dream and be creative. I'm growing as a person, and a business owner. -Jill

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