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"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing" Walt Disney Do you have a business idea that you are itching to try but are not sure how to start? Isn’t it time you put your idea to the test? Stop wasting time and start working on creating your own business! Now is the time to take action! Get proactive. Business IdeaI am not saying go big or go home. Here is a warning - your small business idea may or may not be that great. The only way you will find out is to research and discover whether your idea is worth testing. Go online and get to know your business idea from the perspective of others (your competitors or potential clients). You need to understand the challenges and commitments that come with having your own business. Once you decide that your idea is worth testing, then you need to design a business plan. Here is a simple and practical path to get you started: Product/ServiceYou have this brilliant idea! To get started you need to define your product or service. What are you selling? Is it a product? It can be ice cream that you make at home or shirts of your own design. Is it a service? For example, wedding planning or home cleaning. Defining what you are selling is important for you to understand your competitors (others who are selling what you will be selling) and how you will succeed in winning customers. Challenges and CommitmentsUnderstanding the challenges and commitments before you get started provides you with a set of expectations that will prepare you for working for yourself. What challenges do you foresee? One of the most common challenges is uncertainty about the future. How about commitments? The usual concern is time:
 Business PlanWriting a business plan is crucial to help you clarify your vision and business idea. Initially, a business plan does not have to be very detailed. In this early stage, a business plan can be 1 to 2 pages that detail the following:
In ShortKeep in mind that your small business idea does not have to start big. It can be a side hustle that you start on a part-time basis. You can test it out with family or friends. Their reactions and critiques will either strengthen or weaken your resolve to start your business. Owning your business is not all fun, it requires a lot of effort and it may test your patience. There will be good and bad days so you need to be persistent and resilient.
Are you ready to test your idea? Is it time to launch your business? Email me and I will send you a Mini Business Plan Form to get you started. Still not sure, it is ok to questions in the comment section, DM for 1:1 chats or check our Events page for workshops on the topic.
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"What is knowledge if you don’t use it" Dr. J. Carter MD A career planning technique I teach my clients is to reflect on their knowledge. Many clients initially reject the technique claiming they do not have time for this. However, once they give it a try, they typically cannot stop talking about its benefits. I urge you to try this technique and let me know what you think. Whether you believe it or not, your knowledge is very valuable. Whether in your real or your virtual life, your knowledge is unique to you. Whether you are 14 or 25 years old, your knowledge is a powerful resource. However, what good is this valuable, unique and powerful resource if you do not use it? And what good is this resource if you are not aware of it? Reflecting on your knowledge is what career professionals all over the world agree that you should do. This is particularly important if you are fresh out of high school and think that you have no skills. Examples of skills that you may already have include your ability to communicate (you are a good writer, debater or presenter) or to work with a team (you enjoy group assignments or are part of a school sports team). These skills are considered two of the top skills to get a job.  Think of your knowledge as one of your internal brain skills. What you know could be a lifesaving skill for someone else. All you need to do is to reflect on this knowledge and figure out a way to leverage this knowledge. A quick and simple example: knowing how to change a flat tire could be a lifesaving skill for someone stranded on a busy highway.
Spending some time reflecting on how you can use this knowledge to influence your career path may lead you to move on to another piece of knowledge. Let us say you spent your summers running a lemonade stand. Combine your ability to change a tire with your experience running a lemonade stand, and you may find that you have a sense of entrepreneurship and may want to consider opening a tire shop. Ok...I have to admit that it is not that easy. You have to spend a few years working for a tire shop and saving some money to open the tire shop, but I think that you get the idea. Reflect on your knowledge, figure out if there is a way to benefit from it and use it. Spend time slowly sorting through your interests, experiences, skills/abilities and values. You will be amazed at what you can do with the knowledge you possess! Contact me if you need help getting started! |
HodaDr. Hoda Kilani is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). As a career management professional, she works with clients in private practice, workshop facilitation (carousel and vision board), conference presentation, and writing. ConnectInvest 1/2 hour in your success. Book a free consultation to learn how Hoda helps you succeed.
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