It is magnificent to start or re-start a business of your own. There are millions of people all over the United States who want to start or re-start businesses of their own. It reminds me of a riddle I read on Facebook once:
Fact: There were five birds sitting on a telephone wire. Three planned to go to Florida for the winter.
Question: How many birds were left?
Answer: Five because planning to do something is not the same as actually doing something.
If you have been planning to start or re-start a business, this is the perfect time to go from planning and get to actually doing it. In order to start or re-start your business make a plan, create a business plan. Your plan doesn’t have to be a long complicated document, but you should at the very least look at each of the following areas and put together a few sentences on each:
- description and executive summary aka what will your business do and what are your qualifications for running the business
- personnel aka who will be the staff, workforce, who will do the work at the business
- marketing aka how will your business attract customers and make a name for itself
- current finances aka what is your business’ current financial condition
- financial projections aka what your business’ finances will look like over the next 1 to 5 years
When you take the leap from planning to start or re-start a business, you can do it in a variety of ways including:
- quit your current job and go full force with the new business
- continue to work at your current job and work at your own venture part-time
- work your current job and work your business full-time as well (work two jobs)
The method you end up following will be based on a variety of factors including:
- current financial condition
- amount of savings
- type of job you are currently working
- nature of the business you wish to start or re-start
- obligations to family and stakeholders in your life
Everyone is familiar with the saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” is especially crucial when you are starting or re-starting a business. Once you make the plan, the next step, the crucial step is to start carrying out the plan. In the Bible, we are advised that faith without work is dead. Similarly a plan without action is dead. If you have been planning to start or re-start a business, get up and start, move toward your goal. Take some action. If you have been planning to start a business for quite some time, start moving. It’s like eating an elephant, one bite at a time, you can get it done, it is easy to do, easy to manage.
So, if you start taking action and just move one step per day toward your goal you will get there. In addition, the momentum of moving toward your goal, of starting or re-starting your business will keep you moving toward the goal. So, the question for you this magnificent day is, what business have you been dreaming about starting or re-starting?
Glad I could help. Stop back by and tell me how the business is going!
I have sooo many ideas….sooooo many plans. Taking baby steps. This article was just the kick in the pants I need. Thanks lady!
Yes, it is important to plan and get things in order before starting. At the same time there is a fine line between proper planning and planning to much and using the planning as an excuse for procrastination.
This is great advice. It is important to have things in place, like finances, when you’re looking into a business venture. It could mean the difference between success and failure.
Thanks Aja!
Great advice as always!
I like that idea about trading serices. When I write an update I will have to include the idea of trading services.
Good advice. I would also add to look for ways to swap services with someone. Right now, I’m working with a friend who is a financial advisor. I’ve also traded advice for a laundry list of folks. Your right. You have to take action. I tell myself that even small action steps will eventually lead you to your destination.
Joyce, you are so smart and so good at what you do. You are used to helping so many people. Let someone be blessed by letting them help you. People will be happy and honored for the chance to help you because you are such a helper.
Thanks for starting with a fitting analogy about the birds. I struggle with re-starting or re-defining my niche – as well as asking for help with my business!
Thanks! I am glad yo uliked it. I like that phrase you used, getting ready to get ready, no one should stay stuck at that place.
I remember when I was younger, someone told me about people who are getting ready to get ready! That’s what you story reminds me of. This is a great post. Sometimes people just don’t know where to start and you provided a blueprint.
Good for you! With Chasing Joy you have a huge area to exercise that entrepreneurial muscle!
Yes! Planning is nice, but we have to move from planning to action.
I studied Entreprenurship in college. It was my minor. I feel with Chasing Joy I am finally exercising that entrepreneurial muscle.
This was just what I needed to hear! I have been talking about, planning and thinking about my business. I need to WORK it and getthings done!
Thank you so much Janeane! It is my baby 🙂
Glad I could help Carol. I see the photos of your shirts on FB, they are beautiful.
Love your anecdotes, especially the bird one! I am about to restart my t-shirt biz. I love the information you have given. Very helpful!
Apparently that is what it takes!
Hanifah, I am so glad that I am sharing information you can use. You help so many people, I am glad to be a small, behind the scenes part of that!
Jasmine, apply some of your thowing vaginas around bravery and just get it done.
Thank you so much Janeane. I have been reading my books that you promoted on previous blogs like, The Greatest Miracle in The World, by Og Mandino and I simply love the book; very informative and very educational. Now you come along with a total blueprint for starting or re-starting a business!! WOW! This information is priceless. I love my business of Affiliate Marketing and try to help as many people as the Lord allows me to. Thanks for this valuable information inwhich I shall use often and share with others.
This just gives me anxiety. I need to jump on getting my business stuff in order, but I just avoid it.
I have so much respect for you and the business you run that your words are truly appreciate. Like you I have the big picture and then break it done into little doable steps. That way I have no excuse for not succeeding.
I am glad you liked the article. I like writing it down, or typing it on my electronics so I can see what I plan.
Thanks! That is quite a compliment coming from you! ALso, why look back, your prize is ahead of you!
I love making goals and taking action. I enjoy taking big goals and breaking them down into smaller goals. Each small goal achieved works toward achieving my larger goals. In fact this week several small goals over the last 30 days have resulted in a huge goal being achieved. The last 30 days were hard and a lot of work but today, I am overjoyed about the big goal finally coming to fruition.
If anyone is thinking of starting a business your tips are on point.
Thanks so much for reminding us that we need to write the vision.. Appreciate this article so much.
I love this! I started my real estate business after Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad and have never looked back. Great tips on how to get started effectively!