By Shaunté McCullum
Enrichment Unlimited
There are many misconceptions about becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business. Some of the misconceptions I’ve heard when it came to me starting my own business were that “it’s not easy to start a business,” “you need an educational background in business to start and operate a business,” or “it costs too much to start a business.” This type of thinking is not true, and it keeps people from taking the first step in launching their business. Starting a business does not have to be complicated or discouraging, but it does require commitment and consistency to not only start but to maintain and grow your business.
If you are looking to start or grow your business but you’re unsure what your first or next steps should be, then this article is for you. As a entrepreneur, I know it is important to have interest, be knowledgeable and passionate about whatever services or products you will offer in your business. As an entrepreneur, often you’re starting your business with little to no help from others, so it’s important to enjoy making or providing your service or product.
Before taking that next big step to launch your business, there are five tips I want to share with you to help you move forward in your journey to becoming an entrepreneur. My five tips are as follows; self reflect, get clear, address blocks, obstacles or unwanted patterns, make a plan and take action. Let’s explore these tips a little further.
Tip #1 Self reflect: It’s important to look deeper at your gifts, talents and interests, know your why and be honest with yourself about where you are now versus where you want to be. In this step you want to brainstorm on what success looks like for your business.
Tip #2 Get clear: Next you want to start getting specific and being realistic about your desires in all aspects of your business.
Tip #3 Address blocks, obstacles, or unwanted patterns: What can keep you from moving forward in starting or growing your business? How can you support yourself to move forward if this situation occurs? For those who have taken steps toward starting their business but are now stuck and unable to move forward, explore what has kept you from taking the next step and make a plan.
Tip #4 Make a plan: This is where you set S.M.A.R.T goals for your business. The S.M.A.R.T acronym stands for: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-limited. When planning to launch your business make sure to identify and make a plan for each area of your business.
Tip #5 Take action: Break your business goal(s) into smaller steps that you can commit to, identify where to start and next steps. In addition to taking actionable steps, you need self-accountability. Ask yourself “How will I hold myself accountable to complete these steps to achieve my goals?”
Starting a business can be both exciting and overwhelming, so keep adding to your toolbox to help further you in your entrepreneurial journey.
Shaunté McCullum is a multipreneur, owner and enrichment coach for Enrichment Unlimited. Visit
enrichmentunlimited.com for details.