So, Career Girl, you’ve claimed 2016 as the year you’re going to break free and start working for yourself? Are you ready? Here are a few things to consider that will help you get the ball rolling on your new business.
Identify your product and consider what problem you are solving.
It’s been said that the best ideas are clear and concise enough to fit on the back of a business card. Give it a whirl. Write it down and keep editing it down until you have a solid business objective.
Start researching your field.
Who else is out there doing something similar? Where are there gaps? Where is there crossover or overlap? Explore some hashtags and websites in related fields to scan the competitive landscape.
Pinpoint what makes your product better or different from others.
In the marketing world, this is called a Unique Selling Proposition. “How you differentiate your product or service from that of your competitors and then determine which market niche to fill .” (Source)
Check out your local small business development center for business consulting.
They can help you with virtually everything related to starting a small business including questions like whether you should have a sole proprietorship, LLC, or S Corp. They’ll help you with your business plan and offer so many great resources. Best of all, it’s free.
Save your money
Transitioning from an expense account to raiding your personal savings is a humbling experience that most all people who go out on their own have to face at some point or another. Keep putting away as much money as you possibly can while you are earning a steady income.
Join a local entrepreneurs group
Groups are great for networking, getting feedback, and even finding a mentor. It can be isolating to work alone and on your own. When you work for yourself, it’s good to have touch points with like-minded, ambitious people who understand you and what you do.
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