Every day we get lots of emails asking for me to mentor people who are excited to start a business, it’s so great that this option is open to more and more people and to see people chasing their dreams. Lots of times I find myself giving the same starting advice, so today I’m sharing my top five things you should know before starting a business for this of you working to become entrepreneurs!
1. Your own business isn’t the easy option!
This is one I see a LOT! tired of working for others, people think how amazing it would be to have their own business with all of the money, all of the glory and flexible working hours. Truth is, it’s super unlikely you’ll find it that easy! Entrepreneurship is not the easy choice, in truth you’ll work harder than you ever have, although the money is all yours, so are the bills! the hours are rarely flexible, especially in the beginning when you’re working alone and every. single. problem. is YOURS to solve.
2. Overnight Success Takes Around 5 Years
Don’t compare your ‘right now’ to someone else’s, overnight success is rarely that, it takes years of hard work, sacrifice and more to create that kind of ‘overnight success’ – the trouble is, you’ve only seen peoples highlight reels so you miss a LOT of all of that stuff and it looks like it all happened easily and a lot quicker than it actually did. People so often compare their brand new businesses to much more established companies, don’t be so hard on yourself!
3. You MUST Have a Plan
You wouldn’t set out on a journey and just kind of meander around, hopping on a train and hoping it ends up where you need to be or driving aimlessly up and down roads hoping to get where you going – you make a plan! it doesn’t have to be fancy and have complicated projections – it should be easy for you to follow, inspiring and something you check in with often to check on your progress!
4. Don’t be Swayed by the Bright Lights
It’s so easy, especially early on, to think you need a big person / company / deal to elevate your business. In truth, it’s much better to lay a foundation and make sure you’re fully prepared for those big opportunities. you don’t want to burn bridges too early by letting people down or being unable to fulfil your end of the bargain. There is also a LOT of things that come with working with those kinds of clients and you need to make sure you’re fully informed and know what to expect. A big mistake early on could ruin your business, and reputation, before you’ve even got off the ground.
5. Find a Mentor
If I could give you one piece of advice, this would be it. It’s a game changer. I’m blessed to have more than one mentor myself and I love to mentor others in return – make sure you get the right mentor – have they achieved what you want to achieve? if not, how can they help you? Also, remember a mentor isn’t someone to pat you on the back and tell you how clever you are (ask your friends and family for that kind of help!). They need to challenge you, question you and give you honest advice which means sometimes it won’t be pretty BUT thats how you get better! They will think of things you haven’t, look at things from a different viewpoint and ultimately, make you and your business stronger.
I hope my tips help and I wish you so much luck on your entrepreneurial journey, if it’s the path for you, it’s the best thing you’ll ever do!
Sarah x
Sarah Hurley Blog 