Tips on Starting a Business

“You need to be PASSIONATE about your new business. ”

I find it so exciting starting a business! 

What are you passionate about?  What excites you and makes you happy?  

Your excitement and passion spills over to your customers, supporters etc.  Could you imagine starting a business that you weren’t completely sold on?  Your days would be filled with “work”.  There is that saying “do what you love and you won’t work another day in your life”.  Believe me when I say this though, owning your business you will be busier than ever, but when you love the busy you are doing, that makes the difference.

Next thing I did, I started talking to everyone I knew that owned a boutique, as that was the direction I was going with my business.  I was fortunate enough to know quite a few women from the Washington DC area to Utah.  I “picked” their brains, to find out what worked and what didn’t work for them.  I listened and my takeaway went into my business plan.  Your business plan is so important.  It is exactly that, a plan of action for your business and how you will achieve your goals.  My business plan reflected what I wanted my business to be for me.  I needed to educate myself on many different things.  Do not be afraid to ask for help or advice on where to find the information you are needing.  I took classes that helped me in areas that I was un familiar with.  I knew QuickBooks but not Excel, boy I had to face that and learn something new.  Today I am so glad! 

I touched on Excel because the next thing I recommend is to have your systems in place.  I needed a good system to track/record my inventory and sales and my bookkeeping for expenses and all that good stuff.  I was so excited about my new business Lenores, I had a lot of inventory and was having a lot of fun showcasing it to friends and family and soon realized I was getting into a mess of not recording and keeping track of things.  I was serious about my business so I slowed way down (this really scared me) but I knew if I wanted success I needed a solid base to work from.

Starting a business is exciting but also stressful at times.  There could be times when you start having some doubt.  This is where you need a support system to build you up, encourage you, be happy for you!  Not everyone is,  and you need to protect your passion and yourself!  Surround yourself with positive people.  I am so thankful for the many many women and men that encourage me, support me and are happy for me!  I belong to a women’s networking group, SDCEO and want to give them the biggest shout out!  They are incredible and I have learned so much from this group of women.    Find your group or start you own with other business owners.

All in all…

1.     Go for your passion

2.     Gain knowledge, be open to listen and use what you need.

3.     Have your systems in place.  Build a strong foundation

4.     Surround yourself with positive supportive people.

5.     Empowered Women Empower Women! You will be touching someone’s life