The Malta Independent on Sunday
10 signs that you’re ready to start your own business
Sitting at your desk around 3:30pm, your mind drifts again to thoughts of starting your own business, rather than the report you should be compiling for your boss. But just as fast as those dreams, fear and self-doubt kick in and you end up telling yourself that “you’ll do it one day when the time is right”.
Having a dream, idea or burning desire to become your own boss is definitely the first step. But it’s easy to feel ready to take that leap much earlier than you actually are.
On the other hand, it’s just as easy to let fear hold you back long after you should have jumped.
So I wanted to share with you 10 signs that show you might be ready to start your own business.
1 You strongly feel that starting your own business would help you fulfil your true purpose.
So much changes in life when we fulfil our true purpose and do the work we’re passionate about. But as we’re pushed to make career decisions at such an early age, so many of us are left feeling disengaged and unfulfilled in our careers. If you feel like your job is seriously unfulfilling and does not align with your purpose and passion, it may be time to start your own business.
2 You have a business idea that you’re truly passionate about.
I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but you should never go into business with the sole intention of making money. Passion is what will push you through the challenges and money is just the result of that passion or talent. Most successful entrepreneurs are those who are passionate about their idea and determined to be of service to their customers.
3 You’re ready and eager to learn — a lot!
Becoming an entrepreneur is like hitting the rewind button and heading back to school. As an entrepreneur, knowledge is your power. With changing times, shifting trends and new strategies constantly coming up, there’s always something new to learn and master.
4 You’re ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone
The 9-to-5 structure of our lives is designed to keep us inside our comfort zone. Wake up, go to work, do what you’re told and go home. Our brains are biologically programmed to keep us in a “safe” routine. So when it comes to trying new things, your brain is wired to hold you back. As an entrepreneur, you need to be ready to feel that resistance and push through, out of your comfort zone.
5 You Can Face The Fear of Failure
This is something that almost all entrepreneurs struggle with.
Fear of failure is a very real thing, once again biologically programmed into our brains to keep us safe. But entrepreneurship is all about being ok with failing, and using failure as the lesson you needed to do better next time.
6 You’ve got what it takes to be your own boss
No start time, no clear schedule and no one telling you what to work on is a completely different world from the structure of a 9-to-5 job. You need to be ready to stay accountable to the promises you make to yourself and get really good at identifying the priorities in your business. You must be honest about your performance when it’s not at its best, as well as being your own cheerleader when you succeed.
7 You’re ready to be flexible, creative and resourceful.
When you start out as an entrepreneur, you’re likely to be a one-person team before you’re able to hire the help you need. This means that you’re not only the CEO, you’re also the Marketing Manager, Finance Director, Executive Assistant and Graphic Designer. You need to get good at making the most of the limited time, resources and money at your disposal.
8 You’ve got a vision and a plan.
Having a vision means having a clear idea of what you’d like your business to look like in three, five, even ten years down the line. Having a plan is also important, but how you get to your final destination matters a lot less than being clear on what that final destination actually is.
9 You understand that entrepreneurship is simply about solving a problem and being of service.
Many new entrepreneurs fall in love with their idea or product, when in fact, entrepreneurship is about falling in love with your ideal customers, their problems and the best way for you to solve those problems. Find the best solutions for your customers’ problems and you will inevitably be successful.
10 You believe wholeheartedly that success is possible for you.
One of the most valuable strengths you can have as an entrepreneur is a mindset conditioned for success. Unwavering belief in yourself is not easy to maintain, but successful people are the ones who keep holding on when everyone else has given up. Your self-belief is what will carry you through the tough times and push you until that vision becomes reality.
Jessica is a Business Strategist and Founder of Have It All And More, an online education platform and community for women who want to confidently pursue their bold business ideas. We help women turn their ideas into income, impact and the freedom they deserve, with a plan and a strategy to go from Square 1 to making Sales in 90 days. Find out more on: haveitallandmore.com and connect with me on Instagram: @haveitallandmore