Business DREAMERS Take ACTION
You are sitting there with a pile of reports in front of you and you are trying to prioritize which will get your attention first. You take a deep breath and close your eyes. There comes a moment when you think to yourself “I had enough. It is time to go.” You get up and head down the hall. Then, you wipe the sweat off your brow produced from the quick walk you forced yourself to take to clear your mind. Your rational mind speaks up and shouts “You need this job. Sit down and get to work.” Many of you can relate to that moment on the ledge when you realize that you lacking the passion and motivation to continue. But you do, because there are a thousand reasons why you cannot leave – yet. Deep from your emotion storage locker, the dream of you running your own successful business venture pops back into view. Two things are apparent here; you have to stop talking to yourself and stop rejecting the possibility of pursuing your dream or purpose.
Success can happen by taking some very important steps towards achieving your greatest potential – your own business. It will require that you take steps to help you in learning new skills and to gain confidence. It is about establishing the right mindset for growth. We can choose to stay or you can choose to create a plan for yourself that reinforce and motivate you to build your DREAM. It takes time and effort.
Here are a few things that you can do to get closer in making your dream a reality.
Tell someone about your DREAM
Words have power and intention. It is time to have some serious conversations surrounding what your dream is with others. It starts with opening you mouth to share your concept with a “trusted few”. The more you hear yourself say it out loud, the more it starts to sound real. And believe me when I say a trusted few. Trusting others with your DREAM is hard, you can ask them to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” to keep what is being share confidential, which provides you legal recourse if they do breach your confidence.
Stretch yourself every day outside of your comfort zone
Warning – Stretch means change. There are countless learning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to attend outstanding business workshops and seminars. There is such a thriving environment everywhere that cultivates new businesses. Learning is taking place every day in person and online. There are no excuses in locating the right informational workshop to help you improve your skills and gain industry insight that will benefit you. Start your search now.
My 25 years corporate career served me well. I was able to use these experiences as part of the foundation for my business startup, but there were things I did not know about running my business full time. I had to be willing to identify my weaknesses and admit “ I don’t know what I don’t know.” I had to place myself in a position to search for information, financial resources and tools. I turned to organizations like the University of Houston Small Business Development Center, the local Small Business Administration and other local business organizations and chambers. There is something always going on that can help small business owners succeed. If you are willing to learn, there is an expert ready to help in your local city.
Locate a business coach or business development consultant
This is a big one – getting help! If you remember you have been talking to YOURSELF for a long time. By allowing experts to analyze your DREAM through their filters can be daunting at first, yet valuable. A coach or consultant is an important part of a small business owner’s game plan. Whether it’s to help you to manage SEO efforts, accounting, or content production, these people help ease much of the stress associated with managing these tasks. They become your cheerleader, your task master, your sounding board and your guide. In short, they are there for you — to support and push you to achieve you’re your success. And they truly have your best interest in mind.
A quick note, if you choose to work with a coach or consultant, make certain they can provide you with authentic certifications, a verifiable business track record, niche, costs and referrals before you write a check. There are too many people calling themselves “coach” or “expert”. Yet, they have never run a business nor taken their products to market. This extra step will save you countless headaches later.
Obtain information in the industry you desire to enter
As an entrepreneur two of your biggest resources are time and money. You cannot afford to waste either. Increasing your industry knowledge gives you a competitive advantage and assists you in the growth of your business. In addition to learning as much as possible about the history of your line of business, ensure that you update yourself on the current trends and the latest news in your industry. It will truly serve you to schedule time for industry education and research. Make this an important component of your professional growth.
I know when I started my second business venture – a unique line of stationary called Yo Soy Expressions. I didn’t know anything about the stationery business outside visiting the local drug store and looking for the right card category to make my purchase. I was tasked with learning how products are manufactured and who produces them? What are the advantages of buying materials wholesale? Where are the buyers for my potential products? Who will my products best serve? How will I monetize this idea? I had to be willing to venture outside of my comfort zone to gain industry knowledge to launch my products and be competitive.
Create a PLAN of Action – Short and Long Term
“What gets written, gets done.” – It is important to remember these words. The components of a strong action plan or better yet a business plan is your roadmap to success. Remember, your idea has to move from an idea/dream to a productive revenues generating entity. It is going to take lots of action to develop each possibility. It starts with writing down ideas; create structures and outlining tactical strategies on how your business will operate to ensure your vision. Short and long action goals will serve as a benchmark of your progress. Each completed task becomes an indication that you are getting closer to your grand opening. Remember the plan will help provide a clear vision, structure and increase the probability for success.
Your dream is possible. It will take sharing first. Then trusting, learning and when you are really ready, taking action. Don’t waste any more time!
Ivette Mayo is an award winning entrepreneur, business strategist, leadership expert and author. Visit website www.ivettemayo.com Ivette is always ready to encourage, empower and support women to be POWERFUL. Follow Ivette Mayo on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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