There are many phases to starting your own small business. Lots of steps to go through to get from that initial idea to a fully functioning business. My husband and I are just beginning this journey, and as we do so, I want to walk you through the steps we are taking based on the advice and insight we’ve received from successful entrepreneurs and my years of business marketing experience.
Phase one is at once simple. Almost like taking a breath it can come unexpectedly and give you everything you need to dive into the depths of a new adventure. It is simultaneously complex. Just like breathing, if you stop to think about it too much, you may just freeze up and forget how to get started.
Jon Acuff talks about a rule he and his wife have. He is allowed to talk through his dreams and she just listens. No questions of how or the cost from her planning brain, and no spontaneous purchases from him during this “Wow” time. When I first heard this concept, I knew it was perfect. For every dreamer out there, they probably have a close relationship with a planner. Spouse, friend, business partner, whoever that person is for you, this safe atmosphere to dream is a must.
As you start dreaming about your small business idea, find someone you can safely dream with, maybe several people even. Jot down your ideas or have your phone take a voice memo. Just keep thinking of things you enjoy, things you are passionate about, things you think will make a difference or that need changed.
Truth be told, you may not even realize you have a small business idea during the dreaming phase. You may just be dissatisfied with your job or you may have a frustration that you see a solution to that no one has thought of. While the first phase of starting a small business is dreaming, often this phase will be over before you realize you do want to start a small business.
But even if you have already begun your business or if you a veteran business owner, you should always be dreaming. It is in the creativity of imagination that we continue to grow and find new avenues for enjoyment and even profit.
The dreaming phase may be the beginning, but it should also flow throughout the life of your small business. In our family, my husband is the dreamer. He has tossed out a lot of ideas brainstorming about his goals. He has finally settled on one that is a great starting point, meets a real need, and has a low starting overhead. This dream is one that we can both latch onto, and in the coming months, I will share our journey in launching our very own small business.