Launching is the Hardest Part

Have you thought about running your own business but you don’t know where to start? Do you have a great idea for a product or service that could solve an issue or client's need? Is something stopping you from starting your own business?

Starting a business can be incredibly overwhelming and seem unattainable. Many would-be entrepreneurs give up because there is no guideline or rule book on how to start a business and the internet is full of opinions and not always the best answers. Entrepreneurship is for the determined and with the right jumping-off point, you can launch successfully.

One of the most loaded questions for potential business owners is, “ what do I do first?” There is no official starting point. Each business owner must navigate the world of business ownership on their own and decide for themselves when is the right time and what the first move will be. A good way to gauge your preparedness for business ownership is to physically write out your ideas and the steps in which you will need to achieve your result. If by the time you finish your list, you are overwhelmed or ready to give up you may want to reassess your goals and your preparedness.

If you are truly ready to jump in the deep end it is vital that you remember why you start and what goals you wish to accomplish. Creating a clear roadmap of small milestones and attainable goals will help you navigate through the trenches and provide a bit of sunshine along the way.

First, map out your product or service. What is it that you are offering and why do people need this? If you cannot answer either question it is time to go back to the drawing board. Once you have established what you are offering and who you are serving you are ready to get to the nitty-gritty of launching. I highly recommend mapping or planning out the first 30-60 days of your business with an actionable item checklist.

In the beginning, you will need to do some heavy research on the city, state, and county level to understand how businesses are defined by the government, how taxes need to be collected and noted as well as understanding liability and business insurance. Understanding your local laws will help prevent you from prosecution or other legal matters, you should consult with an attorney before the formation of your business to ensure all boxes are checked.

Once all of the “paperwork” is complete for your business you are ready to establish a launch plan and work out all the finer details. Starting a business can be an enjoyable and exciting time, the main focus is to set milestones and be extremely organized and thoughtful in the process.