Part One: What’s The Idea?
How great would that be? What if you could take the idea you have tucked away in the back of your head and turn it into a small business? What if you could make that come true, even though you have no time, don’t get enough sleep, are drowning in Sippy cups and feel as if you are pulled in 12 different directions – all the time? Stranger things have happened, you know. So what is the big idea you have for a small business, service or product? You know, the one that you have been thinking about in the middle of the night as you rock your baby to sleep or walk your toddler back to bed after a bad dream? You know the idea I am talking about. It’s the idea that you’ve been really inspired by and excited about. Unfortunately, it has gotten “put on the back burner” so long that you really forgot it was there behind the pan of “busy schedule” and the “multi-tasker” stew that’s been simmering on the stove for years. It might even be an idea that would help you bring a little extra cash into the household or eventually, give you the freedom to leave your job and work from home, full-time.
Could it be that the time for that big idea is now? Maybe.
But what gets in the way of finding out the answer to that question?
THE CALENDAR: As soon as we’re done with the holidays, spring break, summer vacation and back to school, I will figure out what my first steps are. The problem here of course is that as far as I can see; the holidays basically lead to spring, summer and back to school.
THE PROJECTS: As soon as I am done with the remodel, baby scrapbook, mommy and me, sweet sixteen party and graduation, I will call so and so to pitch my idea. As I write this I am looking at a closet full of projects yet to be completed. I’m hoping that my daughter’s baby scrapbook will be complete before she gets married.
THE WORK LOAD: As soon as I complete the annual report, get a raise or promotion, approve the budget and start looking for a new job, I will take some actions towards creating my business.
So how do we flow with it all AND get our idea into action?
Getting a product, service or small business off the ground is a little bit like losing that last 10 pounds. You’ve got to start somewhere! It may not seem like giving up a piece of cheesecake today will translate to a size 8, three months from now, but those small steps add up and the pounds come off. So what’s the cheesecake that you can give up in order to take the first step towards making your idea into a reality? How will your life be different when you start taking action toward your dream? Let’s get started:
1. Write down a succinct description of your product or service.
2. Write down the value that your product or service will bring to you, your family and the community at large.
3. Write down a vision of yourself 1 year after you have started to take actions toward your new business. How do you feel? What is happening in your life? How is the process benefiting you?
4. Are you inspired? Are you excited? If not, go back to #1 and start again. Find that inspiration. What is it that you see for yourself out of creating this small business?
Once you do the above, take a day or two to think about what you have written down. Ask yourself:
1. Am I surprised by any of my answers?
2. Is there something that I can see I need to do FIRST?
3. What gets in my way of taking action?
4. What additional information do you need in order to become clear about what your goals are?
Again, take a moment to consider the answers. This is an important part of the process. Let it all sink in.
Invariably you will find that you start meeting resistance.
That little part of you that is worried that you may fail – could pop up and start telling you all the reasons that you should really put the brakes on and procrastinate. No problem. There is a terrific remedy for that. Anytime you have a thought that is worrisome, write it down – and consider it from every angle. Taking the time to really shed light on your fear may not make it go away – but it will make it less powerful. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. When you think about building your business, what are you afraid of?
2. Write everything down. Take the opportunity to get it all out of your head and onto a piece of paper.
3. How do you know you can succeed? Think of a time that you succeeded in the past. What did you do to succeed?
4. What strategies can you create to keep fear from getting in your way?
Sit with your answers and STAY TUNED for Part Two of How to Turn Your Kitchen Table Start Up into a Thriving Business! Here’s to your success!
Jamee Tenzer, PCC
p.s. I would love to help you answer those questions and share my ideas with you for streamlining this process. Just email me at assistant@jameetenzer.com to set up your free phone consultation.