Tekli’s founder Rhodes Kriske launched his data-driven marketing and web-development agency on the foundations of natural interest and refined skills.
He started from scratch, offering free service to ecommerce stores like Stencil Stop and GenTech Nutrition; both clients saw increased traffic and sales on their websites!
With those results, Rhodes decided to become his own boss, but could his path be right for you? Find out how to start your small business with these 5 essential steps:
1. Start with your passions.
Chances are, logging countless hours at a job you didn’t love led you to the idea of launching your startup. Avoid locking yourself into a prison of your own making by reflecting on your passions. What kinds of things could you see yourself doing for a long time without getting frustrated or bored?
That’s not to say becoming an entrepreneur will be easy; it’s hard work! However, you’re more likely to find satisfaction and the drive to improve if your daily grind includes tasks you enjoy. Building a business takes time and dedication, but nobody said it can’t be fun.
What are your hobbies and personal strengths? How can you combine your skills and interests to create something of value? What kinds of people would want the goods or services you’re offering? These are just a few questions to consider as you begin to visualize your business concept.
2. Define your value.
Once you have an idea for your company, figure out your value proposition. What are you giving people that they can’t get anywhere else? If possible, contact some potential clients and ask them about needs they have that your skills equip you to fill.
Try to narrow your scope by finding a niche within your industry. For example, if you want to run a landscaping company, choose to service either residential or commercial properties. If you’re a consultant, channel your energies into defining your right type of client. This self-restriction will keep you from spreading yourself too thin.
Research businesses similar to yours to see what they are doing well and how your concept could perform better. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel; focus on making yours go as quickly as possible. Find innovative ways to make your company stand out from the competition, and never be afraid to try a new approach.
3. Set your goals.
Just don’t try everything! One of the most overwhelming aspects of becoming your own boss is making all the decisions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of possibilities you could explore; there are social media channels, web development strategies, professional seminars, email campaigns, marketing materials, and more vying for your attention.
Set a few realistic short-term and long-range goals for yourself. You’re less likely to get lost or distracted on your small business journey if you can weigh decisions against your goals. Will doing this thing help me achieve what I set out to? Yes, then go for it! No, shelve the idea for future use.
Spend some time cataloging the specifics of your goals. How long are you giving yourself to accomplish each task? What kinds of partnerships would be beneficial for you? What resources will you need to make things happen?
4. Build your support system.
While the path to entrepreneurship is rewarding, it can be brutal at times. The only way your business will reach its fullest potential is if you stay motivated, so surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision is crucial.
Sharing your goals, gains, and challenges with a core group of supporters gives friends and family members the chance to feel involved in your startup. They’ll offer advice, promote your ventures, and uplift your spirits when you’re feeling discouraged. Plus, sharing your goals with others gives you a sense of accountability, so you’re more likely to press through difficulties.
Remember though, your business belongs to you alone. You’re not obligated to do anything just because a relative says you should. You call the shots, and nobody else has license to pass judgement on your decisions.
5. Perfect your sales pitch.
At a certain point, you have to stop planning to start your business and go for it. This means pitching yourself to potential customers, but you’ll only become comfortable doing it with practice.
Your pitch should only last about thirty seconds and should include: your name, your company’s name, a brief description of what you do, and an invitation for collaboration. Make sure your audience knows how your services could potentially be of value, and always repeat your name because most people forget it the first time.
Networking events are great places for you to practice your pitch. When you speak, try to cut out filler words like “umm, uh, like, etc.” Don’t worry, it will begin to feel natural eventually. The most important thing is that you spread the word about your new company. After all, how can anyone take advantage of your skills if nobody knows they exist?
For example, our company’s founder began his entrepreneurial journey by working with close friends and local business owners. However, as news spread about his great track record of gaining results through quality services, Tekli was able to foster client relationships with large corporations.
The road to success is littered with hard work, tough decisions, and constant evolution, but the payoff is well-worth the grind! For more tips and tricks on navigating your new life as a self-starter, subscribe to the Tekli newsletter, and follow us on social media. Let us know what steps you found most helpful!
To help you on your entrepreneurial journey, here are some of our blog posts for bringing customers to your door:
