by Debbie Ruston, Columnist & Featured Contributor
PEOPLE VERY OFTEN fear entrepreneurship believing it takes hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to start a business. We hear about the greatest success stories and it can often create a misconception about who can succeed as an entrepreneur. Although people like Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs are all successful role models we can learn from, not everyone wants to create the level of business these individuals have created. Your hobbies, passions, interests and challenges hold clues for your entrepreneurial future.
The key is….. to learn the distinctions in thinking that self made successes have, and apply this thinking, the MINDSET to creating your own work.
Many individuals are not fulfilled in their day to day jobs. They crave more freedom and flexibility, want independence, and want to stop working for an employer, but, most are afraid to take that step due to the belief system of what they believe it takes, and instead, chose to be at the effect of their situation. Successful people do not play this victim role, instead, chose to be at cause in their lives and their careers.
To start on this path, ask yourself QUESTIONS. Everyone has interests and passions in their lives. So often we experience things we think we could do better. In fact, most people can identify a challenge they have in their own life, and actually could create a living providing a solution to THAT challenge. These are CLUES. This is where you have to break out of how the “masses” think, ask yourself questions, and make a decision to create a life on purpose.
Becoming a successful entrepreneur is not limited to starting an airline, a social media platform, or a technology empire. Many people have created a self reliant entrepreneurial life for themselves by following their heart and choosing something that is meaningful or of interest for them and their clients. In my local community there are two food trucks I see everywhere. One sells deep fried apple slices and deep fried mars bars, the other sells french fries. There is ALWAYS a lineup at both, despite all the health conscious messages we see daily. These are two local entrepreneurs that just made a decision to take action on an idea they had, knowing there is a market for what they offer. They have been around for years, and very successful.
What challenges have you experienced lately? Do you know of a solution that others would appreciate?
Have you noticed something people generally don’t like doing themselves? Could you turn it into a service? How much could you charge for this service? Could you hire others to do the work, and you focus on the business development side? How many customers a week would you require to replace your salary? Could you grow this business idea by continuing to take on new clients and hiring staff to duplicate what you are doing? Think of hairdressers who own salons and hire other hairdressers as an example. Cleaning services, lawn care, junk removal, dog walking, grocery delivery, etc. are all services that started as an idea. Many of these have started as a small idea in a local community and have become multi million dollar businesses. What other services haven’t people though of that you have noticed most don’t like doing?
Have you thought of a creative way of doing something that others have admired? How could you turn that into a business? If people have admired your work, it is a clue there could be a budding business there.
Are you creative….could you turn that passion into a business? There may not be enough business to sustain your passion in your local community, especially if it is a unique niche market, but in today’s world, you can expand globally. Today, with technology, there are many ways to create a global audience for your product or service.
Another option is freelancing….doing what you do for a living now for several businesses instead of just the one you work for. For instance, an office assistant could decide to start a business from home, providing this service for multiple clients. A computer, phone and whatever programs required, and you have a business that works around your own schedule. You are not limited to the clients in your own geographical area, and could be serving clients all over the world if you chose.
There is also the option of starting a franchise, starting with a direct sales company, or buying an established business. There are lots of options….the key is to identify what your best fit is and then take the action necessary to pursue it.
Thank you. Great article Debbie! Many good ideas that motivate people. “Is Entrepreneurship Achievable by….” SURE IT IS! You bet it is! I have said this before… I have substantial reasons to believe that more and more people consciously or unconsciously want the power to create, reframe all facets of their lives and get a sense of empowerment. More people are seeking work that embraces their entrepreneurial and creative spirit as well as their passions, values, and other things… These people are average people… There’ll be those who will make it… There’s all sorts of ifs, but one thing is for sure… You just have to want it bad enough…. You need vision and passion to succeed in your mission… ’cause the greatest power in manifesting a vision is PASSION. Thank you.
You are absolutely right Massimo. There are more people than ever that want to pursue their passions and create their own businesses. With vision, passion, commitment anyone that is willing to do what it takes can succeed.