1. Write out the worst possible outcome of pursuing your dream.
Is this really keeping you from achieving your dreams?
2. Write out 3 huge problems in the world you want to solve.
Solve the mortgage crisis, end poverty, or create an alternative source of fuel. The point is to find a star. Find something you can aim towards that will keep you going when times get tough, something worthy of your time. If you shoot for the stars, you will land on the moon. Are you aiming toward a star?
3. Honest self-assessment
Make a list of all the attributes you will need in starting your business. Sales, grit, management experience, creativity, etc. Circle the ones that you already possess. The rest you need to either learn or partner with someone who has them. In order to recruit the right people for your business, we recommend using ZipRecruiter. Now you know what you don’t know. That’s key information to have when starting a business.
4. Make a plan of action for starting a business
This action plan should have a well-defined goal, a due date, and a few small steps that you will take within the next 30 days. Remember that list? Pick an attribute you don’t have that you will need and work on it. Scared to death of interviewing employees? Join LivePlan next week to get organized and set realistic goals! Get in the habit of facing your fears and learning things you don’t know until it becomes a habit, a part of you.
5. Find a good friend or mentor and ask them to hold you accountable
You need to put yourself out there. Give your list to someone you trust or admire. Ask them to hold on to the action plan you made and hold you to your goals in starting a business. Throw yourself into the deep end. That is how most of us learned to swim. You will be surprised at how well you do!
Idea Labs Consulting is an Austin-based team of coaches and consultants helping small businesses solve a wide range of business problems since 2011. Our team is composed of experienced entrepreneurs and technical experts.
We offer three distinct ways to work with you based on your current needs.
- Unlimited business coaching and consulting for a full year [$100 per month or less]
- Access to our resource platform of our products and services [pay for what you need]
- Business products and tools we recommend [free]
While there are plenty of sources for start-ups and small businesses to receive help, funding, and mentorship, Idea Labs operates like a marketplace by meeting the needs of your business’ ecosystem. As opposed to the common consulting and business coaching trope of increasing billable hours or project scope in order to maximize revenue, we prefer to be a place you can depend on during crucial stages of your business journey. We can help connect where you are now and where you want to be.
Idea Labs Consulting
www.idealabsconsulting.com
(512) 348-6344
