Have you always wanted to run your own business? Do you have the qualities of a natural-born entrepreneur?
If you have a longing to be your own boss, organize your own business, and innovate – you are well on your way to becoming a female entrepreneur in 2017.
The road won’t be easy. Business News Daily has an intriguing article about the struggles female entrepreneurs face on a regular basis. However, despite the inevitable frustrations, it’s more than possible – if you know where to begin.
Here are the five most important steps that need to be taken if you want to become a female entrepreneur in 2018.
1. Educate Yourself
Before you can begin to think about becoming a full-time entrepreneur and running your own business, you need to educate yourself on the art of being a solo-act. There are dozens of TED Talks, lectures, and tutorials available for your use. In fact, there is an entire topics page on TED dedicated to entrepreneurship. Watching three or four videos on this page each week will help significantly in the learning process – especially when paired with the right books and tutorials.
2. Build a Concept
You can’t hope to become an entrepreneur without some kind of idea that will sell to the public. Do you have a product or service to offer? Maybe you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer, photographer, or programmer. Do you have experience from a past career that you can use to position yourself well in the market? For example, if you’re a teacher, starting a tutoring business would be a great option for you. Do you have a highly specialized skill? For example, maybe you know how to make wood carvings. Whatever the case, come up with a strong business concept that will keep customers coming back for more – thus paying the bills.
3. Create a Business Plan
Once you have a strong entrepreneurial idea, place your focus on developing a business plan. You’ll need a budget sheet, a list of helping hands, a form that outlines tools and necessary equipment, and a marketing plan that explains how you will gather a customer base. Talk to your friends, family, and mentors about your plan. Have them ask any important questions that come to mind. This is a great way to avoid loopholes and unforeseen problems.
4. Gather Investments
Now that you have a strong concept and business plan, you can move forward with the investment process. Rarely can a business be started without some form of startup money. Do you have the money saved up? Are you looking for investors? Are you considering taking out a loan? Figure out what method works best for your business – then start taking steps to secure financing for your idea. This is the make-or-break moment.
5. Take The Plunge
Once you’ve secured financing and set your own affairs in order, you’ll be ready to take the plunge. This is the most satisfying moment of the process. Why? Because this is when you finally get to leave your dreaded day job.
Take a deep breath, hand in your letter of resignation, and walk out. Hopefully, you’ll never see the inside of a cubicle again.
These are just a few of the most important steps involved in becoming a female entrepreneur. There are, of course, other steps that should be considered along the way. This 30 point checklist from Small Biz Trends is a good place to start. There are plenty of other online resources for you – in addition to textbooks, lectures, and videos.
Becoming a female entrepreneur can feel stressful, scary, and anxiety ridden. But, once you get past the first steps in the process, it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done.
Good luck!