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Journey to Business Success

FEATURED COMMENTARY

By: Patricia Zins

When you want to start an e-business, or any kind of business really, it can be scary and overwhelming. There is so much to think about. Financing, business plans, marketing, etc. But what many so-called "self-help" guides do not address is the inner side to starting an e-business. There are always issues that you have to deal with when you first start and that continue on as you grow your e-business. Issues like how to stay motivated, or how to deal with your personal fears. Starting any kind of business requires a fair amount of self-study. You want to be sure your head is in the right place. So what do you do? Here are some tips to get you started.

Make sure this is what you want to do. Leaving the security of a regular employment can be very scary. Yet, you may have had a little voice in your head for years that says, "Someday I will be my own boss and call the shots!" If you are going to take that leap, be sure you can handle all of the demands that a business will create. Just because you no longer work at a regular job, doesn't mean it will necessarily be easier. Most of the time it is more work!

Examine your values and beliefs. You may not think about these very often, but they dictate how you live and the choices you make. Having a clear sense of how you feel about money (besides wanting more of it) and your attitudes toward work and business will enable you to meet your goals faster. You don't want to get into business situations that can be at odds with your core values.

Love what you do, do what you love. I know it sounds so new age doesn't it? But really, if you are going to make it through the trying times that will come up, you have to really be "in love" with your business. Think of it as a marriage. Hope that did not scare you off! Do some soul searching to see what it is that you really have a passion for. Be honest with yourself.

Clarify your goals. This may seem obvious, but unless you know where you are going, how do you know how to get there? More importantly, how do you know WHEN you got there? People who write their goals down are five times more likely to succeed than those who do not. Make them attainable too. Don't just say, "I want to be rich in 5 years". Set mini-goals along the way that will get you there. And make that end goal solid. "Being rich" is vague. How about I want to be making 300K in 5 years.

Pretend. This may sound strange, but if you are going into business for the first time, you may not be accustomed to being your own boss and that can be frightening. You have to act "as if" you are the boss, even if it doesn't feel right. By pretending, you will eventually become "real". As they say, fake it 'til you make it. It works!

Get out of your safe zone. Running a business requires you to wear many hats. You may not like some of the roles you are going to be in. Again, it won't feel right...at first, that is. Everything is learned and if you tell yourself that you can learn to do whatever, you will. Stretch. It will feel really good (later). It's OK to be afraid, but don't let that stop you.

Cut the "you know what". Don't start making excuses about how you aren't meant to be a business owner, or you don't have time or the money or the planets aren't aligned perfectly. Make a commitment and just do it. You will have bad days and it won't always be a walk in the park. Stay focused. Tell the little nagging negative voice to get lost. Read about successful people who really had to struggle, like those with a physical disability. That will straighten out your thinking!

Don't Delay! Act Now! There is never a perfect time to start a business. You may be thinking, "I have to wait until the kids are grown, or I have more money, or I know more about what I am doing or the economy gets better... or ...or ..or". In reality, these can be seen as excuses for not getting started. Realize that you will have to make accommodations along the way but take that first step.

These are just a few things to think about when you are beginning an e-business (or any kind of business). There are many more considerations, of course, but the idea is to do a self analysis of your level of interest and readiness. A wise Chinese proverb says: The journey of a million miles begins with one step". Get stepping!

***Make sure to check out Patricia's blog "Musings on E-Business" located here; http://infobythenumbers.wordpress.com/ She will post other articles from time to time that will definitely be worth the read! Don't forget to bookmark it!***