A former student of mine, who is now in her mid-30s, contacted me about starting her own business.
She wrote:
“Hey there!
I see that you and the family are doing well. I had a question for and hopefully you’re willing to help me out on this. I’m thinking of starting a consulting/coaching business and I love everything that I see you do as far as branding and marketing your craft. Even the type of events you’ve been a part of or hosted are things I’d like to ultimately have as well, down here in NC. I wanted to know how you got started and what steps would suggest a newbie take in beginning this sort of business. How did you figure out your niche? Any advice you may be willing to give, I’m completely open to.
Thank you!
S.S.”
As a coach supporting people with transitions, the first question I ask when I receive an inquiry like this is, “How do you feel about investing in yourself?”
To launch or go for anything that is important to you, you have to be open and willing to invest in yourself. Changing and growing uses a lot of internal and external energy. In order to put yourself in a position to create your business, respond to opportunities, collaborate with others, learn what you do not know, use failure as your teacher, and keep your entrepreneurial momentum, you have to be willing to invest in yourself.
Here are the 4 initial investments I told my former student to make in order to get started:
1. Make sure you have a good wellness plan. In order to put forth your best efforts, you need to take good care of yourself. Working hard as an entrepreneur may cause you to put your wellness efforts on the backburner, but that will send you to the timeout corner of burnout before you can get a good start. Invest in wellness tools, such as a gym membership, nutritionist, or healthy meal deliver service, to keep your health on track.
2. Get the right computer and other electronic equipment for your needs. I have seen a lot of entrepreneurs try to build their business while working their regular job. They use their employer’s supplies, computers, copy machines, and a host of other office tools. This is a big no no. When you are branching out on your own, be sure to invest in the right equipment for your needs. This may mean purchasing your own computer or mobile phone.
3. Find or create a workspace that minimizes procrastination. As an entrepreneur, your ability to be productive is up to you. You are your own motivator and driver which means you do not have a lot of time to waste. If you are working on your business fulltime or part-time, it is important to get to work without a lot of distractions. Find a workspace that allows you get things done with the time you have. This may mean investing in a membership at a workshare location. If you have space in your home to create dedicated workspace, make sure invest in the right furniture and have needed supplies on hand.
4. Find a mentor, coach, training program, or join a mastermind group. You do not have to figure out everything out on your own as an entrepreneur. It is okay to get help. Think about writers and public figures who you admire. Research the books they have written or venues where they may be speaking. Find out if they offer any specific training or mentoring and sign up. Investing in training that will improve your skills will support you in staying motivated and doing a great job as you create and grow your business.
How have you invested in yourself when you started your business? What would you add to this list?
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About Kanesha Baynard
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