Many people think starting your own business is only afforded by the well educated or that it takes a lot of money and that’s it’s so complicated only an Ive Leaguer could handle it. The most often phrase heard when discussing entrepreneurship is, “I can’t do it” or ” I don’t have any idea what to do.” or how about, “I just don’t think I’m cut out for it.” Most people are intimidated by the very idea of striking out on their own, being their own boss or taking on the responsibility of ownership. They have the false belief they aren’t smart enough or worthy to be a business owner.
For most people starting out on their own is to simply answer the question: “How can I take what I already know and do it better than anyone else?” The very first thing they should consider is to do something they truly love. Involve themselves in something they already have a passion for.
I know sometimes it is not possible to peruse your true passion because perhaps your passion is not shared by many. It that case find a niche, a need, and simply fill it to the best of your ability. There are many valuable services that do not require years of apprenticeship before qualifying to be a provider.
Get Your Brain In Gear.
What do you do to get the creative process going? First, take a sheet of paper and write down five to seven things you like to do or that you are really good at. Example: I am really good with plants, I love working with growing things, I love dogs, I really like cooking, I’m good at presenting myself before people. Just put down whatever you think of; it doesn’t have to make sense.
Now make a list of the things you don’t like and think you would be good at. Maybe you are a really good truck driver, but you don’t want to travel. Or, you like selling at the Flea Market but you don’t like retail sales. When you have finished with both lists, ask yourself: Are there three to five products or services that benefit me and my family and if there are, what are they?
Don’t be afraid to dig into your personal life, whatever your situation may be and determine what products or services make your life better, easier or happier, make you more productive or efficient, or simply give you more time. From that, what service could you be providing for others to help them enjoy life more? Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that make people happy. It doesn’t have to be complicated or hard to figure out, it just has to be functional.
Now, turn the paper over and write the same question about your working life. Look at what you do and don’t like about the work you have been doing as well as what others do and don’t like about you. Finally, ask yourself why you want to go into business for yourself in the first place. Then, when all is said and done, look for a reasoning to emerge (i.e., is there a need for a business doing one of the things you like or are good at?).
They Filled The Need With Roberto’s Tacos To Go
Let me give you an example.
I live in San Diego, California in an area containing a College. Within five blocks of my home there is any type of cuisine a person could desire. The College students and people who work in the small businesses have to go out because there are not many easily accessible places to go during lunch hour.
Several years ago, two brothers found this lunch situation very frustrating and realized the potential in starting a quick take-out service. There just weren’t many affordable choices where a person could get a fast lunch. Even though restaurants were plentiful the parking and waiting lines made lunch impossible.
They opened a taco stand near the college, where people could grab a quick lunch and get back to class or work. They gave their customers an extra amount on the tacos and friendly service to boot. They were the first to come up with the fish taco which became a big hit. Today their taco stands are found in five western states. They saw the opportunity and with very little cash, provided a product and service that was well received. While these brothers initially thought they were filling a local need, they actually struck a universal demand. Their situation was not unique to their area, it was, in fact, common to many areas.
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