Starting the Journey

Understanding the BIG Idea: I like to say you can't ride two bicycles at once, so even if you have a dozen great ideas you want to turn into a business, be picky. Pick one to move forward with this year. 

The BIG Idea Market: First question: is there a market for what you're selling? If you think you're the ONLY one selling this kind of product or service, maybe even the ONLY one whose ever thought of selling this product or service, I have a bridge to sell you, as we used to say in the olden days of the 20th century. 

You need to learn as much about your competition as you can. And yes, you do have competition. If you truly  think you don't, I'd love to hear why. 

The Foundation of Your BIG Idea: What are you building this big idea on: quicksand and rocky cliffs? Or, are you focused on honest research and education? Sometimes we discover it's the first two, and then we have to work harder on the second to make the foundation stable and secure for you.

Your BIG Idea Team: Who's taking this journey with you? It's truly hard to go it totally alone. When you're starting something new like a business in your second act, you need all the help you can get. Gather friends and family, and even former colleague, and see who is willing to take this journey with you - as a partner, if you like, but certainly as a sounding board. 

Marketing Your BIG Idea: Yep. Ya gotta do it! YOU gotta do it. Talking it up here and there won't bring in the customers. You should begin this task far ahead of your launch, by the way. It includes learning how to use social media effectively (I can put you in contact with a very smart woman for that!). It means considering webinars and workshops. By the way, this is where your team can be vital to your success! 

Don’t Court Disaster!

There are several important steps within each of these tasks that are NECESSARY for your success. Overlooking them could spell disaster. I know many of you are ready to go it alone, with your team. You don’t need me. But, many, many of you do need me.

I will take you from side hustle (that amazing hobby you are so good at) to serious business (making money out of that hobby, and let’s be clear - it’s NOT a business if you don’t make a profit; earning a dollar here and there is not considered a business).

My last point is this: no matter what your hobby is, no matter what you’re really, really good at, you can turn it into a profitable, successful business that you are in control of. This means YOU decide on working hours, on vacation days, on income, and freedom to live the life you enjoy. 

If you aren’t sure how to make all of that happen, leave a comment here and I'll respond with suggestions. It's my desire to put you on the right path, and to help you avoid too many potholes along your sweet journey to business success! (you will, of course, endure some - I can guide you around most of them, but falling into a few will be the best learning experiences of your life! I should know, I've stumbled into a good many potholes in my day.)