Thinking about starting your own business?
Whether thinking about leaving your long-term job or starting back to work after an absence, the thought of starting your own business can be scary. You likely have many questions and worries running through your head. You might not even know what kind of business you want to start.
A great way to begin to ease your fears and find calm is to identify where your strengths lie. When I started my own business, I knew that I was good at operations and my decade of experience with the corporate world would be valuable. I focused on the strengths I already had. It can be hard enough to start a business, but to start a business that relies on new skills is doubly hard.
So, what if you’re not sure what your exact strengths are?
Personality tests are one of my favorite places to start to answer this question. They can offer deep insights into your unique talents. There are several free online tests you can take to start with, like the standard ones created around Myers-Briggs such as this one at 16personalities. My first coach included this Talent Dynamics test as part of our program, and it was invaluable in teaching me more about leveraging my strengths. And then once I learned how important my personality was in creating my business, I found this planner by EVO which is customized by personality type and is structured to make you more productive.
Personality tests can also offer you insights into who your ideal clients are. If you can focus on your ideal clients—who compliment your personality—you can bring out the best in them and develop a mutually beneficial working relationship built on trust and connection.
Another great investment when starting your business is a business coach. A business coach is just that—an investment. Yes, it is an expense, and that can be hard to prioritize when you’re in the early stages of building a business. But I’ve found that this expense gives a phenomenal return. If you make sure to find the right business coach for you meant for the stage you are in, they can offer a clear perspective and refine your ideas into an offering or business model that is the best fit for you. They can give you encouragement and guidance to focus on the most important parts of your business. And because of their experience, they can help you avoid making costly mistakes.
Another valuable resource that most people don’t consider is your close family and friends. If you were to poll them and ask for help in identifying the things you are best at, very likely you will start to see patterns in their answers. You can get great support and insights from those who already know you best.
Instead of thinking of the entire broad spectrum or category of skills you have, really focus on the exact things that you are good at. When you’re able to leverage your unique strengths, you realize work doesn’t feel like work and becomes very enjoyable!
Tasks that are not your strengths can be added through a network of referrals or by creating a team that grows with your business. This also fosters trust with your clients because they don’t feel like you are trying to sell something you’re not great at. Instead, you’re supporting them with the right person for the right job, whether you or someone from your team.
Do you have great ideas but could use help launching or growing your business? Let me help! I have a passion for helping entrepreneurs make their good ideas into reality. Grab a spot on my calendar and see if we are a good fit! https://bit.ly/ericaqcall
Quigley Management Consulting (c) 2019
Erica Q's Blog 