Starting something is easy. Seeing it through and finishing things not so much. In our hearts, we are all entrepreneurs, but we also acknowledge straight away that we will never ever actually start as we know we won’t follow through. Most people would have thought about starting their own business, but also know they wouldn’t have the stamina to keep going if things get tough.
Maybe that’s what entrepreneurship is all about. Either knowing that things will become challenging, but still adopt the attitude that you will power through. Or perhaps it’s simply the denying of the hard times ahead. Either way, most people will acknowledge the persistence you need to have to go from an idea in your head to a fledgling business. And if you have ever considered making the leap, here are some tips to help you navigate those initial difficulties.
Photo by Fab Lentz on Unsplash
First of all, don’t dwell too much on stationery, logos, your website , and your business cards. Although it’s fun to do for most people, we do tend to get stuck in it. A slightly different font, a somewhat larger or smaller font size, a different color here or there, or moving things marginally more to the left or right. When we are in the midst of it, it will seem the most essential thing in the world, literally the make or break of your company. The truth is really that it’s a self-indulgent thing to do, taking up time that could be spent on more pressing and practical issues.
Know that your first design will be just that – a first. Companies tend to evolve and crystalize what they are all about as they go from idea to start-up to scale-up to fully scaled business. Something that will do for now is more than enough. It also saves a nice milestone to look forward to when your business starts taking off.
A common mistake most fledgling businesses tend to make is to go too big too fast. Think about buying a company car, signing a lease for massive office space, investing in a way too luxuriously looking company sign. But it’s not only physical assets, but it’s also hiring your first employees permanently. The critical thing for start-ups is to stay as agile as possible by short term leasing as much as possible.
Instead of buying a car, consider a short term lease if you really need it. When considering staff, consider temporary staff or freelancers and invest in reputable staffing and recruiting software. Make sure to look and re-look at every expense and weigh the options.
The last tip is really around being able to let go of your darlings when it’s the right time. Not every day will turn into a successful business, sometimes it’s the right thing to call time on a venture. This will usually not come easily, due to the emotional, intangible, and tangible investment already put in. However you will know when the time is right for you to make your next move.
