So you want to start your own business?
Be your own boss! Set your own hours!
Make so much money!
Lets pump the brakes first.
My small business started in the post-college basement room of my parent’s house. It started as more of a hobby turned side-business while I also worked a full-time corporate job. My side-business has grown over the years, and I have learned immensely on this journey.
I don’t gate-keep, so let me share with any aspiring boss babes some of my tips, tricks, and insight from a small business owner who is still learning every day.
Here are some tips:
- Choose something you’re passionate about. You won’t burn out (as fast or at all) if you love what you’re doing!
- Don’t be afraid to PIVOT! Things won’t always go to plan. Be flexible. I have changed the idea in my head of exactly what my business should look like a million times, even going as far as changing the name, logo, and brand entirely. Be willing to adapt.
- Taxes. If you’re going to start a legitimate business, you need to know the tax guidelines for your state/area. Consult with a professional or your state government website also provides a ton of info to help you start. There also may be licenses or permit requirements for your type of business.
- Learn to accept criticism. You’re going to get it. From people you love, people you think you love, absolute strangers, well-meaning individuals, and just plain awful people. Some of it will be helpful, but most of it will try to weaken your drive. Don’t let it.
- Surround yourself with supportive humans. Running a small business, especially if you’re mostly running the whole show yourself, is A LOT. You wear all the hats. Marketing, sales, bookkeeping, production, shipping and handling, finance, etc. Ya get the picture! Having a solid system of good friends, family, and/or significant other that want to see and help you succeed is probably my #1 most important advice because you are going to need it more than anything on those really hard days, weeks, and sometimes months.
- Believe in yourself! Success is your own to define. Start a business and go all in. Or have your secure full-time job and start a small business on the side. The hustle isn’t less meaningful because you do both.
- Be willing to fail. You’re going to have slow times, hard times, and times of hearing “no”. It’s usually part of the deal. Prepare for it, but don’t settle yourself to live there. It’s hard. It’s work. There is no get rich quick gimmick to it. It certainly feels anything but “small”. And sometimes, it might be short-lived before you move onto your next calling in life, but if you put your heart and genuine self into it, then beautiful things can come from it.
Now go support all your fav small business babes out there!
Written by: Brooke Hess