Before you start doing the things, the tasks, required to start a business, I suggest you spend some time doing some serious thinking and planning. Not just setting specific goals, which is important, but higher plain stuff. The things David Allen calls 50,000 feet thoughts- career, purpose, lifestyle.
There is a very famous book by Napoleon Hill, called Think and Grow Rich. It’s one of those books that most successful people I know have read. In his book, Hill presents his concept of the Definite Major Purpose. It was a challenge to his readers, to ask themselves “in what do I truly believe?” You need to define this, and make sure whatever business you decide to start, is aligned with this purpose. If your business is in some way aligned with your core values, or doing something you truly love, you will have passion in your work. Passion always comes through, and greatly increases your chances for success.
For example, I love to teach. I get really jazzed when I can help someone do something they have been having trouble with. Whether it is something big like starting a business, or something small like helping my wife figure out how to sync her outlook with gmail, I really enjoy sharing what I know. I get real, sincere joy and inspiration from watching and helping others succeed. I believe that is the most important factor in my success as a business start-up coach.
There are a lot of people who start businesses in a niche because they think it will make them a lot of money. They know nothing about the niche, and have no interest in learning anything about it. This can work, but I highly discourage it, especially for your first, or primary business. LOVE WHAT YOU DO!
I often say that most people spend the majority of their time awake, working, so if you hate your work, you hate your life. Don’t be miserable for the majority of your waking hours. Personally, I would rather live in a box on the street.
Love what you do, and your passion, your enthusiasm, will come through in your work. People respond to that. So if you are trying to figure out what business you want to start, begin by making a list of things you like to do, and things you know about. You will be surprised how many great business ideas appear on that list.
Once you decide what business you are going to start, envision the outcome you want. Picture the lifestyle it will bring you. Imagine what you will do with the money you will earn. Be as specific as possible. Don’t think this stuff is important? Ask any pro athlete or any successful person you know. This is not only important, it works! When you picture in your mind, the outcome you want to achieve, you make a connection to the outcome. It becomes something real, and on a subconcious level, it becomes your reality. You know you can do it, because it is something you have seen.
