Do You Have a Business Mindset?
It is OK to dream about starting a business, but when you reach the point where you finally want to start working you should have your mind set in business mode.
What is a "business mindset?" This is the thinking that goes beyond the playing at work mentality. It is the thinking that will move you from a novice to a business person. It is a professional attitude in everything that you do.
You acquire a business mindset by following a few simple steps.
1. Have you made definite income goals?
It is not good enough to state a goal in generalities. Wanting to make a lot of money is not a definite income goal. Be more precise: "I want to make $50 thousand by the end of 3 years in business." Write your goal down and post it where you will see it every day. Without a definite income goal you have no path to follow.
2. Do you have the skills and experience?
We can learn new skills at any age, but when your business depends on those skills, then you must be proficient. Customers are not willing to pay to train you in your business. You will make enough mistakes when you start your business, so do not let your lack of skills be one of them. If you are not proficient yet, practice until you are. Do some work for free, just to gain experience.
3. Do you have the capital to invest?
All businesses will require money to start, and be very wary if anyone tells you otherwise. Do you have the money and are you willing to risk it? This is a Yes or No answer. Businesses can be started on a shoestring, but even low cost start-ups requires some money. And, it is much easier to get the business to a profit level when you have money to invest.
4. Do you have the desire?
The desire to start a business must be consuming. A business will take over your life and you need to be prepared for it, especially because success will not come immediately. You will need a strong desire to hold on when things are going slowly, or not going well. If you truly desire this, then you will succeed.
5. Is everything legal?
You do not want to look over your shoulder every day that you are in business, so make sure everything you do is legal. This includes any licensing that your local government may require. Operating "under-the-table" is unprofessional and self-defeating. How can you grow your business if you must remain hidden? Make it all legal and you will sleep better at night.
Develop your business mindset now. The rewards for doing so are in the very near future.
Copyright © 1998-1999 Antaean Systems
All rights reserved.