Are you thinking about starting a business? How exciting! You have likely discovered there is a lot to think about as you set out on this next chapter of your career.
Although it has been many years since I started my own business, I certainly remember those days of intense planning and research, feet on the ground investigation and work (lots and lots of it). The work never bothered me, although at times it did consume me. I was following a dream, doing what I felt I was meant to do, and learning exponentially on the way.
As I look back now, I see many things that I would do differently. If you are like me, you likely have a service or product you want to provide because you feel there is a need for this, you want to develop the reputation for being the expert in the area and/or it is something you will love to work on. If you are also like me, you do not have a degree in business. As I look back now, I can appreciate that having certain things in place at the beginning would have saved time, frustration and stress down the road. You have likely heard the expression “we do not know what we do not know.”
I can now clearly many things I would ha
ve liked to have been aware of before starting my business, which would certainly have been helpful to know and apply. As a result of my experience, these are the things I would like to share with you over the next few months.
First on your checklist will certainly be a very clear definition of what you want to do.
This may sound easy and obvious. However, often the general intent is obvious but there may be more details that you need to unpack. And why do you want to start this business? As a Physiotherapist, I determined I wanted to open a Physiotherapy practice. The two main reasons were professional and personal. Having worked in different organizations, I could see there was significant “red tape” in starting new initiatives (or having them accepted). I believed that some ideas I had would be extremely beneficial to patients. I was frustrated, and since I love developing new ideas and creatively putting them into place, I felt I could provide these programs in private practice. Also, as I was starting a family, I felt having my own business would possibly afford me some flexibility not found in a regular 9 to 5 job.
Do you feel you have an entrepreneurial spirit and have the desire to start your own business? This week, take some time to determine what you want to do and why. Take time to pray about this everyday and ask God to give you wisdom and discernment as you specifically analyze the “what” and the “why.”
Consider the following questions:
What is the service you want to provide or the product you want to make available? (Be specific)
What is the need for this service or product? (Do some research)
Why do you want to do this? (Be honest and specific. Write down as many things as you can)
This week you will essentially be “working on the business” which is something that business owners continually do. The three questions above can be a key part of your prayer time this week.
As you trust God with your ideas… As you trust God to give you wisdom… As you trust God for direction… Trust Him with all your heart.
Although you may, or may not, decide to have a business partner, God will always be your primary advisor. His Word and Holy Spirit will provide direction, so you do no need to lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in business decisions and He will lead you in what to do and not to do.
May God richly bless you this week as you prayerfully consider whether to take steps to open your own business. Have a wonderful week.
Bonny, Christian Women at Work