Where Do I Begin?
There you are, standing in the shower, commuting to work, or sitting around a table having a drink with friends, and BOOM. It hits you. A great idea. Not just any idea, but one that excites you and seems like it’s actually achievable, if you play your cards right.
But that’s the problem — you’re worried you may not have what it takes to make something happen.
I’m here to tell you that you do undoubtedly have what it takes. In fact, the first step in this process is establishing the mental attitude that you can make this idea a reality. It is very possible to make this idea a reality, and your belief in achievement is critical to your success in reaching it.
You may not be able to notice it, but you are plenty smart, have plenty of resources at your fingertips, and know plenty of people who can help you achieve your goal. That’s right; I’m telling you that the most effective way to start your business is beginning with what you know, who you know, and what you already have. You can start right now — how empowering is that?
Think of your idea. Who is it going to help? How is it going to help them? What don’t you know that you need to? There are people who you know that have access to that information, and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have over a cup of coffee. If they don’t know it personally, they likely know someone who does. Kindly ask for an introduction and a brief phone call. If for some reason you know absolutely no one who can help you, write down a list of people you’d like to speak to. Then go out and beat the pavement in order to get those conversations. Don’t come back until you’ve had them.
Similarly, you’re a bright young individual that has accumulated a respectable amount of knowledge over your lifetime. Face it, you’re an intelligent person, and you have a strong skill set that can support you in your entrepreneurial journey. The intersection of your knowledge and the skills you possess is where the opportunity to progress lies. Ask yourself: How can I take what I know now to create the future I imagine? By identifying opportunities in how what you know now can lead you into where you want to be, you will constantly move ahead in growing your idea.
Lastly, we live with unrestricted, round-the-clock access to so many different resources with so little difficulty. Within minutes, anyone can start a new blog ( ¯\_(ツ)_/¯), launch a new website, create an Etsy page, or list items on Amazon (to name so few). And all of these options cost little to absolutely no money at all — what better way to begin? What better way to prove your idea? By creatively utilizing these resources to get your idea out into the hands of your customers, you’ll be able to better understand and develop your idea. You’ll learn a ton, and each step will help refine your idea.
In summary, if you want to start a new project, don’t think in terms of needing the best of contacts, the best of knowledge, the best of resources to accomplish your goals. In doing so, you’re setting yourself up for failure by never being able to live up to those standards. Instead, take a look around, take a look inside yourself, and identify the things within your control and your reach that can allow you to make progress on your big idea. You’ll immediately surprise yourself at the endless opportunities that lie within the people you already know, the knowledge you already possess, and the resources already at your fingertips.
Take a look around, and get started today.
Know somebody who has a great idea and needs help making their dream a reality? Refer them to us and receive $20 immediately following their FREE in-person consultation.
Grow Your Idea is a Chicago-based early stage management & growth consulting firm specializing in the sustainability & creative talent industries. Contact alex.whittow@gmail.com for more information.
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