Starting a business? Yeah, I am so excited for you! And now a word: Buckle up (that’s actually two words)! Still, no matter what you might think it’s an exhilarating ride. Exciting? Sure, but amidst the excitement, things can—and often do—slip through the cracks (or you just forget where you placed them). Trust me, I get it. That’s how this whole thing works. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is the perfect entrepreneur (that’s French for “business starter”, don’t take my word for it, look it up) You’re busy juggling tasks, from creating a stunning logo to figuring out your marketing strategies. But let’s pause for a second and dive into what you might be overlooking.
But first off, organization is key. A pile of notes doesn’t count. Seriously, consider investing in a simple project management tool (Trello or Asana come to mind, haven’t tried either, but have been told they are good). This will help you keep track of your tasks and deadlines. When your head is spinning with ideas and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of what needs doing today versus next week!
Alright, organized, check, next up … don’t forget about finances. It sounds dull, I know because it is. But hey, budgeting isn’t just numbers; it’s your lifeline! Keep an eye on cash flow—expenses can pile up faster than you think when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of launching.
And then there’s the legal stuff. Yawn, right? But skipping this can lead to some real headaches down the road (hello fines!). Research permits and regulations applicable to your business type and location.
Got all that? Then, remember to take care of yourself. Yeah, it’s easy to drown in work when starting out but burning out won’t do you—or your business—any favors. Actually it will just leave you with a pile of bills which will make you more burnt out and it is sorta this endless cycle. So grab that coffee break or even better—a short walk! You can combine it with picking up coffee so it’s like this win-win.
In short? When you set out to start your dream business, stay organized, watch your finances closely, cover your legal bases and prioritize self-care. It really isn’t that easy, but it can be. Because, after all, it is easy enough to overlook when you’re busy building that dream (which might become a nightmare)!