Should you jump in?

Several people I know have recently decided to start to their own business and have been asking me the same question:  

Should I start a business? 

How do I know if I am making the right decision?

Well I will start by saying starting a business is tough stuff and it can be even tougher in today's world.

One of my passions is business and I LOVE fellow entrepreneurs.   So I will share my thoughts and on whether you should leap into entrepreneurship.

When I started my business I had a plan, although it was simple and I had a very small capital investment I still decided to jump into the water.  I would either sink or swim.  The beginning was definitely a scary and exciting time. Sometimes I still feel like I may drown.   For the past five years I have been swimming along.  I have faced many waves (sometimes they felt like Tsunami's banging at my door) and I have managed to keep moving forward.  

Don't give up when times are tough.. just sit back, revise and get excited.  If you aren't excited about your business- trust me, no one else is going to be! 

I am still extremely passionate about eliminating all the "blah" laptop bags in the world. Melissa Beth Designs has moved on to take on drab make up cases, travel bags and laptop sleeves as well!   

My advice to new entrepreneurs and/or business owners is as follows:

Try to love the bad days as much as you love the good.  

Be creative   - it will help you problem solve and market your business

Don't get caught up in the day to day grind

Toot your own horn once in a while- it may be a while before anyone else does

Have a plan.  You wouldn't jump in the water without knowing how to swim.  

 

So, are you still on the fence of whether you should take the plunge into the unknown?

Here are five simple ways to know if you are truly ready for the challenge.

1) All you think about is your business idea.  

2)  You have bounced your idea around to mentors and friends.   AND even when you get the "sure that's a great idea" with undertones of  you'll never make it!- it just fuels you to go for it anyway.

3) You have a business plan AND you are ready to change your plan and adapt.   My advice to all new business owners is that no matter how knowledgeable you are, you cannot possibly foresee every problem.  You have to be open to learn, adapt and go with the flow.

4) You have enough knowledge about the industry that when you jump in the water you at least know the temperature.  You also have enough capital to create a website, marketing materials and  products.

5) You are committed, passionate and creative.  I think these are the 3 fundamental attributes that a lot of entrepreneurs have in common.    

Good luck and keep us posted!