3 answers
Brittney
Student
Lexington, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become an entrepreneur?
How did you get your business up and running? What I mean is: who was there to help you start your business? How do I find why I want to start a business, like what was my inspiration? Or what's the hardest thing about being self-employed? How can I build clientele if I don't have any? What platforms or website should i use to start selling my products? How can I find a name for my brand if I might not have an exact purpose for what I'm creating because I just like to create things? I might just be rambling on, but if you can relate, please help me out.
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3 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming an entrepreneur can be a rewarding but challenging journey. Here's some thought-out advice to help you get started and navigate the process:
1. Find Your Inspiration: Reflect on your passions, interests, and skills. Identify what drives you to start a business. Your inspiration could come from solving a problem, pursuing a creative passion, or fulfilling a need in the market.
2. Seek Guidance: Reach out to mentors, experienced entrepreneurs, or join local business networks. Learning from others' experiences can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
3. Define Your Purpose: Clarify the purpose of your business. Understand what problem your product or service solves and who your target audience is. Having a clear vision will guide your decisions and help you build a strong brand.
4. Overcome Challenges: Self-employment comes with its challenges, such as financial uncertainty, long hours, and decision-making responsibility. Develop resilience and a growth mindset to navigate these obstacles.
5. Build a Clientele: Start by offering your products or services to friends, family, and acquaintances. Word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful in building your initial clientele. Utilize social media platforms to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.
6. Choose the Right Platforms: For selling your products, consider online marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon, depending on the type of products you create. Create a website or blog to showcase your work and provide information about your brand.
7. Develop a Brand Name: Brainstorm potential names that align with your values, interests, or the style of your creations. Keep it simple, memorable, and easy to spell. The name should resonate with you and your target audience.
8. Test and Iterate: Start small and test your products or services with a limited audience. Gather feedback and make improvements based on customer insights. Continuously refine your offerings to meet market demands.
9. Legal and Financial Considerations: Understand the legal requirements for starting a business in your region, including business registration, permits, and tax obligations. Consider seeking professional advice to set up your business structure.
10. Embrace Learning: Be open to learning and adapting. Running a business involves constant growth and improvement. Stay updated on industry trends, marketing strategies, and customer preferences.
11. Take Calculated Risks: Entrepreneurship involves taking risks, but be sure to weigh the potential rewards against the risks. Make informed decisions and be prepared for both successes and setbacks.
Remember, building a business takes time, patience, and determination. Embrace your passion for creativity and continuously refine your purpose. Stay focused on providing value to your customers, and with perseverance, your entrepreneurial journey can be both fulfilling and successful.
1. Find Your Inspiration: Reflect on your passions, interests, and skills. Identify what drives you to start a business. Your inspiration could come from solving a problem, pursuing a creative passion, or fulfilling a need in the market.
2. Seek Guidance: Reach out to mentors, experienced entrepreneurs, or join local business networks. Learning from others' experiences can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
3. Define Your Purpose: Clarify the purpose of your business. Understand what problem your product or service solves and who your target audience is. Having a clear vision will guide your decisions and help you build a strong brand.
4. Overcome Challenges: Self-employment comes with its challenges, such as financial uncertainty, long hours, and decision-making responsibility. Develop resilience and a growth mindset to navigate these obstacles.
5. Build a Clientele: Start by offering your products or services to friends, family, and acquaintances. Word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful in building your initial clientele. Utilize social media platforms to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.
6. Choose the Right Platforms: For selling your products, consider online marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon, depending on the type of products you create. Create a website or blog to showcase your work and provide information about your brand.
7. Develop a Brand Name: Brainstorm potential names that align with your values, interests, or the style of your creations. Keep it simple, memorable, and easy to spell. The name should resonate with you and your target audience.
8. Test and Iterate: Start small and test your products or services with a limited audience. Gather feedback and make improvements based on customer insights. Continuously refine your offerings to meet market demands.
9. Legal and Financial Considerations: Understand the legal requirements for starting a business in your region, including business registration, permits, and tax obligations. Consider seeking professional advice to set up your business structure.
10. Embrace Learning: Be open to learning and adapting. Running a business involves constant growth and improvement. Stay updated on industry trends, marketing strategies, and customer preferences.
11. Take Calculated Risks: Entrepreneurship involves taking risks, but be sure to weigh the potential rewards against the risks. Make informed decisions and be prepared for both successes and setbacks.
Remember, building a business takes time, patience, and determination. Embrace your passion for creativity and continuously refine your purpose. Stay focused on providing value to your customers, and with perseverance, your entrepreneurial journey can be both fulfilling and successful.
Kim Schiavone
Illustrator and Graphic Designer
48
Answers
Missoula, Montana
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Brittney! You have so many valid questions, and I know that starting a business can be overwhelming. I want to address two questions that you asked that are about support and branding. I started a few businesses in my life that wound up being unsustainable due to a complete absence of support. I was a young mother of four young children during my first start-up, and it was before internet. While you may be entirely capable of completing the many facets of starting and running a business yourself without support, in the long run, it's best to have some type of support. This can come from a variety of places, whether it's a business start-up organization, a business mentor, a business coach, or a group of business owners in a club on a site like Meetup. Starting to learn early, while still in high school, would be highly beneficial to you! I found Eventbrite to be a super great resource for online classes and webinars that will address most of your questions.
Currently, I'm starting a new business that I've been working on for 3 years. Having enlisted the help of a business coach, has made all the difference in my ability to succeed.
As a former Graphic Designer who helped small businesses, I advise you to hire a one to create your branding. Marketing is a highly important aspect of business, and it all starts with having a relatable brand. There are many elements to branding, including your logo, name, visual and written identity. If you are unable to afford to hire an expert, a good source is college students who are completing a major in this specific area.
Best of luck to you on pursuing your dreams and best life!
Currently, I'm starting a new business that I've been working on for 3 years. Having enlisted the help of a business coach, has made all the difference in my ability to succeed.
As a former Graphic Designer who helped small businesses, I advise you to hire a one to create your branding. Marketing is a highly important aspect of business, and it all starts with having a relatable brand. There are many elements to branding, including your logo, name, visual and written identity. If you are unable to afford to hire an expert, a good source is college students who are completing a major in this specific area.
Best of luck to you on pursuing your dreams and best life!
Nada L
IT Software
100
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Nada’s Answer
Hi Brittney,
It's exciting you're considering the entrepreneurial path right out of school! It takes courage, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle, but the rewards can be immense.
Here's some guidance to help you on your journey:
1. Nurture the Entrepreneurial Mindset:
* Embrace Curiosity: Always be learning, questioning, and exploring new ideas. The world is full of opportunities for those who are curious.
* Become a Problem Solver: Entrepreneurship is about finding solutions to problems. Train your mind to identify needs and think creatively about how to address them.
* Cultivate Resilience: Setbacks are inevitable. Develop the grit and determination to bounce back from challenges and keep moving forward.
* Embrace Risk (Smartly): Calculated risks are part of the game. Learn to assess potential downsides and make informed decisions.
* Build a Strong Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you.
2. Essential Skills to Develop:
* Sales and Marketing: Learn how to effectively promote your ideas and persuade people to believe in your vision.
* Financial Literacy: Understand basic accounting, cash flow management, and how to make smart financial decisions.
* Communication Skills: Master the art of clear and persuasive communication, both written and verbal.
* Time Management: Learn to prioritize tasks, manage your time effectively, and stay organized.
* Leadership: Even if you're starting solo, develop leadership skills to inspire and motivate yourself and others in the future.
3. Taking the First Steps:
* Identify Your Passion: What are you truly passionate about? What problems do you want to solve? Your business should align with your interests and values.
* Validate Your Idea: Don't assume your idea is great just because you like it. Talk to potential customers, get feedback, and refine your concept.
* Start Small, Think Big: You don't need a world-changing idea right away. Focus on solving a specific problem for a specific group of people.
* Create a Simple Business Plan: Outline your goals, target market, revenue model, and marketing strategy. It doesn't have to be a formal document, but it helps to have a roadmap.
4. Resources for Young Entrepreneurs:
* Mentorship Programs: Seek guidance from experienced entrepreneurs who can offer advice and support.
* Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): These centers offer free or low-cost counseling, training, and resources for small business owners.
* SCORE: This nonprofit organization provides free mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs.
* Online Courses and Communities: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a wealth of knowledge on entrepreneurship.
Important Reminders:
* Continuous Learning: The business world is constantly evolving. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new trends and technologies.
* Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Not every venture will be successful. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep trying.
* Believe in Yourself: Entrepreneurship is a journey with ups and downs. Believe in your abilities, stay persistent, and never give up on your dreams.
Starting your entrepreneurial journey right out of school is a bold and exciting move. With passion, dedication, and the right mindset, you can achieve great things. Good luck!
It's exciting you're considering the entrepreneurial path right out of school! It takes courage, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle, but the rewards can be immense.
Here's some guidance to help you on your journey:
1. Nurture the Entrepreneurial Mindset:
* Embrace Curiosity: Always be learning, questioning, and exploring new ideas. The world is full of opportunities for those who are curious.
* Become a Problem Solver: Entrepreneurship is about finding solutions to problems. Train your mind to identify needs and think creatively about how to address them.
* Cultivate Resilience: Setbacks are inevitable. Develop the grit and determination to bounce back from challenges and keep moving forward.
* Embrace Risk (Smartly): Calculated risks are part of the game. Learn to assess potential downsides and make informed decisions.
* Build a Strong Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you.
2. Essential Skills to Develop:
* Sales and Marketing: Learn how to effectively promote your ideas and persuade people to believe in your vision.
* Financial Literacy: Understand basic accounting, cash flow management, and how to make smart financial decisions.
* Communication Skills: Master the art of clear and persuasive communication, both written and verbal.
* Time Management: Learn to prioritize tasks, manage your time effectively, and stay organized.
* Leadership: Even if you're starting solo, develop leadership skills to inspire and motivate yourself and others in the future.
3. Taking the First Steps:
* Identify Your Passion: What are you truly passionate about? What problems do you want to solve? Your business should align with your interests and values.
* Validate Your Idea: Don't assume your idea is great just because you like it. Talk to potential customers, get feedback, and refine your concept.
* Start Small, Think Big: You don't need a world-changing idea right away. Focus on solving a specific problem for a specific group of people.
* Create a Simple Business Plan: Outline your goals, target market, revenue model, and marketing strategy. It doesn't have to be a formal document, but it helps to have a roadmap.
4. Resources for Young Entrepreneurs:
* Mentorship Programs: Seek guidance from experienced entrepreneurs who can offer advice and support.
* Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): These centers offer free or low-cost counseling, training, and resources for small business owners.
* SCORE: This nonprofit organization provides free mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs.
* Online Courses and Communities: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a wealth of knowledge on entrepreneurship.
Important Reminders:
* Continuous Learning: The business world is constantly evolving. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new trends and technologies.
* Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Not every venture will be successful. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep trying.
* Believe in Yourself: Entrepreneurship is a journey with ups and downs. Believe in your abilities, stay persistent, and never give up on your dreams.
Starting your entrepreneurial journey right out of school is a bold and exciting move. With passion, dedication, and the right mindset, you can achieve great things. Good luck!