11 Tips On Starting A Business

Frustrated Woman with Technology Drawing and Blog Header Image by @ArtofChelleElle

If you’re starting a business or working as a freelancer, independent so-and-so, etc., you really need to think about what it may be like for you. Most (likely, all) “independents” will find going out on their own to be a bit tough and honestly, not feel adequately prepared for it. You have to remember that you’re in charge of everything you do, from the goals you set to the way you get work. Not to worry, though! I’ve outlined what I’ve found to be helpful from personal experience and from the experience of other professionals to give you a sort of check list/ mental preparedness guide for your entrepreneurial venture. Here we go!

1. Set specific goals/ have a plan

What are you doing? Why are you doing it? Why do you want to do it? Why is it important? Will it benefit someone else? Is there a market for it? These are all VERY important questions to ask yourself before going out on your own. You need to use these questions to form a business plan and know your idea/goals as best you can so that when times get tough, you stick to it.

2. Stick to a schedule

Working independently can be a tough place to be when it comes to time. You have to be your own boss and planner and make sure that you follow a routine daily. They say it takes about two weeks for habits to stick, so try to a time and see how well that schedule works for you. You can always change and adapt your schedule later.

High Noon: Drawing of McCree from Overwatch by @ArtofChelleElle

3. Know where your finances are coming from

You can’t… Okay, well, you SHOULDN’T become an entrepreneur/ freelancer/ independent so-and-so without having some sort of financial backing or support. That could be money you’ve saved up over the years and KNOW will last you a good long while until you can guarantee business, it could be investors, it could be having a part-time or other full-time job, or, it could even be financial support from a loved one (But ONLY if you’ve talked with them about it and fully agree to a specific amount of time/ under particular circumstances/ etc.).

4. Acknowledge up front that it WILL be hard

Anything worthwhile doesn’t typically come without elbow grease and a little blood, sweat, and tears, so know up front that you’ll likely be putting in odd/ extra hours, wearing lots of hats, and often being confused or discouraged. And most importantly, know that it’s okay. It’s all part of the growing process

5. Get a support group

Try to find other people in the same career path as you! It’s really encouraging to have others that you can walk alongside as you figure everything out. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to ask advice from and learn from others’ mistakes and successes? If you don’t know anyone like that, make sure to still have a strong network of family and friends around you for support. You shouldn’t and really, can’t operate totally alone. You need other people!

6. Learn to be lonely

This may seem contradictory to the point above, but you really have to learn to balance these two concepts. You’ll likely spend a lot of time on your own, figuring out how to run your business/ get clients/ etc. No one is going to do your work for you, after all, and you know what you want best! Make sure you have those people to turn to at the end of the day, but know that it’s okay to be alone or even just feel “alone” with your new project. Things will even out. (Just don’t hole yourself away forever. Seek people out!)

7. Know your strengths

If you know what you’re good at, it makes it a lot easier to assign yourself a role, stick to your business plan, and execute it. Are you a great networker? Equation solver? Painter? Whatever it may be, stick to it and don’t back down or doubt yourself! And remember; you wanted to do this for a reason. Hold onto that thought during the tough times and stick to your strengths!

Vi from League of Legends Drawing by @ArtofChelleElle

8. Don’t settle

This is where knowing your strengths comes in handy. If you’re looking for business/ clients/ work, you’ll probably run into some problems with accepting work at certain prices. Know your worth/ the cost it takes to do what you do and don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Now, there are exceptions to this, but you’ll need to use some sound judgement. It could be that your dream client pops up and wants you to do work for a little less, or an opportunity for business exposure comes up and requires you to do work for free. If you think these types of situations are worth it in the long run, go for it. If not, politely decline and keep moving.

9. Keep learning

I recently read a blog post that said something along the lines of this; “If you’re 100% satisfied with your work, you won’t grow or improve.” It sounds harsh, but it makes sense. If you’re stagnant, you may get stuck. Take classes, read books, try new things, visit new places. Don’t stop learning or improving your skill set!

10. Take advice with a grain of salt

Everyone has an opinion. Everyone. If anything I’ve learned, it’s that no one on this earth REALLY knows what they are doing 100%. I have so many wonderful advisors in different aspects of my life, but ultimately, if it isn’t from God, it’s likely not perfect advice. So, ask your questions, seek help, do all of those awesome things you do when you don’t have all the answers, but know that your gut feeling (with God’s help) can usually be your best resource for what to do. But with that, also know that sometimes, you really need the advice (and that the advice of others may be a way for God to speak to you/ teach you something). Learning that balance will come with time.

11. Stay healthy

You can’t operate well when you’re not well. Whether it’s physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, you need to pay attention to those needs. Exercise, seek counseling when needed, pray, read your Bible, build community… Take care of yourself as well as your business and you’ll do a whole lot better.

I hope that these 11 tips were helpful and insightful for you. I know that I’ve personally gotten really frustrated at times at how little I felt prepared for my own new venture, but know that there are resources available and that somewhere in the world, someone is doing what you’re doing and feeling the same way. Be confident in what you’re setting out to do (or what you may already be doing) and keep going! You’ve got this.

Yours truly,

Chelle Elle

“Chelle Elle” has been drawing since she was really small. No restaurant napkin was ever safe when crayons were involved! Now, she writes and illustrates characters and other fun ideas to help her dreams and the dreams of others come to life! And yes, she takes commissions and would love to hear from you.

Email her today to learn more about how she can bring your ideas to life at:

ArtofChelleElle@gmail.com!

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