A lot of us are unaware that most business owners do not have MBAs. Those successful business owners simply jumped into the business world, blind and not knowing what to expect.
Fortunately, starting your own business doesn't mean you have to have all of the knowledge from acquiring a degree. What's most important is that you get started and build a strong foundation from learning and experience.
Here are some valid beginning points to jumpstarting your small business, or essential building blocks if your business is in the workings. This is for all you self-starters and dreamers. You don't have to spend tons of money on a luxurious degree to get started.
A Business Plan (projections, expectations, dreams).
Jot down all of your dreams, visions, ideas and thoughts, and slowly form them into a complete plan and vision for your future. Get everything in words to eliminate the abstractness of an idea. Sometimes getting it down on paper makes it more official and can make it seem like a more tangible goal. Take the time to get all of your dreams down before they escape your mind.
Business cards.
Business cards are essential for anyone. You never know who you may run into, or who needs your services or collaboration. Always having a business card as a mode of contact for clients or business partners is essential. Try cost-effective places, like Vistaprint or Moo.
Collaborations with other businesses.
Break out of your solo mode and branch out to other businesses. This will grow your customer base, and can lead to long lasting friendships/partnerships that can help you and your business grow.
Have a vision.
Have a logo and emblem of what your business represents. It's easy to get lost in the fog of the business world with sales and competition, but having something symbolic that represents what you stand for will show others you're serious. It will serve as a constant reminder of why you're doing what you're doing.
This is essential to keeping your path and staying on course, as we often tend to deviate here and there. This can help you get back on course.
A Portfolio of projects and work.
Having a good source for potential clients to view your previous work and experience is essential. A portfolio can be used to show off your skills and track how your work has progressed. Try sites like Contently to build a free/user-friendly portfolio.
Marketing strategy is essential.
You have to reach out to people and potential customers, or else no one will know about your product or service. If it is something that will help people and change the world, you have to let everyone know about it. The best way to do this through marketing and social media. Reach out to the world in video, text or photography and inspire people through your product or service.
A good camera and Final Cut Pro.
Having a good camera is essential to showing your audience your vision or perspective of the world. They will see the world through your lens. Projecting your own special image and branding is essential to showing who your are and what you stand for.
A place to work.
Need office space? Save on costs by working at a shared office space. No space close to you? Try working from a virtual office, like Capital Office that provides all of the perks of an office without the hassle of an actual one. Or, you can work from a nice serene place and a desk at home or any other location. It needs to be a place where you can be your most productive, and dedicate most of your time to your vision and your business.
A business partner.
Every CEO needs a partner in crime to be your second mind, and the other complete half to a whole. It's best to have a best friend and creative, innovative thinker who knows you well, cares about your well being and the business. They can help come up with the ideas you can only dream of and see the details you don't. They fill in the gaps and reflect you wonderfully. This is essential in any business to thrive.
