Starting your own business can be a wonderful thing. It’s thought that up to 40% of millennials hope to start their own business or otherwise work for themselves in some way, and many people today never work in traditional employment. But, if you’ve always worked as an employee, it can be terrifying. This fear is normal, and it shouldn’t stop you from launching a business if that is what you want to do. Here’s a look at some of the things that you can do to beat that fear.
Keep it Simple
It seems scary when you think about all of the aspects of starting and running a business. When you think about everything that you need to do, it gets overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Keep things simple by breaking it down and taking on one task at a time.
Then, keep those tasks as simple as possible to start with. Simplifying your processes, like adding a payment system like a hosted checkout to your online store, makes your life easier, but it also offers your customers a smooth user experience.
Build a Support Network
Things are always scary if you do them alone. Most things are more frightening when they are confined to our heads. We worry, we blow things out of proportion, and we focus only on the negatives.
When you build a support network, you stop being alone. You have people to speak to about your worries and concerns. People that you can ask for help and advice, and people that will just listen to you vent and offer you a shoulder when you need one.
Your friends and family will be a big part of this support network. They’ll need to understand the stresses of starting a business so that they can offer you the support that you need. But, you should also try to make business connections. Get to know other small business owners and people that have been through it on their own. These people can be valuable both to your business and your mental health.
Do Your Research
We’re often more afraid of things that we don’t understand. Sometimes being proactive and learning more is the best way to reduce your fears. Learn more about your business by preparing a business plan. Research your target market. Build a marketing plan. Spend time writing lists of everything that you need to understand, and learning before you leap in.
Find Stability Where You Can
Starting a business is a big deal. It can be a huge change and a massive risk. So, time it right. Don’t jump into starting a business when a lot is going on in your life. Or when your family or financial situations aren’t stable. There’s never going to be a perfect time to start, and there will always be a risk. But waiting until you’ve saved money, you are happy at home and relatively stable in other areas of your life can reduce risks and lessen fear.
Another option can be testing the water by starting slowly. Many people choose to start their business as a side hustle from home, working around their job until they feel ready to take things further.
