Most new business owners tend to think unrealistically when starting to set up their business. It is true that household-name entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and Donald Trump have become quite the role model for aspiring business owners, which is probably how the dream of instant riches and success arises. “If they can start with practically nothing and end up being one of the richest on the planet, why can’t I?”, we hear you ponder. Below are some important factors to consider in order to set your mind in the right track, and to help you stop comparing yourself to those in the spotlight.
The first step to setting up a business is to come up with an idea, and be certain about it. It might be something associated with your hobbies and interests, it may reflect your skills and what you are good at, or perhaps it’s purely for profit reasons. Whatever the reason for the idea, make sure to research it thoroughly. Write out a detailed and accurate business plan, look for business funding, establish your market, and choose a suitable location for premises. When starting your journey, it is vital to keep in mind that the richest and most well-known businessmen/women today began only with a simple idea, and worked their way upwards.
After months or even years of detailed planning, it is normal to feel a little disheartened when your business may not “take off” instantly after its launch – you might even feel like your time and efforts have been wasted. This sensation is made even worse when there is so much media attention on super-successful businesspeople of this day and age, never focusing on their failures, but only their achievements. To avoid this toxic comparison, read between the lines. Look at ways in which you are similar to these role models, and how you can relate. Perhaps they have tons of confidence and an “I can do it” attitude, or useful and unique skills that match up to yours. It is vital to have people to look up to in the world of business, but damaging to over-compare. After all, everyone is different.
