You’ve just come up with the idea of of the century. This is a business idea that will revolutionize the market as we now know it and set you and your family up for generations to come. You dream about it at night, you fantasize about being CEO by day, and in your thoughts you are the sire of the empire. Now how do you make this idea come to life?
The key difference between those who dream about their business ideas-----and we’ve all had them--and successful business owners is one simple thing: Successful business owners saw an opportunity to make their dreams become a reality, and they took methodical steps to make it happen. In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, the only two options for action that exist are converting our own ideas to physical form, or being a part of someone else’s process of doing so. In addition to changing your mindset from employee to employer, there are a few essential steps one must cover to make this possible.
Believe In Yourself, Your Product, And Vision
You must be passionate about converting your idea into a business! Actions taken toward your goals will be much easier if you are able to accept the consequences of your choices. Many new entrepreneurs fail because they do not have the tenacity to overcome unforeseen challenges that arise on the road to success, and they give up before having the chance to see their ideas come to fruition. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. When asked why he didn’t give up after failing 999 times before successfully inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison replied, “ I did not fail. I simply discovered 999 ways to NOT invent the light bulb.” Edison learned from his mistakes, and he held fast to the belief that he would eventually overcome these challenges and figure out his engineering mistakes. This belief allowed him to tenaciously reach his goal, despite the many setbacks he encountered.
Having a vision for how your product or service might benefit others and improve society as a whole is going to keep you going through those tough times when you feel like giving up. Discover your why, and let the how take care of itself as you learn from your own “opportunities for greatness”.
Surround Yourself With Information And Experience
Learn from others who have done it before. If this comes in the form of people who are willing to guide and advise you, listen to their experiences, and take their advice, to the extent that it resonates with your vision for your business. If this information comes in the form of research you do on your own or with business partners, the more data you have, the more informed you will be in making decisions that will impact the overall success of your business. Look for commonalities, things that work efficiently, and establish similar practices when setting up your business. Avoid potential pitfalls by noticing the struggles and challenges that others have faced, and ask opinions of trusted friends and advisors. Remember, they could be potential customers as well, so it is important to ask those around you to be honest with you as you navigate these new waters.
Make Peace With The Elements Of Risk And Uncertainty
There is always uncertainty that comes with starting a new venture, and turning a “once kooky pipe dream” into a profitable business. Becoming comfortable with the element of risk will ensure that you are not afraid to make the bold choices that will positively impact your business. If you want results that you have not previously achieved, then you must be willing to do what you have never done before. Take those leaps of faith and continue to believe in yourself as you work toward your goals of market impact and financial independence.
Be Patient And Practice Compassion For Yourself On Your New Journey
As you methodically plod through the essential steps toward making your vision a reality, remember that slow and steady wins the race. Take time to learn and appreciate each step of your process, and refuse to let setbacks change the course of your progress. Listen to your own voice of self discovery and self belief rather than the doubting Thomases who may be in your life, telling you to give up on your dream. Surround yourself with like minded, positive people who enhance your journey to success. Evaluate yourself along the way, and joyfully engage in periods of self discovery, taking note of changes in you that are contributing or sabotaging your success. Do what it takes to overcome challenges with a positive mindset and a winning attitude.
Develop A Plan Of Action
Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Knowing what action steps must be taken to make your idea a reality will determine whether your business will get off the ground. Get organized, plan your daily steps around your goal and vision, and refuse to let setbacks or bumps in the road deter you from the end result that you have held in your mind for so long.
“All achievements, all earned riches, have their beginning in an idea.” --Napoleon Hill
How privileged are you to have had this life changing idea in the first place! Treasure the imaginative place that it came from, and nurture that spark of innovation that brought you to this pivotal point. Never, ever give up on your dream.