Do you have a great business idea but are too scared to get started? I hear you, sis!

Starting a new business can be incredibly intimidating, and the fear of failure can hold you back. But don't let that fear stop you from pursuing your dream!

Embrace your fear - Here's the truth: fear is a natural part of starting a business. Everyone experiences it. The key is to acknowledge your fear and accept that it's there. Don't try to ignore it or push it down. Instead, embrace it, and use it as fuel to push yourself forward. use it to develop your "why".

What is your why- Take some time to figure out your "why" - why do you want to start this business? Once you know your purpose, it will be much easier to push through the fear.

Getting Specific With Your "Why" 

Here are a few of mine:

1. Freedom: Many entrepreneurs, including me,cite freedom as a major factor of their "why". The freedom to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and be your own boss can be very appealing. If I want to work at 4am I can, if I want to go to the kids school events… I can. 
2. Finances: Prosperity is often a strong motivation for starting a business, yes, building wealth is a great why. Understand your financial goals. Is your "why" to have a more comfortable lifestyle, secure your family's future, or increase your wealth?
3. Passion: Perhaps you have a passion for a specific industry or product, or you simply love the idea of running your own business. Passion is a powerful "why" that can help you overcome challenges. I love what I do.
4. Impact: Your "why" could be making a positive impact on your community or the world. Perhaps you want to offer a product or service that could improve people's lives. I was afraid when I started stepping away from full-time nursing that I would miss “helping people”- I help people in more ways now than I did before.
5. Personal Growth: Starting a business can be a journey of personal growth, learning, and development. You may seek the challenge to build resilience and self-confidence. And it will. It’s a rollercoaster but you are in the driver seat! 

A well-defined "why" can serve as a beacon, guiding you when things get tough and helping you stay true to your vision. Write it down - hang it on the wall, look at it all the time! 

Find a Mentor or Support Network

It's important to have people around you who understand the entrepreneurial journey and will encourage, support, and guide you. This could be an actual mentor or coach, other entrepreneurs in your industry, or even just a close friend. No matter what kind of network you build, it should be filled with people who can help challenge you and help you stay motivated in the face of fear.

Online Networks:

• Joining industry-specific online platforms like LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, and forums. These platforms allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and offer opportunities for sharing ideas and advice.
• Participating in webinars and online workshops. These can provide valuable knowledge and also present opportunities to network with other participants.
• Engaging with social media communities relevant to your industry. Many businesses and industry experts share their insights on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Offline Networks:

• Attending conferences and industry events. These gatherings are excellent places to meet potential mentors, learn about recent trends, and make connections.
• Joining or forming local entrepreneur groups. Regular meetups can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
• Participating in community business events. These events often offer opportunities to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and network with local businesses.

Start small - It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're starting a new business. There are so many things to do, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one task at a time. This will help you build momentum and gain confidence as you go. Begin, start doing something- take action every day and it will pave the way for what comes next.

Learn from your failures - Failure is not the end of the world. In fact, it's often the best teacher. When something doesn't go as planned, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Use your failures as an opportunity to learn and grow.

As Thomas A. Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Celebrate your successes - Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes! Starting a business is hard work, and you deserve recognition for every milestone you hit.

Count your wins:

• Shared your new business venture on your Facebook profile. (Even a brief status update announcing your new venture can generate excitement and gain support from your network.) It's a win.
• Place an order for professional business cards. It is truly delightful to have your business name beautifully presented on a tangible, little card. ( Another win.)
• Drafted your business strategy.- Created a new website for your business. - Made your first sale! You go girl!

Take time to appreciate these small wins, and reward yourself with something special - it will motivate you to keep going!

Whether it's landing your first client or hitting a revenue goal, take the time to pat yourself on the back and celebrate your accomplishments.

Starting a new business can be scary, but don't let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing your dream. Embrace your fear, start small, know your why, surround yourself with support, learn from your failures, and celebrate your successes. Remember, every successful business owner was once in your shoes. You've got this!

I would love to hear about your challenges and the strategies you're using to overcome your fears in your business journey. Everyone's path to success is unique. Book a call with me. 931-922-2612 Let's share experiences.