New to business? Don’t lose your nerve!

I have been helping out one of my best friends with her new business venture in the UK. It is exciting, a bit out of the box and loaded with potential. We had a long chat via Skype about a job offer she had received. It was essentially what her business offered but she would be committed full time for at least six months. The question – what should she do?

Give up the chance to earn a full time wage for six months or hold her nerve and continue with the business?

She held her nerve…bravely…. Instead of being a full time employee she convinced them they should hire her company instead! No need to put all marketing efforts on hold, no need to turn away potential new clients, no need to stop doing all of the things she has been doing in the past six months to get her to where she is.

Small business is a big old adventure loaded with potential wrong turns and bad decisions everywhere. You will make some (maybe even lots) and you will want to give up. I know this because I have been there. Possibly the worst decision you can make is losing your nerve too quickly. You know what it is like, the bank account is empty, you no longer buy the fancy toilet paper, and your social life has all but disappeared. You find yourself taking a quick peek at Seek, just to see what kind of jobs are going… it’s a slippery slope from here my friends.

If you are in your first year or two of business I want you to print this blog out and stick it above your desk as a reminder to not lose your nerve until you have answered the questions below;

Question 1

Do you honestly do everything possible every single day to make your business?

Question 2

Do people know you exist? This does not mean googling your business name!

Question 3

Have you asked a professional (oh I happen to know some business coaches…) for advice?

Question 4

Do you ask someone every single day to buy your product or service?

Question 5

Do you honestly want this to work?

If you answered no to the above then you just need a good old fashion kick up the arse with the exception of question 5.

If you answered no to question 5 then it is best you nick off and get a job fast!

Melanie Miller
Small Fish Business Coaching Gold Coast
www.smallfish.com.au