7 Steps to launch a business

When you first consider starting a business, it likely goes like this:

You get excited by the prospect of doing something new or novel – maybe even something groundbreaking.

You assume that you’ll need lots of time and money to get it off the ground – and that you won’t turn a profit for at least a year.

So you spend lots of time and energy thinking about how to make it work.

You explore outside investment, and you even consider funding it yourself.

But the more you think about it, the less realistic it starts to seem.

Your enthusiasm eventually fades, and you decide to take the “safer” route – to play small and continue working for someone else.

Obviously, this approach doesn’t work. It’s basically just a demoralizing thought exercise that leads you right back where you started.

You need a simple process that requires no investment and allows for immediate income.

Here it is in 7 steps:

  1. Identify a skillset that you already have

  2. Take it to market using word of mouth marketing (i.e., lots and lots of conversations)

  3. Keep your “offer” super simple. Use one of these three models:

    • Hourly bill rate

    • Retainer model

    • Project-based work

  4. Listen for people’s needs

  5. Craft proposals that meet those needs

  6. Put a price tag on it

  7. Deliver the service

You can make hundreds of thousands of dollars every year doing this.

It works because it requires no outside investment. It capitalizes on what you’re already good at. And you can use what you’ve already got to start marketing TODAY.

This method is extremely effective for white collar professionals with 5+ years of experience who already have a skill that the market wants (strategy, UX, tech, design, admin, project management – the list goes on and on).

This process keeps you from agonizing over whether or not there is a market need for your skillset (because we already know that there is since you have years of evidence to back it up).

It eliminates social media and complex marketing from the equation.

It frees you to focus on one conversation at a time with real people.

It allows you to keep it simple and gradually build your way up to more complex business models (i.e., productizing your offers) and advanced marketing (i.e., funnels, paid ads, etc.).

When you follow the 7 steps here’s what you’ll get:

  • Fast traction in the market. Lots of people who are excited about your plan to go independent

  • A network that is heated up. They’re ready to refer you and/or hire you

  • Comfort with the idea of going independent and making your own money

  • Fluidity with talking about your skill set and how you work with clients

  • Money - lots of it! On your own terms

And most of all, this is how you will build a mission-based business.
This world needs more people who are pursuing their purpose. You’ll only do this if it’s sustainable. And it will only be sustainable if you can generate immediate revenue.

Going independent will give you freedom and make you feel alive.

And the best part is that you can start this process TODAY. Right now.

And the sooner you start, the faster you’ll get good at it.

Earlier this week I offered a training on how to Start an Independent, service-based business without outside investment or becoming an online marketing expert. 

HERE IS A LINK TO THE REPLAY, (Passcode: n302S+6t)

In this training I walk you through the process in more detail – step by step. 

Check it out, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

I’ll be more than happy to answer.

Chris

Thanks For Reading!

I am on a mission to help driven people find clarity in the fast lane – making great money doing work they love, on their own terms.

Not sure what you want? Or feel stuck? Get clear on your life and career in 3 steps >> Download the Career Clarity Map for FREE.

If you’re looking to change jobs, grow in your career, or start your own business, here are some more resources to help you on your way:

I believe that sharing resources and connections is the best way to grow in our careers, together. If you know someone who could benefit from free weekly career coaching, straight to their inbox, send this blog to them and encourage them to subscribe to the newsletter!

Previous
Previous

The Gift

Next
Next

Is your self awareness holding you back?