GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Starting your own business? Here’s how to get started

by Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

You want to be your own boss. You’re tired of working for someone else, and feel it’s time to go into business for yourself.

What are you going to do? What are you good at? What are your interests? What makes your heart sing? Do you like carpentry? Are you handy with your tools? Do you like building furniture? Maybe you’re a great seamstress, or maybe landscaping is your thing, it could be you have a green thumb? So, what is it going to be? What would you like to do with the rest of your life? How would you like to make a living doing something you love? Think carefully now because to start and keep a successful small business you are going to have to be creative, passionate and very hard working, because you are going to work harder than you ever have before. But as a famous man once said. If you find something you love to do, and get paid for, you’ll never work another day in your life. So, what’s it going to be? Think about it, and while you think about it ask yourself these questions:

• What is it I love to do best in life?
• Can I make money at this?
• Who will pay me for this service?
• Who will be my customers?
• What kind of people need what I have to sell?
• Are other people selling the product or service I want to sell?
• Why will my products and services be better than anyone else?
• What will I charge for this product or service?
• How much will be enough to make a good living?
• Will it take other people?
• Will I have to start a company?
• How will I get the word out about my new company?
• What will I call my new company?
• How much money will I need to get started?
• How will I live while the getting gets started and no money is coming in?
• Should I keep my current job while I get started?
• Once started how will I make sure that my business keeps growing?

So many questions, so little time. It’s a lot to think about, isn’t it? And yes, there is considerable risk involved but if you choose the right product or service. Something that you are really good at, the rewards will be inestimable and, yes, with the right amount of courage, creativity and passion you will not only in the end survive, you will thrive!

Are you ready to join me on the greatest adventure of your life? Then come along because in the next few months I am going to be your guide. I am going to go through the process of starting and growing your business in a way that will be fun, exciting and rewarding. Together we are going to work on answering these questions and we are going to help you realize your dreams of working for yourself in your own successful business. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of growing your business.

Dan Beaulieu has owned his own business consulting firm since 1995, during that time he has helped hundreds of companies all over the world with their sales growth challenges and issues. Originally from Maine, he returned a few years ago and is ready and willing to help his fellow Mainers start and grow their business. He can be reached at 207-649-0879 or at danbbeaulieu@aol.com.