I’m kind of a weird duck, if you haven’t already noticed. I like nice neat rows, policies and procedures, and a set of steps to show me how to do things — but I also like to break the rules, throw away the keys, and have some fun. Business startup is a perfect example. When I started my business I stumbled around in the dark trying to figure out what to do. I had some help in the form of training that I paid a pretty good chunk ‘o change for. And then the rest I learned on the fly. I never seemed to find step by step instructions in one place that covered the basics. So I’ve put together a series of tutorials of the five steps, with templates, that have worked for me – and I’ve seen them work for dozens of other online business owners. Follow my advice and I’ll make you one promise — you may not become an overnight millionaire, but you will have a clear idea of where you’re headed, and you’ll have some fun!
1. Dream Big
Have a night out or some time alone with someone you trust. Both of you can take a turn at this. Let your imagination run wild. What would you like to do – both work and play? What’s your ultimate goal? Do you think that 10 years ago I believed that I could live part of every year in Spain? Heck no. But I do, and I know that there is more than one way to get to any destination, and the path to your goal may be something totally outside “the norm.” Make a great dinner, buy a bottle of wine (that works with the food of course), invite a good friend or significant other to share it with, and make an evening of it. Two or more can play at the same time. Talk about your dreams with someone you care about, and invite them to do the same. More details here. (Learn)
2. Write it Down
So now you have at least a general picture in your head of what your life would look like if you could write the script. Now just start writing things down. No organization, no rules. If you like mind maps, feel free to do that. If you like to just make a free-flowing list of ideas, do it! This is your chance to get everything you can think of on paper. There’s a cheat sheet for you — just click here, or go to Learn.
3. Create a Business Plan
You’ve got some ideas about where you want to go. You need a plan. Think through all the pieces-parts that you’ll need to know in order to create your business (or get on track if you’ve already started). Use your own format, or use this one (Click the Learn tab).
4. Create a Road Map
This is the part that most often gets neglected – right after the Business Plan. This is essential! Make a list of products / services and tasks that you need to accomplish. Who will help you? How much will you (and can you) do yourself? Remember that there is always more than one way to reach your destination. Things change, so know that all these documents are flexible. No writing in stone! In order to thrive you have to be quick on your feet. Change when it’s called for, stick to your guns when you need to. We’ve provided a template for you here.
5. Follow The Yellow Brick Road
Ready, set, GO! Start working your way down the road map. Don’t be surprised if your road map changes. It’s OK. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, about a young Spaniard who has a dream of pyramids and a great destiny waiting for him. He has no idea how to get there – and his life takes many unexpected turns and he thinks he’s far off the path. But you can guess what happens. The theme of the book, loosely translated: When you follow your personal legend, all the universe conspires to assist you.
There are detailed docs under the Learn tab. These Business Startup Steps will show you how to visualize, document, and then build your online business. Step by step… inch by inch….. and you’ll get there.
