How To Start Your Own Business And Be Successful

I actually started a business this year, right before the whole coronavirus pandemic started. I had everything planned, and I was arranging how to working out in the entrepreneurship world when the lockdown hit, and I had to postpone it.

The idea of being an entrepreneur started in 2007. I decided to travel to America on my own. The best decision I've ever made if you ask me is that besides being a beautiful country to discover, I learned a lot about myself. One of the most important things I learned was that I could express my opinion more and stand for myself. Before my trip to the US, I didn't do that often, and I was a bit too insecure.

Because of these changes, I finally dared to take the step to speak up for myself, but unfortunately not enough. Therefore I followed the normal steps of working in a company, then another one and another one…until I moved to Paris to study again. Here was the place where my life was about to change. I started to enjoy the French joie de vivre and I realized I have a talent I never got to use. I created an Instagram account for a few months before, but in Paris things got to a different level. I was more exposed to the beauty of life and I focus a lot on my account. Once I moved to the Netherlands, I had a few posts that went viral and this is how I started this blog. After many collaborations, while still working on the corporate world, I realized what my expertise is and I was going to share it with the world.

Do you also want to start your own company? Of course, I can’t tell you if my plan works, as it’s still not in motion. Do you have questions about starting a business? Feel free to ask them in the comments below and I will do my best to share my views.

Figure out how to write a business plan and make it clear

Before you start anything, you must consider what your skillsets are. You also have to realize what exactly you want to offer with your company. Brainstorm about this yourself, but feel free to ask advice from friends and family. After all, they also know you very well and can bring you new ideas! If you have this on paper, you can describe for yourself in which market you will operate.

If you have a clear business plan, and are ready to start your own business, register with the Chamber of Commerce. At the Chamber of Commerce you will also receive several questions about your company, so be well prepared.

Focus on the presentation of yourself and your own company

Have you registered your own company with the Chamber of Commerce? Then it is essential to think about how you will present yourself and your company. Are you going to make a website, yes or no, and if so, are you going to have it built, or are you going to do it yourself? Do you choose a physical business card that you can give to people, and what will it look like? And perhaps most importantly, how will you present your company online. It is essential to let people know who you are, what you do, and most importantly what you do well. And there is also a bit of confidence involved. It would be best if you were convinced that your abilities are worth other people’s time. Tell your friends and family what you are doing and what kind of business you have started. Besides, make sure you also have some sort of pitch for strangers ready and always give that business card, because hey this still works!

Make a workplace at home or rent an office space

Work at home or rent an office space? Make a choice and do this very consciously. You work from home, or you work from a workplace. I chose the first because I like having the feeling that I am in control and it’s very quiet and I can fully be focused on my work. Because I also have a full-time job in a corporation, that means I know how easily you get distracted while talking to people around your desk.

But of course, this does not mean that this is the best choice for you. What I want to say is that you must make a conscious choice. Realize that if you work from home, it is pretty easy to start Netflix instead of working). Therefore, make a focused place where you work and be very strict that you clean up your belongings after the working day and put them out of sight as much as possible so that you do not work while you are free!

Keep your admin in order

Yes, admin! Believe me, that is a struggle for a starting company. Your admin, it is a difficult job, and I am still doing it myself. At one point, most likely I will decide to start working with an accountant, and that will for sure give me a lot of peace. Now I'm not saying you should do that too, but it will save you a lot of headaches and hassle.

Try to keep rhythm by making a schedule every day

In the last three months, I have made so many changes in my schedule and rhythm because I have to confess that I do not find it easy to divide my tasks. I still struggle with this. I currently work in Trello with lists for the day, week, month, and how I organize my work. Before I worked with Trello, I did it on paper for a while. My tip, look for what works for you and do not immediately expect that you have found the perfect way because, honestly, I have not found it myself.

And then the last thing we all run into now; the Coronavirus. It is scary and elusive and affects your business. But my tip, stay calm, continue working, and seize new opportunities to get creative! Because right now, you have the time to do that!

Questions about starting your own business successfully?

Have you always dreamed of starting your own company? Don't fancy it any further, but go for it. One thing is for sure, every step you take to your own company is more than worth it! Do you have questions as a starting company, or do you want more tips to start your own company? Feel free to ask them in the comments below.

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