🟠The Six Steps To Starting Your Dream Business From Scratch!

As a child, I was always rebellious and really struggled with the ‘norms’ that was expected of me. Even though I was very intelligent and in the gifted classes (the smart kid classes) sitting in a classroom all day was extremely challenging. My mind would wander so focusing for me was almost non-existent. I loved Math, especially the long algebra problems but I had a serious disdain for English and Science. Math gave me the opportunity to exercise the strategic part of my brain. The daydreaming allowed me to create a vision for my life even though, in those days, I did not see it as a possibility for me.

Reflecting on the younger version of myself reminds me of the entrepreneurial spirit that began revealing itself way back then. I hated the box that school tried to put me in. I resented not being allowed to do things my way. One teacher gave up on trying to keep me focused and allowed me to do two Math classes at once independently! I love her for that!

When I started my first business, a nightclub, it was stressful! There was no one in my family or in my friends’ circle that had ever owned a business. I had no training, no role model, and no clue what I was doing. That first business was all the way back in 1999! And I do not regret a moment of the businesses I’ve started, lost, and utterly failed at.

All my tried and failed attempts, successes, and learning along the way has given me a passion for teaching others how to do it right the first time. Building your dream business from scratch can seem overwhelming, but by breaking it down into actionable steps, you can bring your vision to life. Here are six crucial steps to guide you on this exciting journey:

Step 1: Cultivate an Empowered Mindset

An empowered mindset is the foundation for achieving success, happiness, and fulfillment in life. It is a mental state where you believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and take control of your actions and decisions.

One of the reasons I failed in several business endeavors was lack of attention to my mindset. It wasn’t because I didn’t work hard or follow each and every ‘how to’ step I would learn from courses, books, or the internet. It wasn’t because I didn’t want it badly enough. I wanted it so badly with every business I attempted. My children needed me to be successful.

During my studies, I had a lightbulb moment (dink!) that showed me the real issue; my broken mindset needed attention. I was listening to teachings by Joe Vitale, one of the gurus from The Secret film by Rhonda Byrne. He shared how we have all created our lives into what it is today, currently creating our tomorrow, and if life doesn’t look like we want it to, we must pay attention to what’s playing in our subconscious. To break that don’t a bit simpler…if you want something different for your life, you must believe for different.

Unfortunately, thinking positively and trying to believe differently about yourself is not easy, but it is possible. I know because I did it. The beliefs you have about yourself started forming at a very early age and have continued throughout your life. Every experience along the way has molded you into the you of today. The success of your new business starts with the belief you can do it. Without that belief you will undoubtedly ensure that it isn’t.

So, how do you cultivate an empowered mindset?

Write down what you believe about yourself and why? Next, be honest with yourself…are those beliefs true? Negative beliefs about oneself can be deeply limiting, often creating mental barriers that prevent personal growth and success. These beliefs, whether rooted in fear, past experiences, or self-doubt, distort your perception of your abilities and potential. Left unchecked, they can lead to low self-esteem, missed opportunities, and a cycle of self-sabotage.

Write down a new belief about yourself. Overcoming negative self-beliefs requires self-awareness, a commitment to reframe limiting thoughts, and a focus on embracing your strengths and worth. Shifting to a more positive, empowered mindset is essential for unlocking your true potential and achieving personal fulfillment.

Create affirmations around each new belief. Creating affirmations that support new positive beliefs about oneself is a powerful tool for transforming your mindset and fostering self-empowerment. Affirmations are intentional, uplifting statements that help reprogram negative thinking and reinforce self-worth, confidence, and resilience. By repeating affirmations daily, you replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones, reshaping your self-perception and building a foundation of positivity and inner strength. These affirmations serve as constant reminders of your potential, helping you stay focused on your goals, overcome challenges, and embrace the best version of yourself.

Make a list of several wins throughout your life and celebrate those wins. Celebrating all the wins in life, big or small, is essential for maintaining motivation, boosting self-esteem, and fostering a positive mindset. Acknowledging even the smallest achievements helps you recognize your progress, reinforces your efforts, and cultivates gratitude. These celebrations not only fuel your confidence but also inspire you to continue striving toward bigger goals. By embracing every victory, you create a habit of appreciating your journey, which enhances your overall well-being and encourages resilience through life's challenges.

Reflect on your new beliefs, wins and affirmations daily! Consistency is key to truly cultivating an empowered mindset!

An empowered mindset takes time so don’t be too hard on yourself on days when those old beliefs are knocking at the door. Open the door, let them in, address each one with the new belief (The Real You), and allow them to slip away.

My course, Empowered Woman Unleashed, provides in depth training for cultivating an mindset prepared to be at peace, happy, and SUCCESSFUL! It’s every step I took to become a successful entrepreneur, and YOU are the reason I created the course.

Step 2: Create Your Business Idea | Create Your Business Concept

Every successful business begins with a compelling vision. What is your dream? Define your business purpose, mission, and the impact you want to create. Ask yourself what problem your business will solve and who your target audience is. A clear vision acts as your compass, helping you navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals.

As I’ve grown as a businesswoman, one thing that has remained consistent for years is my use of a vision board. My vison board serves as my reminder of my dreams, and it has evolved many times over the years. I do accomplish the things I post on my vision board and when I do, those things are removed, and new things are added.

My book, Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, teaches you how to create a Vision Board and how my vision has evolved because of the use of it.

The following list outlines tasks in this step. It’s important that each be completed from a place of passion and inspiration.

Create a vision board - By regularly engaging with your vision board, you reinforce positive thinking and activate the law of attraction, making it easier to manifest your desires into reality. In essence, a vision board transforms your goals from abstract ideas into tangible visuals, guiding you toward achieving them with purpose and determination.

Name your business/company - Choosing the right name for your business is a crucial step in establishing your brand identity. A strong name not only reflects the essence of your business but also makes a lasting impression on your target audience. It should be memorable, resonate with your values, and align with your vision. The right name sets the tone for how your company is perceived in the market, helping you stand out from competitors and create a connection with customers. In essence, your business name is the foundation upon which your brand is built, influencing its success and recognition.

Decide on your brand colors - Brand colors are a key element of your business's visual identity, influencing how your brand is perceived and remembered. The right color palette can evoke specific emotions, communicate your brand’s values, and help you stand out in a crowded market. Consistently using your brand colors across all marketing materials strengthens recognition and fosters a deeper connection with your audience. Ultimately, your brand colors should align with your business's personality and resonate with your target audience, ensuring that they visually represent your brand’s story and mission effectively.

Create a logo - Creating a logo for your business is a vital step in building a strong brand identity. A well-designed logo visually represents your business's core values, mission, and personality in a simple yet impactful way. It serves as the face of your brand, helping to establish recognition and trust with your audience. An effective logo should be distinctive, versatile, and memorable, ensuring that it leaves a lasting impression across all platforms, from your website to social media and packaging. In essence, your logo is a key visual symbol that communicates who you are and what your business stands for.

Craft a slogan that compliments your business name - A slogan is a powerful branding tool that encapsulates the essence of your business in a few memorable words. It serves as a concise and compelling message that communicates your brand’s unique value proposition, mission, or promise to customers. A well-crafted slogan resonates with your target audience, reinforces brand identity, and creates an emotional connection, helping your business stand out in a competitive marketplace. Ultimately, a strong slogan is a vital part of your overall branding strategy, leaving a lasting impression and fostering brand loyalty.

Write your mission statement - Creating a mission statement for your business is essential because it defines the core purpose and direction of your company. It clearly communicates what your business stands for, the value it provides, and its goals for the future. A well-crafted mission statement serves as a guiding principle for decision-making, inspires your team, and helps align your actions with your long-term objectives. It also conveys to customers and stakeholders why your business exists, fostering trust and connection by sharing your company's commitment and vision. Ultimately, a strong mission statement is the foundation of your brand’s identity and strategic growth.

Write a business plan - Writing a business plan is a critical step in laying the foundation for your business’s success. It serves as a strategic roadmap, outlining your business objectives, target market, revenue model, and operational strategy. A well-structured business plan not only helps you stay focused and organized but also attracts investors, secures funding, and guides decision-making as your business grows. It forces you to think through the viability of your business idea, anticipate challenges, and create actionable steps toward achieving your goals. Ultimately, a solid business plan is key to turning your vision into a successful, sustainable business.

Each of these tasks are covered in my book, Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, …And did I mention you can snag a copy for free and download instantly?

Step 3: Pre-Opening Checklist

Completing a pre-opening checklist is a crucial step in ensuring the successful launch of a business. This comprehensive list acts as a final sweep to verify that all necessary preparations have been made, potential issues have been addressed, and the business is truly ready to open its doors to customers. It encompasses everything from verifying legal compliances and finalizing financial arrangements to ensuring the operational processes are in place and the marketing strategies are primed for execution.

Navigating the loan process and determining if you even need one - Determining whether or not you need a loan for your new business startup is a pivotal decision that requires careful consideration and strategic financial planning. This decision hinges on a thorough assessment of your current financial resources, projected cash flow, and the anticipated costs of starting and running your business. It's essential to evaluate the scale at which you plan to launch your venture, the initial investments required for operations, marketing, product development, and other critical areas that could influence your success in the personal development industry.

Building a website - Having a website for your business in today's digital age is not just an option; it's a critical component of your overall strategy for success, especially in the personal development sector. A website serves as the digital storefront of your brand, providing a platform where you can showcase your courses and services, share your expertise, and connect with your audience. It offers a level of credibility and professionalism that instills confidence in potential clients, demonstrating that you're a serious and established player in the personal development field.

Decide on equipment needed to run your business effectively and efficiently - Determining the right equipment to operate your new business, especially within the personal development sector, is a foundational step that can significantly influence your operational efficiency, service quality, and overall customer satisfaction. This process involves a strategic evaluation of your business model, service offerings, and the specific needs of your target audience. It's not just about having the latest technology or tools, but selecting equipment that aligns with your business goals, enhances your ability to deliver impactful content, and supports your vision for growth and scalability.

Determine pricing for products and/or services - Determining the right pricing for your products and services in the personal development industry is a critical decision that directly impacts your business's market positioning, profitability, and customer perception. This process requires a careful balance between understanding the value you provide, the investment you've made in creating your offerings, and the pricing expectations of your target audience.

Decide what type of legal entity is best for your business - Choosing the proper legal entity for your business is a foundational decision that significantly influences your operational flexibility, tax obligations, personal liability, and the ability to attract investment. This decision lays the groundwork for how your business will be perceived legally and financially, impacting everything from daily operations to long-term growth potential. It's not merely a formality but a strategic choice that aligns with your business goals, size, and the level of risk you're prepared to manage.

Legal protection - Legal protection is an indispensable aspect of safeguarding your business and its assets, ensuring that the hard work and investment you've poured into your venture are secure. In the realm of personal development, where your offerings often include unique content, methodologies, and services, the importance of legal protection cannot be overstated.

These steps were things I had never heard of when opening my business 20+ years ago. I was just a mom in my early twenties, and I knew so little about operating a business properly. Had I known all the things included in my free eBook back then, my chances of success would have multiplied exponentially!

My book, Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, can help you complete each step and provides valuable resources to support your decisions and fast track the process to getting your new business open and operating.

Step 4: Launch & Marketing

Marketing was a mystery to me when I began my entrepreneurial journey over 2 decades ago. I had no idea how to effectively attract my target customers. I kept raising my hand while silently begging, “Pick me”, but describing my wins as hit or miss is an understatement.

One of my biggest mistakes with marketing was trying to get someone to buy. Yes, you read that correctly (I go into a lot of detail on this topic in my free eBook). Here’s what I should have done instead; 1) Think like the consumer and not the business owner and 2) Solve the consumers’ problem. When you think like the consumer, where to find them, how to attract them, and serving them well becomes fun and not so much a mystery.

Launch & Marketing includes the following tasks:

Craft your personal story - Crafting your personal story is a powerful tool in the personal development industry, serving as a bridge that connects you with your audience on a deeply authentic level. It's not just about sharing your journey; it's about resonating with the hearts and minds of those you aim to help, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and a shared path to overcoming obstacles.

Adding proper website components - In the digital age, your website serves as the virtual front door to your personal development business, and having the right components in place is crucial for welcoming visitors into your world. It's not just about aesthetics or functionality; it's about creating an environment where your audience can truly get to know, like, and trust you.

Develop your marketing strategy - Having a well-defined marketing strategy is absolutely essential for any business, especially for those in the personal development sector. It serves as the roadmap guiding your efforts to connect with your audience, share your unique message, and ultimately grow your business. Without a clear strategy, your marketing efforts can become disjointed and ineffective, costing valuable time and resources while yielding minimal results.

Social media presence - Having a presence on social media is no longer just an option for businesses; it's a necessity. In today's digital age, social media platforms are where your audience spends a significant amount of their time, seeking inspiration, solutions, and community. By establishing a strong social media presence, you open up invaluable channels for connecting with your audience, sharing your message, and growing your brand.

Build an email list for FREE campaigns - Creating a freebie, often referred to as a lead magnet, is a highly effective strategy for growing your email list and enhancing your free campaigns and advertising efforts, especially within the personal development industry. This approach not only helps in attracting potential clients but also establishes your expertise and value proposition right from the outset.

Network, network, network - Attending networking events is a pivotal strategy for any entrepreneur. These events can significantly impact your business growth, professional development, and the value you provide to your clients.

Establish a Google Business Profile - This free tool provided by Google can significantly enhance your online presence and help attract more clients.

Ask for reviews - For any business owner, securing customer reviews is not just beneficial; it's essential for sustainable growth and success. Reviews serve as a powerful testament to the quality and value of your offerings, building trust and credibility with potential clients.

The most impactful method of marketing is to do it well with a minimal budget. I created a strategy I call Plant & Grow where marketing is effective on social media with zero ad spend. Seven weeks of social media posts can be created in a single day! My entire Plant & Grow Strategy is included in Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, …and it can be snagged for free! Click and go!

Step 5: Open – Up & Running

There’s a huge misconception that if you build it they will come. That’s simply not true. Not only do you need a great marketing strategy, you must also have the right location to conduct business. Even if conduct your business online, you still need a place to work and operate.

Choosing a great location can mean the difference between thriving in your business and closing up shop permanently. Included in Mind Your Own Business: Six Step To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, is the formula for choosing the location that meets your needs and maximizes your earning potential.

In this step, check off the following:

Choose the right location - The ideal location does more than just fit your budget—it aligns with your target audience's demographics, enhances your brand visibility, and is accessible to both customers and employees.

Develop operations & staff - Operations, the backbone of your business, ensure that your services or products are delivered to your customers in an effective, high-quality, and consistent manner.

Develop a winning sales strategy - A sales strategy goes beyond mere transactions; it is a comprehensive plan that outlines how to reach your target customers, communicate the value of your products or services, and convert prospects into loyal customers.

In my eBook, Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch, I teach the The A.S.K. – the simplest sales strategy for any business to follow. This strategy eliminates the feeling of being salesy or pushy.

Step 6: Grow & Maintain Your Business

The goal when embarking on your entrepreneurial journey is to own a business, not a job. I have been the business owner that really just owned an independent job. I have been a slave to my business and has no downtime, rest time, play time, or really anything but work time. Making the money is great but if you never have time to enjoy it or your family, you have to ask yourself, “What’s the point?”.

Properly growing and maintaining your business is all about scaling properly so as your gain more clients/customers, you hire more staff, expand your location to accommodate growth, all while developing the business in such a way that it can operate without you!

The final tasks for a fully functional business is as follows:

Create a scaling formula - Scaling involves strategically growing your business in a way that increases revenue without a corresponding increase in costs. This process is crucial because it allows your business to expand its reach, impact more customers, and generate higher profits while maintaining or even improving efficiency and service quality.

Keep current clients/customers - Current clients are the foundation of your business; they provide reliable revenue streams, contribute to profitability through repeat purchases, and often cost less to serve than acquiring new ones.

Attract new clients/customers - New clients/customers not only contribute to revenue growth but also bring fresh perspectives and challenges that can inspire innovation and improvement in your services. They are essential for expanding your market reach and increasing your brand's visibility, helping to secure your position in a competitive landscape.

Get creative with your approach in the marketplace. Add your unique value proposition and most importantly, BE YOURSELF! The world is hungry for authenticity and entrepreneurs that truly care about their customers.

For an in depth look at How to Start Your Dream Business, get my free eBook here! Mind Your Own Business: Six Steps To Building Your Dream Business From Scratch!