The Many Paths to Entrepreneurship

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Last week, I had an interesting conversation with a colleague. I’ve known her for a very long time but during our last get together she mentioned that she wasn’t happy with her very rewarding and successful career. “Something’s missing,” she said. Digging a little further, she explained that she wanted to learn more about starting a business and going out on her own. Maybe she had achieved all she wanted in her current career. Maybe she was even restless and wanted to try something completely different.

Either way, I began to realize that many people are curious about the process, and that getting started the right way can help you find success early. With that, here are five articles on starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur. Don’t worry! This isn’t deep material but it is a good reminder what an entrepreneur needs in order to get into that independent mindset.

1. Know the challenges ahead of you.

When it comes to starting a business on your own, it’s easy to fall into two categories — those who push forward without much of a plan, and those who hesitate and second-guess every decision. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. If entrepreneurship is on your mind, this article from YFS Magazine will help. The name stands for Young, Fabulous and Self-employed. I love the fresh perspective of their online platform so take a look if you’re interested.

2. Make sure to maintain balance as you continue to grow.

There is such a thing as spending too much time at work (or on your business). If you want to know what it means to grow your startup from a mere idea to entrepreneurial success, check out this article from Entrepreneur Magazine. Maybe these three hints seem obvious, but that’s usually the best reminder.

3. Refine your idea but don’t let a crowded market hold you back.

This article on how to come up with a business idea in the digital era walks you through a set of great questions that will prompt you to consider exactly what you’re trying to do, and how to get started.

4. Plot twist — creatives make great entrepreneurs. 

It may not seem obvious, but my coaching packages tend to attract a good number of highly talented creatives. They’ve usually identified an area that could use their creative solutions and need help to get started. This article in Fast Company goes through the step-by-step process of getting to the heart of the business development process aimed at those in a creative field. It also references a series of articles from The Creative Independent that includes articles, interviews and how-to guides. The best part: anyone could use this valuable resource.

5. Dive in but make sure to take calculated risks. 

When all else fails, ask Richard Branson. I really enjoy reading or listening to interviews with Richard Branson. He shares plenty of nuggets of wisdom and makes the entire process of going from “hungry entrepreneur” to “multi-billionaire” seem so easy. There are plenty of articles on Richard Branson and I say read them all, or you could start with this article in Inc. Magazine. It’s a quick read but serves as a great reminder that at the end of the day, you won’t really have a business that’s successful unless you take some chances.

If you discover something new in any of these articles, or even a gentle reminder to stay on track and not get discouraged, shoot me a note and let me know.

 

Christina Holloway is an executive coach and business coach. She helps executives and entrepreneurs grow their companies faster, create results-driven teams, and increase profitability. She has been featured in ForbesThe Huffington PostAddicted2Success and Fast Company. If you’re interested in working with Christina, take a look at her strategy sessions and contact her to get started.

Christina Holloway