You had that dream again. The one where you are running toward the edge of a cliff and you jump! Could it be your subconscious mind trying to tell you it’s time to take that leap? Is it time time to follow your heart instead of your father’s voice that tells you the accounting degree is what you want because it will land you a secure job? Perhaps it’s time to follow that entrepreneurial dream and start your own business.

Getting to wake up each day and know that you are doing what you love, is a dream that many have, and more and more are acting on. Owning your own business can be scary, and it will definitely be lots of work, but working year-after-year doing something that you are not passionate about is scarier, and you’d probably be working just as hard. So what does it take to successfully make that leap into that entrepreneurial ocean?

Let’s take a look at 10 things you can do to make starting your own business more successful:

Do what you love

This seems obvious, but there are many people who will start anything that they can make quick money, whether they are passionate about it or not. Every start up takes work, so make sure it is doing what you love. This makes getting up each day SO much easier.

Do it with people you like

While you are doing what you love, surround yourself with people you love, or at least like a lot. Find smart people who fill your gaps. Don’t hire people who are all like you. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and find people who, as Tom Cruise would say, complete you!

Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and accountability buddies

We love the support system we have here at Wine& Design and realize it is a critical piece to being successful. Having access to people who have “been there, done that” helps tremendously. Finding accountability buddies who will hold you to the things you say you are going to do is important. Having someone who can train you in processes that are proven is invaluable. Be sure you don’t go it alone. Starting and running a business has ups and downs. You need someone who understands and can celebrate with you during those great days and support you and offer guidance during the tough days.

Take it seriously—You don’t build a business “on the side”

Your commitment to this business must be strong. When people say they are going to do something “on-the-side” as they work their full-time job, they are setting themselves up to give up. It’s like the story of the Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, who burned his ships in the harbor to ensure troops could not retreat. You have to be that committed to your business. No escape ship waiting off-shore should you get bored in a few weeks.

Realize you are in for the long-haul, not a sprint. 

You’re not flipping houses here. You’re building a business. Enjoy each day. Many times people start a business expecting everything to be smooth in the first six months. Be patient and look at all you accomplish and learn each week. Remember why you started, and continue learning every day.

Execute every day

Dreaming about things getting done, and even planning won’t get things done. When you feel overwhelmed by all that has to be done, make your list of priorities and then take action. One at a time, you are moving yourself through the load of “to-do’s” and progress is made. Making sure, as a small business owner, you are accomplishing the big things every day is important. Become an executer!

Be customer focused

Another “Duh” point, but again, there are people who really don’t love being around people all day. To be a successful business owner, at least at Wine & Design, you must be focused on creating a wonderful experience for each customer. You do have to love interacting with people to be successful.

Use the tools of the day

As a business owner, you will have to stay current with technology that makes your job easier. It can be tempting to ignore new tools that could help you, claiming you are too busy to learn something new, but you must stay relevant and use the tools your consumers are using. Whether they be for marketing, bookkeeping, or internal communications. Be open and willing to keep learning.

Be involved in your community

Just like raising a child “takes a village,” growing a business takes a community. If you want your community to come and support you and your business, you have to show thatpart of the community. Show up, be involved, and get to know people.

Celebrate Along the Way

Your inbox will never be empty. Your To-Do list may always have items left for the next day. Don’t beat yourself up. You will accomplish amazing things each day and each week. Take time to celebrate. Take time to call one of your coaches, mentors, or accountability buddies and share those things with them. It is very easy to focus on problems that you are having, so you need to make sure you are recognizing the great things that are happening as well.

If you are interested in making that leap this year and starting a business you love. We’d love to connect and tell you about the Wine & Design franchise opportunities we have available. Call or email: 919-803-3343 or [email protected]