Starting a business is a painfully exciting undertaking, and yet people seem to battle in moving from an idea to taking action! The most plausible explanation for this is simply that they don’t know where to begin. Well the first thing you need to understand is that there is no correct ‘procedure’ to follow. There is no method to starting your own business. What we can do is offer some suggestions, but know that no successful startup will ever be realized without repetitive, relentless action being taken.

Business plans are essential, but not the 500 page document-type that is a common connotation to the phrase. A business plan is supposed to be a document that sets your idea out clearly for you, and as such is simply an idea on paper. Start by writing what the idea is and how it should make money, and include a bulleted list of any relevant details. This alone will formalize your business and give you a guide as to what you should be focusing on.

This next suggestion is one that many people find difficult to accept… Once you have an idea of where you’re going and have formalized it by way of a written business plan, just start. Whatever you are waiting for, it will never come around. The issue of startup capital is raised often at this point, and in response I’d like to a) concede that some projects do require significant financial investment, and b) point out that very, very few operations actually require any serious startup capital. Even if they do, you can start by actively searching for that capital. The strangely fortunate paradox here is that when you just start, the money seems to find its way to you! If you have a great idea and are not going ahead with it because of money, you are simply crazy.

Talk is an underrated means of growing your business. My advice is talk to everyone. Talk about what you are doing, let the world know and be enthusiastic about it. Without doubt you will be amazed at the number of people who will want to work with you, help you, invest in you, or be your next customer. In my experiences, talk has been the most helpful tool in furthering my business efforts.

Nothing says ‘success’ like a plan. Develop a plan of action for every week, and constantly go back to it. Stick to your plan like white on rice and make absolutely certain to achieve each week’s goals. Consistent progress is key, and sticking to the plan and constantly referring to it is the way to achieve this.

Profits should not be viewed as income. Profits should not be spent. This may seem contrary to the reasons one would start a business in the first place, because surely you are starting a business in order to generate more income so you can live a better lifestyle? Wrong. You are starting a business so you generate profit and use it to grow rather than spend it.