It’s always been a dream of mine to launch my own business. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and even pursued a college degree in entrepreneurial studies. It’s been a life-long dream, but I knew from the beginning it would never be easy.
This year I’m launching several new businesses (and I’m so excited to share those with you soon!). I wouldn’t say I’m an expert by any means (lots of hard work, sweat, and even tears), but I will say I’ve learned a few things along this journey that I think can be helpful for you too!
A quote my husband says often is, “Don’t settle for what you want now instead of what you want most.” When dreaming up a business idea and planning out the steps to accomplish it, it can be easy to settle along the way. You’re going to encounter many people who may not believe in you or your idea. You’re going to encounter many obstacles along the way. You might also encounter some fun new ideas that distract you from your bigger dream too! What I learned (which is much easier said than done) is to be flexible, but never settle.
Define the WHAT. A big part of launching my own business was defining the what. One of the things I was taught was in order to become an entrepreneur you have to figure out a problem to solve. What problem does your product or service solve for other people? If you can define the problem, and how your business can help someone overcome that problem, then you possibly have a successful idea!
Define your WHY. Defining your why is so important for you personally, to keep you moving forward when problems arise, but also important for your business to exceed over the competition. Simon Sinek said, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Thinking through why your business exists and why you do what you do will help motivate you as well as motivate your future customers too!
Stay Determined. Tim often teases that part of the reason I’ve been able to accomplish my goal of becoming an entrepreneur is because I’m stubborn (which I am!). But I’m stubborn for the good things. I was determined to launch the business I wanted, to create a product that would solve a problem, and do all I could to make it a successful business. It takes determination to overcome the many obstacles that are bound to come your way. So don’t let the obstacles get you down or discourage you from taking that next step!
Set realistic goals. When I first decided on my business idea, I sat down to create a plan. Looking at the bigger picture is great, but can also be overwhelming. With a lot of wise counsel, I broke out my plan into realistic steps I could take in order to get to my goal of launching my own business. My advice is to set realistic goals, take small steps to get to your goals, and hire your weakness! Chances are you will encounter obstacles, but if you believe in what you’re doing, you will find a way. I believe in you, so make a plan, set some goals, stick to those goals, and DREAM BIG!
Great advice. Wishing you the best with your new ventures!
These are great tips. I really enjoyed reading them. I adhere to the same belief and often share it with my clients and friends — people buy into the why.
Thank Demi!! This is so very on time for me right now!! God bless you!
Some great insight! Dankie Demi x
Many words of wisdom. Thanks Demi for sharing. I’m getting ready to start a business venture myself. This was encouraging as well.
Best wishes for your business, love following your blog.
Demi, I love this and everything that you stand for. My husband and I launched a mortgage business 2 years ago and it’s been a wild and challenging, but wonderful ride. As a Christian woman it’s important for me to stand firm in my faith and show the love of Christ even when it’s very difficult. Thank you for showing us a great example of how that’s done.
Thank you so much for this Demi . I recently started my own baking business with my mom and as you said it really is not easy and extremely hard work.
I often find myself doubting my abilities and skills but am always encouraged by the many supportive people around me 🥰. I have set goals and often find myself procrastinating which for me is a huge problem and when I have ideas I don’t always jot them I rather tell myself you can do it later and later becomes tomorrow and so on it goes .
But thank you so.Much Demi Tebow your advice was so worth it.
And wishing you nothing but the best for your future endeavors.
Best wishes for new business.
Loved it ♥️
Thanks Demi, your tips stir the dream inside of me. We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.
May the Lord guide & bless you Demi, & Tim as you pursue your business goals,& the work for advancing Christ’s Kingdom to love the broken & hurting which you both are now doing! A great work that needs more voices. God bless
I keep getting signs to finally pursue my dream of opening my own boutique and this was one of them and it is extremely helpful! Thank you for the wonderful post Demi! Wishing you all the best on your future endeavors!
thank you ever so much Demi! So inspiring and brought me to tears that you believe in me! It is refreshing to hear that when there was a lot of people who did not believe in you or your idea. I have renewed hope and courage. How do you make a plan so clear so you can set up realistic goals. When you make goals is it day by day or monthly? Thank you!
Thank you – Trusting the Lord to help children with disabilities and women working for a second chance at life.
Thank you Demi🌸
Thank you so much, Demi. Those tips are really helpful and at the same time a reminder of ‘Why we do, what we do’.
I’m a mompreneur and I just started my own business last year during pandemic.:) May God bless you more.
Thank you for the tips!
You just go Demi!♡
I love your story Demi-Leigh!
I also am a blogger. I started three years ago! I would love to follow your blog more!