How to start your entrepreneurship journey: BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Starting your own business can feel overwhelming. Questions like “Where do I begin?” or “Am I ready?” can keep you stuck in the planning phase forever. Trust me, I get it– I flirted with the idea of entrepreneurship for YEARS before I finally plucked up the courage to go for it.

So now that I’m here and happier than ever, let me tell you: you’ll never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. No entrepreneur ever does! What matters is taking that first step. This guide will help you map out a practical, approachable path to starting your entrepreneurship journey today. If you’re wondering how to start your entrepreneurship journey, you’re in the right place.

Practical guide: how to start your entrepreneurship journey

1. Start with lifestyle design

Before diving into ideas, take a moment to dream about your ideal lifestyle. Do you want flexibility to travel? More time for your family? Or maybe you thrive on structure and want a set schedule?

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money; it’s about creating a life you love! Once you’re clear on how you want your life to look, work backward:

  • What kind of business allows you to have that lifestyle?
  • What work aligns with your values and energy levels?

Example: If you want location independence, like I did, look into online service-based businesses like coaching, copywriting, digital marketing, virtual assistance, teaching english, or web design. If you prefer staying local, think about physical services or community-based businesses.

2. Find your sweet spot: Passion + skill + market

The best businesses start at the intersection of three things:

  1. What you’re good at
  2. What you love doing
  3. What people will pay for

Grab a notebook and brainstorm in three columns:

  • Column 1: Skills (e.g., writing, baking, problem-solving)
  • Column 2: Passions (e.g., helping others, creating, traveling)
  • Column 3: Problems you’ve noticed that people are willing to pay to solve (e.g., social media management, personalized meal prep, or teaching new skills).

Look for overlaps. If you’re good at organizing and love teaching, you might start a productivity coaching business. If you’re a great cook, meal prep delivery might be your niche.

3. Start small, but start today

Many people wait until they “feel ready” or have the perfect plan, but entrepreneurship doesn’t work that way. You’ll never feel 100% prepared—and that’s normal! I dragged my feet more than ANYONE ever should out of a paralyzing fear of failure. But the best thing you can do is start small and take imperfect action.

  • Test your idea: Offer your service to friends, family, or on social media to get feedback, and build your services or products around that feedback.
  • Build confidence: The small wins (like your first customer) will help you feel more prepared as you go.
  • Don’t overcomplicate it: You don’t need a full website or logo to start. Focus on delivering value first; the rest can come later.

4. Plan for the money, but don’t overthink It

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to replace your 9-to-5 income on Day 1. Most entrepreneurs start as a side hustle, and that’s a great way to dip your toes into the water! I was working actively on nights and weekends for 9 months to start my business before I quit my 9-5, and still, the first year was an inconsistent struggle where I relied on my savings.

  • Set a revenue goal: What’s the minimum income you need to feel comfortable starting full-time? Work toward that goal while keeping your safety net.
  • Track expenses and pricing: Know your costs and price your services so that you’re not just working for free.
  • Invest in essentials only: A solid laptop, reliable internet, and a simple invoicing tool go a long way! Don’t fall into the trap of paying for tools you don’t need yet- use free versions and get some cashflow to your business before you spend any more money.

5. Build a support network

Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, whether through online groups, local meetups, or coworking spaces. These connections can offer advice, encouragement, and even collaboration opportunities.

I really struggled with this as a digital nomad, but eventually was able to find coworking hostels and a local networking group in a city I visit often! Some people swear by Facebook groups, but honestly every single one I joined seemed really scammy and I only got 1-2 clients from hanging out in them.

6. Keep learning and iterating

You don’t need to know everything upfront. In fact, the best entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. Stay curious, seek feedback, and adapt as you go.

  • Read books and blogs on entrepreneurship, mindset, and marketing.
  • Take courses to improve skills like sales, branding, or social media.
  • Ask for feedback and use it to improve your product or service.

7. Celebrate every win

Every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. Landed your first customer? Celebrate. Created your first offer? Celebrate. Sent your first invoice? Yep, celebrate that too. These moments build momentum and remind you why you started.

Starting your entrepreneurship journey isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about figuring it out as you go, embracing the challenges, and building something that aligns with your dreams.

Remember: no one feels 100% ready. Your ideas, skills, and courage are enough to take the first step. So start small, start messy—but just start.

And if you’re ready to create the business and life you’ve always dreamed of and need an affordable, all-inclusive website for your new website, I’m here to help at SO Digital + Design! As a website designer for entrepreneurs based in Arlington, Virginia, my passion is helping entrepreneurs just like me build the business of their dreams with a stunning, strategic website that makes your ideal clients say, “they’ve got that spark!” Explore my website packages here and get to know me and my story here!

January 1, 2025

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