Chances are youve daydreamed of what it would be like to run a business of your own.
Perhaps youve thought of an idea that could be a real moneymaker.
Weve paired each day with a strategy to help you chisel away at your goals.
Dreams, youre back.
That business youve always wanted to start: Its happening.
Day 1: Brainstorm Ideas
Business ideas dont have to be glamorous.
They just need to be realistic.
At their core, good business ideas identify existing problems and offer solutions.
She spoke to The Penny Hoarder about coming up with a winning idea.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Its OK if you cant think of anything on-the-spot.
The Penny Hoarder compilednine business ideas to get your creativity flowing.
Consider your own expertise.
Use your insider experience and knowledge to pinpoint whats original and novel about your idea.
Start thinking about the connections you have, and how those people can help you get started.
Did you know?
you better rethink it, or return to your list.
The point of this weeklong exercise is to make progress.
And determining that the idea youve been mulling over for a while is unfeasibleisprogress.
Day 3: Get Feedback
Feedback is crucial in the early stages of business building.
The more the better and the more critical the better.
Simply asking for constructive feedback from your neighbors, friends or family members will be tremendously helpful.
Gratton recommends asking that one brutally honest friend we all have.
You know, the one thats comfortable with telling you if youve gotten fat over the holidays.
Day 4: Outline a Business Plan
Dont roll your eyes.
Business plans are worth it.
Use those four sections as a starting point for your outline.
The sooner you learn from either scenario, the better.
Day 5: Craft a Business Pitch
Youve done all the heavy lifting for the week.
Hopefully that dream you thought was long dead is starting to come alive.
Or at least be ready when the opportunity strikes.
Any time you talk about your company, you should be able to convey those things simply.
That succinct part is especially important.
Here are Kang and Margulis other key nuggets of advice.
Theres a saying: Unless youve said it 10 times, you actually havent said it.
Spend part of the day searching for networking opportunities, updating your LinkedIn profile and other online professional networks.
Dont forget the IRL ones either.
Like, with real people.
There are networking organizations serving virtually every industry and profession, with local chapters nationwide.
Consider attending events by theAmerican Advertising Federation(orAd 2,if youre under 32), theU.S.
Chamber of Commerce,Score, theSmall Business Administrationand theSmall Business Development Center.
Youre bound to have an event or five in your area.
Day 7: Find a Mentor
Day seven already?
Smooth sailing from here, right?
Well, not really.
Entrepreneurship is hardly, if ever, smooth sailing.
Local Score chapters offer workshops and free one-on-one mentoring.
Whatever you do, dont stall out now.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
He covers the gig economy, entrepreneurship and unique ways to make money.
Read his latest articles here, or say hi on Twitter@hardyjournalism.
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