I’ve always been in love with money and making my OWN money. While in quarantine, I couldn’t work and HATED not making my own money and not keeping myself busy. I said to myself, “Haley.. you should start your own business”. I didn’t think about it, didn’t second guess myself, and just went for it (which is how you should go through life because what’s a life without risks). I used my full refund check (which I was using to buy another car), my last check I received from work and school, and invested into myself and my business. Of course, I was nervous and scared my business would flop because I put so much MONEY, hard work, and time into starting my business, but my business actually did better than expected, and I was overjoyed! So if you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, take this “How to” guide as a SIGN! Let’s get into it:
STEP 1: You need money to make money
Anybody ever heard the saying, “you need money to make money?” Sometimes you can start a business with $0.00, but it’s VERY rare. At most, you need is $20-100. It all depends on what you want to sell if you’re going to go all out with all the trimmings, etc. etc. Personally, I had the money to go all out, so I did! And I received my money back 10 fold, which I am eternally grateful for. Make sure you have a little money in your savings to buy your inventory because you’re gonna need it!
STEP 2: Figure out what you want to sell and who your target audience will be
So, you have your coins, CHECK! Now time to make more coins with your coins. But before we do that, we have to figure out what we’re selling and who we’re selling it to. Are you good at making jewelry? Like really good to where you can make money off of it and sell to other people? GO FOR IT! Are you good at drawing and painting? Get your own Etsy shop and sell through there! Maybe you like to make lip gloss and enjoy lashes and other cosmetics, you can start your own cosmetics business like I did! After you get your money together, think about what you love or what you love to hand make and sell it to people who love the thing that you’re providing. For instance, if you’re selling jewelry, your target audience will be based on the KIND of jewelry you make. If it’s cute and dainty, girls 14-17 could be your target audience. If it’s more mature, elegant, and sophisticated, maybe 18+. Sit down and figure out this FIRST before buying or announcing anything!
STEP 3: BUDGET! BUDGET! BUDGET!
Here’s the hard part, BUDGETING! Even if you have a ton to splurge on your business, I don’t recommend it because we’re in PERILOUS times. This weird thing called life tends to hit you when you least expect it, so make sure you have enough money left over for yourself and things you need to attend to outside of your newly developed business! You don’t have to go all out when first launching your business because it could, unfortunately, flop. That’s the honest truth. And that’s money gone. Even though you SHOULDN’T think like that and have faith in yourself and business, it’s still something to consider and is the harsh truth. Just buy a little here and there, and if it sells well, build from there! I recommend writing down a budget plan and keeping it close by when buying your inventory.
STEP 4: Figure out your competition
One of those most challenging things about the business world is COMPETITION. You’re gonna have it, whether it’s in the business world or not, but there are ways to get around that and triumph! One of the 3 main ways to get more business is ALWAYS being able (and ready) to reinvent and adapt to the business world’s changes, ALWAYS know how to market, and ALWAYS make sure your product is NOT half-assed! You have to be willing to put in the work. It’s enough money out there for everyone to eat, but you just have to be one of the top competitors :)! When you figure out your competition, don’t be petty, catty, or jealous; always support other women on their entrepreneurial journies and other endeavors, but remember if you’re selling jewelry, other girls are doing the same things as you! Still support their work, but remember that you want the most business at the end of the day!
STEP 5: Make a THOROUGH business plan
Even though this could go in step 3, I’ll make it a separate step. Business plans are VERY important. Without it, you’ll be running around like a chicken with its head cut off with no plan and an all over the place business, which is NOT what we’re aiming for! Even if your goal is just a page: MAKE IT THOROUGH! Make it to where you know what you’re going to do step by step and not be confused or stressed out. Include marketing strategies, how many times you’re gonna post on your socials, what your socials will be, etc. It’ll help you be more organized and saves a significant headache! Also, make a list of inventory, document the websites or stores you get your things from, and so forth!
STEP 6: LAST BUT NOT LEAST, Have fun!
Whatever type of business you decide to have, the most important thing to do is HAVE FUN and treat your business like your baby! It’s yours! Cherish it, take care of it, and invest in it and yourself, and you’ll receive all your hard work back 10 FOLD! I PROMISE!!
