I LOVE working with business owners – especially those who have an amazing idea of how to start and grow their business. For many of you, setting out on your own may be just a pipe dream. For others, the idea of taking the leap into starting or expanding your business has been rolling around in your head for quite some time. What’s stopping you?

In working with many new and growing businesses over the years, I’ve heard a lot of your concerns. Most people tend to fall into two categories when it comes to why they aren’t willing to take the leap. Those two categories are: Logistics and Head Space

If you are an analytic thinker, then these ideas will appeal to you:

• I need to be an “expert” in all areas of my business
• I don’t have the capital to start or grow a business
• I don’t know what the next step should be

If you are all up in your head about starting or growing a business, I bet you are thinking:

• Can I handle this?
• What will others think of this new idea?
• What will others think of me trying to tackle this new venture?
• What if I fail?

Here is what I can tell you…if you can’t get the idea out of your head, then you need to start taking action. You will never have all of the answers to your questions (at least not all at one time). You will also never be 100% prepared. Your comfort level is unique to you.

So where do you go from here?

1. Identify what areas of expertise are needed to support you. Is it an accountant, attorney, commercial realtor, insurance agent, financial planner or small business resource expert? There are a multitude of experts in their fields that exist to help businesses like yours.
2. Test your fail rate strategy. Here is the reality: you will fail at something. This may not mean you fail and have to close up shop and file for bankruptcy, but that an idea, system or plan will fail and need to be reworked or scrapped altogether. Don’t be afraid of failing. It is part of doing business.
3. Head traffic beware. I have spent many nights staring at the clock wishing for sleep when my brain just won’t shut off. Most of the time, it is due to planning new ideas that I want to incorporate into my business. The same can be said about negative head traffic. I want you to surround yourself with people who believe in your abilities. If there are people in your life who do not want to encourage you, then they do not need to have space in your head, day or even life. I realize that I may be talking about some of your very close family members, who can’t be turned out. With these relationships, you will need to decide what information is shared with them and to what extent you are willing to let their input be a relevant piece of your story.