Many people possess entrepreneurial vision, but sadly, only a small amount make their ideas a reality. This is often due to fear of failure, time constraints, or lack of funding. But did you know that many successful enterprises have been started in a bedroom, on a shoe string budget, and by people with no business experience?
If you would like to be one of those success stories – and with enough determination and passion, there’s no reason you shouldn’t get there – then here’s a little guide to help you take your first steps and build a strong business foundation.
Assess Your Idea
You may have an idea – or several – but in order for any business to be successful, the initial idea has to be viable. This means it must address some form of need and have a market.
You may be selling handmade items, reselling vintage clothes, or offering your services as a graphic designer. Whatever the idea, think about who your audience. How does your idea serve them? Does it solve an issue? Is there something similar out there? Are there people who will buy it? Conduct some research and write a basic business plan to answer these questions. By having this information at the beginning, you can make sure your idea has potential and plan ahead.
Don’t Quit!
This one is two-fold. Firstly, don’t quit your day job. While it may be tempting to go all in on your business idea and dedicate all your time to your exciting new venture, having a reliable income and a solid daily routine will work wonders.
Secondly, don’t give up on your bedroom business. Operating a side business can be a lot of work. There will be times where you feel drained and frustrated, not seeing results as quickly as you would like. When this happens, you may be tempted to quit but keep going. A side business can turn into a very profitable and successful venture if you put in the work. Even Google and Facebook started at home.
Create a Functional Workspace
Whether you plan on working from your bed, a desk, or an armchair, you can start your business bedroom in any way you like. However, to boost productivity and keep you working, try to create a work zone.
This could be as simple as a laptop tray or a small workspace in the corner. Anything that will help to create a work-vibe and reduce the distractions of your home environment will help. Remember, staying organised and on track is key to success.
Measure the Little Things
Starting out on your own, in your bedroom, with next-to-no funds can be a daunting prospect. It can feel like a long, arduous and unrewarding journey. To combat this and keep you focussed, measure and celebrate the little successes.
It could be that you’ve launched a social media page, got through your to-do list, established a relationship with a UK courier, or even managed to fit in a full hour’s work. While they may seem insignificant, every little step adds up in the long-term.
Setting up a bedroom from a bedroom can be a great idea. Providing an instant workspace with limited overheads will allow you to get straight to work. Follow these tips to get started and build a business that could stand the test of time.