The non-risky way to start a business
Starting a business doesn't have to be risky. It is possible to do it as a 'side hustle' for a while until you get a good sense of whether it is going to make money, be viable and - most importantly - whether it's going to be something you enjoy doing.
When I was starting my own business I was doing both my corporate job AND my side hustle business for about 9-12 months before I had eventually starting making enough money in the new business venture that I knew it was going to be something I could make a go of and that it would replace my corporate salary.
Here are some of the first steps I took when I was starting my own business in case it gives you some inspiration to do the same!
1: Start creating content
The first thing I did was start writing a blog for fun. I was sharing things I loved about design, tips and ideas and projects that I liked.
During this phase I didn't:
overthink the process
worry what people thought of me
think about where it was all heading
What I did do was:
have fun!
share things I loved
posted consistently (every few days for the first 6 months or so)
2: Start telling people
At the same time as starting to produce content I started telling people what I was doing and a bit about my side project. I would chat with Mums at my boys' school and other friends and let them know what I was doing.
Yes, this felt weird sometimes - and some people gave me funny looks!
BUT I pushed through my imposter syndrome and this lead to tip three...
3: Do some work for free
Some people asked me to start helping them with projects around their homes and this then lead to other people asking me to do projects for small fees, which eventually lead to my first real paying jobs with people I didn't know!
All via word of mouth in the first instance.
At the same time....
I was still working in my corporate job and doing these projects in my evenings and on weekends.
This meant:
there was no risk in whether or not I would have enough money coming in to support the family
I was building up experience (risk free!)
I was getting a chance to see if I actually liked doing that sort of work
I was getting some great testimonials and project images that I could use if I wanted to move forward with a business more seriously.
Trust me - starting a business doesn't have to be a risky exercise!
If you are willing to spend your spare time building up your new business idea you can keep your paying job while you do so (or juggle your family or other commitments you might have).
This gives you a chance to try out your idea risk free and see if you can actually make something of it!
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Improve your professionalism?
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
