I have a friend that has told me about his plans to start his own business. Maybe you know him too. He’s a very successful guy in the corporate world, good salary, benefits and he drives a nice car too. But he’s discontented.

He told me a few years ago he’s got an idea about a business that he wants to start. It’s not ground breaking, but it seems solid. He told me he worked on a business plan, investigated every nook and cranny about the business and industry and he was going to roll out the business as soon as he solidified some information so he is absolutely sure he’s ready.

A couple of months ago I asked him how his business was coming together. You know what he told me? He’s still researching the idea!

This is over 2 YEARS ago! I hate to tell him this, but his business will never fly. NOT because it’s bad idea, but because he has a severe case of the ready, set, aim, aim, aim, aim, aim-itis. Don’t get me wrong, under planning can be the death of your business, but over planning is fruitless as well. (FYI. Yes, in case you’re wondering, he’s given the usual excuses: “Things at work are great/busy/hectic”, “Things at home are great/busy/hectic”, “Life is great/busy/hectic” - check yourself if these sound familiar).
So what can you do to avoid being afflicted with this? Here are a couple of tips:

1. Create a business plan AND a timeframe. If you have an idea to sell a product that would fly off the racks of Walmart. Write a plan, but also say, as soon as I accomplish items 1, 2 and 3. We can start selling, maybe not to Walmart, but to a few “Mom and Pop’s” to prove the business works

2. Trust your gut. Your intuition can speak volumes to you. Sometimes we go against it and pay for it. I am a big believer in listening to what I’m unconsciously thinking about it. Say you’re approached with a great business opportunity and the idea is solid, financials check out, but the guy who wants to be your business partner just doesn’t cut it for you. Run. It might work for someone else, but probably not you. When your business is ready, listen to yourself, the other second-guessing you’re having might be nerves.

3. Ask an expert. Think that your plan is still missing something? Ask someone successful already. Take them to lunch or get an appointment with the most successful person you know. They will be able to give you insight and offer advice on your business PLUS give you a little bit more. If you’re really good, maybe they become your partner or your first customer!

4. Dip your toe. I almost want to label this, “Go for it”, but I don’t want you to simply jump into the business without confidence. So what needs to be said here is you have to start sometime. The ones who are most proactive win. Get your feet wet and get your business going. Print business cards on your computer and pass them out. Tell people you’re starting your business and would love their input, anything to get you started, but you need to get started!

5. Learn discipline. This may be the toughest part of starting your business. I know several people who get out of the gates like a missile. They have a great idea and start putting the wheels in motion, then suddenly things start slowing. The full-time job is getting busier. The family vacation needs to be planned, the garage has to be straightened. If you just discipline yourself to work 1 hour every day on your project, in 1 month you’ve worked about 30 hours, 6 months later you’ve made progress and a year later - who knows.

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