How to Know When to Start Your Business

Never start a business to ‘make money.’ Start a business to make a difference. —Marie Forleo

One month ago today marked the one year anniversary of opening my e-commerce business! Time sure flies!

For the last year, I’ve been quietly building my online business whenever I could find pockets of time and I must say, it’s been quite the experience!

In some ways, it’s been different and yet, in some ways very familiar. A lot of “unlearning” had to happen while becoming a student of the entrepreneurship profession once again.

Regardless, it has been a lot more fun and a lot more easier this time around than the first time.

A year ago, a good friend of mine gave me a phone call and asked me if I wanted to partner with him on a new venture. I was SO hesitant after my previous experience with entrepreneurship. However, the more I thought about it, the more it seemed appealing to give being my own boss a second chance.

Once again, I was at a crossroads.

Several years ago, I wrote an article about how to know it’s time to quit your business. Today, I want to talk about the topic of how to know when to start your business.

Whether we’re starting over because we don’t want to look like we failed or we just need to redeem ourselves, starting a business (again) is scary and exciting.

Regardless of what side of the road you’re on, if you’ve been thinking about starting your business, keep reading.

**What happens before you think about starting your business?**

You start reflecting on what you’re currently doing. If you’re working for someone else, you wonder, “Is this all there’s to in life?”
Your motivation begins to grow a little; enough for you to be aware. However, not enough to push you to begin…yet.
You start to entertain the idea of starting a business.
You begin to pay attention to friends who are building their businesses.
The idea of starting something new becomes more exciting.

What happens while you contemplate on starting?

Your thoughts begin. “Do I start, do I not start?” “Should I, shouldn’t I?”
You start intentionally exploring to find your inspiration again. You may try new things and look for problems people have that your products/services can solve.
You’ve been saving some “start up” money as well as cost of living expenses as a “Plan B” in case you want to up and quit your job one day.
You begin to research business-related classes to take and events to attend.
Your thoughts start veering towards seeking/praying for clarity and wisdom for this next chapter of your life.

How do you know when it’s time to start your business?

After taking a long break from your business and working for the man, you still want to be an entrepreneur.
When you tell your family/friends and you notice how happy and excited you are when talking about a possible new journey.
When you’re passionate about selling your product/service so you can help others.
You’ve been thinking about this business non-stop, even while doing every day things like running errands or showering.
When you’re aware the fire in you is starting to grow.

What next?

Be open to taking a look at opportunities that come your way, even ones you’re familiar with. You never know how entrepreneurship has changed since you’ve last been in it.
Continue to enjoy the little things in life like going out with your family and friends, volunteering, going to the movies, traveling, etc. to reboot your mind and spirit.
Don’t let your previous experiences affect what this new opportunity can do for you and your family.
Don’t transfer your bad experiences of entrepreneurship over to your new business. What happened with your previous venture(s) is different because it was a different company/brand. You were also different too!
Ask yourself this hard question, “What do I want out of life?” Think about what your new business can this do for yourself, your family, and others. Answer truthfully.

Opening a new chapter is scary, but it’s oh so exciting at the same time. It feels weird to be back in this arena again, but at the same time, it’s comforting because it feels familiar too.

To exceed my earnings with this new company compared to my last one is already so encouraging. What I’m most happy about is to be around familiar faces (and new ones) who have similar goals.

No matter what happens, I truly feel at home with where I’m at in the entrepreneurship world. I’ve missed being surrounded by people who care about my success and challenge me to rise up by raising the bar. No arrogance, just humility. All those I’ve met so far? They want you to succeed.

My heart is bursting because I’m starting to feel like me again. I’ve missed her.

If you’re thinking about starting your business, I hope this article encourages you to begin!