Four Tips to Grow Your Business from Scratch
HAMMAD SIDDIQUI
Startup Advisor | Digital Solopreneur, Bootstrapping E-learning Programs and A Performance Marketing Business | Executive Director Canada Startup Association
In the initial phase of my business, I felt completely lost. Short of capital, absence of network and new to the market were my biggest challenges.
I wondered if I could make it work at all. But then I realized something: I had three things that were fully within my control,
And so I made the choice to trade those three to build my business.
In the past five years, I have seen many who showed interest in starting their businesses, but never did.
If you are in a similar place right now, unsure of where to start because you feel like you have nothing, I want to share what I have learned.
The key is to find things that you can control and use those in your favor. And yes, it’s a difficult road, but I have learned that if there’s no trade-off or risk, there’s almost no reward.
So, pick something, focus on it, and accept the possibility of failure. If you fail, you will learn, and if you succeed, you’ll grow even more.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Here’s a truth that no one told me when I started: being an entrepreneur is like being a salesperson, and every salesperson is really a storyteller. You are not just trying to sell a product or service, you’re selling a story. That story will attract visibility and bring opportunities.
Mostly, a startup or a solopreneurship ventures makes little sense on paper.
Honestly, I felt like an impostor most of the time. But I kept telling myself the story of the future I wanted to build. My mind started accepting those and action started happening.
The biggest lesson: You create your future. There’s no waiting for the perfect moment or the right amount of money. You have to start now, using the time and energy you have.
How to Start Building Your Future
I want to share some strategies that have helped me along the way, especially when it felt like nothing was working. These steps can help you create success even if you’re starting from scratch, just like I did.
1. Learn to Say “No” to Distractions
This was one of the hardest things for me to accept. When you’re trying to build something new, distractions are everywhere , and they can easily take you off track. I had to get really comfortable saying no.
- If I canceled plans to read and learn more, I was investing in my knowledge.
- If I skipped a social event to go to the gym, I was building my discipline and health.
- When I stayed home to and spent time on creativity, I was nurturing my personal brand.
It took time, but I learned that every time you say no to distractions, you are actually getting close to your goals. This small shift in mindset helped me stay focused and made a huge difference in how I used my time.
2. Build a Community That Supports Growth
Believe me, its not possible to do it alone. You can start, but growth is simply impossible. That is why I surrounded myself with mentors and built a support team. I believed in them, and they reciprocated.
领英推荐
- Find people who lift you up and push you to be better.
- Celebrate the self-improvement efforts of others, it creates a positive atmosphere.
- Share what you learn with those around you; giving back strengthens your network.
I can’t emphasize this enough: Your community brings opportunities. Having the right people around you will keep you motivated when things get tough, and they will help you see opportunities you might miss on your own.
3. Don’t Feel Guilty for Focusing on Yourself
I used to feel guilty for investing so much time in myself. Maybe you feel the same way, like spending time on your own growth is selfish. But I want you to know that self-improvement benefits everyone around you .
- When you grow, you inspire those around you to grow too.
- Your progress creates a ripple effect, leading to positive change in your family, friends, and even your community.
I learned that when I am better, everyone benefits.
Don’t feel guilty about it. In fact, I believe that making yourself a priority is one of the most important things you can do for your business and for those around you.
4. Design Your Life to Support Your Goals
For me, success did not happen by accident. It took a lot of focus, intention and continuity. If you want to make real progress, you have to design your life in a way that supports your goals.
- Create systems that make it easier to focus on what matters.
- Practice habits that contribute to your self-improvement.
- Adjust your priorities as needed.
One thing I did was schedule regular time blocks for learning and growing. This allowed me to stay consistent and kept me moving toward my goals, even when life got chaotic. Structure is key, especially when you’re balancing many responsibilities.
Final Thoughts: Self-Improvement is a Win-Win
In my journey, I have realized that self-improvement is not a zero-sum game.
Every time you level up, you lift up your business too. Whether it's through the example you set or the knowledge you share, your growth has the power to elevate everyone around you.
So if you are starting from scratch, don’t let your insufficiencies that stop you. Find your strengths, things that you can trade for the opportunities you want to create. Pick something, build it, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every failure is a lesson, and every success is a stepping stone to something greater.
Believe me, I have been there. And if I can do it, so can you.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SOLUTION, VISA CONSULTANT & IMPORT, EXPORT, INDENTING, TRADING
3 周Great tips! Building a business takes the right mindset, a supportive community, and a life design around our Goals. Focusing on personal growth without guilt is key to lasting success. Thanks for sharing HAMMAD SIDDIQUI.
Textile Entrepreneur & Digital Marketing Strategist | Transforming Fabrics and Brands with Innovative Solutions.
1 个月Thanks for sharing your thoughtful ideas and story. Selvef investment is best to grow well. HAMMAD SIDDIQUI
Oil & Gas IT Projects Leader with Global Experience
1 个月Excellent sharing would like to read twice and act on it
Senior Business Systems Analyst | IT Project Manager | Business Solutions Architect | Motivational Speaker & Coach
1 个月Insightful, thanks for sharing!
I help Pharmacists grow their business | Podcaster | Collaborator
1 个月Thank you for sharing your journey! It’s inspiring to see how you turned challenges into opportunities. HAMMAD SIDDIQUI