Here's How You Can Finally Start Your Own Business

Here are six ways you can start your own business based on the skills and experience you already have.

“Just get started”.?

If you’ve looked for tips on launching a business, “Just get started” seems to come up a lot. And while it’s vaguely motivational, it doesn't provide any real direction. The next logical question for anyone would be “How do I get started?” The answer is simple, you take action. And by action, I’m referring to my A.C.T.I.O.N. model.?

It's a clear process for you to monetize your knowledge, either as an entrepreneur or side hustle. You might be surprised to learn how quickly you can start a business based on the experience you already have or can develop in a short period of time.

So, let’s get started.?

Audits

Even if you haven’t already documented it, you most likely already have a process for making sure your various job related tasks get completed in an efficient manner. For example, if you’re an email marketing expert you know you need an eye-catching subject line, interesting content and a call to action that encourages readers to do something.?

You could turn your process into a detailed audit, then sell it as a service to other companies looking to improve their email marketing performance. Provide value by highlighting specific areas of opportunity and issues that need to be addressed.?

Pro: Since you’re following a defined process, you can crank these out relatively quickly.

Con: The company may continue asking questions about the findings of your audit, which wasn’t covered in the original contract.

Consulting

Sticking with the same example - an email marketing expert - you could also consult companies on how to create an email marketing strategy that aligns with their overall business goals. You can still leverage the same process outlined in your audit but you’ll offer more bespoke input and provide industry-specific examples of success.?

Pro: This is a natural next step for anyone who purchases an audit, but you’re still not doing granular work

Con: Clients may ask you for help that is out of scope of your original contract. Known as “scope creep”, you’ll need to keep an eye out for this and address as needed.??

As your business matures you'll develop new offerings. (example above)

Training

Although it may seem similar to consulting, training involves helping team members develop the skills needed to successfully execute strategies, not just developing those strategies on behalf of the company.?

In this example you may teach a company’s staff different techniques of writing emails. This could be done through a series of workshops or one-on-one training.?

Pro: This can often lead to long term deals as the organization may continue using you for new hires.?

Con: You’ll need to create training materials that can be understood by people with various levels of expertise.

Implementation

Getting even more hands on, implementation involves assisting with the integration of new tools, processes and resources. In this case, it could include anything from sourcing freelance email marketers to setting up a new email marketing platform.

Pro: Could lead to more training opportunities since it may take a while to get the hang of various tools and processes.

Con: This can involve several moving parts so you’ll need to properly manage the project

Ongoing Retainers

With an ongoing retainer, your job is to provide ongoing services aligned with your area of expertise and the organization's area of need. This could include anything from reviewing all outgoing emails to helping a writer who can’t quite figure out an email subject line.?

Pro: You get to build a deeper relationship and lock in revenue

Con: You may start to feel like an employee and will need to stay within the scope of your work

"It's time to get paid for who you are, not just what you do."

New Opportunities

This is the most flexible part of the model because it’s all based on the organization and the relationship you can develop. It involves actively seeking new ways to partner with companies in order to create a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship. This could be anything from hosting a podcast to creating editorial content on their behalf.?

Pro: You get paid for who you are, not just what you do

Con: Since your proposal may include something they’ve never done before, it may take more effort to land this type of deal

Just Get Started

So there you have it, a clear plan to take A.C.T.I.O.N. and monetize your knowledge. And as a heads up, you can start or stop anywhere in the process.

With a start up cost of less than $100/mo,?this model democratizes access to entrepreneurship by removing previous barriers to entry.?

Here’s what you should do next:

• If you need help applying the A.C.T.I.O.N. model to your area of expertise, drop a comment below letting me know what you do and what parts you’d like to explore.
• Want one on one guidance and accountability? Book a VIP Day with me.
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more tips on how you can start your business, save time and make better decisions. ?
• Know someone who’s looking for a side hustle or would like to step on their own as an entrepreneur? Please share this resource with them!