You Should Start a Business: But When Does a Business Really Begin?

Did you know? The world's oldest continually operating business, Kongō Gumi in Japan, was founded in 578 AD and ran for an astounding 1,428 years before being acquired in 2006. This longevity showcases the enduring power of entrepreneurship!

For the longest time, people, particularly Kenyan youths, have been encouraged to start their own businesses. The reality is that either most of them are not starting, or for those who do start, they don't start very well. I experienced this situation firsthand as an entrepreneurship trainer when I encouraged them to start their own businesses. This situation made me wonder what could be the problem. For that reason, I'd like to talk about how to start a business and specifically discuss when exactly we can say that one has started a business.

Just like life, which starts immediately after fertilization, a business starts the moment you first have the idea. Most people say that a business starts when they have opened shop and probably gotten their first client, which is not true. If it were true, it would be the same as saying that life starts when one knows how to walk. This misguided mindset and belief has made it hard for young people to start a business, and for those who do start, their business often dies at the ideation stage, most of the time without them even knowing about it. So, let it be clear: a business starts the very moment when you first have the business idea, no matter how vague it might be.

The next thing one needs to do once they have had the idea is to write it down on paper. The idea should be written down in fine detail without leaving anything out. The next crucial step is to review, research, and rewrite the business idea, but this time, one needs to write it down with the following in mind:

1. The time available

2. The resources available at your disposal

3. Your level of experience/expertise

4. The human resources in terms of guidance/mentorship avavailable.

Once an idea has been written down it changes from an idea to a plan/goal. And a goal that is broken down properly with specific actions is more likely to come to life/ become a reality.

Remember, every successful business started as a mere idea in someone's mind. By recognizing that your business journey begins the moment inspiration strikes, you empower yourself to take immediate action. Don't wait for perfect conditions or external validation. Instead, nurture your idea, commit it to paper, and start building your dream today. The world is waiting for your unique contribution – your business could be the next Kongō Gumi, leaving a legacy that spans centuries. The only thing standing between you and entrepreneurial success is the courage to begin. So, what are you waiting for? Your business has already started!

Cheers!