You have a dream. You wonder, “Now what?” Here are 9 first steps to climb.
1.Talk to your spouse, partner or family. What is their support level of your dream? The life you have together is not just yours – talk about where this new dream fits in. Talk about balance. Get all the fears out in the open.
2. Look at the best places to spend money. Does amazing work throw a wrench into your quality of life? If you’ll need money for jewelry supplies, where will it come from? Will you need to go on a strict budget? Dip into savings? What are the best places to start spending money as you pursue this dream?
3. Ask: What’s the worst thing that can happen?
4. Complete a crucial first step. Get started and build momentum. Write the first chapter or outline. Make a necklace. Fill out a form or school application. Update your resume.
5. Buy an idea notebook. Take it wherever you go.
6. Find time. Most of us don’t have a bunch of extra hours waiting to be filled with amazing work. Where will this fit in? Will you wake earlier, quit watching reality TV, adjust your work schedule? How are you already spending your time? What things are worth it?
7. Help someone. Put your talents to work. Give away a pair of earrings. Copy edit a friend’s research paper. Help another blogger get set up in WordPress.
8. Pick the most important things. Let’s assume your amazing work is one of those things. What are two more most important things in your life? This will be your juggling act. These things matter first. Give them time, give them what’s needed, give them the best parts of yourself.
9. Get excited. Leave a comment about your amazing work. Tell me more. How can I help you this year?
See also:
Photo by Thomas Hawk
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Baking. I love to bake for friends and family. Cakes, cupcakes…even wedding cakes. But doing my OWN thing as a BUSINESS. scary. How do I navigate the technical businessy stuff….legaleeze….Where do I start? Will it not remain my love if it becomes my business?
That is where I am. Thanks for asking =o)
Kristi,
Do you know about SCORE–the Federal organization of retired business people to volunteer their time and expertise to help people like you nagivate the legal and administrative parts of setting up a new business? I have attended their free seminars and recommend them highly. Good luck with your dream! Best, Deb
Hi Deb- Thanks for pointing out an awesome free resource! I’ll definitely dig into that site more. Much love!
Melissa
Why do a lot of those steps sound so familiar =)
@Kristi – don’t let it overwhelm you! Like Melissa said, start small. For example, people sell baked goods on Etsy all the time, maybe check there. Know a friend that’s throwing a shower? Offer to bake the goodies for them for a reasonable cost. I can guarantee you, they’ll be grateful to have that task taken off their hands!
Thanks ladies! I love the thumbs up and encouragement =o)
I do fear the legalities, though. Once you advertise and get business cards…you are liable (I think?)
Word of mouth has already spread like wildfire….and it’s fun. But I see myself trying to fit it all in during my evening hours (as I work 9-5), and sometimes I just feel rushed.
There…those are my next 2 thoughts. It is a process. You can facebook me if you want to see my creations…thanks, ladies!
What’s your facebook, Kristi?
As for legalities, you are on the hook legally as soon as you give that cake out to someone, whether you are taking money for it or not. Take it from an insurance pro, if you accidentally put something in your cake that makes someone sick, you are on the hook regardless of if you are operating personally or professionally.
If you are thinking more along the lines of being required to have a certified kitchen or whatnot, that I’m not sure about. So, Kristi, looks like the first step for you might be to do some research and check that out! probably, you can just do an internet search, and you’ll probably have your answer in an hour or less.
Feeling rushed? Do some planning. Don’t take on more than you can handle, and take time to sit down and really think about your options. With your job, would you be able to take some paid time off on the days you have to bake? Would your job be willing to let you go down to 35 hours/week, once things start taking off for you?
@ Kristi – Thank you for sharing this. I am getting very hungry for cake right now.
I don’t think you have to jump in with both feet, quit your job and start a cake business. Could you do something small through word of mouth? Offer to make a few spectacular cakes? Even if you can get a logo and a few business cards to start small. See if you still love it. See if it ignites a new passion to really go for it.
How can I help, as a writer, find out some answers? Would love you to be more specific. Thanks again for your comment.
@ Tracy – So true! Thanks for joining the conversation.
@ Kristi – I also work a full time job and use a lot of my lunch breaks to fit in my other work. Waking earlier is impossible to avoid on some days, but for me, lunch breaks usually give me the time I need.
I wouldn’t let legalities hold you back – Is there a way you can research that? Can you talk to another bake shop in the area?
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