To open your own shop and run your own business, you’ll see that there are many things to think about first. There are also a ton of books and online resources worth checking out that are focused on starting new businesses. Even if you’re not there yet, it’s a good idea to keep these in mind as you think about your plans for the future. Some of these may seem daunting, but as you move up, gain experience, earn money, and master skills, many of these elements will be much less intimidating and may even seem exciting.
1. Build experience. This is what you need to sustain your business. You’ve got to know what you’re doing, and you have to know your trade or craft inside and out.
2. Build a team. You have to know who is working for you, and you have to know how to recruit and hire the people you want on your team. Their personalities and attitudes need to be compatible with yours, so decide what skills you are looking for.
3. Business plan. I can’t stress this enough. If you don’t have a business plan, you’re more likely to fail. This will help set goals, track income, monitor expenses, and predict where you are going. It will help down the road to determine whether it’s the right time to expand your business or cut back in certain areas.
4. Money, money, money. Having money to start your business is crucial, having income is crucial, and having enough to cover your salaries, expenses, equipment, licenses, rentals, and leases is of utmost importance. Don’t go out on your own until you know the money is there.
5. Marketing. Have you thought about how you will be marketing your company? Maybe you’ll sponsor a local event or participate in a sports tournament. Will you give a free demonstration or workshop at the local high school? This is all marketing.
6. Licenses and permits. Depending on your trade, you may need a lot of these permits or only a few. Find out what you need so that you know how much you have to spend and so that you understand the application process. Be sure you know how many licenses you need so you don’t run into trouble down the road.
7. Equipment. Are you planning to lease, rent, or buy your equipment? You have to be sure you have what you need, and youmust have a plan for repairing andmaintaining your equipment.Once a customer, big or small, hires you, you have to be able to deliver your service, so be sure to have the necessary tools and equipment.
8. Location.Have you decided whether you need a prominent location to set up shop or just a large location to store equipment? Think about demand and where in the country or in your state or even your county the need is the greatest. You should place yourself strategically so as to get the most out of your operation. Naturally, locations cost money, too, whether you’re renting or buying, so keep this in mind.
Mostly, what I hope you will take away from this chapter is that you can reach for themoon but you have to do it when the time is right and only after some planning. More than anything, this isn’t about doing one job or one task for the rest of your life. This is not about having the same entry-level job for the next ten years. This is not about pushing that lawn mower forever. But it is about the fact that knowing the best way to mow the lawn is essential if you want to run a landscaping business. Learning from the bottom up is actually a great way to invest in your future, and climbing up that ladder is ultimately going to bring you more challenges, more fulfillment, and more financial stability.
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