As I talk to so many hopeful entrepreneurs, they always seem to tell me the exact same thing.

“I have a perfect idea for a new business, but I have no clue what to do next.”

Sound familiar? Have you been there, too? Rest assured, you are in good company. It is not uncommon to have that next great idea all while feeling stuck figuring how to move forward. Starting a new business can be so complex and it’s totally understandable to not know your next move. So let’s identify some of those “next steps” together and help clarify what comes after an idea. 

Find someone to ground you. 

This may not seem like a step needed in how to get your business up and running, but I am telling you, if you are anything like me, you have to have someone in your corner who will keep you on track and keep you focused. Many people who dream of running their own business tend to be big ideas people. It is nearly impossible for us to stop coming up with new ideas and it’s so important for us to have someone who keeps us moving forward! If you’re a big thinker, you know exactly what I mean! 

Start mind mapping. 

Get a notebook and literally dump everything in your brain down on paper. Write down every little thing that comes to mind when you think about your next great business venture. When I say everything, I mean every single thought. One notebook might not even be enough, so grab a few or even do some research to find a great online tool for all of your note keeping. I had a million notebooks when I first started my businesses and it was so helpful to get the ideas out on paper in order to clear my mind and give me a jumping-off point for where to go next. 

Break your ideas down into actionable steps. 

Take all of the ideas you just dumped out into your notebook and start to create actionable steps or tasks in order to turn your ideas into things you can do to help you get started. For example, if in your mind mapping you wrote out ideas for your logo, in this step, you’ll want to plan to hire a graphic designer to help you create the perfect logo + brand for your business. 

I wrote a blog all about what to do when starting a business over on The Blush Pages. Be sure to go check it out if you are feeling unsure of the things you need to be doing to move your business forward. [link to TBP Blog on starting a business]

Find a team of people to help you. 

Business was never meant to be done alone. Figure out the areas of business that don’t excite you and find people to help you fill in those gaps. Stay focused on your gifts and talents. There are plenty of people talented in other areas than you who can help you carry the load!

The beginning stages of building a business and the stages where you decide to refresh and renew your existing business really are the best. I know it can seem stressful, but it really is so fun if you allow it to be. Don’t get overwhelmed by your ideas. Break them down into steps and focus on one thing at a time. Rome truly wasn’t built in a day and no one is asking your business to be either. You just have to take your idea and simply start. Start by getting it all down on paper and then begin to take action!

It sounds so simple because it really is. Don’t overcomplicate things here. Start turning that idea into action and give the world all that you have to offer!

I’m cheering for you and can’t want to see where your ideas take you!