Start Your Own Business

Introduction

Kickstart the course with a quick overview of what you will be able to do by the time you're done, so that you are excited and ready to launch.

Module 1: Develop a Mindset for Success

In the first module, we will explore the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and help you recognize that you have the power to change your mindset. Then you’ll identify your big “why” for your business, so that you will always have a motivating reason to deal with the challenges of getting a new business off the ground.

Module 2: Define Your Driving Vision and Values

While knowing why you want to start a business is an important first step, so is having a vision of your life once that business is a reality. In Module 2, I’ll show you how to identify the vision and values that will guide you on your business-building journey, so that you always stay true to yourself.

Module 3: Pick the Right Business for You

You may will already have a vague idea of the business you want to start, but it’s important to make sure it matches up with your strengths and talents. In Module 3, I’ll show you how to ensure this match is there, so you’ll have the best chance of success. Then I’ll help you set revenue goals, so that you have a way to check your progress as your business gets going.

Module 4: Identify Your Target Customer and Your Niche

There’s no point investing time in building a business if it has no chance of being profitable. In Module 4, I’ll walk you through the steps for researching your market to see if it can be profitable, getting totally clear on your ideal customer, and determining if you need to niche down further to compete effectively.

Module 5: Decide What to Offer and How

Once you understand your target customer, you can make decisions about what to offer that’s also in line with your big “why” and your values and strengths.

In Module 5, I’ll explore different business models and how to choose the right one. Then I’ll show you how to define the unique value you’ll offer and how to design a minimum viable product to test with your market, so you can get feedback before investing too much in one direction.

Module 6: Set Up the Essentials for Running your Business

Starting a viable, sustainable business involves a lot more than creating a product and putting it up for sale. There are all sorts of legal, administrative, and financial requirements. In Module 6, I’ll walk through the most common ones that you have to set up, providing you with a checklist of items to address. You will then need to research any requirements that are specific to your state or county.

Module 7: Start Branding Your Business Now

Even though you are starting with a minimum viable product, it’s important to think about your branding from the start. In Module 7, I’ll discuss the elements of an effective brand and how it ties in with your Unique Value Proposition. Then I’ll walk you through how to start branding your first offer, so that it has a clear identity that people will remember.

Module 8: Pick the Right Price

Pricing is always a touchy subject for any business owner since it’s such a big decision that affects revenue. In Module 8, I’ll explore the concept of value vs. price and explain different pricing strategy options. I’ll then give you the questions you need to ask yourself to pick your strategy and price your MVP.

Module 9: Set Up Your Marketing

A new business doesn’t need a grand marketing plan to get off the ground, but it pays to have a few strategies in place. In Module 9, I’ll show you how you can get started with a few good, low cost marketing tactics that are proven effective. I’ll give you a simple 10-point plan to fill in and tell you how to decide which tactics to choose, so you can have something to guide you without being overwhelmed.

Module 10: Your Launch Starts Here

Business launches are exciting, but stressful. In Module 10, I’ll explain the importance of carefully planning your launch and how it involves 3 phases - pre-launch, launch, and post-launch. I’ll give you ideas and tips for success in each phase and then have you put together your own launch plan for your first offer.

Module 11: Track Your Progress

Successful businesses monitor a few key metrics to make sure they’re on track to achieve their goals. In Module 11, I’ll explain the 7 key metrics that you should be looking at in your business, so you can use that data to improve and grow in the future.

Module 12: Moving Forward

In this last module, I’ll give you sound advice on how to make sure you maintain a balance in your life as you immerse yourself in your business. I’ll discuss ways to plan your time, be more productive, and set ongoing goals. You’ll finish up by creating your Action Plan, so you know exactly what you need to do next to make your business dream a permanent reality.

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