While signs of economic recovery flirt with news headlines, unemployment staggers at nearly 9 percent and millions of Americans reluctantly accept early retirement severance without a desire to leave the workforce. Seasoned, energetic professionals often desire to turn unemployment into self-employment. However they get stuck hunting for the perfect first move.
During the April 2011 StartUp Weekend Kansas City, keynote speaker Ben Milne, founder of Iowa-based Dwolla, told participants that the key to a successful million dollar startup is to “Simply start, then hustle.” He challenged all “to be really naïve; do what you think you cannot do.” Likewise, Infegy President Adam Coomes told the more than 60 attendees: “It starts with an idea. But in the end, it’s about just doing it!”
So, leave the starting block, dive in and just do it. No matter where you begin, enjoy the journey. Let these Ten Commandments motivate you to launch or grow your business.
One: Thou shalt pursue your passion first; monetize second.
Two: Thou shalt create relevant Mission and Vision Statements to define your organizational culture.
Three: Thou shalt develop core values to guide organizational behavior and serve as guide posts for hiring and performance standards.
Four: Thou shalt define success with weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual goals.
Five: Thou shalt establish benchmarks to measure growth.
Six: Thou shalt not sit on the sidelines until you finish your Business Plan. Dive in. Begin.
Seven: Thou shalt not give up. You will make mistakes, but if at first you don’t succeed – try, try again.
Eight: Thou shalt not go it alone. Build a professional network of creative partners who will brainstorm and support you through ups and downs inherent to business stages: start up, growth and sustainability.
Nine: Thou shalt not be all things to all people.
Ten: Thou shalt not fear writing. Great content is key to digital communication, i.e.: Twitter, Blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn and Email marketing.
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