Advice for Starting a Small Business

Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team

Opening a small business is a dream shared by many, however with all the planning and time it takes to get started, many people are often afraid to try. But just imagine how different your life would be if you whole-heartedly began pursuing your small business dream. Here’s some advice from the pros.

Advice from seasoned & successful entrepreneurs.


Do you dream of starting a coffee shop, opening a consulting firm or running a carpentry business? You’re not alone — opening a business is a dream shared by many. After all, seeing your ideas brought to life, building something from the ground up and becoming your own boss is an exciting concept! But it’s also kind of overwhelming.

With all the planning, time, money and support it takes to get started, many people are often afraid to dive in to their entrepreneurial dreams. But the question you have to ask yourself is, ‘what if I succeed?’ Just imagine how different your life would be if you whole-heartedly began pursuing your small business dream! There’s something to be said about living your purpose.

Take it from people who know.

Carrie Highman, owner of Dream Lens Media LLC (Opens in a new tab), and Kati Whitledge, owner of Be Inspired Salon (Opens in a new tab), shared with us just what it is they love so much about running their own businesses.

“What I love about being a small business owner is the freedom and flexibility it provides,” says Kati. “It surely wasn’t the case for the first few years. At first you’re nurturing your business as if it were a newborn, reliant on your every decision. But, with time, you recruit the best people and begin to place your trust in their strengths. And each season you blossom more brilliantly than the one before.”

For Carrie, it’s the thrill of being counted on that keeps her going each day, “I love that the success of my business depends on me. I know that sounds like a lot of pressure, but it’s an incredibly exciting thing to pour all of my passion into a video I’m producing and know it’s up to me to bring my vision to life.”

But, of course, running your own operation doesn’t come without its challenges. Getting your idea off the ground and running — and keeping it above water — can be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it! You’ve just got to have the right people by your side and a support network you can count on. “My best piece of advice is to find a couple of wise cheerleaders who can stand by you and remind you that you can do it,” says Carrie. “I’m not sure I would have been able to push through the bumps in the road if I didn’t have those people in my life cheering me on!”

When it comes down to it, you’ve got what it takes to succeed! It’s all about believing in yourself. And it doesn’t hurt to go in with a no-nonsense, alpha dog attitude. At least that’s how Kati views it:

“Imagine owning a business is like becoming a boxer. Are you willing to do what others cannot or will not do? Are you willing to ‘out-train’ your competition? Are you willing to get beat down over and over again because you know a win is on the horizon? Then just get in the ring and do what you need to do to keep both feet on the ground!” It’ll pay off in the end.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business, there is no time like the present. Take the leap and see where your dream takes you! Because, as Kati so perfectly puts it, “the greatest gift of all is being able to live your purpose every single day.”

So what are you waiting for?

Want to learn more savvy business strategies? Take a look at our business resource center. And, one of the smartest business decisions you can make is being proactive about protection. Connect with an agent (Opens in a new tab) today to learn about customized coverage for your business.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

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