Starting a business and keeping motivation along the way

Starting a business of any shape, size or form, takes an enormous amount of patience, perseverance, passion, and motivation. Most business owners got started in business because they took their passion and found a way that they could make money utilizing it as well. As some saw this success trickle in, others saw it flood in much faster than anticipated.

For most of us, starting up a small business is not an easy task. It's very rare that you'll find a jackpot of an idea that monetizes so quickly. In fact, it may literally be months before you sell your first product, or gain your first client. So how do you keep motivated even during these hardest and most testing times as a new small business owner? Keep motivated and be inspired. Before I started Thrive Web Designs back in 2009, I owned and operated a recording studio out of my home where I worked with many clients and musicians. Business would be very steady some months, and then other months I'd find myself doubting if I should be doing what I was doing. Even though I left recording for web design, I would always keep motivated and inspired while focusing on the end goal.

All of us have that end goal in our eyes that we can pictures and dream of. Some of them may include, quitting your day job to pursue your passion full-time, others might be owning your first home and staying financially sound. Whatever your end goal is, use that picture in your head every time you find the road getting tough or your business isn't accelerating at the speed you need it to.

Statistics show a very high number of small business failures in the 1st year, and even 5 years later. Many times, business owners get struck with the hardship of the bad economy, too much overhead and lack of planning, or competition comes in and cleans up shop.

These are a few tips I want to share when starting your first business. These tips have worked for me and have helped me pursue my goals much sooner and less painfully, rather than jumping in the fire, head first.

1. Patience - Businesses rarely explode into the next biggest thing ove
ight. Carry and practice patience and reward yourself for small achievements. Instead of worrying about getting 10 new clients, be proud of that 1 new client you got. Why? It's one more than you had yesterday.

2. Feasible - Don't quit your job, take out a business loan and try to make it happen. Work your tail off WHILE working full time. Maintain the security of a full time job and invest slowly in your business loan-free. You may have less time to allocate towards building your business, but at least you're not draining your finances and risking bankruptcy.

3. Consistency - Keep your motivation in full swing 12 months later. It's very hard to keep up the intensity you once had when starting a business when you find yourself buried in life's moments, but always stay focused and stay consistently motivated.

In conclusion, starting a business takes tons of effort and a lot of good faith to back it up. If you play your cards right and take baby-steps, your business will most likely be on the path to success much sooner.