If you like the rest of us, you’ve been told your entire life what you can and can’t do. That changes today. If you’ve recently experienced a personal or career setback, now is not the time to bury your head in the sand and wish things were different. Instead, it’s time to join the LGBTQ community as a loud and proud business owner that helps you live your true self.
Today’s post is brought to you by the people at Pink Banana.
Why now?
The real question: why not? There are many reasons that it makes sense to start a business, especially in the wake of a career catastrophe. Becoming an entrepreneur gives you an opportunity to gain financial freedom and to solve problems others can’t. Plus, as a business owner, you won’t have anyone telling you how you should dress, how you should speak, or that you have to fit in with the mainstream. Plus, there’s no greater healer of wounds than taking control after spiraling out of it.
Emotional healing
Before you apply for your business license, it pays to address the elephant in the room: losing a job is hard on the heart. HR firm Impact Group asserts that losing a job triggers the same pattern as losing a friend or family member. This includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Take the time to grieve, and don’t be shy about acknowledging your hurt feelings. Then, when you’re ready, pick yourself up, take a deep breath, and remember who’s the boss of you.
Tech to the rescue
Now it’s time to think about how you can get started. Fortunately, there are plenty of pieces of technology that can help you launch a business, even if you are a first-time entrepreneur with little experience. If you’re planning to get into construction or home renovations, for example, look at using construction-oriented software that lets you easily estimate labor and material cost, send bids, and accept payments. You may consider this option a more efficient alternative to the laborious task of handwriting invoices and estimates.
Understand marketing practices
Before you can even begin any business, you have to know the types of marketing that makes sense for your industry. Begin by reading up on LGBT Business Enterprise certification. This, according to Advocate, may open otherwise closed doors. Next, leverage the power of social relationships with an entry-level marketing program that helps you be a part of the LGBTQ+ conversation and amplify your message. Wrap up your marketing efforts with traditional marketing materials, such as a business card. You can use an online design template that lets you make changes to the color, text, and overall design before sending them to print. Consider plastic, aluminum, or other non-traditional materials to make a lasting impression.
Are you really cut out for entrepreneurship?
The short answer: yes. Everyone has the potential within them to be successful business owners. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do and committing to doing it for yourself instead of a 9-to-5 employer. If you’re not yet sure what you want to do, consider some of the most potentially profitable businesses: cleaning service, self-publishing, drone photography, or food delivery. You’ll also have to get comfortable asking for money, especially if you don’t have any startup funds. This link offers information on LGBT loans that can help you diversify your hometown as well as your professional portfolio.
Starting a business is a great option for everyone, especially those of us looking to live our truest selves. From healing your wounds to understanding marketing and software/technology, today’s tips are for those of you that want to shine proudly as the master of your financial future.