There comes a point in our adult life when we stop and wonder if we are happy with what we are doing. Some of us are luckier than others in finding our true calling immediately while others take longer and there is nothing wrong with that. Everyone has a unique journey unfolding in front of them. Popularised quote by Marsha Sinetar and Romanticised by pop culture “Do what you love, the money will follow” sounds great in theory however, as an entrepreneur I can tell you that building a dream career is not ‘strawberry fields forever’, it requires as much vigorous hard work as everything else. Today as I see my dream become a reality, I would like to share some insights to help you kick start your venture:

Find what you love:

I started my professional career in 2004 at a BPO, training new employees in the necessary soft skills and customer service techniques. This was my first faint start toward where I stand now in life, In 2017 when I finally took the major step of launching my company, a place where we work to meet the clients’ individual needs on Styling, Etiquette, Body Language and Communication Skills. This world inspired me when I dabbled into Aviation and I knew that this was something I wanted to build on.
Inspiration is important, it is where our dreams take flight but Research and Planning is what ensures a safe landing. The first leg of research is within you; identify your innate gifts and then thoroughly recognise the tools needed to capitalise on this dream. Remember, enjoying a certain activity and cultivating it into a thriving career are two different things.

Do you have a plan?

You need a concrete plan that gives you a clear picture of the kind of Investment you need, other important factors to consider are Market Demand and the Future of your Industry. Find if you need a particular certification for it and research the institutes offering this. After spending years in the Aviation industry and working closely with training cabin crew, enhancing passenger experience and quality controlling for airlines. I started researching about accredited Image Consulting and Soft Skills Institutes that would further help me enhance my existing skills so that I could setup my venture and start practicing.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from acquaintances that can assist you in your research work.

Building Your Brand Identity:

Think about your niche, something that makes you stand out, your USP then get the paperwork out of your way. Registering your company, printing business cards, getting a bank account and building a website make this process and your brand more legitimate.
Every business needs a workspace but with the real estate prices soaring, renting a co-working space is a great option to get you started and it also gives you the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and build a network. Networking helped me secure some of my top clients within a year of starting out, never underestimate the power of a good conversation.

Digital Visibility:

Digital visibility is the holy grail in today’s professional landscape and building a brand is easier than it was 10 years ago, thanks to social media. Keep your marketing budget concise and spend it wisely on curating a digital presence to reach your target audience and If you are creative, you can even design graphics, edit videos and build a website all by yourself, I have done it. My company’s digital infrastructure enabled us to deal with the digital revolution caused by CoVid-19 as we shifted our training online.

Derive strength from change:

The business world is in a constant state of flux and as an entrepreneur you must welcome knowledge and evolution with open arms. Don’t be resistant towards learning, your focus should be on broadening your horizons in every way possible. You must be prepared for the unexpected and possess the maturity and patience to deal with emergencies at work. Even if results don’t come instantly, be consistent and give it your 100%, stick to your plan but don’t be afraid of change when required.

I thank Epinomi Consulting for giving me the opportunity to connect with so many budding entrepreneurs and helping them turn their passion into a fruitful career through this article. The process is long but fulfilling once we achieve our goals, so don’t quit. Careful planning, right networking and dedication is your ticket to the top!