Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and confusing. It's a path where you not only seek to find what truly matters to you but also how you can contribute to society in a meaningful way. The desire to build your own business is often fueled by a deep longing to make a difference, but where do you begin when you're not sure what that business should be? This is what we’ll be exploring in this blog post.

If you're feeling that itch to do something new and maybe even start your own business, I totally get it—I've been there too.

After my university days, I was working as an architect, but it just didn't click for me. I felt like I knew zilch about being an employee, and at the same time, I believed that loving your job and being excited about it should be the norm. But it wasn't happening, so I knew I had to take charge and create my own path.

A year later, I made a big move from Lisbon to London and went on a self-discovery journey. I tried my hand at various jobs in sales and marketing, soaking up all the knowledge I could. Eventually, I felt ready to start my own business, but there was a big "WHAT" hanging over my head.

So, I went back to basics and did an exercise that changed everything for me. Over time, I've tweaked that formula, and now I want to share it with other people who might need that push in the right direction.

Here’s how to find your ‘WHAT’

PART 1

Grab a piece of paper and divide it into three columns. We'll call this your "Path to Clarity" exercise.

Column 1: Previous Jobs/Careers
Start by listing all of your previous jobs and careers in the left column. Even if they seem unrelated or unimpressive, write them down.

Column 2: Skills
In the middle column, jot down all the skills you've gained from those jobs. Don't underestimate the small skills – every one of them counts. If you're unsure about your skills, reach out to friends and colleagues for their input. Sometimes, others see strengths in us that we overlook.

Column 3: Career/Business Ideas
Now, in the right column, brainstorm career or business ideas that align with your skills. If you're not sure what careers would fit your skill set, don't worry; you can turn to online research or even AI tools for inspiration.

Once you have these down, take a break and let them simmer.

PART 2

In the meantime, do a second exercise. We’ll call this one the "Run My Own Business Vision". The goal here is to envision what your life as a business owner would look like. You can either write some ideas down or do a mood board- if you’re a visual person. Here are some key areas to reflect on:

Who Do I Want to Be as a Business Owner?
Reflect on the kind of business owner you aspire to become. What values will guide your decisions? How will you interact with clients and the community?

Life-Work Balance
Consider your ideal life-work balance. How do you want to spend your time? How will your business fit into your life, rather than the other way around?

Accountability and Independence
Ask yourself if you can be accountable to be your own boss. Explore why this path is the right one for you. What drives your desire for independence and entrepreneurship?

Business Growth
Decide whether you want to grow your business or remain a solopreneur. Understand the implications of both choices and which one aligns with your vision.

Tools for Success
Evaluate if you have the right tools to start and grow a business. Identify the skills and resources you may need to acquire or refine.

Part 3

Go back to the first exercise, put it side-by-side with your Business Vision and align them. Think about the following points:

Looking at the career paths you had on your list- which ones fit the life you want to build best?

How can you turn them into a business?

What will your angle be within that specific market?

What do you, with your own unique set of skills and knowledge, bring to the table that might be different from what is already out there?

THE START OF SOMETHING GREAT

Once you have these answers and a clearer idea of a business you could potentially create, back it up with market research. Start looking at the competition, research what it takes to succeed in the market, who’s making it or failing and start positioning your business idea in the midst of it all. You’ll find that everything starts to fall into place.

LAST THOUGHTS

Remember, the entrepreneurial journey is about discovering not just what you can offer the world, but also what brings you fulfilment and joy. It's a path that may evolve over time, and that's perfectly okay. Take the time to do your market research and answer the essential questions. Things will start to click when you least expect them to, and I can tell you this from personal experience.

As you embark on this journey, know that you're not alone. Every successful entrepreneur has faced uncertainty and ambiguity at the start. Embrace the process, trust your instincts, and let your passion guide you. Building your own business is a remarkable adventure, and your unique journey will make all the difference.

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Need further help?

If you want some guidance doing this exercise or are a bit further ahead and need help strategising how to position, launch and grow your business, I’m your girl. Drop me an e-mail at info@vagodesigns.co.uk and I’ll get back to you with some ideas you can test.