Navigating Uncharted Waters

Now that things are finally getting back to normal, many of us have already either sunken back to our normal habits we had last year or are at the helm of their ship navigating through uncharted waters. When you decide to commit to a lifestyle change, it can bring about many emotions and feelings. Will I fail? Will I succeed? Will this plan really work? Am I strong enough to get through this? Will my friends still be there? This anxiety we feel is very normal and its our bodies natural way to respond to the unknown. The difference between those who do succeed and those who stumble is where that fear is placed once it has been acknowledged. Elon Musk said it best,

“Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.”

Now you can see why yesterday his brand new Gigafactory broke ground in Shanghai as he became the first wholly-owned car plant in China operated by a foreign company. Navigating through uncharted waters is what entrepreneurship is all about. Yes, there may be times when you fill like your boat is taking in too much water or may capsize but you have to keep going no matter what. The alternative as Elon says, is disaster and being stuck in the same financial situation. Even if your boat sinks, reflect on the lessons, renew your mentality, and build your new pathway to success.

Our economy is beginning to see the effects of the purchasing power of millennials and it is moving in favor of smaller and local business. According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, “Between 2011 to 2016, large brands in the US lost 3 percentage points of market share to smaller companies equating to $22 billion of sales. ‘This is the first time we’ve seen this in 50 years,’ said Jim Brennan, partner at BCG.” We are here, and we are making money moves. Our money is moving away from corporate domineering giants to powerful community-based businesses. Does your community have a need? Is there a gap in the value chain? Do I have skills and abilities that can create a product? Do I have talents and abilities to perform a service? These are all questions you can use to figure out how you can get your piece of this ever-growing pie. Even if you don’t feel you want to create something new, there are plenty of opportunities own a franchise and you’ll be surprised and how little some cost to invest. It always you a perfectly designed map so you can easily navigate your uncharted waters. 

Here are some of my top business ideas to consider in 2019:

Start a cleaning business.

The startup costs are under $2,000 and it makes for a great workout. You can easily start with friends, family, and local offices. Marketing is easy and since its an ongoing thing, you can eventually hire staff and have your money work for you.

Buy a franchise.

I know this may sound scary and only for the wealthy, but Chic-fil-a offers their franchise for a only $10,000! If you don’t believe me, check their website. Check out this amazing article of Ashley Lamothe who became the youngest franchise owner at 26 when she opened her store in downtown Los Angeles. (And yes I have eaten there many times hoping to get a chance to meet her 😊) 

Make a product from your home.

Think of all the products you use in your life and how many times you have had to make the same purchases. Remember, craft items and online sales took up a combined 14 % of all sales made last year. Create your product and open a Shopify account already!

Write a book.

Now more than ever its so easy to self-publish and sell directly online through Amazon. This guy makes half a million because of his hit book. You never know which of your ideas or creations may take the interest of consumers and become viral. This is the cheapest ways to start a business. Shout out to a new author, Kara Glenn, who recently launched her book last week.  

Buy a 3D printer.

The possibilities are endless. You can create custom prototypes for fellow entrepreneurs or spare parts online. This is a new industry that will become another huge game changer in the future. Here’s alist of 30 entrepreneurs banking on the unlimited possibilities.