Overview
Think about who you are, what you know, and whom you know when it comes to starting a new business.
Who am I? What are my passions, dreams, and desires when I think about starting a business?
What do I know that would help me when starting a business?
Whom do I know who would help me when starting a business?
Example
- Here is an example of "food, coffee, dessert". I am offering this example to help you organize this part:
- Who am I? [part a.]
- Example: Food and beverage fill me with enthusiasm, passion! I always pull my car over when I drive by an interesting cafe/restaurant or a popular spot for tea/coffee. I also feel passionate about and other cultures, history, and travel. Every time I visit another location, I make it a point get to know and experience the culture and history of its people, especially around food and celebrations.
There are several dreams I have for a new business, including my own cafe/restaurant and/or bakery.
I have a knack/talent for cooking, baking, entertaining. My grandparents owned several great cafes/restaurants. I cultivated my talent for food with my grandparents since I was a little kid.
What do I know? [part b.]
Example: I have cooked and baked with my grandparents and my mother since I was a child, which developed and enhanced my innate talents around food. It is definitely a hobby that I love. I have also taken several classes on baking and cooking over the years. Everyone loves what I make. Moreover, I have a business degree from CSUN and solid proven marketing and organizing skills that I have solidified after working for years in several industries. I am interested in putting my cooking/baking/marketing/organizing skills to work through owning a food business.
Whom do I know (network of clients, potential partners/employees, investors)? [part c.]
Example: Some of my friends also love to cook, bake, entertain. Many of them want to own a restaurant. My mother has personal relationships with all the suppliers of the restaurants that my grandparents owned. Some of my friends and family members also want to start a successful restaurant. Finally, I have several professional colleagues who have invested in the restaurant business before.
Try to keep it simple though this is quite involving and complex.
Doing this work is a truly invaluable exercise. This is because it is about what's real to you, what feels great, what you are doing very well naturally (as opposed to what you are told to do or think you should do or what is expected of you for one reason or another). Also you need to think about where you are going with it all and who you know who can help you grow your enterprise (potential suppliers, customers, employees etc. ) So be true to yourself/others and complete this part first. Then go on to your project ideas.