No one really has any idea what they're doing...and that's ok!
I had always wanted to be my own boss. I just didn’t know where to start.
If we’re being perfectly honest, I’m STILL really unclear as to where I should start – and that’s probably the main reason why I’m going to be writing every step of this adventure down.
Maybe I’ll find some tips and tricks to share on my way to success, or maybe I’ll just completely crash and burn. Either way, I’m in for the journey, so I hope you are too.
To give everyone some context before we get into the weeds: I started writing my own blog back in 2011 on a little site called Tumblr. Building up a considerable following on both my blog and Twitter, I was eventually roped into writing sports pieces for a startup that eventually grew to be quite distinguished.
But it was with them that I got my first taste of being a freelance writer, and let me tell you: it tasted like ASS.
Back then, anything that had to do with freelance journalism was considered a poor career choice, and my first writing gig had only confirmed that. I unfortunately found myself having to work multiple minimum wage jobs to help support my dream of being a sports writer (albeit a severely limited and underpaid sports writer).
What I didn’t realize until late in my adulthood was just how much EVERY SINGLE BUSINESS valued good writing. So, I shifted gears and started looking at simple contract work, eventually signing a handful of long-term clients.
But with some clients now looking to scale back before 2023, the fountain of wealth has apparently dried up, and I find myself at a crossroad: Do I continue to seek out freelance gigs with more and more clients, or do I finally settle down and put roots down with a single business?
Naturally, I chose to try to get the best of both worlds and start my own business. And the best part about this: as a freelancer, I already have access to multiple CEO’s ready to share their respective perspectives (all of which I’ll share with you).
Which brings me back to my original question: Where do I start?
I suppose where you start actually depends on where you live, which in my case is Fremont, CA. Going to the official site for my city, they advise that I completely draw out my business plan to help determine any preliminary strengths and weaknesses.
We should also keep in mind that this brainstorming session can also be beneficial when looking for potential investors. Highly unlikely considering it’s not necessary for my particular business, but we’ll nevertheless note that for later.
Now that I know where to start, it’s all a matter of where to go from here. I know I have to register my business and get a business bank account. I know I have to start thinking about its legal structure and get business insurance. I also know I have to starting preparing for my initial tax report (which I’m already dreading).
But one step at a time; we’ll cross that bridge if or when we get there.
For now, let’s save that brainstorming session for our next go. Until then, see you next time… In the AM!
