I Want to Start a Business But Don’t Know Where to Start
Updated: Sep 18
Many of us have grand ideas about starting a business and finally breaking free from the 9–5. Yet so few ever take the leap. Why? Fear, financial responsibilities, and uncertainty cloud the path forward. But there are signs you’re ready — even if it doesn’t feel like it. If you’ve been wondering, “Do I have what it takes?” let’s walk through what you actually need to move from dreaming to doing.
The Dream Is Real — So Why Don’t More People Start?
The dream of starting your own business is incredibly compelling.
Freedom from the daily grind. Flexibility with your time. The possibility of financial independence.
When I started my business, I had a teenager and a pre-teen at home. Trading my commute and office hours for time with my kids — while still earning money and building something meaningful — was one of the best decisions I ever made.
And yet, I didn’t jump in right away. Why? Because I was scared.
How to Overcome Fear of Failure in Business
Here’s what held me back — and what holds most aspiring entrepreneurs back:
Fear of the unknown
Fear of failure
Fear of looking foolish
Fear of financial instability
Fear of judgment
Fear of being fully responsible
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever thought, What if I can’t do it? What if everyone sees me fail?, you’re not alone. Every entrepreneur faces these fears. What matters is not whether they show up — but what you do with them.
When I reframed my fear as curiosity and followed a path that felt safer and more doable for me, everything turned around. And the result? I dove in and started. And eventually, I sold my company reaping the profit and built a life I never imagined possible.
Do You Have What It Takes to Start?
If you’ve said, “I want to start a business but don’t know where to start,” let me show you what truly matters.
There are three key indicators that you might be more ready than you think:
1. You Have Some Kind of Financial Runway
No, you don’t need to be rich. You just need to have a buffer — even if that means living frugally — while your business gets going.
Your runway might come from:
Savings
Keep your 9 to 5 job and work it as a side gig
A personal loan or refinance
Friends & family investment
Small business loan (like through the SBA)
Angel or VC investment
Crowdfunding or platforms like GoFundMe
Creative approaches like renting your home (Like I did using AirBnB)
Find alternative funding sources like AirBnB did (They created "Obama O's" and "Cap'n McCain's" cereal boxes during the 2008 presidential election, which they sold for $40 each, generating $30,000 and helping to keep their struggling startup afloat)
Service-based businesses can start generating income fairly quickly, while product or tech businesses may need more time. The key is knowing your timeline and planning accordingly.
Doing a quick financial plan will give you the information you need as to how long that runway needs to be.
2. You Have a Clear Idea — Not Just a Dream
Saying “I want to open a gym” isn’t enough. You need clarity around:
Your target market – moms, hardcore weightlifters, weekend warriors?
The value you offer – peace of mind? stress relief? competitive prep?
What makes you different – flexible contracts? free guest passes? exclusive equipment or add-ons?
Think about how Planet Fitness differs from CrossFit or Lifetime Fitness. Every business has its own lane — and you’ll need to define yours clearly.
3. You’re Ready to Find Your Confidence
Confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting your ability to figure things out.
What might be in your way?
Imposter syndrome
Fear of repeating past failures
Pressure from friends and family
Messages you’ve internalized about “stability” or “what success looks like”
This is where working with a coach can be a game-changer. A coach helps you peel back the layers of doubt, identify what’s really holding you back, and build a plan that fits you — your values, your life, and your goals.
Final Takeaway
With clarity, a financial plan, and confidence, you absolutely can build the business you’ve been dreaming of. It’s not just about escaping your current job — it’s about stepping into a new identity as a creator, builder, and leader of your own future.
If you’re ready to finally move from idea to action, let’s talk. I offer a free discovery call where you can learn about my coaching style, my experience, and how I’ve helped others just like you go from stuck to soaring.
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