5 Tips For Starting a Small Business
With An Organised Life Founder, Beck Wadworth
Running a small business is hard work – it takes a lot of stamina, will power, self belief (and caffeine!) to get a new project off the ground, but we’re big believers that eventually, all your hard work pays off. If you have ever thought about turning your side hustle into something more, then Beck Wadworth is here to give you her top five tips for getting your business going. As creative director of her own stationary brand, An Organised Life, and an influencer (with very chic, monochrome style), Beck knows the importance of starting off on the right foot, oh and being organised, of course!
1. GO WITH YOUR GUT
Starting your own brand is both terrifying and exciting! When you’re coming up with your idea make sure you go with your gut. You need to feel strongly inspired by your brand idea and see the longevity in it. Launching your own brand is no easy feat and self-motivation, passion & commitment come from feeling inspired by your idea.
2. PREP & PLAN
There is a lot and I mean A LOT of preparation & planning that goes into launching your own brand. It may seem tedious but trust me, it all pays off in the long run. Make sure you write a big list of everything you need to tick off in the prep & planning stages so that you don’t miss anything. Organisation is key. From product design, costings and sampling to PR, branding and dispatch – make sure you allocate ample time and create a schedule to help you get through the workload.
You need to feel strongly inspired by your brand idea and see the longevity in it
3. KNOW YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE
Nowadays, with the internet and social media making customers and consumers much more reachable, it’s a lot easier to launch your own brand. However in saying that, it also means there is a lot more competition. Make sure you recognise your point of difference and play this to your advantage. For An Organised Life as a brand (both product and blog wise) my point of difference is my signature monochrome, minimalist aesthetic combined with the functional aspect of bringing organisation and structure into busy lives.
4. CREATE GOALS
Patience is key when you launch your own brand, as achieving goals can take time. My motto has always been slow and steady wins the race as I learn & grow all aspects of An Organised Life. From designing new products & working with new printers, to bringing on local & international wholesalers, and having to deal with customs, freight & accounts – there is a lot to learn as your grow step by step. One way that I keep my self-motivation & inspiration high is by creating goals – short term & long terms. Your goals can be as big or as small as you desire, as long as they help you grow your brand & business.
5. LAUNCH, LEARN & EVOLVE
Launching your brand is one of the most exciting ventures you will ever experience. It marks the beginning of lots of hard work, but I promise you, you will also experience a lot of happiness as well. Make sure you always challenge yourself, work hard, learn from your mistakes & grow. Make sure you stay open minded and don’t be afraid to adapt – there is a high chance your brand or vision may change from your original concept as you reflect & evolve. Also…remember to celebrate your successes along the way!
Credits
Banner Ana Suntay-Tanedo for An Organised Life
Image One Beck Wadworth by Hannah Roche
Images Two & Three Erin Maxwell for An Organised Life
Image Four Ana Suntay-Tanedo for An Organised Life
