Before you apply for that business license, read this!

So you wanna start a business. You see all these cool people “living their best life” on Instagram, working on their terms, making their own money. Trust me I get it! That’s why I quit my 9-5 to open my own salon 3+ years ago. Yes I have a business degree and experience consulting businesses after college, but I want to let you in on a little secret. I really learned the most through running my own business. 

And if I were to turn back and speak to my younger self, I’d have a lot to say about what I would and wouldn’t do in starting a business. Lucky for you I’m here to spill the beans. Here’s all you need to know.

• Start with a social media account. Pick the one that your ideal customer is likely on. It’s totally free and can serve as your portfolio to get started. Your goal should be to provide value to people and ask for the sale (that can mean booking an appointment, buying product, signing up for your e-mail list, coming to your online training, etc.)
• You can serve people and vet your idea (through social media, a blog, or e-mail) for FREE before you ever need to become a legit business. Start here, feel it out, see if you actually like it! The one exception is if you are a service based business and you already have clients or you’ve already created a physical product and have inventory in which case definitely get your license and bank accounts set up.
• Once you start earning consistent money, then set up a business license (talk to an accountant about which type) and business bank accounts. 
• Start lean. Don’t go crazy buying the most expensive, prettiest things. Keep it simple to what you need to run your business and that’s it. You’ll want to change your mind a million times, might as well save some $ as you do. 
• Don’t spend a penny on advertising or marketing until your house is in order. What makes up your house? A professional and clear website, checkout/booking page, up to date Google page, up to date Yelp (if it applies), a newsletter/email list, and you’re active on at least one social media platform. Why? All of these things are FREE and help support any paid ads you might do in the future. 
• Relationships always win. Whether you’re showing up online or networking in person, always prioritize building relationships first. If you make this your focus, the sales will come much easier because they already know, like, and trust you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for the sale! Just because you post hair pictures doesn’t mean people know you’re accepting new clients. Make an effort at least once a week to directly ask people to book an appointment/buy your product/schedule your service.

Truthfully, these are the things I wish baby Kelsey had known in her business career. In a world where it’s so easy to get distracted by all of the shiny new toys, start here. Truly. You’ll find a more efficient path to success that will set you up for years to come! 

Happy Hustling,

Kelsey