Taking the Small Business Plunge | Day 17

“Done is better than perfect.” Those are some of the most valuable words I’ve ever taken to heart about business (and life in general). You always hear of those people who tell you late in their life that they wish they would have started x,y, or z. Or they had a great idea for something but let other things get in the way of making it happen. Let’s not be those people.

With small business, it’s so natural to feel like you want to put your very best foot forward into the world, especially when it feels so personal (and it does). The fear of rejection, mistakes, unknowns, and comparison often persuade our decision making and hold us back. But you know what? It’s totally worth it. It’s totally worth it to put yourself out there, to put a foot forward, one foot in front of the other, and just DO IT.

The “launch and refine” idea is one I’m really waving a flag about these days, especially for those I know who struggle with the fears that hold them back from doing what they really want to do.  Sometimes, launching your idea, just doing it, imperfect, messy and full of lessons to be learned, is the best. Launch now, refine later. Build your brand once you have one. Change your business name once you’ve had a chance to really let one sit with you for a while. (Ps, changing your business name is as easy as filling out a “doing business as” form. Don’t be afraid to just put one down on paper to start with and change it later.) Open an Etsy shop, make some business cards, and advertise your services. Go all Nike on it and JUST DO IT.

Now I know that you’re thinking…okay, the whole rest of this series has to do with preparing and doing small business well (and legally) and this seems different.

I’m not saying that having a plan and a strong brand presence and some solid ideas to put out there is not important. It totally is. But if you are one of those people that will NEVER start something unless it’s perfect, than my advice is just do it. Just launch it. Because to tell you the truth it won’t ever be perfect but the beautiful thing about that is the chance to grow and learn tons of things along the way.

What do you need to launch in the very near future? What is the thing you are scared to do? Do it now, make it official, jump off that (figurative) cliff. Refine later.

Come January, I am planning on making some changes to my own business that I feel will really move me in the direction that I’m super passionate about in design. There will be a name change and a shiny new brand and service list to go along with it. I am so excited to share with you guys when the time comes! Stay tuned!