Follow Your Passion, The Key to a Successful Startup.
Insights from Steve Jobs on Choosing the Right Business as a Beginner.
Someone once asked Steve Jobs a profound question early in his career: "What business should you start as a beginner?" Jobs' response remains as relevant today as it was then :
"It's hard enough to succeed under normal circumstances. If, on top of that, you go into a field you don't like, if you do it just for the money, then you drastically reduce your chances."
This insight is timeless and crucial for anyone contemplating their first business venture. As a beginner, the type of business you start is less important than your passion for the field.
Here’s why:
Passion Fuels Persistence
Starting a business is challenging, there will be long hours, setbacks, and moments of doubt. If you're not genuinely interested in what you're doing, it's easy to give up when the going gets tough. Passion keeps you motivated and resilient, driving you to push through obstacles and continue working towards your goals.
Passion Enhances Learning
When you love what you do, learning about it doesn't feel like a chore. You'll be more inclined to dive deep into your industry, stay updated on trends, and continuously improve your skills. This continuous learning is essential for staying competitive and innovative in your field.
Passion Attracts People
Whether it’s customers, partners, or employees, people are naturally drawn to passion. If you're enthusiastic and dedicated to your business, others will be more likely to support you, buy from you, and spread the word about your brand. Passion is contagious and can significantly boost your business’s growth.
The Money Will Follow
Focusing on something you love often leads to excellence. When you’re passionate, you’ll naturally strive to provide the best product or service. High-quality offerings attract customers and drive sales. Over time, this excellence translates into financial success. As Jobs implied, if you start a business solely for the money, you're setting yourself up for potential failure. But if you follow your passion, the money will come as a result of your dedication and hard work.
Tips for Choosing Your First Business
Identify Your Interests: Reflect on what activities or topics excite you. What hobbies do you enjoy? What subjects do you read about in your free time? These interests can be a great starting point for your business.
Evaluate Your Skills: Consider your strengths and skills. How can they be applied to a business? Combining your passion with your skill set increases your chances of success.
Research Market Demand: While passion is crucial, there must also be a market for your product or service. Conduct market research to ensure there’s a demand for what you want to offer.
Start Small: You don't need to invest a lot of money to start. Begin with a small, manageable project. This approach allows you to test your idea, learn from the experience, and grow gradually.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who have experience in your chosen field. Their guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your learning curve.
Conclusion
As a beginner, the best business to start is one that aligns with your passions. This alignment will drive you to excel, help you overcome challenges, and ultimately lead to success. Remember Steve Jobs' advice: Don't start a business just for the money. Choose something that you love, dedicate yourself to getting better at it every day, and the financial rewards will follow.
What business idea excites you the most ? Share your thoughts ?