Starting Your Own Business is Easier Than You Think

It’s easier than ever to begin earning money on your own terms. These days, self-employed workers hold one in ten jobs in the U.S.

No matter what you call it — self-employment, side gigs, contracting, freelancing, running your own business — working for yourself isn’t as hard as it sounds. Especially when you approach it with a positive mindset.

AARP Foundation has been helping budding entrepreneurs launch their businesses for more than 60 years. Here are some of our top tips for building the confidence you need to succeed.

Lean Into Your Strengths

Being asked about your strengths and weaknesses during a job interview is common for a reason. When you’re earning money on your own, it pays to begin with what you do well. Ask yourself, what am I really good at? What do I enjoy doing?

Next, see what ideas suggest themselves for self-employment. If you love gardening, for example, would you be good working part-time for a florist or starting a small landscaping business? Similarly, your dislikes should also inform your choice. If you hate to drive or have trouble following maps, would you be happy with work that required you to drive as a delivery service?

Learn Along the Way

How you think about your business idea can have a huge impact on your end result. Will you know everything you need to know out of the gate? No. But you can learn and improve as you go along.

Entrepreneurs typically enjoy a challenge and understand there will be bumps in the road. Ultimately, they realize that learning from their mistakes or setbacks can be a key to their success.

Get a Support System

Just because you’re not an employee, doesn’t mean you should do everything on your own. Whether it’s a freelancing friend you can use as a sounding board or a weekly check-in with other people running their own businesses, you need a network of people you can lean on.

Having someone to bounce ideas off of, recommend resources, or refine your business idea can help you problem solve and inspire you to keep working toward making your big idea a reality.

Take It One Step at a Time

Unsure you have what it takes to start your own business? Start with small tasks you can accomplish easily. Sign up for a free workshop. Reach out to a friend who does side gigs to learn more about it. Read a book about working for yourself. Armed with information, you’ll begin to feel more sure of yourself with every new piece of knowledge.

Celebrate Every Win

It’s important to take the time to acknowledge your successes as a solo worker, no matter how small. When you land your first gig, sign a steady contract, or secure a retail space, take time to validate your hard work. The more you celebrate every milestone, the more confident you’ll feel as you keep working toward your goals.

These tips are only the beginning. AARP Foundation is here to help you explore the possibilities with tips from the experts.