You Have a *Fire* Business Idea. Are You Ready to Launch?
How do you know if you’re ready to launch that exciting business idea you’ve been working on for what feels like centuries?
Starting a business can be an exhilarating yet exhausting journey. One way to ease some of the stress of starting your own business is being properly prepared for your launch.
Here are some things to keep in mind and check off your list before going public with your brand.
Does your brand name align with your dreams?
Imagine the store you hope will carry your products, the magazine that will feature your brand, or the corporate convention where you dream of sharing your services. Does your name fit the vision?
If not, keep brainstorming. Your brand name is the first thing people see or hear about your company. A brand name that doesn’t meet the vision and values of your company could be detrimental to your success. So don’t rush into it!
Imagine what comes to people’s minds upon first hearing your name. Not only do you want the name to connect with your own vision, but you also want it to connect with your target consumers. It’s worth it to take your time on your brand name until you’re confident with its quality.
Do you have a clear purpose?
What do you do, who do you do it for, and why do you do it? If you can’t answer all of these questions, stop everything until you can.
This impact statement will drive all future decisions, as it exposes the significance of your brand. As unnecessary as it may seem, sometimes you need to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”
Being purpose-driven is more important than ever in a business world that becomes more competitive year after year. As it continues to evolve and grow, consumers want to support and follow brands that they can trust and relate to.
A clear purpose keeps your company moving forward — even when times are tough.
Is your brand kit complete?
Hire a professional to create a logo, submark, color palette, font family, and business card. It. Is. Worth. It.
Your brand kit is a guide to your company’s identity. Not only does it assist in consistency throughout your brand, but it prevents your brand from becoming misrepresented or worse - forgotten or skipped over. Your brand identity sets the tone for what’s in store if they do business with you or purchase from you.
From your logo to your color palette, your brand kit allows others to recognize your brand immediately and develop a trusting relationship with it. Just like you wouldn’t show up to a job interview in your PJs, you don’t want to launch your business without an ironed out brand identity.
Are you speaking the right language?
Your brand voice should be clear and distinctive in all that you do, from social media to FAQ responses and your ‘About’ page. Every interaction with customers says something about you. Make sure it’s saying what you want it to!
It never hurts to do your research. Explore your target audience and determine what language will reach them best. What vibe do you want to send out into the world and what vibe do you want to receive back? Your language will help establish your brand’s identity and set it apart from other brands in the industry.
Understanding your audience and your brand’s purpose will guide you to the right language for your brand.
Have you slayed your toxic dragons?
Toxic dragons are any negative thoughts that are holding you back from living your fullest life. Some that I’ve dealt with: imposter syndrome, fear, and perfectionism, but there are hundreds more.
You were born to shine and you have something huge to offer others, so get crystal clear on how to show up and sell yourself or your product. Then don't stop selling. Market analysis says a customer has to hear a message 7 times before they are ready to buy.
Whatever you’re doing, you’re capable of it. Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them. Don’t let your toxic dragons bring you down.
Have you developed a sales pitch that answers your customers’ pain points?
If you don’t know what your customer’s pain point is, then you are going to have a hard time solving it, so the first step is to get into the mindset of your customer. What does she/he want that they don’t have right now? How will your product or service solve it?
Once you know that, develop your sales copy around the improvements you’ll be bringing into their life! Don’t tell them what you do, show them how you will improve their life.
If you want to know about more about how to successfully run and scale your business, check out my coaching offerings.
