Entrepreneurs who are living with a disability often face frustrating challenges that make the process of starting a business a daunting one. From finding the right kind of funding to navigating discrimination and a lack of accessibility, running a business can be stressful. The good news is, these days, there are plenty of ways for differently-abled individuals to bring their ideas to life using accessible tools and support from various resources. By creating a well-thought-out plan, you can start your business andmake it a success without all the stress.
Here are a few key steps to take:
Plan out the details and write a business plan
A stellar business plan will not only help you secure funding, it will act as a guide for you. Writing a business plan necessitates that you do quite a bit of research on your competitors, your target market, and the business itself. How viable is your idea? How accessible is it? If there are any doubts or potential issues lingering, writing a plan will allow you to bring them to light.
Your plan should include all the relevant details of your business, such as the registered name, where it will operate, how many employees you plan to have, and financial projections. Once you form a business structure–a beneficial move that provides tax benefits and protects your personal assets–you can add that to the plan, as well. Forming an LLC requires different steps depending on the state you’re in, so do some research before getting started. Keep in mind that you can save money by hiring a formation service to take care of the paperwork for you.
Get organized to reduce stress
While forming an LLC allows for less paperwork than other structures, there will still be quite a few documents you’ll need to keep up with as a business owner. Getting organized is essential, so it’s important to find tools that will allow you to manage and share documents no matter where you are. If your business relies on a strong image within every document that customers see, for instance, you can use your iPhone to convert that photo into a PDF and keep it accessible even if you’re traveling and don’t have wi-fi.
You can also utilize apps and software that will help you manage your time better or make accounting tasks easier; think about which tools might allow you to make the most of your day so that you can feel in control and stay on top of each task.
Create a marketing plan and a website
Building a successful business requires a lot of planning; outside of writing a business plan and finding helpful tools, you’ll also need to create a marketing plan and build a stellar website that contains accessible information. The market research you’ve already done for your business plan will come in handy here, as you’ll need to know as much as possible about your competition, the audience you’re working for, and what their needs are. Creating a brand identity will help you with both the marketing aspect and the website, so think carefully about how you want your customers to perceive you and your business.
Take care of yourself
Starting a business as an individual who is living with a disability comes with a lot of pressure, as well as potential anxiety and stress. It’s important to take care of your well-being during this time by delegating tasks that don’t need your personal touch, learning how to decline demands on your time, taking breaks often, and making your work environment as comfortable as possible. Doing so can only help you be the best entrepreneur you can be.
Starting a business as an individual with a disability can be a wonderful opportunity, both for yourself and for disabled individuals in your community who are looking for representation. By getting organized and finding the right tools, you can take the stress out of the process and just enjoy it.
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