How do you bridge the gap between wanting to own a business and becoming a business owner? It takes more than passion. It takes consistent, intentional steps, the right mindset, and a willingness to adapt as you go. Here are seven recommendations for getting started converting your dreams into reality.
7 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Align Your Strengths with Your Future Business
One of the most crucial parts of entrepreneurship is choosing a business that fits you, not the other way around. Instead of forcing yourself into a mold of what you think a business owner “should” be, evaluate how your natural strengths can support a business that’s right for you. If you’re great at managing people, for example, a service-based business where teamwork is key could play to your strengths rather than a solo venture requiring hours of isolated work. If you’re great at sales, you could look for an existing business lacking a true sales function to take its growth to the next level.
Start by listing your top three strengths, then brainstorm how each could shape the business you’re looking for. From this, create a clear picture of what you need in a business opportunity: the roles you’ll excel in, the skills you’ll rely on, and the types of challenges you’re motivated to solve.
2. Find Purpose in Solving a Problem
The idea that passion should guide your business choice can be limiting. Instead, look for a problem that resonates with you and aligns with your values. Purpose, unlike passion, is steady and deepens over time. And every business has an underlying purpose around the problem it solves for its customers. For example, a dog poop-scooping business is about freeing up family time by handling life’s small burdens. An ice cream shop is more than a place to buy dessert—it can be a third space for families to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. The trick is clarifying the purpose and determining which business purposes most align with who you are and what you value.
When a business is built on purpose, it has a foundation that endures through tough times. Purpose keeps you committed, helping you navigate challenges and make decisions that align with your core values. Successful entrepreneurs don’t always start with a passion; they begin with a problem they care about solving.
3. Build Your Dream, Step by Step
Dreaming about owning a business won’t bring it any closer to reality — only action will. Each small step you take, no matter how modest, is progress. Start now by connecting with a business owner, dedicating time weekly to refine your business plan, or meeting with potential customers to test your ideas. The key is to break down big dreams into manageable actions you can take today. Action not only moves you forward but also keeps you from falling into the trap of an endlessly deferred “someday.” Every step bridges the gap between ambition and reality, turning vision into results. So take the time, in the next 24 hours, to write down the first three steps you could take to move your dream forward.
Find out Why Dreaming is Killing Your Dream.
4. Embrace Uncertainty
Stepping into business ownership means navigating uncharted territory, where each growth stage brings fresh challenges. Embrace the uncertainty rather than shy away from it—this discomfort is often where the most growth happens. If you’re feeling imposter syndrome, take it as a sign you’re stretching into new areas. Instead of holding back, lean into the challenge. Surround yourself with mentors who provide honest feedback and supporters who believe in you. You might also keep a “wins” spreadsheet to track your progress; when doubt creeps in, revisit it to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
5. Focus on What You Want, Not Just How You Feel
Feelings come and go, often driven by fears or doubts that don’t reflect reality. What matters most is staying focused on the life you’re working to create. Instead of letting emotions hold you back or falling into the trap of doing what you think you “should,” keep your attention on what truly aligns with your vision. When challenges arise, refocus on what you want, not what you fear. Use grounding activities like walking, working out, or journaling to calm your emotions so you can focus on what’s really true and what options you have for addressing that reality. A helpful journaling prompt is exploring what you want most; even if it feels repetitive, creating a regular habit will align your thoughts with where you want to go.
6. Start Before You’re Ready
The “perfect time” to start a business is a myth. If you wait for ideal conditions, you’ll end up waiting forever. Even if you don’t feel fully prepared, starting now gives you the experience to grow, adapt, and learn. Each step builds your confidence and sharpens your ability to make better decisions. Success is about making choices, learning through trial and error, and continually progressing. The only way to get closer to mastery is to start exactly where you are — and you’ve got to start. When a big project feels overwhelming, one question has always helped me: “What’s the most important thing I can do next to move this forward?” An added benefit of starting small is that it often allows you to validate your assumptions inexpensively — helping you avoid spending big on ideas that might not work.
Explore the Four Things You Can Do NOW To Create a Future as an Entrepreneur.
7. Invest in Your Own Growth
Investing in yourself isn’t just a personal pursuit — it’s essential for your business. The best entrepreneurs know that personal growth drives business growth, and if you’re not developing, you risk becoming the bottleneck in your own company. There’s no better return than sharpening your skills and strengthening your leadership. I like to choose one area to focus on each quarter, diving in with books and podcasts and journaling on how it applies to my business. This dedicated focus allows me to zero in on improvement areas and forces me to think deeply. It leads to real, meaningful change for both me and the business almost every time.
Summary
Every business starts as an idea, but only action turns it into reality. By aligning your strengths, embracing uncertainty, and taking consistent steps, you’ll be on a challenging and incredibly rewarding path. Success isn’t built overnight; it’s crafted step by step, with each move bringing your vision closer.
Ready to take the next step toward business ownership? Guidant Financial is here to help. We specialize in Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS) and innovative funding solutions to get your small business off the ground. Start your journey today with a trusted partner by your side — let’s turn your business dreams into reality.
Call us today at 425-289-3200 for a free, no-pressure business consultation to get started — or pre-qualify in minutes for business financing now!
Jeremy Ames is the Co-Founder and CEO of Guidant Financial, a company that has helped launch of over 30,000 small businesses since 2003. Jeremy’s experience as a business owner spans both franchises and start-ups. He has owned three franchise businesses across the real estate, personal services, and wellness sectors and also founded or co-founded five other businesses, including ventures in the media and business services industries. He is a staunch advocate for small business ownership, believing it to be the best route to personal and financial independence.
