"I'd love to start my own business, but I don't have enough experience".
I've had this conversation with so many women who're unhappy in their current jobs/situations and feel an itch to do something different, to make a change.
In this blog I'll cover some common misconceptions, to help you see you already have enough.
The answer to "When do you think you'll have enough experience?" is very often somewhere between "6 months" to "5 years". Time alone holds the key to having "enough".
Map out your total career, how long have you been doing what you've been doing? This is enough.
You may feel that you need an official qualification before you start your own business, or an official course to prove you understand something.
I had a career coach at the time, who asked me "Why do you feel you need this? You've 20 years of experience, why do you need a certificate?". She had a point. It was a lack of confidence, not a lack of certificate that was holding me back.
It is natural to start comparing yourself to others in your industry/field of expertise. You may be considering 'doing the same thing' as someone else who's been doing that for 5 years, but your approach, reference points, and the way you solve problems are different. This isn't bad or good, it's just different and you'll each appeal to different types of people.
Another myth is that you should prioritize experience over enjoyment. While expertise can be crucial, your passion and enthusiasm for your business idea are equally important.
For more than 15 years, I was responsible for building communication programs. I became an expert, speaking at conferences around the world about CRM. I'm excellent at whipping up an email, but it wasn't something I really loved anymore.
Just because you're excellent at something, this doesn't have to mean this must be the sole focus of your business.
Get out of your own way.
By dispelling the myths surrounding the need for more time, formal qualifications, or encyclopedic knowledge, I'd recommend individuals recognize their existing capabilities - and if starting your own business is something that has always been on your mind, have the confidence to take the first steps.
You're unique & you've enough experience - stop getting in your own way.
