Webster’s definition of the word sacrifices is a loss of something you give up, however usually for the sake of something better.  A better cause, a loss to gain an objective ‘

What is your objective, just like someone would ask what is your five-year plan?  Do you need to take a course or sign up or workshops or webinars? We want to approach this by encouraging you to think that sacrifices can prove to be for a better outcome.
On a personal note you might need to set aside a block of time to concentrate on your Business
Plan which would include the following:

Executive Summary – which is the last portion of your business plan to summarize, yet the first to introduce what your business is about.

Marketing /Advertising Plan your approach on how you plan to market and advertise your business (FB – Facebook, Instagram and generating a website, etc.) How you will also generate Sales to pitch your business to gain additional exposure. This also includes research on your competitor(s) who they are, there niche versus your special.  How will you stand out among the rest and the plans to do better.

Location – a place where you can get noticed.  If you have plans to have visitors, applicants to stop by, is it close to public transportation (trains, buses) and to look for a location with plenty of parking, etc.

Budgeting - getting your financial house in order.  How much will have to have?  How much to I need as a startup or to grow the business. (rent, phone, material, computers and furniture, etc.

Management and Personnel – as you begin your plans to start a business it always good to think of short- and long-term goals which is the number of staff members you plan to bring on board.  As sole proprietor with no staff, virtual staff (off site) of course things would be different however with in-house staff, managerial staff (management, supervisor foremen’(s), etc.) or Personnel (administrative, field operation staff on payroll or contracted (1099s).  Either way you decide a job description, related education and experience is needed.  Also think would they be needed full time or part time or if you would be interested an intern.  Nonetheless think short or long to grow your business.

A personal sacrifice is the devotion of time allotted for your business or idea.   Nonetheless it is needed if you keep working on what you want and your vision and what you shall be will manifest in your life.

Personally, these sacrifices come with open communication to family and friends to let them know you love them and care for them, however, you need this time to accomplish your goals and objectives. 

​Be sure to create a timeline for how many days and hours you can devote time, energy and keep peace yet to focus.  We suggest you might need three to four times a week as a startup to truly get things up and running. 
 
Philippians 4:11-13 

By Gloria Durham, 

 
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To start a business or to plunge into entrepreneurship you might be in a place where you are still employed or been down sized and or unemployed for several years.
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Whatever the case maybe if it is time for you to fulfill that dream, follow your vision, write that novel or design the idea yet, you need to make a sacrifice, avoid the naysayers and distractions and move forward. But you must be PREPARED - Prepared to Grow- Prepared to Serve and Prepared to Lead.

When speaking to individuals and many women’s groups who are conflicted or puzzled about their next move, I stated (SUE) – Sisters United Enterprise is here to help coach and navigate you through these steps.

Listed are initial steps we recommend which is this Acronym of AIA –

1.  A- an Attorney or legal advisor to ensure the steps you are taking is sound for the business you are pursuing or if this is not an affordable approach we recommend you might want to consider signing up with LEGAL SHIELD which offers a far lesser expense than an attorney to help formalize your business.  (Sole Proprietor, LLC or LLP)
2. I - is for Insurance.  This will protect your assets, GL – General Liability, W/C – workers compensation to cover your employees if an accident or injury should arise or if you do not have staff at this time (non – employees 1099s) check with a broker what is required.  You might also be in a business that requires product liability to cover your product design or patent and if in a commercial business with vehicles auto insurance is required for your personal vehicle as well. 
3. A – is an Accountant, to ensure your books are in order, to generate income statements, work with your bookkeeper or to work with your payroll company when quarterly and annual tax filing reports are required.

 
Nonetheless, the traditional route is to  obtain an initial (EIN) Employers Identification Number, register the business with the Department of Consumer Affairs and if required to get contracts as many certifications you need such as:  

WBE – Women Business Enterprise, MWBE – Minority Women Business Enterprise, DBE – Disadvantage Business Enterprise or 8a – Ownership Diversity Certification. 

While you are following these initial steps make sure you work on generating a business plan or fine tune it which should not be hard to complete. For know one knows your business better than you.   It starts with your story and your plan to achieve and succeed. 

Finally, this is Series One of our blog on making a sacrifice to become an entrepreneur.  State tune for Series Two which we’ll address Personal Scarifies.    
 
By GW Durham, ED - SUE