This is a good article below about why you should hit the ground running, as it gets over the point of how I feel about self employment, and why I don’t just “go for it” as they say! One term or saying stands out to me…

You have to “hit the ground running”; why fall over or stop; the bills keep going out, so you need to run to keep up!

There is a plan to be made; after all don’t you want to hit the ground running! The only exception to this is when you have backup funds; but often you don’t, so that is why it is essential to hit the ground running!

Even then I say never give an inch, keep pushing and you will hit the ground running in most cases.

I like the saying, “hit the ground running”, it encompasses the epitome of success on your own, in that you literally have to propel yourself into the air with your legs already running ready for you to take off when you land. In other words you get off to a flying start!

So what exactly does “hit the ground running“ mean?

A few things actually…

So “hit the ground running” can be applied to a few things, but it places emphasis upon having gusto, vigor and vim when trying to achieve something. It implies not just a half-hearted effort, but some zap and energy too, even in the face of adversity. Examples below…

To immediately work very hard and successfully at a new activity, “If elected, they promise to hit the ground running in their first few weeks of office.”

To be ready to work immediately on a new activity, “His previous experience will allow him to hit the ground running when he takes over the Commerce Department.”
Fig. to start the day very energetically. “A decade ago I had a lot more energy. I would wake up, hit the ground running, and never stop until I went to bed again.”
Where did the saying “hit the ground running” come from? Quoting below…

hit the ground running“‘Hit the ground running’ didn’t originate in WWII, as is often reported. The literal use of this phrase saw the light of day sometime toward the end of the 19th century in the USA. An early citation of it is found in a whimsical story which was syndicated in several newspapers, including The Evening News, 23rd April 1895, in a piece headed ‘King Of All The Liars‘ (and should their readers have not got the picture from the text, they were kind enough to provide one):

“I turned to run and figured to a dot when he shot. As he cracked loose I jumped way up in the air and did a split, just like what these show gals does, only mine wasn’t on the ground by six foot. The bullet went under me. I knew he had five more cartridges, so I hit the ground running and squatted low down when his gun barked a second time.”

There are many references to the term in the early 20th century. These all use hit the ground running in its literal sense and relate to the various ways people might do this, for instance, hobos jumping from freight trains, troops being dropped by parachute etc. The first figurative use that I’ve found so far, i.e. a usage where no actual ground or running is involved, is from The Hayward Daily Review, October 1940:

“It sometimes seems to me that the young idea nowadays wants to hit the ground running and to tell the old editors how to run things.”"

So there you go! However before you think you will hit the ground running, you need to take stock of yourself first, and follow a few simple points!

It is these early stages and lack of research which will cause more new start-ups to fail than almost anything else! So I’ll emphasize it again- “do your homework first” and “look before you leap”, or it could be you landing in a pile of “nettles!” You won’t be “running” at all, but instead stopping in pain or irritation, even falling down flat! Yeouch!

Nettle bed

Really to say eureka! and just go for it could well be quickly doomed to failure, and just on a whim or a fad! You need to hit the ground running, and get off to a flying start instead! So thought is involved, not just going out on a limb!

Eureka!

Partially quoting below…

“Let’s delve a little deeper into how to start a small business from home and help you decide how much planning and money you’ll need to be your own boss and hit the ground running.

Creating the Concept

Before quitting their jobs, the potential entrepreneurs must first think of a concept, product or service to generate a steady income. And while that may sound easy, it’s not. You should conceive a plan that puts your knowledge, experience and expertise to use but in a way that allows you to make the most amount of your money. That is a start to hit the ground running.

When first thinking of some business ideas, start with areas you already have a great deal of interest, equipment and materials for. This will help cut down on the startup costs for your company and also let you hit the ground running when you do hang out your shingle. Also, peruse the local paper and advertisements to see what other types of businesses are out there. Are there other similar businesses in your neighborhood or is there a business area that is lacking? If you carefully tabulate your findings, and filter out the No-No’s then this will help you to hit the ground running.

idea

Doing something you like isn’t the only consideration. You need to get an idea of the prospects for the potential business. Is it a business with a market? Can you make money at it? This will require some research into the marketplace as well as how other similar businesses have fared. You won’t hit the ground running by just copying someone’s good ideas; you need some degree of originality mixed in with it too!

Developing a Work Space

Your home is where you live. This means that its primary function is to serve as a dwelling for you and your family – not as a warehouse or meeting place for your business and its clients. Make certain that if you are considering entering the manufacturing business (for example) that your garage or shed is large enough to handle your work – without forcing your family and your vehicles into stormy weather.

Similarly, if your work will be computer-based, make sure that you have the technology necessary to give your idea a fighting chance. In addition, make sure that you have a dedicated area that’s cut off from the rest of the house and that can afford you some privacy. Remember, hearing a barking dog or a crying baby in the background when you are trying to work or meet with a client may not be ideal for you or your family.

However using your own premises can save you a lot of money, and increase the distance you leap as you jump off the mark and before you hit the ground running!

Outsourcing Partners/Employees

While it would be great to be the sole owner of your company and have complete control of every aspect, sometimes a lack of funds or experience make it necessary to have a partner. In this case, consider someone that is bright, will represent the company well, and has some sort of expertise in the business you are developing, be it sales, marketing, book-keeping, or other financial matters.

Also, try to define the tasks that you and your partner(s) will be responsible for before opening up shop. That way, there will be fewer disagreements and the business will operate more smoothly. Also, make sure that all partners are legally cared for by the company, and that the proper forms are filed with the regulatory authorities – this may mean filing twice and paying for title changes if you need to find a new partner, but it will protect both of you in the long run.

Next, decide if you’ll need employees – whether now or in the future. If so, put some thought into how you will get them and what you will pay them for their work. Also, think about how you’ll do payroll, and whether people will want to work from your home, from their own homes or if you’ll need to find another facility to house them.

Garage Workshop

Doing Your Research So you don’t just “dive in” then?

Some books on forming a small business suggest that after hatching an idea, an entrepreneur should just “go for it.” However, this bold approach could land you in some shaky territory. There you go, so think on your feet, and tabulate potential results first!

Instead, a good first move is to start asking family and friends what they think about your small business idea. Consider asking them specific questions such as:

“I’ll add in how I think daily at the end of each question…”

* Would you purchase this particular product and/or service?

How about window cleaning; I have one already?

* What do you think its worth?

It can be built on and expanded into other forms of cleaning, and I can employ people later on.

* What is the best way to market the idea?

Leaflets, cold calling, ads in local shops, Business cards, an online presence.

* Is this something that you think is a fad, or do you feel it could be a viable business for the long term?

Everyone needs a window cleaner sooner or later or a cleaning service of some kind.

* Is there anything you can think of to improve this idea?

Use a water fed pole system, use more modern equipment as funds permit.

* What other businesses in this field have you heard of or do you currently use for this product/service?

Lots, such as http://www.intercleanems.org.uk/ they started as one person in 1995, and are now national in the UK!

Return to the start with another idea if the one you try is no good. That’s the crux of it above really; you don’t just “go for it”, you have to plan so you can hit the ground running!

If you’re married and/or have kids, you should also be asking your family how they feel about you quitting your job and working from home. This will affect them on a psychological and financial level. If any of their answers are negative, you should spend some time discussing their concerns and decide whether your goal is worth continuing against their wishes.

After obtaining all of this feedback, go back to the drawing board and see if the idea can be improved upon so that your product or service can be differentiated from the competition. Remember, you want to hit the ground running and turn as many heads as possible when first starting off!

Finding Funding

Once you have an idea and the approval of your family, you need to decide how you are going to finance it. Most businesses will need at least a little start up income. This investment will hopefully help you break even after a year, but keep in mind that even successful businesses can remain in deficit for the first few years. Because of this, you will want to tap into a few different sources of funding. Some of these include:

* A small-business loan
* Savings
* Money generated from other investments
* Family/friends who will act as investors
* Personal loan from the bank
* Home equity loan
* Credit cards (as a last resort)

Source capital that won’t hamper your longer-term security. In other words, try to avoid racking up costly credit card debt that could cost 20% or more in yearly interest fees. Also, try to avoid borrowing against your retirement investments or other similar plans as this may adversely affect your retirement.

Finally, one of the best things you can do before you take the entrepreneurial leap is to build up an emergency fund to fall back on if your company doesn’t break even for a few months. Three months of living expenses is a minimum goal for a new business owner, but even more will help take the stress off of you and let you spend your energy on your company.

Covering Your Bases

All business owners should think about what would happen to the enterprise and the revenue streams being generated if health or other issues were to prevent them from being involved in the business. In other words, if the entrepreneur were to become disabled, who would takeover? Could the business survive?

Consider these issues beforehand and determine whether disability income insurance makes sense, or if a partner could fill the void caused by your absence. (To find out more about protecting your company, see The Disability Insurance Policy: Now In English, Protecting Your Income Source and Protect Your Company From Lawsuits.)

Foreseeing the Future

It’s great to own a business, but ultimately the entrepreneur will probably want to retire or move on to other challenges. With that in mind, you should create a business plan that discusses how you will transfer, sell or close your company. If your business depends on your unique knowledge and contacts, it may not be able to be assumed by another party.

Conclusion

There are few things more satisfying and rewarding than launching and owning your own home-based business, but before diving in, be sure to do your homework. Making a business work is not an easy task, but proper planning will help to increase its chances of success.”

Now that’s why I am still at a deadlock with myself at the moment! When you really put pen to paper there are very few things that are really viable today!

So its back to the drawing board until I come up with that “something!” It can and will be done, but in the meantime I have my homework to do!

Before you start above all else to hit the ground running, you have to be confident you can and will hit the ground running!

If you aren’t confident then don’t do it, as you will trip and land on your face rather than hit the ground running!

Once you have selected your market, weighed up the pros and cons, taken advice, have the courage, etc. there is only yourself and your determination, or lack thereof that can prevent you or to blame to stop you from hitting the ground running!

So to recap and add a few points…

For The Newly Self-Employed? How To “Hit The Ground Running”

“So you’ve decided to become self-employed. Great decision, why work for someone else when there is no need?

You might also have been forced into becoming self-employed because of the recession. Well congratulations, what an opportunity. You’re free to be your own boss, choose the hours you work and there are no limits to your earning potential. It’s an exciting time.

Don’t let this opportunity slip without making the most of it. As you go along you will learn from your own mistakes, but why not get a head start by trying to do a few things right from the beginning.

Set yourself goals- Have a long term goal for where you want to be in say 2 years time and then shorter more achievable goals that give you a sense of success, as well as keeping your motivation levels high as you go along.

Be an expert- Aim to be the best at what you do and know everything there is to know about the area you work in. There are no downsides to being known as an expert. You can never know too much.

Keep focus- Working for yourself isn’t easy all the time, there will be times when you will feel like you have huge mountains to climb. Don’t give up and keep your eyes fixed on your goals, being persistent is one major key to success.

Learn from failure- If you’re starting out on a new venture then it goes with the territory that it will be vulnerable to failure. Failure happens to the most successful people. The people who know how to succeed accept failure. They learn from it and move on until they are successful.

Take responsibility- Get into the frame of mind that you and only you are responsible for your business and stop making excuses for why things aren’t happening for you if you’re going through a difficult period. By realising that you are solely responsible for your business you will take action to come up with solutions to problems quicker.

Remember, there’s not a right way to be successful at being self-employed. You will learn more from starting and making your own mistakes than from reading this, so what’s stopping you….

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney”

So as you can see using this saying “hit the ground running” isn’t just nonsense! Basically if your idea is right, and you are fully determined then you can and will succeed. One thing I have learned in life is that it doesn’t come to you; you have to “go for it” and get it. The only way to do this is to have this saying in your head every time you do something. It certainly works for me; that when I think about doing something I always imagine myself hitting the ground running at full tilt with my head down putting full inertia into whatever it is I do.

Remember, a half-hearted effort equals little or no return! Hit the ground running and you may be in with a chance!

I hope to hit the ground running properly one day, and I also hope some of you out there do so as well!

Thanks for reading this item. I hope this article will hit the ground running too!

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