Starting a service-based business can feel overwhelming, especially with the abundance of advice and perceived necessities out there. I craved creative, time, and financial freedom, and imagined what it would be like to invest the same energy I gave to someone else’s dream into my own. This led me to explore various side hustle ideas and dive into roles as a social media and virtual assistant. Through trial and error, I discovered that many things I thought were essential were actually holding me back.

Here are five things you might think you need to start a service based business, but actually don’t: 

1. A “Perfect” Plan

While planning is important, waiting for the “perfect” plan can hold you back. Procrastination and self-sabotage often stem from this mindset. An idea is enough to start with; putting it out there will provide feedback to refine and evolve your offerings. You can start with just 5-10 hours a week—time you can find by reducing social media use or streaming shows.

🙋‍♀️What I’d Do Differently: Instead of chasing every freebie and podcast, getting distracted thinking, “What if I need this? What if after this I’ll be ready instead?” I would have invested in one solid strategy from the start. This would have saved me countless hours and reduced confusion, allowing me to focus on action rather than perfection.

2. A Large Budget

You don’t need a huge investment to get started. Maintaining a day or night job can help you gradually invest in essential business tools. Focus on tools that provide an online presence for your clients, and expand as you earn.

🙋‍♀️What I’d Do Differently: I would have worked with a coach from the beginning. Not following through on your idea can cost you a lot more emotionally, physically and spiritually—just think about a time you wished you did something different. A coach can provide the support, encouragement and perspective needed to move forward confidently. There’s nothing like having conversations with someone who gets it, that prevents overthinking and recognizing you’re more than ready and enough to live what you’ve dreamed.

3. A Pretty Website

You could waste a months to a year trying to DIY a website. A website can wait until you have paying clients and clear feedback. Nowadays, there are many all-in-one tools offering streamlined solutions for presenting offers, booking calls, emailing and managing payments.

🙋‍♀️What I’d Do Differently: I wish I had started with a simple one-page website or landing page. This would have saved me time, energy and money—oh lawdd the amount of free trials and paid versions I tried😆—allowing me to focus on building the more important aspects of my business.

4. A “Big” Social Media Following

While social media is useful, it’s not essential to start. After being hacked, I realized that social media is just one tool among many. Personal connections can be more valuable initially.

🙋‍♀️What I’d Do Differently: Being hacked reminded me that social media is just an extension of tools you have to share your wisdom, encourage and connect with others, it’s not your whole identity. If you haven’t been posting, because you’ve been more present in your day to day happenings-that’s more than okay! I would have reached out to my personal network for support and referrals, rather than relying solely on social media. This approach is more personal and often more effective.

5. XYZ Experience or Certification

You likely already have the experience needed to start. Many successful entrepreneurs began just a step ahead of those they served. Focus on being of service and solving problems for others.

🙋‍♀️What I’d Do Differently: While certifications can be affirming of what you already know and do, deep reflection on your existing skills and experiences is invaluable. You’ve been through a lot in your lifetime-all your lessons, skills and experiences matter! The same as point 1, I would have invested in a coach earlier for strategic support and accountability.

Starting a service-based business doesn’t require a perfect plan, a large budget, a pretty website, a big social media following, or extensive experience. Focus on what truly matters: your passion, your willingness to serve, and your ability to decide to take action. Ditch the trap of not starting “until I have… then I can…” You can begin with one idea, a few hours a week.

➡️ To help you get started, download my PDF guide for just $2 and gain the confidence and tools you need to start your a service-passion-based business.🦄 These are the steps I wish I had followed from the start, as they provide clarity and direction. Whether you’re multi-passionate like me or focused on one path, this guide will help you take decisive action and hone in on your goals. 

➡️ Ready ready to overcome blocks and embrace your true potential? Explore 90 Days to Feel Empowered and Unapologetically You program✨