So, you want to be an entrepreneur?

Here’s how you can get started

Actionable tips for your entrepreneurial journey

3 minute read

To be an entrepreneur requires resourcefulness, good communication and, above all, taking inspired action. If you’re thinking of becoming one, we have some tips to help you get started.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the point in your career where you’re venturing out on your own to start a business. If you’re looking for practical tips to get you on your way, Telkom Business has got you.

Tips to get your entrepreneurial journey blazing

Plan like a pro

When you’ve got big dreams, you’ll need a plan to get them into gear. You can make a start by doing market research and creating a business plan, but also include more socially focused activities such as networking at industry-relevant events and talking to potential stakeholders in your business to get their perspective. A large part of your planning will require data to stay connected so you will need to lean in to flexible and progressive business internet solutions to support your plans.

Pump up your online vibe

As an entrepreneur, you can’t afford to be allergic to anything digital and you’ll need to be agile as trends evolve. Curate your online presence, pay attention to how you represent yourself, and most of all, ensure that you have the data plans to put yourself and your brand out there.

Side hustle your way to greatness

As an entrepreneur-in-the-making, you might ask yourself: ‘Why set up a side hustle, if you’re aiming for the big time?’ Well, before you take the leap, a small side hustle offers the perfect playground for you to learn and test products, markets and audiences. Build your communication and bargaining skills and understand the complexities of business on a smaller scale, before branching out into full-time entrepreneurship.

Tool up and elevate your productivity game

Entrepreneurship can, at first, feel like you are a one-person band wearing multiple hats. You could be going solo (as a solopreneur), or you could have the benefit of working with a team. Whichever way you look at it, you will need to beef up with the tools of the trade that boost your productivity. With the help of AI and smart office tools, you can automate many functions, such as scheduling, record-keeping, and admin and free up that time for tasks that require greater focus.

Amplify your brand with influencer collabs

As an entrepreneur, your approach doesn’t have to follow the traditional rules. The face of business has changed. Your customers are thinking social first, and looking for the pulse, energy and brand story that they can connect with. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook are essential platforms that are also the new shopfronts of your operation - and so, too, are the influencers who themselves have built large audiences. Engage in joint ventures, partner with micro-influencers when there is an opportunity and a fit, and be sure to have a listing on platforms like Telkom YEP! so that you and your entrepreneurial venture are in the spotlight.