So, you want to be an entrepreneur? Taking the leap requires resourcefulness and a lot of inspired action. But the gap between a great idea and a functioning business can feel overwhelming. The secret is breaking it down.

Instead of trying to do everything at once, view your start-up journey as a 90-day sprint. By focusing on specific milestones each month, you can move from a concept on a napkin to a business with actual customers.

Telkom Business is here to be your digital starting block, ensuring you have the connectivity and tools to build a business that lasts. Here is your 90-day roadmap to success.

Days 1-30: The planning phase

Before you sell, you need to plan like a pro. The first month is about laying a solid foundation so you aren’t building your castle on sand.

• Research your market: Don’t just guess what people want. Use this time to dive deep into online market research. Who are your competitors? What are they doing right, and where are they failing?
• Draft the plan: You need a roadmap. Create a business plan that outlines your goals, your budget, and your unique selling proposition. This document will be your north star.
• Get connected: You cannot build a modern business without reliable internet. Whether you need flexible LTE connectivity to work from a coffee shop or robust business fibre for your home office, getting your connection sorted now is non-negotiable.

Days 31-60: The build phase

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to “tool up” and build your digital presence. In the modern economy, if you aren’t online, you don’t exist.

• Curate your online presence: You can’t afford to be allergic to digital tools. Build your website and claim your social media handles. This is how you represent yourself to the world, so make it count.
• Set up your systems: Entrepreneurship can feel like you are a one-person band. Use this month to automate the heavy lifting. Look into smart office tools and AI to help with scheduling, record-keeping, and admin.
• Prepare for the side hustle: If you aren’t ready to quit your day job, structure this as a side hustle. This offers a perfect playground to test products and markets without the immediate pressure of full-time overheads.

Days 61-90: The launch phase

You have the plan, and you have the platforms. Now, you need the noise. The final month is about amplifying your brand and getting that first invoice paid.

• Start the conversation: Build your communication strategy. How will you talk to your customers? Whether it’s via email newsletters or WhatsApp, ensure your voice is consistent.
• Leverage influencers: You don’t need a massive budget to get noticed. Look for micro-influencers who align with your values. Engaging in joint ventures with them is a powerful way to reach new audiences quickly.
• Get listed: Don’t wait for people to stumble upon you. List your services on platforms like Telkom YEP! Marketplace to ensure you are visible to people actively looking for what you offer.
• Stay powered up: Marketing requires data – lots of it. Ensure you have the right data plans to manage your social media, respond to queries instantly, and keep the momentum going.

Your partner in growth

Being an entrepreneur requires more than just passion; it requires the right partners. From the research in month one to the first sale in month three, Telkom Business provides the business internet solutions and digital tools you need to keep your entrepreneurial journey blazing.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the point where you are venturing out on your own. With a clear 90-day plan and Telkom by your side, you’re ready to turn that dream into a reality.