“To build a successful business, you must start small and dream big.” Aliko Dangote

Thinking about starting your own online service-based business? It’s never too late!

In this article, I'll share the top 3 tips for starting an online service-based business that I wish I had known when I first started out.

Back when I was in the corporate world, I scoured the internet for every possible resource on starting an online service-based business. I read articles, watched Youtube videos, scrolled Instagram, and sought out courses and mentors.

The list goes on.

Well, sitting here writing this for you gives me such a great feeling that I now, am in a position to teach you what I’ve learned and what my experiences have been in starting an online business.

A service based online business to be exact.

The last couple of years have challenged me in so many ways. It has however brought with it an influx of online entrepreneurs, looking to carve a new future for themselves.

Having a service-based online business puts the power back into our hands at a time when, in many ways, we’ve been powerless. I know that since you found my article, that’s something that you’re seeking, too. Amirite?

If you're serious about starting an online service-based business, there's no better time than now to make it happen!

Are you ready to learn the top three things you need to know to kick-start your online business?

These are tips from my own experiences and the top things I wished I had known before I started this entrepreneurial journey. Let’s get into it!

Online Service-Based Business Tip#1

Find Something You’re Good At & Like Doing

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Find something you love to do and you won’t have to work a day in your life”. Although I adore the sentiment behind this quote, it isn’t actually true (in my opinion).

Having a business is hard! You’re challenged in ways you never thought you could be, day in and day out.

On the flip side, it is the most rewarding, too. If you can find something that you’re good at doing but also really enjoy, you’ve hit the jackpot. This is the thing you’re meant to be offering to the world.

Can’t put your finger on what that could be? That’s completely normal! I didn’t wake up one day and fall into my Integrator role.

I started as a Virtual Assistant, really finding my feet in the online space. From actually doing the work, I started to develop new skills and figure out what I liked doing.

Even more importantly, I figured out exactly what I didn’t want to do.

Once you’ve figured out exactly what you want to offer, hone in on that skill.

Become an expert in that skill so that you can be the best online service-based business in what you do.

Online Service-Based Business Tip#2

Getting Visible and Showing Up Online

This might be a really hard pill to swallow for all my lovely introverts out there, but showing up online is paramount!

What makes the online space so exceptional is our ability to reach a limitless amount of people from the comfort of our own homes or offices.

Just like a traditional brick-and-mortar business, the success of it relies on marketing and acquisition. Gone are the days of printing flyers, business cards, billboards, and TV advertisements.

Right now, all you need is a laptop and a mobile device to generate income and reach your ideal customers and clients.

You don’t need the fanciest website in your industry or a massive Instagram following to find a client or even be booked out! You do, however, need to show up consistently and with purpose.

What do I mean by purpose? Here are some quick tips on how you can intentionally show up every day and find that first client.

Know where your customer/clients hang out:

Understanding your Ideal Client includes understanding how they consume content and where they hang out. This may lead you to Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Email, LinkedIn, etc.

Engage:

Start conversations on that/those platform/s! Give advice, answer a question offer your expertise and offer your services.

Be Consistent:

Create content and engage consistently. This is the only way you can build business recognition. There is a common marketing principle that a consumer needs to see something 7 times before they’ll buy. Build that trust with your audience.

Online Service-Based Business Tip#3

Make the Pitch!

I can feel your resistance through the screen… and can I tell you… I felt the exact same at the beginning of my business and I think this is a fear that isn’t talked about enough in the online space.

Many of us have been or are now employees. Employee mindset can be something so difficult to deprogram. Working for someone else means that we can just sit on the sidelines, after all, someone else is making all the big decisions.

When starting an online service-based business, stepping into a CEO role is going to be both a challenge and something so freeing and liberating. Oh, and did I mention scary?!

YOU are responsible for the fate of your business.
YOU need to pitch.
YOU need to make those sales.

I don’t say this to put you off but to gear you on to take control of your new business. Don’t be scared to pitch to dream clients and don’t be afraid to ask for the sale.

What’s the worst that could happen? I can see that you have confidence that you can do it, after all, you’re reading this article.

Let’s Sum Up!