Step 1: Start Small and Dream Big

Lessons for Building a Successful Business

Step one in building a successful business shows you how to start a business.

Last week we talked about how Five Talents teaches entrepreneurs around the world to use 5 Steps that lead to success.

The first step was START SMALL AND DREAM BIG.

When I traveled last year to South Sudan, I met many successful new entrepreneurs, including the woman pictured here. Her savings group was growing and thriving, despite the challenges of living in a country that had been at war, until recently, for over 40 years.

It was exciting to see how much courage these entrepreneurs had to risk failure and to start something new. Many of these businesses begin with an investment of as little as $10 or $20.

How to Begin and Grow a Business

And Five Talents trainers did not tell them what businesses would be best to start. Our trainers simply said, “look within and look around. What resources, talents, and opportunities has God given you? As you begin in business, start with what you have and work toward what you’d like to see.” These women and men often know better than we ever could what is most needed in their communities.

One of the surprising things that participants in our programs learn is that their dreams are valid. If you are going to get into business, it makes sense to do something that you enjoy. Align your interests, talents, and resources with the right opportunities. Start small and dream big!

Until next Monday morning,

Dale Stanton-Hoyle,
Executive Director