How to Overcome the Fear That Often Accompanies Entrepreneurship

Written by Joyce Wilson

Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Fear As A Female Entrepreneur

Starting your own business can be an exciting life milestone, allowing you to seize control of your work life and become your own boss. However, entrepreneurship can also be scary. You may stress about not getting a regular paycheck, for example, or worry about possibly failing. Women, in particular, may be prone to such worries, especially if they've experienced professional setbacks related to the "glass ceiling" in the past.

According to Harvard Business Review, fear is perfectly normal among startup owners and, while it can be a hindrance, it can also be helpful in some cases. Read on to learn how you can overcome your fear of entrepreneurship as a businesswoman.

Do your research and prepare a business plan

Uncertainty is a common source of fear among women business owners. You can help eliminate doubt by strategically planning your business and minimizing the risk of unwelcome surprises. A business plan is the answer. This document provides an A-to-Z guide to how your business will be run. It includes everything from market research and competitive analyses, which allows you to check the demand for your products, to financial projections, which give you a sense of what you can earn with your business idea.

Start small and scale up gradually

Many women entrepreneurs stress about investing time, money, and effort into a company only to have it fail. You can help sidestep this fear by starting small. For example, you might keep your full-time job at first and start your business as a side hustle, allowing you to still collect a steady paycheck as you get your feet on the ground. Then, once you're ready, you can scale up your side hustle. When scaling up, follow best practices, like setting up a comprehensive sales system and automating tasks whenever possible.

Get inspiration by networking with other women entrepreneurs

Sometimes you may get discouraged in your entrepreneurial journey. This is perfectly normal. When this happens, it's useful to be able to fall back on a network of supportive cheerleaders. Networking is a great way to meet other women entrepreneurs and find a mentor, who can provide valuable guidance as your company grows. Platforms like The Badass CEO are also a great way to connect with others who share your entrepreneurial spirit and to access handy resources like podcasts, event tips, and articles.

Pave the path to success by marketing your business confidently

If you want your business to succeed, marketing is essential. This is how you attract and keep customers. If you don't have a lot of money to start with, there are plenty of low-cost marketing solutions you can try, such as social media or blogging. While digital marketing is important, don't ignore traditional methods. For example, business cards remain a valuable marketing tool. You can create a personalized business card that will leave a lasting impression using a premade template, updating it with a business logo, slogan, and colors.

Take steps to tackle day-to-day stress head-on

Life as an entrepreneur brings a lot of fun and excitement. However, it also gets stressful. This cycle of stress can feed your fear as an entrepreneur, preventing you from realizing your full potential. Take steps to tackle stress and anxiety head-on every day. For example, you might start your day with inspiring mantras. You should also take the time to recognize your stress triggers and develop a healthy response to address them. Simply taking a brisk walk is one way you can help alleviate nerves, according to Very Well Fit.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting endeavor. However, it can also be daunting. Women in particular face hurdles that can intimidate them from business ownership. Don't let your fear hold you back. This guide provides tips to help you leverage your fear productively.

For more tips on successful entrepreneurship, visit the blog.

*This post was written in partnership with Teacher Spark, check out their website HERE