7 Key Things to Consider Before Starting Your Own Business
Thinking of starting your own business? Before you take the leap, consider these 7 key factors shared by Sarah Cressall OBE, Founder and CEO of The Creation Station. From finding your passion and understanding your market to ensuring work-life balance, this blog offers essential insights to help you succeed as your own boss. Discover how to build a sustainable and flexible business that aligns with your goals.
Starting your own business is an exciting journey, full of possibilities and opportunities.
But before you get started, it’s important to think carefully about what lies ahead.
Founder and CEO of The Creation Station, and multo award wining entreprener Sarah Cresall OBE shares her top 7 tips Here are seven key things to consider if you’re exploring the idea of becoming your own boss.
1. Passion and Purpose
The first question to ask yourself is: Why do I want to do this? Running a business requires hard work and dedication, so it’s crucial to choose something you’ll enjoy. Your passion will be the driving force behind your success.
For example, I know I’d be rubbish at cleaning ovens as a business, but the idea of inspiring creativity and making a difference in the community excites and motivates me every day. Find something that fuels your enthusiasm and your purpose.
2. Market Research
Understanding your market is key to positioning your business effectively. Who are your customers? What are their needs? This insight will guide your decisions and help you identify opportunities for growth.
When I started The Creation Station in 2002, we initially focused on pre-school activities. Over the past 22 years, we’ve grown and evolved based on market demand, and now we support a wide range of customers, including children, adults, the elderly, local businesses, and more. The market will guide you if you listen carefully to its needs.unity.
3. Financial Planning
Being clear on your budget and financial projections is essential. You need to know what investment is required and what returns to expect. At The Creation Station, we support our franchise partners with bespoke financial planning.
We work with you to identify your financial goals as well as your work-life balance aspirations. Think of it like a recipe—we collaborate to figure out how you can generate the income you desire within the time you have available. This might involve a mix of after-school sessions, adult workshops, parties, and care home workshops each week. Because you are at the centre of your business, your plan will be unique to you.
4. Business Bandwidth
In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to choose a business with the bandwidth to adapt. Markets can shift quickly, so having a range of income streams can help create a more sustainable business.
For example, The Creation Station offers 12 all-year-round income streams, providing stability and growth opportunities regardless of market changes. This diversity helps ensure that your business remains resilient, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
5. Support Systems
Do you have the right support network? Whether it’s family, friends, or a business mentor, having a strong support system is invaluable. One of the things I’m most proud of is our franchise partner community at The Creation Station. Working alongside such talented and brilliant individuals is a dream come true.
We all have different skills and knowledge gaps, and by working as a team, we can truly benefit from each other’s strengths. Plus, since your area is exclusive, we share openly about what’s worked well and what hasn’t, helping everyone succeed.
At The Creation Station, we provide award-winning support, including your own business mentor with whom you’ll have one-on-one calls every week, regional meet-ups, access to our training academy, and much more. We’re committed to helping you succeed at every step.
6. Proven Business Model
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel! Consider using a tried and tested business concept. With The Creation Station, you can focus on growing your business rather than building it from scratch.
Plus when you run a Creation Station business you are running a multi-award winning business that's inspired over 2.2 million children and adults since 2002.
Our franchise partners love that from day one, their business is part of the #1 recommended activity company.
Customers trust Peer Reviews and often use them to make purchasing decisions.
With over 9,400 5-star reviews, your business has instant credibility and value. It’s a powerful advantage that sets you up for success right from the start.
In a recent anonymous and independant survey our franchise partners reported a HUGE 98% overall satisfaction.
Here is a breakdown of what they said:
7. Work-Life Balance
Running a business isn’t just about financial success—it’s about creating a lifestyle that works for you. With The Creation Station, you have the flexibility to design your schedule around your personal commitments and passions.
Whether it’s spending more time with your family or pursuing other interests, our business model allows you to achieve the work-life balance that suits you. Your business should enhance your life, not consume it, and finding that balance is key to long-term satisfaction.
Starting your own business is a big step, but with careful consideration and the right support, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.
If you’re ready to explore how The Creation Station franchise could be the perfect fit for you, there are a few options for you to discover more.
Download the Info pack and discover lots more about this exclusive, and award- winning, felible business opportunity.
Listen to and chat with some of our our Creation Station partners in a live online Discovery Event zoom call.
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