Launch Business for Women: A Simple Start Guide
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Oct 24, 2024
- 8 min read
The Femmeprenista's Smart Start: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Launching Your Dream Business – Simplified for Intelligent Women
Alright, lovely. Let’s have a real chat, shall we? You’ve got this brilliant idea bubbling away, a dream business that could change everything. But if you’re anything like I was (and still am, on particularly chaotic days juggling four children, two dogs, a PhD, & a business!), the thought of actually launching it can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – a bit much, right? Especially when "Dora the Explorer" is blaring in the background for the tenth time or you're still finding glitter in your hair from yesterday's "art project." Sound familiar? Thought so!
As a fellow CEO & a mum who’s navigated the beautiful chaos of building businesses alongside raising my babies (from my firstborn during my undergrad to my youngest two alongside my PhD studies!), I truly get it. The sheer volume of advice out there is enough to make anyone’s head spin. "Do this! No, do that! You absolutely must have this funnel, that software, this strategy before you even think about starting!" Honestly, it’s exhausting. And if you’re a smart, ambitious woman (which I know you are), & likely a Foundation Builder – validating that initial idea or securing those first clients – you’re probably also prone to a bit of analysis paralysis, wanting to get it all "perfect" before you take the leap. And seriously, who actually has the bandwidth for X unless it’s made super simple? If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place because at Femmeprenista, we're all about supporting female entrepreneurs like you to Femme Connect & build businesses that truly thrive.
But here’s the secret, or rather, the no-nonsense truth: starting your dream business doesn’t need to be that complicated. It needs to be smart. And that’s what this guide is all about – simplifying the launch process, but in a way that respects your intelligence & empowers you to take meaningful, strategic action.
Why "Smart Simplified"? Because You're Too Intelligent for Fluff
Let’s be clear: when I say "simplified," I don’t mean "dumbed-down." Not for a second. You’re an intelligent woman, likely juggling a million & one things, & you don’t have time for vague advice or overly complex systems that just add to the overwhelm. "Smart simplified" is about cutting through the noise, filtering out the fluff, & focusing laser-like on the absolute essential first steps that will give you clarity & build real momentum.
I’ve seen it time & time again, both in my own journey – from selling sweets in the playground to navigating the corporate world at places like Apple, & then launching my own ventures – & with the incredible women I coach. The biggest hurdles at the start are often not a lack of passion or skill, but a lack of clarity & a tendency to get bogged down in the "how" before truly nailing the "what" & "why." I think it's really funny, because that rings so true in a lot of scenarios.
This is where personal responsibility & strategic action become your superpowers. While I firmly believe in the power of support & systems (when implemented with business frameworks like the Lean Startup), at the end of the day, you are the driving force. It’s about taking proactive ownership, making smart choices, & taking consistent, even if small, steps forward. Honestly, starting something feels scary, & you might twist your ankle, but the difference is, is you get back up again. As I often say, my path has been slower because of my commitments – four children, a PhD – but that doesn’t mean I can’t get there. If I don’t, that’s on me. It’s about working smart, not just hard, to navigate your unique path. My first attempt at a partnership post-university, "Nisbett & George," taught me a painful lesson about diverging visions, underlining the need to align business aspirations with reality from the start.
The Absolute Essentials: Your First Smart Steps to Launch
So, what are these magical, essential first steps for you Foundation Builder? They’re probably more straightforward than you think. This isn’t about having a 50-page business plan from day one. It’s about laying a solid, clear foundation.
1. Get Crystal Clear on Your Core Idea (The 'What & Why')
This sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But you’d be surprised how many brilliant women skip right over truly interrogating their idea.
What is it, really?: Beyond the surface, what is the core problem you’re solving or the core desire you’re fulfilling? Get specific. "Helping women feel confident" is lovely, but how? Through what specific service or product?
Why YOU? Why THIS?: What makes this idea light you up? Your passion & genuine connection to the "why" will be the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough. This intrinsic motivation is key to developing the resilience & focus you need. Is there a story behind it? My own journey into entrepreneurship was deeply fuelled by wanting flexibility & fulfilment that corporate life, even with an MBA from Cranfield, just couldn't offer. That "why" was powerful. It also makes me think of what Simon Sinek said, "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it.".
Does it solve a real problem for someone else?: Passion is essential, but a business needs to offer something people genuinely need or want. How does your idea make someone’s life better, easier, or more joyful?
Action Tip: Grab a notebook (a real one, not just another digital doc!) & free-write on these questions. Don’t censor yourself. Just explore. & set yourself a target to research three competitors & note their pricing strategies today!
2. Who Are You Really Talking To? (Your Ideal Client)
Once your idea has some shape, you need to know who it’s for. & I mean really know them.
Beyond Demographics: Age, location, & income are just starting points. Dive deeper. What are their biggest dreams & aspirations? What are their secret fears & frustrations (the ones that keep them up at 3 AM)? What does a typical day look like for them? If they're a busy mum like many of us, what are her specific juggle-struggles?
Speak Their Language: When you understand their inner world, you can craft messages that resonate deeply, making them feel seen, heard, & understood. This is the foundation of authentic branding & marketing that doesn’t feel like "selling" at all; it feels like a genuine connection.
Where Do They Hang Out?: Knowing your ideal client also helps you figure out where to find them, so you’re not wasting precious time & energy shouting into the void.
Action Tip: Create an "ideal client avatar." Give her a name, a backstory, a personality. Imagine having a cuppa with her – what would you talk about? What makes her tick? Aim to find 3 online groups where your ideal client hangs out.
3. Is This A Real Business? (Basic Viability – Gently!)
Okay, deep breath. This isn’t about drowning you in financial projections before you’ve even started. But we do need a gentle reality check.
Will People Actually Pay For It?: This is the million-dollar question (well, hopefully!). Have you tested the waters, even informally? Have you spoken to potential ideal clients about their problem & your proposed solution? Their feedback is gold & if they aren't too happy with your pricing, compared to what?
Can You Make It Work (Simply, at First)?: What’s the simplest way you could deliver this value? Don’t overcomplicate it. My first entrepreneurial venture, Nisbett & George, co-founded during my university days as a new mother, taught me so much about partnership & the dedication required – sometimes simple beginnings are the strongest.
What’s Your Foundational Action Plan?: Based on your clear idea & ideal client, what are the first 3-5 concrete steps you need to take to move this from idea to something tangible? This might be researching competitors, sketching out a basic service offering, or having five conversations with potential clients.
This stage is absolutely critical. It’s where you transform a dream into a potential reality & it's exactly what we dive deep into in our Spark. The Spark Program is designed specifically for ambitious Foundation Builders like you, helping you validate your idea, nail your niche & ideal client, & create that essential foundational action plan before you pour significant time & money into something that isn’t quite right. It’s about starting smart, with clarity & confidence (FocusFocus).
One of my clients, Sarah, used these principles to launch her online fitness coaching business & secured her first three clients within 30 days of implementing these strategies!
Laying the Groundwork for Aligned, Sustainable Success
Taking these initial, focused steps isn't just about ticking boxes. It’s about building a business that’s not only potentially profitable but also deeply fulfilling & crucially, integrated with your actual life. We’re not about "hustle culture" here at Femmeprenista. We’re about sustainable success that energises you, rather than drains you. It also makes me think about what Simon Sinek said about fulfilment, that it is a right & not a privilege.
By getting clear on your core idea (your FocusFocus), understanding who you serve for authentic messaging (your FlairFlair), & outlining basic viability, you’re actively preventing common startup pitfalls like:
Analysis Paralysis: Having too many options & too little clarity.
Shiny Object Syndrome: Jumping from one idea to the next without gaining traction.
Building Something Nobody Wants: Investing time & energy into a solution for a problem that doesn’t really exist or isn’t pressing enough for your ideal client.
Burnout: Trying to be all things to all people, or building a business that doesn’t align with your personal values or lifestyle needs.
These foundational elements are the very first steps in a system designed to help you build a flourishing business that supports a flourishing life. It’s about ensuring your business efforts are effective & that your personal well-being is prioritised from day one.
Feeling the Tech Overwhelm Already? You've Got Options!
I know, I know. Just as you’re feeling good about the core ideas, the dreaded tech monster can rear its head. Websites, email lists, booking systems… it can feel like another mountain to climb, especially if you’re not a "techy" person. & honestly, who has the time to become a web developer overnight when you’re also trying to, you know, live?
The good news is, you don’t have to do it all yourself, & you certainly don’t have to do it all at once. For some, taking small, DIY steps with user-friendly tools is manageable. For others, the thought of wrestling with website builders & integrations is enough to make them want to hide under the duvet. If that’s you, & you’d rather bypass the tech headaches altogether to get a professional online presence up & running quickly, our Ready to Launch Kit offers a comprehensive Done-For-You service. It’s about knowing your options & choosing what’s smart for you.
Empowerment Through Action: Your Journey Starts Now
More than anything, I want you to take away this: you are incredibly capable. Starting a business, especially as a mother, takes courage, resilience, & a willingness to learn & adapt. It's a journey, often a "windy path" as I call it, not a straight line. There will be moments of doubt, days when the juggle feels impossible (I've had my share of trying to manage a business call while one of my Miniature Pinschers, probably Espresso the hyper one, decides it's playtime with a squeaky toy!).
But with a smart, simplified approach, focusing on these essential first steps, & taking consistent, empowered action, you can launch that dream business. It’s about owning your journey, taking responsibility for your progress, & celebrating every small win along the way.
The world needs your unique brilliance. It needs what only you can offer. So, take a deep breath, ditch the overwhelm, & let’s get your smart start underway.
What’s one tiny step you can take today towards clarifying your idea or understanding your ideal client, based on what you’ve read? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
P.S. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Starting out can feel isolating, but surrounding yourself with a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs makes all the difference. If you’re looking for that connection, peer support, & a space to share your journey, come & join us in our free Femme Connect. We’re all in this together!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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