There are two times you find yourself getting started in business and struggling: 1) When you are struggling with what to do because you have too many ideas or, 2) you have started a business and have income, but feel like you cannot grow. There is a lot of advice on what to do in both of these situations. But, I have found that often the advice is overwhelming. So instead, I like to focus on the simple next action that can propel me (and you) forward. Getting Started - Overwhelm of Information | Photo courtesy of Flickr/Creative Commons/CR Artist [/featured-image]Over the next few episodes I will address simple orderly steps you can do to start or grow. Simple things focused on the main problem you will have in business - getting the word out and getting known.Click to ListenNOTE: If you are reading this in email, you will need to go to Itunes or my blog to get access to this show.Getting Started in Business - Start with a Web PresenceEvery business needs a website. Some of you may have one, and you may even be paying some company a monthly fee. But for most of you, you either have no web presence or you might as well not have one because you have no content of value on your site.Here I will outline some simple steps to start a website and start generating valuable web content for less than $100.If You are Exploring Business Ideas, Start Here1. Start with a Web Presence. If you are exploring ideas, this gets you moving. Remember, this step should cost you less than $100. Really. Do not go hire a developer or sign up to some service that does it for you with a monthly fee. Just start with a simple website. The way to do this is a self-hosted wordpress blog (even if you do not really want a blog, this format is perfect.)The following link shows you how to do this!How to Setup a Self-Hosted WordPress BlogAnd since you likely do not have a domain name (such as dalecallahan.com) then I would suggest using your own name. The video above will tell you how to do this.2. Start Writing Ideas. If you are exploring, start writing and posting about what you know and possibly about what you would like to do. Do not worry about how many people are reading it - just get thoughts formatted so others COULD read it. This forces you to think through your idea. For this, just start answering your questions.Example - If you are thinking about doing something to help others with diabetic kids, start by listing out all the questions people ask you and then answering them. Simple.3. Focus on Adding Value to Others. Keep answering the questions. Keep talking. Share with others. Again, you are not trying to make money now, you are trying to get ideas out of your head and onto paper. Then the next time someone asks you “how do you make sure your diabetic daughtier is eating right at school” you can point them to a blog post where you addressed this question.4. Do Not be Afraid to Write About Other Ideas. If you are also considering a vintage dress shop, then write about those things also. It is your blog, do whatever you want.5. Share Your Content. Here is where magic starts to happen. When you share your posts, you will get feedback. Those posts that are totally ignored might be duds, but something you write about will hit. So, either on Pinterest or Facebook, share your ideas. IDale Callahan, Ph.D.Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy SessionDirector of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn

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