Starting a business for the first time can be an exciting yet demanding journey. It requires more than just a great idea, it needs careful planning, deep market understanding, mental resilience, and a solid strategy to survive and grow in the long run.
It’s no surprise that one of the biggest questions aspiring entrepreneurs face is: how to start a business from zero and do it the right way?
Let’s break down everything you need to prepare before taking that leap into the business world and explore actionable strategies to not only launch but also expand your business effectively.
What You Must Prepare Before Starting a Business
Before diving into your entrepreneurial journey, there are critical elements you must be ready for mentally, emotionally, and practically. Your mindset is your biggest asset. Having an entrepreneurial mindset means being prepared for uncertainty, financial pressure, and the possibility of failure.
No matter how perfect your business plan may look on paper, without a strong mental foundation, things can easily fall apart. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about success, it’s about endurance, learning from setbacks, and staying committed when times get tough.
Also, make sure the business you want to pursue is driven by genuine passion. This passion is the fuel that keeps you going when the excitement fades and the real challenges appear. A strong interest in what you’re building will keep your motivation alive.
Time and energy investment is another non-negotiable. Starting a business is not a casual weekend project, it requires serious dedication and long-term commitment.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a support system. Having the emotional backing of your family, close friends, or mentors can make a huge difference when you're facing difficult decisions or challenging moments. Their encouragement could be the reason you don’t give up halfway.
6 Powerful Steps How to Start a Business Effectively
Your first steps matter. How you begin will shape how far your business can grow. If you're aiming for success, follow these tips on how to start a business from zero and position it for long-term growth.
1. Choose the Right Product or Service
The product or service you offer is the heartbeat of your business. Don’t rush into choosing something just because it’s trending or someone else is making good money from it. Trends fade, solutions endure.
Start by identifying real problems people around you are facing. Pay attention to complaints, frustrations, or unmet needs within your community.
That’s where real opportunity lies. When you position your product as a solution, not just a commodity, you’re creating value that customers will naturally gravitate towards.
2. Craft a Clear Vision and Mission
A vision is a long-term goal that represents what you want to achieve with your business. A mission, on the other hand, outlines the concrete steps you’ll take to bring that vision to life. Both are essential for guiding your future business decisions and keeping your strategy on the right track.
A strong vision helps you stay focused, while a well-defined mission guides your daily operations. For example, your vision might be, “To become Indonesia’s most accessible healthy food brand.” Your mission could then include steps like “Offering affordable, locally sourced healthy meals and building a nationwide distribution network.”
Having a clear and meaningful vision and mission helps you stay focused during challenging times. More than that, a strong vision and mission statement also attracts the right people, team members, investors, and customers, who share the same values and believe in your business goals.
3. Secure Your Startup Capital
Yes, you need capital, but you don’t need a fortune to get started. Many successful businesses began with minimal funds and smart budgeting.
Calculate how much you’ll realistically need to run your business for at least the first 6 to 12 months. If you’re just getting started, avoid taking on heavy debt. Start small, validate your idea, and scale when you're ready. Every rupiah counts, spend it wisely.
4. Conduct In-Depth Market Research
Knowing your audience is essential. Effective market research gives you insight into customer behavior, market size, competition, and gaps you can fill.
Don’t make the mistake of targeting “everyone.” Instead, define a clear customer profile. Who are they? What do they want? Where do they spend their time? How do they make decisions?
Study your competitors thoroughly. What are they doing well? Where are they falling short? How can you provide a better experience or different value? This step will help you carve out your unique space in the market and sharpen your competitive edge.
5. Learn How to Choose the Right Business Location
Your location can determine your success, especially if you’re in retail, food and beverage, or service industries. High-traffic areas near universities, offices, or shopping centers offer great exposure, but they often come with high rent.
Don't just think short-term. Consider aspects like accessibility, parking, public transport options, safety, and long-term development potential.
Visit several potential spots, compare the pros and cons, and never rush this decision. Understanding how to choose the right business location can be the difference between booming sales and empty days.
6. Choose the Right Marketing Platforms
Marketing is where you turn effort into growth. But spreading yourself too thin across every social platform won’t work. Focus on where your target audience spends time and dominate there.
Digital marketing is powerful, but don’t ignore the value of traditional approaches like word-of-mouth, community partnerships, or local events. Often, the most effective strategy is a smart combination of online and offline marketing, tailored to your audience.
Whether it's building a loyal customer base on Instagram or growing local awareness through community events, how to expand business depends heavily on your visibility and connection with your audience.
Stop Dreaming, Start Building: Your Business Journey Begins Today
Taking the first step in business is about more than just launching a product, it’s about mindset, planning, and relentless execution. In today’s digital era, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable.
That’s why a reliable internet connection is critical to your business success. Whether you're managing your online store, handling customer chats, or running social media ads, you need dependable connectivity every step of the way.
With Internet UMKM Plus by Telkomsel Enterprise, small and medium business owners get tailor-made internet solutions that support real growth. From seamless communication to efficient operations, this service empowers you to focus on building your dream without worrying about tech problems.
Now is the time to stop waiting and start doing it. Turn your idea into a thriving business and take control of your future. With the right tools, strategy, and support system, success is within reach.
Start strong. Grow smart. Thrive boldly with Internet UMKM Plus from Telkomsel Enterprise by your side.
