In the world of entrepreneurship, embarking on the journey of building a business from scratch is both exhilarating and challenging. Just like an artist draws inspiration from various sources, as a savvy entrepreneur you can also adopt a similar approach to create a successful business.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into 7 crucial strategies that can empower you to build a thriving business from the ground up, taking inspiration from the concept of “Steal Like An Artist.”

7 Steps to Building A Business From Scratch

As the renowned poet T. S. Eliot eloquently stated, “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different. The good poet welds his theft into a whole of feeling which is unique, utterly different from that from which it was torn.”

Your entrepreneurial journey mirrors this poetic wisdom, as you strive not for mere imitation, but for the refinement and evolution of concepts. By infusing your vision with insights drawn from others, you have the potential to forge a business that is not only exceptional but also truly distinctive with the following in mind.

1. Understanding nothing is original

Many a time, we become overly focused on brainstorming the “perfect business idea.” We strive for something that will capture everyone’s attention, potentially leading to fame and success like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg. However, this mindset can be misguided.

According to Jonathan Lethem, when people call something “original,” nine out of ten times they just don’t know the references or the original sources involved.

It’s likely that your business idea was inspired by something else. However, what truly sets your business apart is your ability to merge various borrowed ideas into a unique and beautiful creation. Therefore, don’t stress about coming up with a groundbreaking business idea. Instead, adopt the mindset of those who are credited with original ideas and continue to refine and improve upon your own.

2. Borrow ideas but be mindful of what you are borrowing

After making peace with the realization that all business ideas are borrowed or stolen, you now need to be even more intentional about whose ideas you are borrowing.

“You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life. You are the sum of your influences.”

It’s important to be selective about who you allow to impact your life and your work, whether it’s through social media, books, online videos, or other channels. Remember that your own abilities and performance can only be as strong as those you choose to follow and emulate.

3. Embrace continuous learning

Education is an ongoing process for any successful business. Great businessmen are able to stay ahead of their competitors by how well they adapt to market trends or how well they influence them. They can only do so by staying informed and always learning new things.

“School is one thing. Education is another. The two don’t always overlap. Whether you’re in school or not, it’s always your job to get yourself an education.”

4. Get your hands dirty

The key to accomplishing tasks is not by seeking guidance on how to do it, but by initiating action towards its completion.

Learn as you go. Iterate as you progress. Get your hands involved, not just your mind. That’s how you stay motivated. Carry a notebook to jot down your business ideas. Sketch out your plans to see them more clearly. Visit other business premises that are similar to what you want to do.

Be in the actual space. Get your hands involved.

5. Worry less about specializing at the beginning

“If you have two or three real passions, don’t feel like you have to pick and choose between them. Don’t discard. Keep all your passions in your life.”

Allow your entire life to be a source of inspiration. It’s impossible to predict where inspiration will come from or where your next great idea will originate. Don’t succumb to the pressure of specializing too soon.

Allow all aspects of your life to influence your art and ideas.

6. Be prepared to be ridiculed

No great business idea started off as great. Maybe it was good. But clearly, it takes time to turn anything from good to great. For this reason, be prepared for the people around you to not get it.

“People will misinterpret you and what you do. They might even call you names. So get comfortable with being misunderstood, disparaged, or ignored—the trick is to be too busy doing your work to care.”

Many people stop building their businesses, marketing their ideas, or practicing sales because of the first second, or third rejection. We would not have known of many significant minds had they opted to quit after several publishing houses declined to get them published. A good example is the famous book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

No one will care about your dreams as much as you do. The secret to staying focused is not expecting them to.

7. Keep your day job

Many individuals are lured by their dreams and make the error of pursuing them as their sole focus too soon. If you are able to sustain yourself without your current employment and can work solely on your vision without the expectation of an immediate payoff, then it may be appropriate to resign from your job.

However, Austin argues that there is beauty in letting your craft be just a craft for a while.

“A day job gives you money, a connection to the world, and a routine. Freedom from financial stress also means freedom in your art.”

Wrapping it up!

There is no justification for not progressing with your business idea. I recommend getting into action. You will come to understand that, like other innovators and creators, you are already in the company of brilliant individuals who are willing to share their ideas with you and find value in you utilizing them.

By Tali Victory, Personal Development Enthusiast at All Day Intentional The Podcast.