12 Steps to Turn Your Business Idea into Income

Without execution, there is no value to creativity. It’s not worth having an idea if it doesn’t get implemented. Many people have many ideas, but most don’t get put into action. The steps are taken to make the concept a profitable business are what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

Carrie Green, founder and CEO of the Female Entrepreneur Association (FEA) is also the author of She Means Business, an international bestseller. Green started her first business at 20 as a phone unlocking company and has since built one of the most popular online platforms for female entrepreneurs, with more than 600,000 followers worldwide. FEA helps ambitious women create wildly successful businesses and make their dreams a reality. Green is passionate about personal development, and her TEDx talk Programming, your Mind for Success, has been viewed over 8,000,000 times.

Green was interviewed by me to discuss her 12 steps for turning your idea into an income.

Do your research

It is essential to start from the beginning with any new idea. Get to work planning before you purchase any domain names or speak to anyone about your ideas. Green said the first step is defining, validating, and researching your idea. This is what Green focuses on in week one. She said, “I would be digging into it, looking at Google, Reddit on the app store, and every social media platform. I’d be researching everything.” Once you have gathered enough information, determine how your idea can add unique value to move on to step 2.

Define your idea

Next, you must define your idea more precisely and assess the demand. Your thesis should be summarized in a title or headline. Describe in plain English what the picture does. Green suggested that you ask, “Are there people already purchasing something similar?” Are people finding workarounds to solve the problem your idea solves? Ask your friends, and look online. According to her, if they are, this is a good indicator that there is demand. This means you will likely find people willing to purchase what you offer.

Define your audience

The who follows the what. Green asked, “Who would you choose to be your ideal customer?” “Who are they?” and “Where are they at?” Determine their needs and desires regarding your product or service. Green suggested you “tap into their emotions to understand why your offer will resonate strongly.”

Please share your ideas.

Once you understand the who and what, the how will become apparent. It’s time to “immerse yourselves in the fact you are creating something.” Green said this involves “building excitement, sharing your concept, and talking about it with anyone who will listen.” In this stage, you’ll get feedback on how your messaging resonates with your target audience. In this stage, you’ll get website feedback on how your messaging resonates with your target audience. Green also suggested that you keep track of who you talk to and “start a waiting list, get people signed up, and look forward to the exciting thing you are going to launch.”

Involve an audience

If you already have an audience, you can share your idea on a larger scale with them by inviting them along on the journey. Green advised that you “get them involved very early on.” Green said, “Tell them that you are creating something and can’t wait for it to be shared, then say that you would love their help and ask questions.” Green constantly asked people via email and social media as she built her membership offering. Green asked her audience about their problems and needs to create the membership platform they wanted. They were excited to sign up when it was complete.

Visibility plan

Following this is how to prepare to launch to a larger audience. Green asked, “What will you do over the next few days to increase visibility?” You should plan how you will share more about your idea, get more people involved, ask them questions and tap into the knowledge that will assist you in building out your thesis and creating. The more people you know, the better you can determine the direction of your vision. Do not miss any chance to get visibility and engage in conversation.

Your audience should be nurtured and built.

Step seven is about building your core audience and nurturing people to ensure that when you launch, it’s powerful “even if only a few people.” Green believes everyone can connect with 5, 10, 20, or 3000 people. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram allow us to communicate for free. Start small. Make a connection with one person at a time. Keep track of your progress, grow your waitlist, and watch your audience grow. You now know what these people want and how you can help them.

Plan your creation

Now it’s time to get real. “There’s going be laser-focused production.” This is where your product, website, and launch strategy are planned. This is where you put everything you learned from chatting with your audience and quizzing them. This is where you plan your timelines, create your checklists, and get the wheels moving for production. Green says you should have a “full understanding” of the project you are creating, its purpose, and what it will take to make it a reality.

Focused creation

You now know what to do. Step 9 is the place you go. Green suggests that you use deadlines. Green indicates that you set deadlines. You’ll be almost ready to sell to customers by the end of those two weeks.

Get ready for the launch.

It’s almost time to launch your idea. Green said you should prepare for launch by writing your sales and email copy. Also, create your sales page automation. This is when customers should actually be able to buy from you. What will they think? Where will they click? What does their process resonate with? How simple is it to do? Before you press the button, see it through their eyes.

Launch your product

It’s time for your ducks to be in line and launch. Green stated that this is the time to “talk about your product, ” share the posts and click send your first email. A live workshop could be possible. Give people the link to the checkout and put your creation out there. Once they know the basics, they eagerly await the delivery. Give them the link and say it’s ready.

Keep going and assess

If you are launching, get an idea of the numbers. Look at the number of units sold during the launch period and launch day. Green suggests you “plan the next 90 to 6 months to determine where your focus should be.” Once you have a product, metrics, and cash, you will know what to do next.

Green believes that it doesn’t take long to “take your idea and get out into the world,” especially if it’s digital. It takes 12 weeks and 12 steps. If you are willing to accept the challenge and work hard to complete it.