How can I start my own business?

The short answer: start small, start simple, just start.

The long answer: every business begins with a clear problem you can solve. Think about what people already ask you for help with: your skills, your ideas, your approach.

From there:

1. Write down your idea in one paragraph. Then refine it down to one sentence. I whole-heartedly recommend a 1:1 marketing session my most favourite copywriters at Maha Copy Co. or purchasing “How to Write Your Site Workbook” and “Killer Sales Page” because sometimes, when you’re too close to the thing you’re trying to optimise, you can’t see the forest for the trees. And this really (really!) helped me.

2. Define the “W” - Questions: who it helps and how. When and Where. What and How Much.

3. Create the smallest possible version of your offer - this could be a digital service, a product sample, or a single consulting session.

4. Test it with real people and gather feedback.

5. Refine, improve, and repeat.

You don’t need a fancy brand or website to begin. You need clarity, consistency, and a willingness to learn from each step. It all starts with one client. Tune into this podcast episode where I outline exactly how to sign your first client or land your first project.
Maria Unleashed #58

Remember:
Businesses grow by solving problems - not by being perfect.

I don’t have a university degree. Can I still launch a successful business?

Absolutely.

A degree can help you understand theory, but success in business comes from execution.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs I know never finished university, but they built strong networks, stayed curious, and learned as they went.

Focus on:

• Building real-world experience

• Learning marketing, sales, and customer psychology

• Surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and peers

• Staying humble and continuously educating yourself (books, podcasts, courses, people)

Your mindset and the quality of your work, not your diploma, determines how far your business can go.

I started my business successfully, but now it stagnated. What can I do?

This is more common than you think. Growth plateaus are part of every business journey.

Here’s how to break through the stagnation phase:

1. Revisit your audience. Are their needs changing? Are you still solving the right problem?

2. Audit your offer. Is your product or service still aligned with your audience’s goals?

3. Check your marketing channels. Are you showing up consistently where your audience spends time?

4. Seek outside perspective. Sometimes you’re too close to your business to see what’s missing. A business mentor or peer review can bring clarity.

5. Focus on systems. Streamline repetitive tasks so you can focus on creative or strategic work again.

Stagnation isn’t failure, it’s a signal for change. Use it as a turning point. How I know? I’ve been there a coupe of times, when I outgrew my old business set up and it’s very important that you re-visit your website, social media, and services, to ensure that you’re still attracting your ideal customers and clients.

How can I start my business without an existing customer base and only a small budget?

It’s possible, but you’ll need creativity and persistence.

Start with what you already have:

• Your skills

• Your time

• Your story

• Your network (even if small)

• Your experience

Here’s how:

1. Start local. Offer your service to people you already know. Word of mouth builds your first base.

2. Use free tools. You don’t need paid ads yet. start with organic social media, email lists, and partnerships.

3. Collaborate. Offer your service to a complementary business and share audiences.

4. Focus on testimonials. One happy customer can be your best marketing campaign.

Tune into my podcast episode 58# “How to find your first paying customers” for more specific insights.

Start small, learn fast and reinvest small profits - that’s how sustainable growth begins.

How and where do I advertise my services or products?

Where you advertise depends entirely on who your customers are and where they spend time online.

Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Define your audience. Be clear about age, location, interests, and habits.

2. Start with organic growth. Create useful, honest content that helps people, this builds trust and visibility.

3. Leverage social platforms.

   • Instagram & TikTok → lifestyle and visual brands

   • LinkedIn → B2B, professional services

   • Pinterest → products, design, travel, wellness

4. Collaborate or guest post. Reach new audiences through shared visibility.

5. Test small paid ads test what works and what doesn’t, focus on this message and invest in it, until it grows organically.

Marketing is simply sharing your value, repeatedly and authentically. But it’s easier said than done, I know!