10 Things to Do in Your First 6 Months of Business to Set Yourself Up for Success
You’ve taken the leap. You’ve started your business (cue the confetti)! Whether you’ve just left your 9–5 to launch a business fulltime, or you launched your dream side hustle, the first six months are crucial. It’s important to not only build momentum, but you must find a routine that is maintainable, so you can set yourself up for long-term success.
As a business coach who helps women launch second-act businesses that fit their lives and light them up, I’ve seen what works, and what most new entrepreneurs wish they had done earlier. If you want to set yourself up for growth and confidence in your first few months, here’s exactly where to focus in the first six months of your business.
10 Things to Do in Your First 6 Months of Business to Set Yourself Up for Success
1. Clarify Your Why
Before you dive into the details, take time to get clear on why you started this business and what success looks like for you. Your “why” will keep you grounded during tough days and help you stay aligned with your values.
Ask yourself:
Who do I want to help?
What transformation am I offering?
What kind of life do I want to create for myself with this business?
2. Define Your Ideal Customer
Knowing exactly who you serve is one of the most powerful things you can do early on. Spend time thinking about your ideal customer or client. What is this person hoping to get out of your products or services? Now that you know this, make sure you design your products, services, website, and your marketing efforts to speak directly to this person.
Tips:
- Create a customer avatar (age, lifestyle, pain points, goals)
- Use language this person will clearly understand and respond to
- Show up where he or she hangs out, such as social media, in-person events, blogs, podcasts, etc.
3. Establish Business Systems That Work For You
From day one, treat your business like a business. Set up systems to stay organized and professional—even if you’re still working in your yoga pants from the couch.
Start with:
- A separate business bank account
- Accounting software (like Wave, QuickBooks, or FreshBooks)
- An email list platform (Mailchimp, Flodesk, or ConvertKit)
- A Google Drive or similar file system to organize important documents
Create a Simple Website or Landing Page
You do not need a fancy built-out website to start. You can start small with a clear one page website or “landing page” for customers or clients to view. This page should include the products or services you are offering, information about you and why you created this business, and a way to contact you. This website link can go on your social media, business cards, and in your emails as the place you point your audience to learn more. When you have more time, and money, you can build your website to be bigger. For now, you just want a place for people to find you!
Focus on:
- Clear messaging about who you help and how you help them
- A strong call to action with a clickable link (book a call, shop now, sign up, or contact me)
- Also, make sure your website or landing page is optimized for mobile too!
Start Building an Email List ASAP
Social media can be helpful, but building an audience via your own personal email list is way more important because you actually own your list. Remember when TikTok almost went away? People freaked out because they had followers there and NOT on their email list. My recommendation is to grow your audience on multiple platforms, but spend your energy getting email addresses for your list. Email is where you build trust, nurture relationships, and convert subscrivers into customers.
Ways to build your list:
- Offer a free lead magnet (think about a checklist, guide, or a discount code)
- Promote your freebie on social media
- Add a signup form to your website, so people can opt-in for the lead magnet and get on your email list
Always Create Consistent, Value-Driven Content
Whether you’re start off blogging, making YouTube videos, podcast episodes, or posting on social media, your content is how people will discover you, trust you, and eventually buy from you. The more you show up authentically giving value, the more they will interact with you, and eventually become a customer.
Tips:
- Share behind-the-scenes clips of you building your business
- Teach something helpful and show off your expertise
- Be consistent by pick your platforms and how often you want to post.
Network with Intention
Building a business doesn’t have to be lonely. Join online communities, reach out to other women in business that you know in your town, or connect with people you already know IRL who own businesses. The more you “network,” the more you will form authentic connections that will help you learn about entrepreneurship as you grow your business. Plus, meeting people helps create referrals and collaborations. These should be mutually beneficial relationships that will evolve and grow as your businesses do.
Places to network:
- Facebook or LinkedIn groups
- Local events or co-working spaces
- Online memberships, coaching communities, and masterminds
Stay On Top of Your Finances
Be sure to track your expenses from day one. By knowing your numbers, you will feel confident in making smart decisions for your business. Set time on your calendar to check in with your accounts once a month. As you grow, you may want to hire a book keeper or accountant to help you manage your finances, but in the beginning a simple spreadsheet or free online program like Wave will do. Just please don’t wait until tax season to get organized.
Track:
- Income and expenses
- Profit margins
- Where your money is coming from and where it’s going
- Pricing of your products or services
Always ask for Testimonials and Reviews
Even one happy customer or client can help you build trust fast by spreading the word about their experience working with you. Testimonials add credibility and help future customers feel confident saying yes to you and your offer. Set up a system for how to collect these reviews and testimonials, and be proactive about asking for them.
How to get them:
- Ask at the end of a successful service by emailing a link to your Google Business, Yelp, or Facebook page
- Use a feedback form that is automatically sent to customers or clients
- Turn kind DMs or emails into testimonials
- Just ask for feedback whenever possible and collect these comments to use as socil proof in emails, on your website, and in social media posts
Celebrate Your Wins!
Starting a business is a big deal, so don’t forget to pause and celebrate! Whether it’s your first sale or your first Instagram follower, you deserve to rejoice in the fact that you turned your business idea into reality. You took action, and now your wins will just keep on coming!
Take time every month to rejoice and reflect:
- What’s working?
- What’s not?
- What’s the next small step you can take to grow?
Remember, your first six months in business will not be perfect. This is the time for you to learn, implement, and grow. Be intentional each and every day. Focus on one thing at a time, one day at a time. This is a long game, and you’re in it for the long haul.
Lastly, you don’t have to hustle alone. I help women launch second-act businesses that give them the freedom they crave and the fulfillment they deserve. If you want a plan, support, and a cheerleader in your corner, book a free call with me here and let’s chat about how I can help you. We all need an accountability partner, and I’d love to be yours.
Now it’s time to go out there and make your first six months as a business owner memorable, magical, and meaningful as you set the foundation for your future success.
*Check out my free masterclass on the 3 Secrets to Escape Your Desk Job and Set Up Your Dream Business in 3 Months. You can also learn more about my Second Act Accelerator, a 3-month program that walks you step-by-step through building your dream business with clarity, confidence, and coaching support.
READ SHANNON’S NEW BOOK:
https://startyoursecondact.com
FREE RESOURCES:
Thinking of starting a business? Check out these free resources to help…
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
WORK WITH SHANNON:
*Book a FREE Discovery Call with Shannon
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram – https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess
Previous posts:
Federal Layoffs and Job Uncertainty
5 Profitable Business Ideas For Teachers
