This Expert Entrepreneurial Advice Will Inspire You As You're Starting Your Business

Hey, doing your own thing pays off. Whether you're a freelancer, creator, or small business owner, LegalZoom can help you turn your business ideas into a true business.

1. Set goals, have a schedule, work on your portfolio, and be patient.

Mayela Vazquez

"I’ve never had a full-time job and freelancing for the past 15 years has been the best decision I've ever made. Here's my advice for anyone venturing into freelancing:

"Have a weekly or monthly to-do list. Focusing on the smaller goals will motivate you every single day: networking online, creating a website, sending invoices, working on a marketing plan, etc. 

"Have a schedule: Wake up early, work out or go for a nice walk, get your coffee, and start your day.

"Also, market yourself! Talk about your business and passions to people openly. You never know who might be listening."

—Mayela Vazquez, Professional Makeup and Hair Artist @ mayelavazquez.com

Mayela Vazquez

2. Track, research, invest, and choose to do something you love.

Anne Louise Korallus-Shapiro / Via Instagram: @anonomy_sculptures

"I make clay figure art by hand with a focus on body positivity. I take small balls of clay and slowly build them up, one by one, to make each sculpture. My advice consists of a few key things: Keep track of info on every order (average order value, color choices, sizes, etc.) while spotting any trends and using them to inform your business strategy, and do market research on items similar to yours to help figure out your own pricing structure. 

"Investing in a logo and branding materials is also important, and don’t be afraid to take the leap on any bigger-cost items that help save you time with production. Finally, pick a subject that matters to you. It’ll feel less like work when you’re doing the necessary nights and weekends. 

"I hope my work can serve as a daily reminder to appreciate every part of yourself, soft tummy and all."

—Anne Louise Korallus-Shapiro, Founder of Anonomy Sculptures

3. Find ways to build your portfolio and keep things positive.

Raul Tovar

"Think about a job that you could do for free. That should be your career. Being an entrepreneur is so fulfilling but it's also a constant battle against a variety of problems that you will only get through if you are passionate about what you do. If you are a freelancer, you should be prepared to do more than just your job. While you grow your team, you'll probably have to be your own marketing manager, accountant, and even PR person."

"When I started doing photography, I said 'yes' to everything: portraits, products, e-commerce, little projects, random projects, etc. Every job was an opportunity to get experience and build my portfolio, to get published in a magazine or make a new connection with someone in the industry. When at work, I always try to have a 'yes' attitude. I like to think that clients come back to me not only because of the work itself but also because of the way I work and how that makes them feel."

—Raul Tovar, Fashion Photographer @ raultovar.com

4. Embrace failure, don't compare yourself to others, and start now.

Hannah Davis

"Start right now! Lots of people (including myself) overthink new ideas but if you wait until something is perfect to begin...you'll be waiting forever. I still believe in lots of preparation and feedback but I do think that we learn and retain more lessons through doing. So don't stand in your own way. Start now!

"Accept that failure is part of success. Making mistakes is an important part of growth because it means you're trying new things. I wish that I had accepted this much earlier in my career because once you accept that it's part of the process, you can bounce back faster. For a long time, I would beat myself up for days, weeks, and even months if something failed or I made a mistake. But over time it's gotten easier for me to say, 'Welp! That didn't work. Let's try this instead.' The only real failure is if we quit trying."

—Hannah Davis, Founder of Bangs Shoes 

Instagram: @hannahcdavis

5. Make sure you're ready to get your hands dirty, especially at first.

Rocio Pinon

"If you're into freelance production, like I am, you'll benefit from liking to wear many hats. From working on a simple grassroots activation or press conference to having the logistics and production down to a tee for a massive concert, you have to be ready to work long hours and get your hands dirty. In production, preparing for things that could go wrong is part of the job.

"Freelance production, and production in general, means you might just end up exhausted after running like a chicken with its head cut off. But hey, you just helped a ton of people have a great time and that's gratifying. 

"I'd tell aspiring freelancer producers: If you're into problem-solving and great challenges, then definitely give production gigs a go. Volunteer at first, network as much as you can, arm yourself with some experience, and then be ready for take off as your own business entity." 

—Rocio Pinon, Producer and Makeup Artist @ ro-see-oh.com

Rocio Pinon

Getting your business started with LegalZoom is as easy as pressing a button. Watch the video below and find out more.

LegalZoom / Via youtube.com