Dream It, Do It: My Business Story & How You Can Start Yours
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to start a business. Maybe you want to turn a passion into something more. Or maybe you want to help others. No matter what you want to do, you must start by starting.
It sounds so simple, but it is a mistake that so many make daily. The number of amazing ideas that have the potential to become successful initiatives, businesses, or projects, but rather remain ideas because of a lack of action, continues to grow. At Study Strong, we are determined to change this.
Before I dive into how I launched my business from the ground up, I encourage you to add 2 things to your Study Strong cart: The Ultimate Goal-Setter Tracker and The Ultimate Customizable Study Schedule. These items will not only help you turn your ideas into actions, but they will also help you grow into your best self.
The Idea:
Study Strong, and many other businesses, begin with a single thought. For me, it was, “What if I could help students succeed in school and in their personal lives?” When taking the freshman class AP Human Geography, I struggled to balance my clubs, other classes, personal life, and the terrifying idea of an AP test at the end of the semester. Then, I discovered my academic savior, study schedules. I created one from scratch and tailored it to my work-load and the time I had allotted before the big AP test. Eventually, my schedule was sent around to the others in my grade as they used it to cram for the big exam. I didn’t think much of it, until my AP Human Geography teacher approached me to tell me that he had a higher number of students pass, and furthermore make a 5, on the AP exam than he ever had. This sparked that infamous “What if?” thought within me, and I began working on Study Strong. Now, a year later, I am writing this blog as I publish my business. The idea must occur first and foremost, and it must be something you are willing to put time and work into.
2. The Plan:
Your idea will go nowhere without a plan. I have experienced this first-hand. Though I felt very passionate about Study Strong, I rarely put work into it because I felt overwhelmed about the prospect of opening a business. Finally, I worked out a “Study Strong Launch Plan,” and the ball began to roll. I went through multiple name changes, product trials, and website issues until I found what fit my business. Not only did a written-out plan clear up the fog in my mind, but it also gave me specific steps that I could set time limits for, forcing me to work on Study Strong efficiently.
3. The Publish:
Once you feel confident in your business, it is finally time to send it out into the world! This seems daunting at first, especially when you feel as if your product is not perfect. But the harsh truth is that your business will never be perfect. No matter how much time, work, blood, sweat, and tears you put into it, your business will never be absolutely perfect. The trick is to just publish it. Do it anyway. There will be many kinks to work out and many failures, but your business will be out in the world, and you can grow from there.
4. The Growth:
Now for the hard part. Your business must have a set path for growth. You must expand, develop, and reach new horizons with each update, product launch, or email. I encourage you to gather as much information as possible in this stage. Who is your target audience? How can you reach them? What style of Instagram post will reach the largest number of people? Read books, listen to podcasts, and learn as much as you can about marketing and growing your business.
If you are just starting your business journey or if this is your fourth business this year, I wish you luck in your endeavors. No matter how many setbacks, remember that you will succeed with hard work, determination, and passion. Though this first blog entry was about business, don’t worry! We will get to the nuts and bolts of academics and leadership soon! Thank you so much for joining me today, and I look forward to seeing you next week as we dive into “Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up”!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong