Building Your Business Online: Here's a Full Guide

There’s no denying that the internet has changed the way we work and live. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the rise of freelancers in the American workforce. A recent study done in part by the Freelancer’s Union reports that 34 percent of Americans—or 53.7 million people—describe themselves as freelance workers. More and more people are becoming independent and following their dreams of building their own business. Doing this requires capital and resources to craft a business identity and develop a brand. Sound overwhelming? It doesn't have to be. Today there are a wide variety of platforms and marketplaces where you can build your business, find experts and get the help you need to make your business a reality. Best part is, it doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to publish a series of articles that will take you step-by-step through building your business. Many of the things we’ll be talking about are services that you can easily access on Fiverr, from designing a logo to setting up a website. First, you need to figure out what your business is about. What's your mission?

Step 1: Finding Your Mission

Starting a business is a very personal thing. Yes, it’s partially about making a living and having enough money to do things you love, but it’s also about finding your purpose and spending every day doing something that you love.Your business should be founded on the thing that you do best and you feel like can be monetized. Also, consider why you’re starting your business. If you didn’t like the fast pace of your last full-time job and are looking for something more low key, think about how this will affect how you plan your new endeavor. Similarly, if you were working in a field that felt dull and uninspiring, consider how you want that missing creativity and excitement to factor into what you do next.It’s best to start with your passion and go from there. As any small-business owner will tell you, there will be difficult stretches when you find yourself wondering why you ever signed up for this occasionally frustrating lifestyle. But if you’re doing something that is grounded in passion, those tough times won’t seem so tough. Once you know your mission, you are ready for the next step. Up next, covering the logistics of getting started. What is the biggest challenge you face for starting your own business? Share with us in the comments below.