How I Started My Business with Limited Resources (and What You Can Learn From It)

 

When I started my business, I didn’t have much—no money in the bank, a borrowed car, and a borrowed laptop. It might sound like the odds were stacked against me, and in many ways, they were. But I didn’t let those challenges define me. What I lacked in resources, I made up for in determination, self-belief, and a willingness to take one step at a time.

Looking back, those early days weren’t glamorous. There was no grand plan or perfectly polished business strategy. It was just me, driven by a belief in my ability to help others and a vision for what my business could become. If you’re thinking about starting a business but feel limited by your circumstances, I want to share the key lessons I learned—and how you can apply them to your own journey.

Lesson 1: Start With What You Have

When I began, I didn’t have fancy tools, an office, or even a bank account with a buffer. But what I did have was my skillset and a deep belief that I could make a difference. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I focused on what I did have—knowledge, resourcefulness, and a willingness to start small.

Actionable Steps:

• Take Inventory of Your Resources: Write down what you already have—skills, connections, tools, or even spare time. You’ll be surprised at how much you can leverage.
• Focus on One Key Offering: What’s one thing you can do well right now that provides value to others? Start there and refine as you go.
• Leverage Free Tools: Use free resources like Canva for design, free trial software, or social media platforms to market your business.

Lesson 2: Take One Step at a Time

In those early days, I didn’t have the luxury of planning five years ahead. Instead, I focused on what I could do each day to move the needle forward. Small, consistent actions became the foundation of my business.

Actionable Steps:

• Set Daily Micro-Goals: Break your big goals into smaller, actionable steps you can take daily. For example, if you’re starting a consulting business, reach out to one potential client or update one section of your website each day.
• Embrace Imperfection: You don’t need everything to be perfect to start. Progress is more important than perfection.
• Reflect and Adjust: Take time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Use those insights to make adjustments as you move forward.

Lesson 3: Trust Your Intuition

I didn’t have a business degree or a formal strategy. Instead, I trusted my gut and let my values guide me. I focused on helping others and doing the work that resonated with me.

Actionable Steps:

• Listen to Your Gut: When making decisions, ask yourself if they align with your values and long-term goals. Trust yourself to make the best choice for you.
• Stay Aligned With Your Why: Write down why you’re starting this business and revisit it regularly. It will ground you during challenging times.
• Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back: Intuition often knows what’s best for you, but fear can get in the way. Push past self-doubt and take the leap.

Lesson 4: Be Willing to Work Hard and Be Resourceful

There were nights I worked odd jobs just to keep my business afloat. I learned to be resourceful, stretching every rand and leaning on creativity to solve problems.

Actionable Steps:

• Find Creative Solutions: Can’t afford professional photography? Use natural lighting and your phone. Need help with admin? Barter skills with someone who needs your expertise.
• Maximize Your Time: Use early mornings, evenings, or weekends to build your business while working other jobs if needed.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out to mentors, friends, or online communities for advice or support.

Lesson 5: Believe in Yourself, Even When It’s Hard

Starting a business with almost nothing required unshakable self-belief. There were plenty of moments of doubt, but I kept going because I believed in what I was building.

Actionable Steps:

• Practice Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself daily that you’re capable and deserving of success.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward is progress. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small.
• Visualize Your Future Success: Spend time imagining what your business will look like in the future. Use that vision to fuel your determination.

Building Your Own Path

Starting my business with limited resources taught me that success isn’t about having everything figured out from day one. It’s about showing up, being resourceful, and taking steps forward, no matter how small. It’s about believing in your ability to create something meaningful, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.

If you’re in the early stages of building your dream, know that you have what it takes. Start with what you have, trust yourself, and keep moving forward. Your journey won’t be perfect, but it will be uniquely yours—and that’s what makes it powerful.

Final Thought: No matter where you start, remember this: It’s not about the resources you begin with—it’s about how you use them to build the life and business you deserve. 

Explore the workbook that transforms lessons into actionable steps. Start building your business today!