If you are reading this, it means you have already taken the most important step: you have decided you want something of your own. Maybe your job no longer fulfils you. Maybe you have an idea that is burning inside you. Maybe you simply want the freedom to decide for yourself when, where, and for whom you work. Whatever the reason – this article is for you.
Here we will not talk about bureaucracy (for that, read our article How to start a business from scratch). Here we talk about the practical steps that take you from “I have an idea” to “I have customers and I earn”.
Am I ready for my own business? 5 honest questions
Before you dive in, answer these 5 questions honestly:
- Do I know something people are willing to pay for? – this is the foundation. You do not have to be an expert – but you must solve a concrete problem.
- Do I have enough financial security for 3–6 months? – you may not earn anything in the first few months. Do you have a reserve?
- Am I ready to work without a guarantee? – no one guarantees you a salary. Are you ready for that uncertainty?
- Can I sell – or will I learn? – sales are the basis of every business. No customers, no business.
- Do I have a supportive environment? – partner, family, friends, community – who will support you in difficult moments?
You do not have to answer “yes” to all the questions. But if you answered “yes” to at least three, you are probably more ready than you think.
7 steps to your own business
1. Define your offer in one sentence
Before anything else – clearly define what you do, for whom, and why you are better than the alternative. For example: “I help small businesses in Ljubljana manage social media to win more customers online – for a monthly subscription from €400.” That is clear, concrete, and sellable.
2. Start on the side – do not quit your job right away
The smartest way to start is an after-hours s.p. or freelance work alongside a regular job. This keeps your financial security while you test the idea and build a customer base. When the monthly income from the business reaches your salary, it is time to make the full switch.
3. Get your first 3–5 customers from your personal network
Your first customers will almost certainly come from your personal network – friends, family, former colleagues, neighbours. Tell everyone what you do. Offer an introductory discount or a free trial. The first references are worth their weight in gold.
4. Create a minimal online presence
You do not need a perfect website. To start, this is enough:
- A LinkedIn profile with a clear description of your service
- A Google Business Profile (free, excellent for local services)
- An Instagram or Facebook page with regular content
- A simple website (WordPress, Squarespace, or even a Notion page)
5. Set the right price – do not undervalue yourself
The most common beginner mistake is a price that is too low. Rule of thumb: calculate how much you want to earn monthly, divide by the number of hours you can dedicate to clients, and add 30–50% for taxes, contributions, and costs. Never compete on price alone – compete on value.
6. Find a space that supports your productivity
Working from home has limits – distractions, loneliness, a blurred line between work and free time. A coworking space solves all of this: a professional environment, networking, meeting rooms for client meetings, and a community that supports you. At makerSP_CE this is available from €135/month, all-inclusive – or from €20 for a one-day trial.
7. Invest in knowledge and networking
Entrepreneurship requires constant learning. Free resources:
- Mladipodjetnik.si – articles, workshops, events for young entrepreneurs
- Startup.si – information about calls and support programmes
- LinkedIn Learning / YouTube – free courses on sales, marketing, finance
- The coworking community – experienced entrepreneurs who share knowledge and advice for free
7 mistakes new entrepreneurs make
- Waiting too long for the “right moment” – there is no right moment. Start with a minimal investment and adapt.
- Pricing too low – this attracts customers who value only price – not quality.
- Investing in a logo instead of in customers – a logo and a website are nice, but without customers they are useless.
- Working without a business plan – even a simple plan is better than none. Read our guide on what a business plan is.
- Isolation – working alone from home, without a community. Find people who understand you.
- Not understanding finances – not knowing how much you actually earn and how much you spend. Keep your finances from day one.
- Giving up after 3 months – most businesses start bringing serious revenue after 6–12 months. Persistence is key.
Frequently asked questions about starting your own business
Do I have to quit my job to start my own business?
No. Start with an after-hours s.p. or freelance work alongside your job. Quit your job only when the business provides you with a stable income.
How much money do I need to start?
For most service businesses (freelancing, consulting, social media management): €0–500. For more ideas, read 10 business ideas with minimal capital.
How do I find my first customers?
Personal network, LinkedIn, local Facebook groups, a free trial, referrals. First customers almost always come from “close by” – not from cold advertising.
Is the business worth it if I earn less than in a job?
At the start it is normal to earn less. But in the long run you have the potential for significantly higher earnings than in a job – along with unlimited freedom regarding time, location, and projects.
Where should I work if I do not want to be at home?
A coworking space is ideal: professional, accessible, and without a long-term commitment. At makerSP_CE you can try it for one day (€20) and then decide.
Conclusion: Your own business is not a privilege – it is a decision
Starting your own business is not reserved for people with an MBA, large savings, or the “right idea of the year”. It is for anyone with knowledge, courage, and a willingness to work. In 2026 the barriers are lower than ever – registration is free, digital platforms provide access to customers worldwide, and coworking spaces offer a professional environment from €135/month.
The only thing standing between you and your own business is you. Start today – and if you need a space that supports you, we invite you to the makerSP_CE coworking space. Write to rezervacije@makerspace.si or call +386 30 393 405.
💪 Your business. Your rules. Start today.
makerSP_CE | €135/month | All-inclusive | No lock-in