Stop job-hunting and write a business plan: Elisa Limburg’s advice to young entrepreneurs - Women's Agenda

Stop job-hunting and write a business plan: Elisa Limburg’s advice to young entrepreneurs

Yes, you really can go your own way – no matter what your age and level of experience. Over the next couple of weeks we’re featuring young female entrepreneurs who’ve either escaped the corporate world, never stepped foot in the corporate world, or are simply doing something on the side of their corporate life.

We ask them everything from what unique traits they think make an entrepreneur, to the turning points that led them to pursue their own business, and the advice they have for other women looking to do their own thing.

Today’s young entrepreneur is Elisa Limburg, founder of events and marketing company elevents. Her business specialises in events, promotions and public relations, delivering marketing strategies to help promote organisations.

What unique traits do you have that have aided your success as an entrepreneur, or that you expect to aid your success?

I’m an ambitious, determined and driven person, especially when I believe in something, or if there’s something I want – I just go for it. I’m also quite confident and willing to give anything a go. Despite being a good planner, I am also flexible and always prepared for variations or a ‘Plan B’ if need be. Since starting my business, I’ve learnt to be resilient and make decisions faster in order to be productive and progress.

How do you retain your energy and keep enthusiastic about your work day to day?

I’m a very social and creative person. I love what I do and the fields I work in, and the passion for what I do is reflected through my hard work. I particularly enjoy dealing with people, coming up with new ideas and working through challenges. Doing this on a daily basis certainly keeps me motivated and enthusiastic about what I’m doing for work. I am quite an energetic person anyway, which helps me push through no matter what the situation.

What was the turning point or defining moment that inspired you to branch out with your own business?

I had been a freelancer/contractor for many years and was job-hunting during the global financial crisis (in 2008) looking for my next project. Out of frustration of not getting anywhere and knowing I had some great skills and experience (more than 15 years), I literally closed down job-hunting websites and started writing a business plan. A lot of companies were outsourcing as they’d retrenched staff, so I managed to get work fairly quickly through networking and it’s been reasonably consistent ever since.

What key personality traits and skills do you believe are required for young women keen on developing their own business idea, or pursuing a career as an entrepreneur?

Confidence, good personal and communication skills are very helpful, as most businesses are based on relationships. Being good with time management and planning ahead also helps, as running your own business can throw all sorts of curveballs, so it’s good to be a bit prepared. A strong mind and thick skin can help, especially when times are tough or people get you down; you need to be resilient to just push on.

And what advice would you have for encouraging such women to stick with the plan?

Believe in yourself and your abilities and just go for it. There’s always going to be ups and downs while running your own business, you just have to ride them and remember the reason you’re in business for yourself. Be strong and don’t let negative situations or people deter you from what you want. Don’t let the bad days get to you, celebrate the good days and use your achievements along the way to push your drive and determination.

Click here to read Impact Leaders director Emily Haigh’s advice to young entrepeneurs.

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