We’ve all seen the lists – Kansas City is a top place to live, enjoy being a millennial, raise a family, and start a business. If you have a business idea, what are you waiting for?
Since starting Pink Moon Marketing in 2014, I’ve met with countless people who have asked me how I got started. I tell them over and over again: Kansas City is the BEST. People genuinely want to help you and see you succeed and there are a lot of resources available. Here’s the scoop:
Psych Yourself Up
Quitting your day job and the comfort of a consistent paycheck is scary, for sure. And, unfortunately, some people are going to tell you you can’t do it or that it’s a bad idea. That’s why you need to be your own cheerleader and do everything you can to keep your positive thinking up. Here are a few books that can help:
- Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life – Brian Tracy (let the positive self-talk begin!)
- Coffee Lunch Coffee – Alana Mueller (connect with those around you and improve your chances of success)
- The 4-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss (start thinking differently)
- The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason (don’t quit your job without having a $$ plan)
Resources
As you further develop your idea, lean on the many resources in Kansas City to push you and support you. Start here:
- Kauffman Foundation
- Kauffman FastTrac
- Kansas City Public Library
- Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program
- KCMO City Manager’s Office
Office Space
When you’re ready to make the leap, consider a co-working space where you can enjoy a sense of community and all of the office amenities you need. Check these out:
Get Some Money
If your idea needs seed money to get started, these groups may be able to help:
- Launch KC
- Digital Sandbox
- BetaBlox
- The Collective
- Royal Street Ventures
- Sprint Mobile Accelerator Powered by Techstars
- Spark Lab KC
Community
When you’re starting a business, it helps to talk to other people in the same boat. Use these resources and then find other groups that are more specific to your industry:
Talk to the Experts
No one can go it alone, so talk to people who can help you look better and act smarter:
- EBCFO: Accounting and CFO-level insight
- Venture Legal: Dot your i’s and cross your t’s
- Pink Moon Marketing (shameless plug): Have a marketing plan
What other great resources do we have in KC? Leave your comments below and contact me if you want to grab a coffee and discuss your idea.