Can we just pause for a second and say—wow, it’s February already?! If you’ve been following along with this journey, you’ll know we’ve been walking through the F.I.R.S.T. Step Method—a simple, faith-filled way to move from idea to launching your own service-based business. And guess what? Today we’re diving into the final step: T – Take the Leap!

If you’ve been dreaming about starting a business but keep putting it off, this one’s for you. Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time.” Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing. But there is a method that makes taking that first big leap feel a little less scary.

Let’s walk through it together.

Why “Taking the Leap” Matters To Build Confidence

Let me take you back to when I decided to start my own business. I was offering personal shopping services for free (yes, free!) to family and friends. And finally, I decided to go for it and turn it into an actual business. I was excited. Motivated. Ready!

But life had other plans.

Just a few months later, I found out I was pregnant—with my third child. And not only that, but I experienced severe morning sickness that lasted for months. I was in and out of the hospital and could barely function, let alone run a business.

I felt stuck. Defeated. Like the dream was slipping away.

But then something amazing happened. A friend called me out of the blue and encouraged me to keep going. That phone call changed everything. She told me, “Set a launch date. Take the leap.” And that’s what I did.

So let me pass that encouragement along to you. Even if life feels messy or unpredictable—you can still start. And it begins with these simple but powerful steps.

Step 1: Set a Launch Date

Yep. That’s the very first thing.

There’s something powerful about putting a real date on the calendar. It shifts your mindset from “someday” to “soon.” It helps you stop overthinking and start taking action.

Pick a date. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

For me, I chose October 1st, 2012 as my official launch date. That gave me a few months to prepare, even while navigating pregnancy and everything else life was throwing at me.

And you can do the same.

Step 2: Create a Launch Checklist

Now that you’ve got your date, it’s time to build your checklist.

But listen closely—this isn’t a never-ending to-do list. You don’t need 100 things on it. You just need the essentials.

Here’s the focus question that will guide you:

What’s the minimum amount I need to do to launch this business?

That’s it. Not the maximum. Just the minimum needed to get your business out into the world.

Let’s talk about what those minimum steps might look like.

✅ 1. Pick a Business Name

What are you going to call this thing? Don’t overthink it. Pray about it, brainstorm, and choose something meaningful (or just practical). This is your business baby—give it a name you love!

✅ 2. Create Your Brand Promise

This is what you’re promising your customers. Some people call it your “I help” statement. It should answer the question:

What result or experience can someone expect from your service?

Here are a few examples:

• “I help Christian women launch their service-based businesses.”
  
• “I help busy moms simplify their routines with personalized coaching.”
  
• “Reliable international shopping and shipping”—this was mine when I started!
  

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just be clear.

✅ 3. Outline Your Services, Pricing, and Boundaries

Now it’s time to get practical. What exactly are you offering? What will it cost? And how will clients interact with you?

Write it all down in a Google Doc:

• List your services
  
• Set your prices
  
• Outline your boundaries (like business hours, communication methods, etc.)
  

You can even turn this into a simple PDF to send to potential clients.

✅ 4. Choose a Payment Method

You’re open for business, so… how will people pay you?

Choose a payment method that’s easy for your ideal clients. This could be:

• Zelle
  
• Cash App
  
• PayPal
  
• Stripe
  
• Bank transfers
  

Whatever works best for you—just make sure it’s in place before your launch date.

✅ 5. Register a Legal Entity

Okay, don’t let this part scare you.

You don’t have to start with an LLC right away—especially if your business is just getting off the ground. A DBA (Doing Business As) is a simpler and more affordable way to start.

It usually costs around $35–$50 and lets you operate under your business name, open a business bank account, and get started legally.

Of course, it’s always smart to check in with a local attorney if you’re unsure.

✅ 6. Create a Business Email

It doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple Gmail address like yourbusinessname@gmail.com works just fine in the beginning.

It just makes things feel a bit more official—and keeps your personal inbox separate.

✅ 7. Register Your Domain Name

Even if you’re not building a website yet, go ahead and claim your domain name. That way, when you’re ready to create a site, the name is already yours.

You can register it through platforms like:

• GoDaddy
  
• Namecheap
  
• Google Domains
  

✅ 8. Start One Organic Marketing Channel

Now it’s time to let people know you exist!

Choose one free, organic way to share your business. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with just one:

• Instagram
  
• Facebook
  
• Blog
  
• YouTube
  
• Podcast
  

Pick what feels natural and fun to you.

✅ 9. Open a Business Bank Account

Once your payments start rolling in, you’ll need somewhere for the money to land. A business bank account keeps everything clean and professional—and helps you track income and expenses more easily.

✅ 10. Make a List of 50 People to Tell

Go through your phone, social media, email contacts—anywhere you have people—and create a list of 50 people you can tell about your business.

These are your first supporters, referrers, and maybe even your first clients.

Send them a simple message when you’re ready:
“Hey! I just launched my new business doing [insert service]. Let me know if you or someone you know would be interested!”

Step 3: Work Through the Checklist

Now that you’ve got your launch checklist, it’s time to start working through it—one step at a time.

I love using the Power of 15 Minutes.

Just set a timer and give one task your full attention for 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed how much progress you can make, even in the middle of a busy life.

Step 4: Commit It to God and Launch

Once everything’s in place, take a moment to pray over your business. Invite God into the process. Trust Him with the outcome.

Then—go live.

What does “going live” look like?

• Turning your website on
  
• Posting your first Instagram announcement
  
• Emailing your list of 50 people
  
• Sharing a simple message like: “I’m officially open for business!”
  

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just be bold.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Win

Seriously, don’t skip this part.

Starting a business is a big deal. It takes courage. It takes faith. It takes commitment.

So once you launch, take a moment to celebrate! Have a little treat. Do a happy dance. Thank God for the strength to start.

You did it. 🙌🏽

One Last Word of Encouragement

Remember this powerful verse from Zechariah 4:10:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

God sees your baby steps. He celebrates your boldness. And He rejoices to see you stepping into what He’s placed in your heart.

So don’t wait for perfection. Don’t wait for all the answers.

Start with what you have. Do what you can. And trust God with the rest.

You’ve got this, friend. 💛

Let’s Recap the Key Steps:

1. Set a launch date – and stick to it!
   
2. Create your launch checklist using the focus question: What’s the minimum I need to go live?
   
3. Work through the list using small pockets of time (15 minutes is enough!)
   
4. Commit your business to God and officially launch.
   
5. Celebrate your win—because you just did something amazing.
   

Now it’s your turn. What’s your launch date going to be? Let me know in the comments—or better yet, go tell someone today.

Ready to take the leap? I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

You have everything you need to start that business.

Would you like a done-for-you launch checklist template? Let me know, and I can put one together just for you!

Or if you’re looking for encouragement and support, come hang out with us inside the Start a Service-Based Business Community for Christian Women on Facebook. We’d love to meet you!

Let’s do this—together.