Thanks to the internet and inexpensive technology, starting a business is easier than ever. But is that the good or bad news for entrepreneurs?

Well, there certainly is a lot of good news. Years ago there were so many things that were almost impossible to do as a solo business owner. Now, if you want to be a service provider, you can be up and running in no time. Video calling, electronic scheduling, DIY website – all available and affordable. 

Many entrepreneurs start by figuring out if their product or service is viable. Basically, they begin by emailing and calling friends, family, colleagues, and vendors – shaking trees to see if any fruit falls. This requires time and energy, but very little money. A laptop, website or landing page, email account, cell phone, and you are good to go. Easy peasy!

There used to be big barriers that stopped individuals from starting a business. Now, cloud-based platforms are inexpensive and run on any device. 

If you need help on a project you can find it online at freelancer sites. While I prefer to get recommendations from colleagues, I know many business owners who have been happy with the freelancers they found online. 

In addition, you have a global broadcasting platform in your pocket! 

Now, let’s move on to the tricky parts. I think it’s harder for business owners to objectively vet their idea, take the time to think it through, and plan for success. And I don’t mean writing a 100-page business plan, which no new small business needs. 

I think many people who are not naturally entrepreneurs may be starting businesses because it’s the “cool” thing to do, or because they feel they don’t have options in the corporate world and this crazy job market. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Entrepreneurship continues to surge: the United States is averaging 430,000 new business applications per month in 2024, 50 percent more than in 2019.”

Not everyone should be an entrepreneur. If you’re wondering if you have what it takes, read Carol Roth’s first book, The Entrepreneur Equation. 

I also think it’s harder to break through the noise and get the attention of your ideal prospects because it’s so easy and cheap to broadcast constantly through social media platforms. Don’t even get me started about the additional AI-generated content.

And there are a million shiny-object distractions every single day for entrepreneurs, like whether you should be on TikTok or not. Keeping your eyes on the prize can be incredibly difficult. 

Overall, I think the changes are positive. I think people who want to start businesses should be able to do it easily, and without major startup costs.

I think it’s definitely easier to start a business and be an entrepreneur now. I also think our lives will be greatly improved as more entrepreneurs and small business owners get to share their vision and ideas with the world.

What do you think? Is it easier or harder to start a business now? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash