So you know you want to be your own boss and you have a great idea – but you’re just not sure how to bring it to life? Although you definitely can, and will, use your many years of experience, there are also new skills and ways of working that you’ll need to get to grips with. If you've reached that pivot point where the pain of staying where you are is greater than the fear of the unknown, if you are committed to investing the time, energy and, sometimes, money needed to make this work, and if you're ready to get comfortable with feeling pretty uncomfortable for a while... then let's get to work!
Here's what you'll need to get to where you want to be:
1. A clear vision
You may have a fantastic business idea but how clear is your vision really? Do you know exactly how you want your business to fit around the other priorities in your life? What kind of clients do you want to work with? What are the ways of working (for example, in person or virtual, one-to-one or one-to-many) that you will most enjoy and excel at? Before you can get into the 'how' you need to be crystal clear on the 'what' and the 'why'.
2. The confidence and resilience to keep going
The reality is that this is going to be hard work and there will inevitably be many ups and downs as you feel enthusiastic one day and pessimistic the next. You need to have the clarity and conviction that you know you're on the right path; the confidence to believe that you can make this happen; and the resilience to bounce back from each and every setback along the way. This will mean getting yourself a support system, in the form of a coach or mentor, online or offline communities, and friends and family.
3. The right business and branding fundamentals
Starting your own business is a whole different ballgame to being full-time employed and you’re about to step onto a very steep learning curve. Even if you come from a marketing background (like I did), learning to brand and sell yourself is very different to selling someone else's company or product. You'll need to swallow your ego and ask for help, being honest about your knowledge gaps and looking for ways to fill the gaps, whether through formal training and qualifications, coaching and mentoring, or self-study.
"Love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning."
- Carol Dweck
In the meantime, I recommend getting started with these resources...
I've selected these specific podcast episodes to help you get started:
- So you've quit your job - now what? Listen on Apple podcasts >>
- The 5 pillars of a sustainable escape plan Listen on Apple podcasts >>
- How to build an audience from nothing Listen on Apple podcasts >>
- How to establish your credibility in a new field Listen on Apple podcasts >>
- Getting comfortable with selling… yourself! Listen on Apple podcasts >>
Working for yourself can be a lonely business and it's incredibly powerful to 'find your tribe', the people who understand exactly what you're going through.
The One Step Outside Facebook group is a community of like-minded business owners who are similarly working on reimagining what ‘success’ looks like for them in their business.
Celebrate your wins and frustrations, get advice from other entrepreneurs and freelancers and vote for your favourite topics for the monthly live training where you can get answers to your questions when you get stuck!
After interviewing 50 people who have left the corporate 9 to 5, I've collected their stories in a book that will inspire you with the possibilities that are out there and reassure you that you’re not alone in looking for an alternative.
The stories include those who have moved into a different sector; gone freelance; launched their own business; created a portfolio career; or taken a leap of faith, not yet knowing what the next step will be.
I also share my own experience and those of my clients, drawing out key insights to help you create your own career transition story.
Want to work with me one-on-one and get my eyes and hands directly on your business as we partner together to identify the right strategy for the results you want?
When you're ready to step things up in your business, there's nothing like having a mentor, cheerleader and accountability partner alongside you.
We will design a programme 100% tailored to your specific personal and professional situation, the nature of your business, and your individual aspirations.