Are you good at your job but tired of all the money you make going into someone else's pocket? It's a common problem and one which can be good news for the economy as it's a problem which encourages many people to start their own business. Doing exactly what you're doing now...but with a bit more responsibility, you could work from home if you wanted to, set your own hours, have the option to spend more time with your family and work with only the most helpful and smartest people...the ones who you choose and the luxury of knowing you can never be fired.
Starting your own business could be the best career move of your life, but how can you do it? More and more people are finding themselves doing something else on the side as well as their 9-5 job, either to add to their income or feed their passion, but it doesn't have to be a hobby that you turn into your own business, why not turn your day job into your own business?
Inventory Your Skills
Analyze Your Market
Evaluate Your Options
Then you can start looking at the opportunities and solutions that are most attractive to you. You may undergo a process of elimination involving your highest priorities, as well as your likes, dislikes and general preferences. Remember to keep in touch with your own internal compass. What stirs your soul the most, and what appeals to your intuition? What would bring you the most joy and fulfillment? Don't hesitate to rinse and repeat this process as much as you deem necessary. This will consequently mean that you will stay in touch with your growth and experience, which in turn helps you update your resume and elevator pitch more often and accurately.
Consider Outsourcing For Help
Prepare Financially
Making the jump and giving up the benefits and security that come with a full-time job is a scary thing to go. However, it's probably never going feel like the right time. It is always going to be a risk, and it is still going to be scary, so don't keep putting it off. Try and have some savings together so that you can live with no income for about six months (should you need to) and before you make the jump, have a clear idea about who your clients will be and make a plan to get new clients and new business.
Set Goals and Deadlines
Once you've made the decision, set yourself a deadline and hold yourself accountable. Decide on a specific date you want to be out of your current job by or are there any other indicators in your life that you want to set the deadline by? However, if your current role isn't fulfilling and your passion is gone, that might be all you need to make the jump.
Ditch Fear and Ego
Try not to consider any task is beneath you as it's extremely valuable to take some time to truly understand what goes into each part of your business and without a boss telling you what's right or wrong, you will eventually build a sense of self-accountability which is a very tough part of being an entrepreneur. Take notes of the challenges you face in each aspect of your business as you start. This way, you will be aware of what challenges anyone you might hire will have to face and cope with.
Don't be afraid to fail either, it is very common but don't let this stop you from succeeding. Remember that when going into this, your path is uncharted and will undoubtedly be a little rocky. Try not to get stressed or panicked and don't let fear prevent you from following your dreams. Think of it this way: the sooner you fail, the closer you are to discovering what works.
While you can't guarantee the outcome of any new venture, by having a go you'll at least be one step closer to finding out.
Become Familiar With Regulations
It's a good idea to do some initial research but then discuss with a lawyer and accountant to confirm your understanding and to help structure your business to comply with the law. You will need to need to ensure that you are charging the correct amount of tax your service or product that your company is promoting and make sure you have all of the necessary licenses needed to run your new business.
Build a Support Network
