Hello,
Taking the first step
Delusional, starry-eyed and downright bonkers describes my first steps towards starting my business. While it was over 20 years ago, I now realize how crazy it was at the time. I quit a primary school teaching job to start a business with no idea of what to do, or how to do it. Motivated by my own hubris.
I've learnt many lessons, and have gained a richer, more interesting and happier life. My long apprenticeship is now over and I am in the position where I am able to help professional women make that shift themselves. And make it so much easier than when I first made the leap.
Transitions
Don't leap.
Plan a transition.
Don't leap.
Plan a transition.
If you are still employed, start by taking stock of your work. Look at your current work as a series of projects you're employed to work on. Reframe your work as if you were a contractor, brought in to do those tasks.
Working for yourself
Those of us working for ourselves take on projects, or gigs, and complete them to get paid.
Your projects, using your expertise, is the work that you are good at, and that you can charge a premium for.
Those of us working for ourselves take on projects, or gigs, and complete them to get paid.
Your projects, using your expertise, is the work that you are good at, and that you can charge a premium for.
Many of the things that will help you in your own business, you will already be doing in your current work. Hence the idea of reframing and identifying them.
Getting Work
When you work for yourself you need to attract work. This requires marketing and selling ie. being the expert, persuading, getting people to help, convincing them of your ideas, getting them onboard.
When you work for yourself you need to attract work. This requires marketing and selling ie. being the expert, persuading, getting people to help, convincing them of your ideas, getting them onboard.
You will also need to manage and run your business - this is the admin side of things ie. getting things done, obtaining resources and budgets or help.
These are the transferable skills you will want to manage, market and sell your services.
Building a network of potential employers
While still working, take opportunities for training, conference attendance, networking and any speaking engagements in your area of expertise. Consider making a shift to another area of work in your industry to gain further transferable skills.
While still working, take opportunities for training, conference attendance, networking and any speaking engagements in your area of expertise. Consider making a shift to another area of work in your industry to gain further transferable skills.
Work out who the decision makers are, and the other experts in your field of expertise. Then reach out to them. Through conferences, acquaintances, LinkedIn and networking opportunities.
They may be able to provide projects for you to work on when you decide to shift to self-employment.
Complexity
I know this is not as simple as it sounds. It takes time, work and energy. If you are already flat out with life, tired and stressed it will pay to get some help to do this. By taking the time to make a transition, you will have a better chance of success.
More to come. Any thoughts?
cheers
Nigel Rawlins
Wisepreneurs
Nigel Rawlins
Wisepreneurs
Working with Experts
As you know I now work with professional women who are experts in their field. They have knowledge and know-how from 20 plus years of working in their field. They know how to get things done, but often need help and support with the business and marketing side of things. It's taken me 20 years to to build the knowledge and insight to help them.
As you know I now work with professional women who are experts in their field. They have knowledge and know-how from 20 plus years of working in their field. They know how to get things done, but often need help and support with the business and marketing side of things. It's taken me 20 years to to build the knowledge and insight to help them.
I also provide consulting and coaching and run workshops from time to time
Please consider linking up with me on Facebook or twitter
I post interesting articles and ideas that I come across daily
https://www.facebook.com/wisepreneurs
https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs
