LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!
The first step on the road to successful self-employment.
Do any of the following sound familiar to you?
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Do you go to work each day dreaming of owning your own business? |
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Does it seem like it would just be easier to quit? Is the lure of immediate freedom enticing? |
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Can you imagine the end of useless meetings and deadlines you can't control and fixed hours that conflict with top priorities? |
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Do you wonder, Why not me? |
Do not despair! Self-employment is an option, but it is not a step to be taken without careful preparation. There is a logical process, which will establish both the financial and the psychological foundation for self-employment. You must start with the basic building blocks.
Your first order of business is always self-assessment. You must know your strengths and weaknesses before you launch a new endeavor. As experts and friends will tell you, self-employment will test every fiber of your being so you better be prepared.
Take some time to clarify the four key aspects of your talent base: values, personality skills, and interests. First, identify and rank your personal and professional values. This will help you decide what kind of work you want to do and how you will structure your business. Your values will drive your motivation level and will guide your decision-making.
Second, take a personality assessment to see what kind of work environment suits you. This will help you learn specifics about your interpersonal and work style preferences. One of the best assessments you can take to gain the information is Elevations®, the Career Discovery Tool.
Next you need an aptitude based skill assessment that will measure your natural talents. Your greatest success is likely to be built on the foundation of your innate strengths. For example, if you know you are creative, organized, have a good eye for color and have a knack for observing your physical environment, you might want to start an interior design business. Your skill and relational talents will match your business idea.
Finally, you need to assess your interests. Most of us are passionate about some things and not others. What magazines do you pick up when you have a choice? What do you talk about with friends? What class would you take if you had some free time? These questions will provide clues to your key interest areas.
Scully Career Associates can administer Elevations®, the Career Discovery Tool, which will report on your interests, skills, values and personality. It is helpful to work with a coach to develop your business idea. The interaction will provide both the feedback and encouragement you will need to step out on your own confidently.
Last but not least, be careful to avoid the trap of jumping on to the latest small business fad. Just because computers and the internet are hot, is not a good reason to focus in those areas. You must be innately talented and motivated to run your business. Your passion and natural talents will create the unshakable foundation for your future success.
Books an Self Employment and Careers
The 1999 What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changers by Richard Nelson Bolles, 1998.
National Business Employment Weekly's Guide to Self-Employment by National Business Employment Weekly Staff, 1996.
Joy of Self Employment: Entrepreneurship & Education in a Changing World by Todd L. Mayo, 1997.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Money Freelancing by Laurie E. Rozakis & David Rye, 1998.
Secrets of Self Employment: Surviving & Thriving on the Ups & Downs of Being Your Own Boss by Paul Edwards & Sarah Edwards, 1996.
The Field Guide to Starting a Business by Mark Levine, et al., 1990.
Web Pages
Featured Book - Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
http://www.featuredbooks.com/abundance.htm
With the grace of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's A Gift from the Sea and the wisdom of M. Scott Peck's A Road Less Traveled, this practical, inspirational daily guide provides a meditation or exercise for every day of the year.
Time Management - Official Online Guide
http://www.selfgrowth.com
Self-Improvement Online has the most comprehensive information on Time Management including articles, links, newsletters & Message board. A Fast & Friendly resource on Time Management.
Easiestbiz.com
http://www.easiestbiz.com
Personalize a wide selection of business products and business stationery including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, post-it notes, address labels, memo pads, stamps and more.
The Premier Site for Home Offices
http://www.living.com
The best selection of quality merchandise to accent your home. Shop now for home office furniture! Free shipping for a limited time.
Home Office Tools at Mary's Corner!
http://www.maryscorner.com
Pens, stationery, desk accessories, organization tools and more! Incredible products, fresh ideas, new directions! Mary's Corner will delight the palates of discriminating shoppers.
Organize your Office or Business!
http://wwww.organize-everything.com
100's of products displayed online to organize your office or business. Unusual and hard to find products, office furniture, and storage products. Easy ordering, fast delivery.
Bay Area Employment Connections
http://www.bayareacareers.com
Bay Area Employment Connections Online Event Listing Self Employment Events
Articles, reports for buying, selling, running a small business
http://www.probizusa.com/reports.htm
Articles, reports and tips to aid the buying/selling of small mid-size businesses and franchises. Help valuing/writing a business plan.
Home
http://www.sigmalan.com
Computer support services for individual families and small business. Services include setting up Internet connectivity, tailored computer training and system administration help.
Working Solo, Inc.
www.workingsolo.com
Great resource, links and FAQ’s on the nitty-gritty of going solo
