Ever wanted to have your own business? If so, you'll be interested in what this article has to say. It's from Money and is titled "7 Steps to Going Solo While Employed". Money starts by summarizing the piece:
If you dream of launching your own private enterprise, a stealth plan can be the key to freedom.
So if you've got the business itch, here are seven ways to start working towards your own business while holding your current job:
1. Scour your finances.
2. Wring the most out of your current employer.
3. Hitch your wagon to another star.
4. Go out with style.
5. Line up a support team.
6. Give yourself away...
7. ...and then get paid what you're worth.
A few thoughts from me:
1. If you're close to having the employer match portion of your 401k vest, hang on until the money is yours.
2. Try to build the business up to a reasonable level before jumping ship. Don't start cold turkey if you don't have to. At least have a few things going -- no matter how small.
3. Consider your current employer as a potential client (I'm not sure #4 said this specifically). I know several people who've done this. In fact, the employer was almost 100% of their (pretty good) income for a time being.
4. I echo #6 above. "Free" is the most powerful marketing word in existence, so use it to get your foot in the door.
5. If you're seriously interested in starting your own business, I recommend reading Business Opportunities. It's a great blog about starting and succeeding in your own business.
Excellent tips...if they inspire and really work. But one missing point is a set goal. Unless we know what we want, we cannot find it.
Posted by: Addiction Treatment | October 11, 2006 at 09:35 PM