While the financial crisis has caused a great deal of job loss, many see this time as an opportunity to open there own businesses....
While on first glance this may seem like a fantastic idea, it is not as easy as one might think. As a veteran biz owner and coach to many other biz owners, let me share with you a few things that might make your transition easier.
1. You have more than one role to play when you own a business. Michel Gerber, author of the E-Myth (entrepreneurial- myth) revisited talks about those roles quite extensively. They are:
a. Biz owner
b. Biz manager
c. Biz employee
For most, the role of biz employee is the easiest. It is about delivering a service, goods or a product that one is familiar with. The challenge comes in the other roles and what their respective goals are.
2. You can't do everything yourself. Another coach, by the name of Dan Sullivan, suggests that you should do what your are genius at and delegate everything else.
3. What ever you do, it is going to cost you money, time and energy. Working on a shoe string budget is fine, it may even help you be more creative. But don't skimp on the important stuff, like professional marketing materials.
4. There will be a lot of no's....and declines....keep moving foreword!
5. Get support from family and friends.
6. Focus most of your efforts on the low hanging fruit.
7. Focus on the needs of your clients/customers.
8. Watch the money!!! Don't put your head in the sand. Pay attention to what is coming in and what is going out!
Well this is a start. Having your own business can be very rewarding and it is also a lot of work.
Many blessings to your success!
Dr. Eric