Fire Yourself!

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing." --Abraham Lincoln

Working for the man? Fed up with your boss? Just had it with the work rat race?

Fire Yourself – and be in business for your self – a little bit at a time.

Huh? Yes, that’s the reaction of a group I spoke to recently when I brought this topic up. I got those looks like …

"… okay Moran, what do you mean a little bit at a time? Have you lost it...?"

No not really. There is a whole new movement in the marketplace today – a movement that is being fueled by individuals just saying to hell with traditional work. They want to be in their own business, but can’t jump in right away at 100%.

They are the new Employedpreneur: The ambitious professional who undertakes launching and running a business while working full-time.

Some may, in the past, called this moonlighting – but that often meant a second job – for the “man”. This is different. This is setting your sights on being in full control of your destiny, driving your income, controlling your fate and building your gifts and fortune for the future – but doing so little steps at a time.  I am seeing this more and more in my practice and have advocated to many a client that this is their way to launch their own business or to test if their business idea or passion is economically viable.

Given the state of the economy and the anemic job market, self-employment is becoming an increasingly viable option for many.  More businesses have been born in the midst of recessions than any other period. Think Microsoft, Starbucks, PetSmart - yes, all born in recessions.  Also, the reality is that you don't need boatloads of money to invest in a business today - there are many opportunities that can be launched on very low budgets, if you are open-minded to new ideas.

Think of the possibilities:

• Like to cook and thinking about being a caterer? Rather than jump in with two feet and be all in – try catering a few holiday gatherings this year, see how you like it and see if you can make a go of it.

• Handy with a trade? Try a few projects (paid please) for others and gain, see if it “fits” you and if you can turn a profit.

• Like to write? Publish a blog – market it – and see how it is received and read in the market.

… and the list can go on and on.

There is even a web site dedicated to this new movement: www.launchwhileworking.com.

But what does it take to be successful in your enterprise?

No matter what scale you are at, one must:

… Listen to Advice

… Trust your instincts

… Have the ability and drive to take action

… Be willing to take risks – measured risks

The first step however – answer the big question: Is your own business right for you?

This is critical. Being in business for some is in perfect alignment to their personality and interests. For others, it is not a match. Get this answer first. If you can’t get the answer yourself, get professional assistance. I have used an assessment tool – the EA: Entrepreneurial Assessment – to help guide (or not) clients to their own business. There are other tools as well on the market; just be sure there is validity and experience to back them up.

Be in control. Drive your destiny. Break the shackles of traditional work and you will grow and prosper – and you will work hard!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan