New Job or New Business
Today's meet-up was really interesting. We discussed the moments when you're looking for a new job, but realize maybe you could start your own business.
What holds us back?
FEAR
Mindset
You don't know what you don't know
When you've been in-house your entire career, whether in a major industry or an association, you've worked with consultants most likely, but have you ever considered becoming one?
What would the benefits be? The downsides? When is it an appropriate time or the right time to try? WHY should you go for it? The questions may be the same but the answers will varying for everyone, and may vary for you depending on the season you’re in.
First, let’s take fear off of the table for a few minutes. Considering something should be exciting, not scary. Don’t negotiate against yourself before you’ve even started. Imagining what could be is not a commitment, so dismiss fear because there’s no decision to be made right now! There’s nothing to be afraid of.
Make a list of all the people you know right now and who know how hard you work. What could happen if you scheduled coffee, breakfast, lunch, happy hour meetings with each one of them over the next three months and let the know you’re open for business? That’s exactly how I started and with my first contract I nearly replaced my contract. I was earning more than my previous salary when I added in my second, and my third contract was significantly more than any previous salary, all on its own. It grew from there.
You do want to be careful not to replace an already demanding job and schedule with your own company that gets out of control and suddenly demands more of your time and requires skillsets you haven’t developed yet (accounting, taxes, invoicing, hiring and leading a team). But it’s entirely possible to develop a business model from the start that prioritizes your personal goals and values.
It’s not an avenue for everyone and your passions may lie working inside of associations or global organizations. There’s nothing wrong with that either. Own it and blossom in it. But for those who are faced with a layoff and wondering what’s next or are ready to take things into your own hands, don’t let the fear and uncertainly block your attempt. Give yourself the credit you deserve and take your shot if that’s something you’d like to do. There’s a network of amazing women who’ve done the same to cheer you on and share what they’ve learned.