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So, you're sitting in your cubicle feeling trapped and thinking, "I just want to get the heck outta here and start my own business." That can be a liberating feeling. I've been there. That said, just hating your job is not a strategy, and you really do want to get some things in order -- on the inside (of you) and the outside -- before you make the leap. So, if you only do 10 things before you make the career transition from employee to entrepreneur ... do these.
1) Get Clear on "It"
A life plan always comes before a business plan. Otherwise you'll find yourself at the whims of everything else feeling just as awful as you did in your cubicle. Know what you want and why you want it. An excellent resource for making the leap consciously is the book and the blog of Pamela Slim at Escape from Cubicle Nation. I was a disciple of her blog when I was still in the cube, and I continue to learn from her excellent wisdom. I am also a HUGE fan of using Laura Berman Fortgang's work "Now What?® 90 Days to a New Life Direction" as a means for defining your life purpose (sounds hefty, and it is, but the process doesn't have to FEEL heavy), getting clear on "it," and then moving forward fast in that direction. (On the disclaimer side, I am an authorized facilitator of her work -- but I truly wouldn't mention it if it hadn't changed my life and those of my clients.)
2) Determine If Self-Employment Is for You
It can feel great to say you're going to be your own boss when you're in the grips of a bad job. And, being your own boss can be a most satisfying and successful journey. That said, it all looks and feels a little different than that fantasy moment by the corporate water cooler when you're figuring out your billing system, creating a marketing plan, handling client relations, and running to Staples for office supplies at the last minute. Check out "Are You Cut Out To Be Your Own Boss?" and "Self Employment: The Hardest Way to Make Easy Money" by Karyn Greenstreet. It'll get you thinking deeply about your own situation.
3) Have THE Conversation
If there's more than just you (and your furry friends) in your household, you truly need to have the conversation BEFORE you make the leap. Truly get others on board. A drastic change in schedule and income (yes, both do happen when you start a business!) are inevitable at least for the short-term. Ensure that you have the support of those you love who live with and depend on you. Talk about their concerns and fears, as well. You want to be on the same page before you hang out your shingle so you can work out expectations, relationship, and financial concerns.
4) Get Your Finances in Order
You need a cash cushion to start a business. Most businesses fail because they run out of cash. I recently interviewed Melinda Emerson, the "SmallbizLady." (Listen to our conversation.) Her opinion was to have at least 12-24 months of cash on hand to pay all your personal expenses. That is a lot of money for most folks. You want to have all your debt and fixed expenses pared down to the bare minimum to give yourself time and opportunity to succeed. The Money Coach gives some great advice on starting your own business, as well. Remember you want your business to serve you, not sink you. Get your own finances in order before you start a business. This includes any legal or financial documents and records you need to have in place but keep putting off.
5) Get Your Personal Life in Order
Starting a business is challenging enough, but if you don't have a strong personal foundation in place, you are doomed to failure. Much like you cleaned up your financial life, do the same with your personal life. Get organized, clear clutter, nurture relationships (including with yourself), and take fine care of yourself and your surroundings. Consider these "5 Strategies for Life Success - Alanis Morissette" or the excellent books Take Time for Your Life and The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson as a place to start.
6) Start Networking Now
Your network is your net worth. Regardless of whether
