Editor's note: Becoming an entrepreneur is
something that millions of Americans do every year. Most are unprepared
for the changes that happen between being an employee and being
self-employed.
Being self-employed has its tradeoffs, but
being prepared and knowing what the negatives are of being an entrepreneur
before you start can be crucial to how you handle it.
The Biggest Employment Change of All -
Becoming an Entrepreneur
by: Janice D. Byer, MVA
For many of us, change can be a scary thing.
When we are children, there is nothing better than meeting new friends and going
to new places. But, when we become adults, change can be something that is less
than appealing.
From finishing school and going on to college
or university to getting married and having children, our lives are nothing but
life changing moments.
Sometimes the one change that is the hardest to
deal with is the change in our employment status, and one of the biggest career
changes is the decision to go from being an “employee” to being your own
“boss”, becoming a self-employed entrepreneur.
For those that have that overwhelming desire to
be a small business owner, the entire journey to success is something that
creates a sense of energy and fulfillment. The roads that are followed bring an
abundance of information, continually adding to the entrepreneurial process and
spirit.
Visits to local small business centers can
provide a wealth of support and encouragement. There is always flyers,
newsletters and experienced staff to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Another avenue that can be taken to contribute
to your business’ success is becoming involved in networking groups. Most
groups conduct weekly or monthly meetings, some more formal than others, which
allow small business owners to share with each other their stories and
experiences. It can create alliances that will benefit each business owner.
For myself, a small business owner in Southern
Ontario, Canada, the road to being an entrepreneur included the participation in
the SEA (Self Employment Assistance) Program sponsored by Human Resources
Development Canada.
The SEA program offered, and is still offering,
myself and my company a wealth of information and support. This program is
available all across Canada. In Southern Ontario it is available in Brampton,
Orangeville, and Toronto, as well as numerous other communities. The program
consists of 10 weeks of in-class instruction which is performed by successful
small business owners. The support then continues for one year with monthly
networking meetings with the rest of the participants and one-on-one
appointments with an instructor.
Although this program is only offered in
Canada, there are similar programs offered in most other areas, whether you are
in the United States or anywhere else in the world. Check your local phone book
or small business magazines for more information. For myself, the decision to
become self-employed was something that just felt right at the time.
I had spent a number of years running my
father’s lawn care company from my home. During that time, I had helped
friends, family and acquaintances with everything from typing projects for them
to designing their marketing material.
So when the time came for my dad to retire, it
just seemed natural to do what I had been doing for many years....providing word
processing and desktop publishing services Then, with the increase in the use of
the Internet, I learned to design websites.
So, if you are thinking of starting your own
business, it is recommended that you do plenty of research. You have to see if
the type of business you want to start is viable in your area. Is there a need
for your product or service by the people or businesses in your community?
Whether you will be looking for funding or not, you need to do a business plan.
In the process of putting it together, you will have a better understanding of
what you are doing and where you are going.
If you need help with certain aspects when
building your business, such as promotion or putting together influential
marketing material, there are many companies that specialize in taking some of
the pressure off of your shoulders. Not all will be listed in the phone books
yet, so you need to keep your eyes and ears open for mention of these companies.
Remember
that not all small businesses are overnight successes. It takes plenty of work.
Long hours with very little reward in the beginning. But, each time a new client
or customer comes on board, you will feel butterflies in your stomach and a
smile on your face. Use that feeling of exhilaration as your energy source and
combine it with other relevant information that you acquire. Knowledge isn’t
power...Action is!
About The Author
Janice
Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type
Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net).
See this and other articles on her website.
jbyer@docutype.net
