"What's Stopping You From Starting That Business?"
By Alison Clark
Done your market research? Gone along to your local business start-up agency ? Business plan done and dusted? So how come you haven't taken the plunge?
It's a big challenge to let go of the day job completely. I've known a number of would-be business owners who develop their idea in their spare time, keeping on the day job to pay the bills.
This is fine so long as you are progressing towards the day when you'll launch your business full time. Otherwise you have the worst of both worlds. You can't generate or accept enough work to make the business financially viable because you don't have the time. You can't throw yourself into your paid job because your mind is on the business.
I was offered the opportunity of a contract that would give me my first 3 months of work. By good luck the company didn't want the work to start right away which gave me time to plan a start-up strategy and to leave my existing job.
What do you need to have in place? Contracts? A financial cushion? A detailed plan? It's not the same for everyone.
Are your 'reasons' just excuses? 'When there's enough in the bank... When I've built up a large enough mailing list...
When my employer has hired a replacement (and will they advertise if you don't resign?..)
Be honest with yourself, you can tell the difference.
To give you that extra burst of courage, you need to find new allies. Network relentlessly to find them.
My best ones were other start-ups who shared setbacks and triumphs, and existing business owners who gave me advice, introductions and referrals.
- Make a list of what you know you need.
- Challenge those excuses you make for not letting go just yet!
- Find new allies
What's stopping you? Are you still flogging the dead horse of that day job?
My book 'How to Stop Flogging a Dead Horse - The Business Owner's Guide to Creating Happy Endings' will help you let go and get started!
Get "How to Stop Flogging a Dead Horse: The Business Owner's Guide to Creating Happy Endings" by Alison Clark, here http://www.bookshaker.com
