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| Sep 26, 2008 1:22 pm |
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re: Making the leap. |
| Robb Zerr
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Well, I don't fall into any of the stereotypes listed here.
I created CommuniCreations 15 years ago because I got tired of letting others control my destiny. Prior to that I had been fired, laid off and quit positions that just weren't fulfilling. I didn't respect the management and knew I could do better.
First, do you have a network of prospects that you can immediately target in your desired new enterprise? Made you think for a moment. Don't worry... I didn't. I didn't know the first thing about starting or running a business either.
I bought my computer on credit cards (back when a laser printer retailed for $1000). The key is to keep expenses low and look confident, even if you have to fake it.
I started my biz in a downward economy -- it actually opened doors as businesses still needed to buy but didn't want to staff up or insource things. That's actually an advantage.
I don't think you have to be a workaholic. But you should be an overachiever. I take plenty of time off in my business - I know what I have to make to make ends meet, have a little cushion for when business runs soft and I have no desire to run with the big boys. I work hard to play hard... As such I probably vacation 4 to 6 weeks a year because I don't have to keep making more and more.
So, back to your original question. Jump when you have some cushion in your bank account. Don't look back -- only forward. Use your free time now to put everything in place outside of the key in the door. Get your business cards, your website, your networking and marketing plans all in a row. Then shove off.
I tell you, nothing is more freeing than giving the heave ho to a business that doesn't really appreciate you. They never do. They can't. When time gets tough you are a number on the budget sheet.
Finally, don't think you'll be your own boss. That's crap. I have 10 to 15 bosses at any one time and they are all yelling for something at the same time. You are never truly your own boss. But that's OK -- I've fired a lot of clients who were pains in the you-know-what and not profitable.
Oh, that profitable thing. Don't let clients promise you business. None of it means anything until the check clears. I made the mistake early on of counting all the promises that were made and thinking it was money in the bank. It's not. Promises mean nothing, payables mean nothing. It's what's in the bank account that really counts. Which means you have to be a hard ass some times when it's time to collect.
That's it off the top of my head. Good luck and feel free to ask questions. I have nothing to sell ya like some others seem to be doing.
-- RobbPrivate Reply to Robb Zerr (new win) |
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