From employee to entrepreneur – 7 tips to help you transition

So – you’ve finally decided. After years of having a boss you’re going to be the boss and set up your own business. Maybe you’ve been working a side hustle for a while and the time feels right to go all-in. Or perhaps the pandemic gave you a new perspective on life and running your own business is where you want to be.

Congratulations! This is super-exciting news! You’re taking control and charting a new course on the career freeway. But buckle up because transitioning from employee to business owner may not be a smooth ride. To help you navigate the road ahead follow these 7 revved-for-success tips to get you to your destination. 

# 1 GET CLARITY

You can’t create your new business until you’re crystal clear about what you want. Think about where you are now and where you want to be then set yourself goals to get there.   Break down each goal into small, manageable baby steps rather than big scary strides you’ll be too darned freaked out to take. It might feel like things are moving really slowly but – trust me – doing a little bit each day soon adds up to BIG progress.

# 2 SCHEDULE YOUR DREAM 

To keep your plan on track write yourself a schedule. If you’re still in your main job think about the best time to work on your business. An hour in the morning before the kids are up? A couple of hours in the evening with a glass of wine? Sunday afternoon? Be realistic about your commitments and how much time you can spend each week but equally don’t let life crowd out your dream.  

# 3 REFRAME NEGATIVE THINKING

‘I can’t do this. Start my own business? Who am I kidding! Even if I actually did it I’m bound to fail.’

When you’re constantly questioning whether you’ve got what it takes instead of concentrating on making it happen it can really slow your progress and could even sabotage your plans completely. 

Negative self-talk is common so don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, recognise when it’s happening and take a moment to question the validity of your thoughts. Like ‘Really, why CAN’T I run my own show? Who says I’ll fluff it up and fail?’ Once you realise that negative thinking is a bunch of bull re-frame it to give it a positive spin. Like, ‘Hey, I’m learning something different every day and I’m loving all these new challenges.’

# 4 PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Does trying to juggle your job with planning your new business feel like hard going? Practise daily gratitude. 

Research shows that being grateful can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and pep up vitality and energy. And gratitude can help build resilience

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/4-ways-to-practice-gratitude-and-build-resilience/

When you’re feeling thankful you’re able to approach problems with a positive mindset and can-do attitude and you’ll also be more confident about asking for help if you need it.  

# 5 HIRE A COACH

Transitioning from employee to business owner can be tough so it’s worth investing in a career change coach to help you.

As well as being your very own cheerleader a coach will keep you accountable. Those goals you set yourself? Your coach will check in to see if you’ve met them – and help you figure out what’s stopping you if you haven’t. They’ll prevent you from back-pedalling – you CAN do this! – and pick up on any blind spots you’re not seeing. 

If you take this journey on your own you’re more likely to self-sabotage and stay stuck in a job that no longer feeds your soul. With a career coach on your case you’ll have the support you need to stay focused, motivated and moving forward.  

# 6 CONFIDE IN YOUR SUPPORTERS

You might be pumped about starting your own business but not everyone will be as thrilled as you. There’s bound to be someone who thinks it’s just too risky. Stay strong in your decision and only confide in people who support your vision and won’t try to talk you out of it. Now more than ever you need to be surrounded by positive vibes. 

# 7 SEIZE THE (SPA) DAY

You’ve got a heck of a lot going on. Your main job. Your side hustle. Getting the kids to school. Feeding the cat. Juggling so much can quickly lead to overwhelm so make sure you put self-care on your To Do list.

Get enough sleep and take time out to exercise, do the Downward Dog, sweat in the sauna – whatever you need to stay rested and relaxed. And go out and have fun with friends! Laughter will give you a feel-good hit of stress-reducing, mood-improving dopamine – just what you need to top up your tank!

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

Feeling a big sick in your stomach at the thought of giving up your salaried job and going solo? That’s OK! It’s a normal reaction to have when you’re stepping outside out of your comfort zone and starting something new. 

Just remember that it may take time and you’ll probably have to overcome some hurdles along the way. Becoming your own boss is a brave move so don’t feel deflated if you come up against setbacks. Think positively – every challenge you face is one that you can either win or learn from.

Juggling work and preparing to transition to your own business can be demanding but as millions of successful entrepreneurs have proved it’s do-able. You can do it, too!

* Need a badass coach to co-pilot your career change?Let’s book you in for a free consultation. https://calendly.com/confidence-connoisseur/complimentary-consultation