Adventure Sports

Making the Jump Into Self Employment, 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Entrepreneurship

So you have decided that you want to be an Entrepreneur, and better yet an entrepreneur who works from home. You have your extra bedroom, or den, properly converted into a home office. You have a credit account set up at the local big box office chain and visions of laptopping at your neighborhood coffee shop or sitting at your desk while wearing your fuzzy bunny slippers seem much more appealing than your current commute – follow orders – dodge office gossip – look busy – watch the clock – commute, routine. Assuming that you have already done your due diligence on your business of choice, here are ten tough questions to ask yourself before you get started;

1) Do you have a plan in place?

The majority of businesses that succeed and show rapid growth start out with a solid business plan. Many different business plan templates exist online and free counseling assistance may be available to help you with this through agencies such as the SBA or SCORE. A little research on the internet will yield a great deal of information on this subject. There are several types of business plans which can be used for acquiring financing, establishing and maintaining a company direction, or planning for hurdles before they appear. If you are thinking, “my business has no employees and it’s just me working from home,” I will tell you this: You still need a plan in place. It doesn’t have to be comprehensive enough to satisfy the SBA, buy it does need to address questions like “what are my monthly goals and how will I achieve them?”, and “what are my best case and worst case sales scenarios and am I set up to handle them?” The age old credo of Hope For The Best While Planning For The Worst applies here.

2) Do I work hard when I work for someone else?

This might be the hardest question of all to ask yourself. Be honest. When you are on someone else’s dime, do you work hard for them? Remember that this is not an interview question, you are only answering to yourself, and an honest answer may save you a lot of heartache in the future. Working for yourself is similar to working for a boss. If you do not enjoy hard work while under the scrutiny of an employer, then most likely you will not enjoy hard work when reporting to yourself. And worse yet, slacking or not giving 100% will result in a loss of your money. Self discipline is the number one asset that you will need as an entrepreneur, and if you don’t have it in the workplace, you probably will struggle when self – managing, which leads us to number three.

3) Can I self-manage?

As if working hard was not enough, as an entrepreneur working from home you are now not only the employee, but also the manager. Think about the best manager you’ve ever had. What did they do to motivate you? What is it that will light a fire under you and provide an incentive to get the job done? If you have never been in a role where you were required to self – manage your time, resources, finances and projects, you may be in for a shock. I’ve always said that to be an entrepreneur you need to train as a clown, a fireman and a dentist, because you are always juggling, fighting fires and many times, moving the business forward is like pulling teeth! Working from home takes discipline. After all, your home is where you have relaxed and spent family time up until now, so you will need to completely change your paradigm regarding what you do when at home. Set schedules and forge new routines. Keep your work related routines such as waking up early to your alarm, showering and getting dressed for the day, and even though you now work in the next room, go to work. Your new home office is now your job. When you are there, be at work. Take a scheduled lunch break and then head back to the office when you are done. Self – managing is all about setting and keeping good habits and can mean the difference between success and failure.

4) Am I organized?

Remember, you are now the boss. You no longer need to worry about the footsteps coming down the hall to your cubicle with the demands of timely results and better organization. What you need to worry about now is paying your bills on time, making a living and keeping your company afloat. A lack of organization can lead to lost productivity, inefficient processes, dissatisfied customers, elevated stress levels, and lost opportunities. If you are not an organized person, become one immediately. The best way to do this is to have a place for everything. Don’t let things pile up or linger. Get them done right away. If you look around you and feel overwhelmed by everything that you have to do, organization is your only way to dig out.

5) Am I a jack-of-all-trades, or a master of one?

Working for many years as a business consultant, I often found small business owners struggling to find ways to fill all of the roles in their company. I have worked with many doctors, attorneys, architects and engineers that are masters of their profession, but they can not run a profitable business. Running a successful office has nothing to do with drawing up building plans, or helping patients, or winning a trial. It has to do with running an office. Most of the professionals that I’ve mentioned above find great success by hiring a good office manager who knows how to multi-task. As a work from home entrepreneur, you probably will not have this luxury and you will need to be not only the bread-and-butter of your operation, but also the knife, fork and plate. I have witnessed many successful entrepreneurs answering phones, taking out trash, cleaning the toilets, balancing their books, making outside sales calls and stuffing envelopes. I have done these things myself, and I still do them. Be proud of the skills you have mastered, but be aware that the longer you can perform a task yourself without taking away from the growth of the business, the longer you can go without paying someone else to do it.

6) Am I willing to take big risks?

A good friend of mine who races motorcycles once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who take the big risks, and those who watch them standing on the winner’s podium. Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks. Some risks you will be faced with are quitting your job, leaving the safety of a steady paycheck and benefits, investing money in a high-risk start up venture, taking on new tasks such as self – management, sales, or telemarketing, bringing a new product or service to market and even the simple act of making the decision you are now contemplating is a risk. Be ready to adjust your lifestyle, make personal sacrifices, cut back on your income, put in more money than you expected, and most importantly, be ready to change your plan on a dime. The market is ever changing and true risk takers are willing to change with it. Owning your own business is a lot like gambling. You win some and you lose some and the bigger you bet the more you stand to win… or lose. The difference is that this is not Vegas and the house does not always win. YOU can stack the deck in your favor with hard work and tenacity.

7) Can I adjust my lifestyle quickly if I have to?

You’ve heard the term, “the bigger they are the harder they fall”? If you are living on an executive level salary and your expenses match that salary, make some adjustments. Being an entrepreneur often times means that your income may not arrive to you fluidly. There may be times of feast and times of famine. Plan ahead for this by banking money during the good times and tightening the belt during the slow times. You may need to liquidate some assets in order to have cash on hand for emergencies, and you may not be able to grow your lifestyle like you have previously. Remember that the market can change without warning, and big numbers today don’t always mean big numbers tomorrow.

Am I a manager, or a do-er, and can I be a good mix of the two?

I recall vividly having been promoted up the ranks from a production employee to my first management job. My boss at the time, who was the Plant Manager told me, “you have to become a manager and stop being a do-er”. What he had noticed is that when my department became stressful, I would retreat to my area of comfort, which was my old role as a production employee. This endeared me to the production crew as a boss who was not afraid to get my hands dirty, but ultimately did my department a disservice. Later in my career I passed this bit of information on to managers that I was training, and got them to manage instead of always retreating to their comfort zone tasks. When I launched my very first home based business, I found that I needed to both manage and do, and regardless of my many years in management, time spent as a business consultant, a management trainer and a small business owner, I found myself sitting at my modest desk in my home office and retreating to the tasks that I felt most comfortable doing. When I finally found my balance of managing my time, managing the business and doing the tasks that need to get done, everything clicked into place and the business became successful. Finding this balance of manager and do-er is critical to home based success.

9) Can I sell?

Probably the second hardest question to ask yourself, and you may answer by saying that you have started a business that doesn’t involve selling. Well, I urge you to ask yourself again, “can I sell?” because it doesn’t matter what business you are in, you will need to sell. If you still insist that the business you are jumping into does not require you to have any sales skills, go back to the top of this article and begin your due diligence again. “Selling” doesn’t always mean putting on a shirt and tie and going from business to business handing out business cards and shaking hands. Selling can be speaking to your peers at a Rotary meeting, or chatting with someone in the grocery aisle about your business. It may mean upselling your client to a bigger or better package when they place their order with you. Sales skills will even help you when you get to the point where you need to hire employees because sales skills are people skills, and business owners with superior people skills run superior operations. This question can be humbling, but ask it of yourself constantly, and add to it: “What can I do to sell better?”

10) What is my motivation?

What is it that makes you want to own your own business? Is it money? Is it security? Do you just plain hate your job? Maybe you are tired of making someone else rich and you think that you can do it better. There are many reasons that people decide that entrepreneurship is their calling, but having been self employed for many years I have realized that there is really only one reason to make the jump. Think the question again in your head, “Why do I want to be self employed?” If the answer that popped into your head was, “Because I was made to be an entrepreneur”, and if it was immediately followed by, “no matter what it takes”, then you are ready.

Running a home based business is not for the faint of heart. Expect ups and downs and a lot of hard work. But it might just end up being the single most rewarding thing that you’ve ever done. Good luck on your jump into entrepreneurship!

Aaron Kirk is a Managing Partner of Toreador, LLC and the co-founder of GoMatador.com. He has over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and small

 

Now Pay Close Attention –

Making money online with e-commerce is simpler than you’ve been told. Everyone faces the same two problems:

[Problem #1] How To Get Your Online Store Started

[Problem #2] How To Bring Traffic To Your Store To Produce Sales

ZamZuu has been solving these two problems for thousands of people! ZamZuu has been tried and tested and known to produce excellent results.

First: Visit ZamZuu Here
Learn How Your Can Start Your Own E-Commerce Store For Next To Nothing and Make THousands Monthly Using Our Proven Secrets!

Second: Sign Up For More Information From ZamZuu
We will show you exactly how you can start your e-commerce store and begin making profits online in as little as 7 days!

About the Author

With over 2 Billion dollars being spend on e-commerce this year alone, online sales are a massive opportunity to make a great living online. But to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, it is always a good idea to get a head start on your competition with the help of a company that has been doing it for years. Visit http://www.takeforeveroff.com and learn how you can make a great living in e-commerce.

How Self Adjusting Technique Works

2003-2007 SATURN ION OPT NON SELF ADJUST DESIGN OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $517.75

2006-2007 SATURN ION OPT NON SELF ADJUST DESIGN OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $517.75

2003-2007 SATURN ION 2.2L OE SELF ADJUST DESIGN OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $363.77

2006-2007 SATURN ION 2.4L OE SELF ADJUST DESIGN OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $363.77

Shires Hi Lite Self Adjust Synthetic Gymkhana GP Saddle $203.79

Shires Hi Lite Self Adjust Synthetic Gymkhana GP Saddle $203.79

Shires Hi Lite Self Adjust Synthetic Gymkhana GP Saddle $203.79

Shires Hi Lite Self Adjust Synthetic Gymkhana GP Saddle $203.79

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 4.0L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $246.91

2001-2009 FORD RANGER 4.0L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $246.91

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 4.0L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $232.98

2001-2009 FORD RANGER 4.0L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $231.30

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 2.5L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 3.0L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

2001 FORD RANGER 2.5L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

2001-2008 FORD RANGER 3.0L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

2001-2009 FORD RANGER 2.3L OE SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

95-97 FORD RANGER 2.3L OE SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

95-97 FORD RANGER 3.0L SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $223.70

2001 FORD RANGER 2.5L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $187.84

2001-2008 FORD RANGER 3.0L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $187.84

2001-2009 FORD RANGER 2.3L OPT NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $187.84

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 2.5L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $184.05

1998-2000 FORD RANGER 3.0L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $184.05

95-97 FORD RANGER 2.3L OPT NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $184.05

95-97 FORD RANGER 3.0L NON SELF ADJUST OEM Clutch Replacement Kit $184.05

USA Classic Swing Seat Rust-Resistant Adjust Chains Self Level Rope Play Fun Toy $99.00

2-phase CNC Stepper Motor Driver Controller 2M982 7.2A 200KHz Speed self-adjust $71.59

Glaesel 1/2 Cello MEDIUM Height Self-Adjust Bridge – BRAND NEW – GL33562M $50.00

Self-Adjust Ratchet ferrule crimper cable end-sleeves HSC8 6-6/AWG23-10/New $36.98

586-2078300 8 Inch Self Adjust Wire Stripper W-Protouch Grips $40.91

Dark Nickel Spring Hinges Adjust Self closing lot of 18 $39.80

2 New Self Adjusting Wire Strippers Heavy Duty Adjust Cable $37.99

Self-Adjust Ratchet ferrule crimper cable end-sleeves $26.98

Cables To Go 38007-SELF-ADJUST WIRE STRIPPER – Kit $34.76

Self-Adjust Ratchet ferrule crimper cable end-sleeves $24.50

2 Self Adjust Left & Right Kits H2516-H2517 AMC,Dodge,Ford,Mercury 1965-1983 $23.99

2 Self Adjust H2514 & H2515 Kits 1962-1997 AMC,Dodge,Ford,Jeep,Mercury,Mazda $19.99

Cables To Go 38007-SELF-ADJUST WIRE STRIPPER – Kit $27.80

MAY SALE BETA TOOLS ITALY FRONT WIRE STRIPPING PLIERS CUTTING SELF ADJUST $13.33

2 Self Adjust Brake Kits H2508 & H2509 Chevy-Chevy/GMCTrucks 1963-1975 Rear $18.99

2 Self Adjust Kits H2544 & H2545;1959-1997 Chrysler,Ford,IHCTruck NOS UNIQUE $17.99

2 Self Adjust H2590/2591 Brake Kits 1978-1987 GM Cars,GMC Chevy Trucks Raybestos $17.99

2 Self Adjust H2526 & H2527 Brake Kits Rear 1969-2006 Chrysler Products Jeeps $17.99

2 SELF-ADJUST Brake Kits H2532-H2533 Left- Right GM Car/Truck Rear 1964-1985 $17.99

2 Self Adjust Brake Kits H2528/H2529 Chrysler,Dodge,Plymouth Trucks1969-1999 NOS $17.99

ARCHTOP GUITAR BRIDGE GERMAN MADE ROSEWOOD SELF ADJUST $19.95

Cables To Go 38007-SELF-ADJUST WIRE STRIPPER $23.17

SELF ADJUST 20 1/2″ CHOKER NECKLACE GOLD SCALES SNAKE SERPENT FAUX AMBER EYES $17.97

Self Adjust Kit Right Rear F128913 Trucks;Chevrolet,Dodge,Ford,IHC 58-83;Wagner $12.99

BIG RUBY RED FACETED GLASS OVAL SURROUNDED BY RHINESTONES RING SELF ADJUST SIZE $14.97

LARGE TOPAZ FACETED GLASS OVAL SURROUNDED BY RHINESTONES RING SELF ADJUST SIZE $14.97

Playtex 5204 Everyday Basics Self-Adjust Soft Bra 36C White $17.00

Playtex 5204 Everyday Basics Self-Adjust Soft Bra 36B Nude $17.00

17mm Inner Dia Stainless Steel Self-adjust Pillow Block Ball Bearing $16.49

3 Layer Self-Adjust Cervical Support Airbag Cushion Neck Traction elongate $13.06

17mm Inner Dia Stainless Steel Self-adjust Pillow Block Ball Bearing $14.12

17mm Inner Dia Stainless Steel Self-adjust Pillow Block Ball Bearing $14.07

17mm Inner Dia Stainless Steel Self-adjust Pillow Block Ball Bearing $14.05

17mm Inner Dia Stainless Steel Self-adjust Pillow Block Ball Bearing $14.05

Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler $185.00 The Cuisinart(tm) Griddler makes “multifunctional” an understatement! Make perfect panini… plus! With four separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. It helps you prepare more servings of more kinds of food in less time, so you can cook for a crowd — no one has to wait!Simply change the cooking plates and adju…

New Metro Design Beater Blade for 5-Quart KitchenAid Tilt-Head Mixers, White Grey Blades $12.99 BeaterBlade for KitchenAid Tilt-Head Mixers…

Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless/Black $365.00 Cuisinart introduces a fully programmable coffeemaker with a burr grinder for superior coffee. Our special burr grinder grinds the coffee without influencing the integrity of the bean, so the true flavor is maintained. The strength selector and the grind control functions fine-tune intensity and volume, and the thermal carafe seals in heat and freshness so the last cup is as good as the first. It?…

Adjust To Wealth & Health, Building Self Confidence $1.78 …

Black & Decker MM1800 18-Inch 12 amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower $179.00 Black & Decker MM1800 18″ Rear Bag Mulching Lawn Mower Black & Decker MM1800 18″ Rear Bag Mulching Lawn Mower Features: Lightweight electric lawn mower is easy to maneuver and push Clean electric power means no oil, tune-ups or trips to the service station No-hassle instant lawn mower starting, every time High-performance 12 amp motor provides plenty of power for mulching or bagging 18″ three-in-o…

Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button $29.95 The Honeywell RCWL300A P3 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button makes it easy to replace your home’s generic doorbell ring with a chime tune that better fits your individual style. This chime is also compatible with a wide range of optional security accessories that can help you safeguard your home and family, and it comes complete with a pre-programmed bell push button. .caption …

Schumacher SC-600A SpeedCharge High Frequency Battery Charger $31.14 Schumacher SC-600A 6/4/2 Amp 12 Volt SpeedCharge High Frequency Battery Charger Schumacher SC-600A 6/4/2 Amp 12 Volt SpeedCharge High Frequency Battery Charger Features: Fully automatic 6 amp medium charge monitors battery condition and adjusts charge rate downward to prevent battery damage, for car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, lawn tractor lead acid, and AGM batteries 4 amp medium charge …

Chattahoochee $2.99 …

Nicola Black Full/Queen-size Storage Headboard $161.72 Give your bedroom a touch of elegance with the Nicola bookcase storage headboard. This practical headboard features fitted doors with six-way adjustable self-closing hinges, providing a neat hideaway for your possessions.

Teeter Hang Ups EZ-UP Inversion System $159.95 Any standard wood door frame can be your center for inversion with the EZ-Up Inversion System. The included Gravity Boots wrap comfortably around each ankle, securing with adjustable, self-locking ratchet buckles.

Alexander Del Rossa Women’s Super Plush Microfiber Bathrobe $56.99 Plush and luxurious, this water absorbent microfleece bathrobe from Alexander Del Rossa features a shawl collar and adjustable self-tie belt. With two front pockets this robe is finished with double belt loops.