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 fulfilment. 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!
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