Celebrating Self Employment

With the 4th of July coming up, I got to thinking about independence and what it means. In our country, we have been brought up to believe in the 40 hour work week being employed by someone else. There is of course another option; you can declare your independence and become an entrepreneur instead of an employee. How? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What do you love to do that you do really well? For instance, are you a terrific organizer who excels at keeping everything running efficiently and timely? Do you get energized by this? If you answered yes to both questions, one of your transferable skills is being an organizer. Think about the many ways this talent and ability of yours can contribute to others. Don’t stop with one example, brainstorm until you identify at least five more things you really do well and enjoy doing.

2. Who needs what you have to offer? Once you’ve identified your skills, talents, and passions it is time to determine where they may best be useful. Is there a need for whatever product or service you want to share with others? You may be the greatest cookie baker in three states but if there isn’t a need for a cookie store in your area it’s not a good idea to start a bakery. Consider all the life experience you’ve had, how might that be useful to others? How can you be of service in the world? Using your list of transferable skills from question number one will help you brainstorm some possibilities.

3. Is there someone else doing the kind of business you are considering? Identify those people and organizations. For instance, if you are thinking of doing a doggy daycare, see who else has one and check it out. Note what you like and don’t like about their advertising, facility, customer service, etc. How do they get customers? How might you approach your target customers differently? What might you improve on?

4. Is being self employed a right fit for your personality and lifestyle? If you’ve been an employee for years, you may find it challenging to switch your perspective to that of self bosser. It can be tremendously fulfilling to create you own business, work when, where and how you choose to, and not have to get someone else’s permission. Are you ready to step into your power and put your talents to work?

Want some ideas for solo businesses? Stay tuned!

Creative Ways to Work

Ever wonder why so many people hate their jobs? Maybe it is because the job situation is not a right fit. Could be the work itself (a people person sitting alone in an office doing data entry 40+ hours a week), the interpersonal dynamics with co-workers and "bosses"(the daily dramas, politics, etc.), could be the environment (cubicle maze, no windows), could be you. Actually it is often a combination of these factors. Of these factors, the only one you actually control is YOU. So what way of working would be fulfilling for YOU?

For many of us, having one full time job, working 8am - late pm simply doesn't work. One client of mine said working full time in an office was like being claustophobic--she keep feeling she had to "get out!" What options do you have to the mainstream way of working? Countless...

Let's begin with the multiple streams of income model. It can look like this: Sam works part time supervising residents in a halfway house. He works 6pm - 6am two nights a week. Basically he helps the residents make the evening meal, clean the kitchen and get ready for bed. He sleeps there overnight. This 24 hour a week job provides insurance benefits for Sam and his family. In addition to this p/t job, Sam is self employed making custom cabinetry. He also teaches horseback riding on Saturdays. Sam has 3 sources of income and is able to make a good income and spend time doing work he enjoys--crafting wood, teaching kids to ride, caring for developmentally challenged adults.

Think about how you might spend your time differently if you weren't working a full time job. More stories and options to come!