Taking the Entrepreneurial Plunge
Six best practices whenĀ starting a small business after working in corporate.
I have a 30-year career in events – tradeshows, conferences, etc. – and until recently, I have always worked for others. I have worked for media companies, trade show producers and corporate marketing – all with a focus on events.Ā Starting a small business after 30 years as an employee to be scary and exhilarating!
About two years ago, I decided to start my own company with the idea that I could use the skills I have developed over the years and provide a service to those in need of an experienced event professional.
This was the first time I ever left a job without another job or any idea where my next paycheck would be coming from. I have to say that it was scary and exhilarating at the same time.
The Learning Process
I took the steps most people take, creating a website, coming up with a name, and getting the word out to my network.
I have learned a lot about how to be a small business:
Here are six best practices when taking the plunge:
1. Ā Nothing is more important than your network – so nurture it and grow it.
You never know how many people you know who might need your services. Every conversation can become a lead when you least expect it. I reach out to my network through informational emails periodically and then I make it a point to reach out to individuals by phone.
2. Ā LinkedIn is an important tool for small business owners.
This is how many people will “check you out” and sometimes it is how they find you. I have started to check out everyone I come across on LinkedIn in order to gain a better understanding of who I am working with.
3. Ā Be generous with your time but not too generous.
It is very easy to spend a lot of time on activities that are not making you any money. I love what I do but at the end of the day, I am doing this to make a living. So don’t work for free!
Next- Best practices 4 through 6
