Thursday, May 5, 2016

Grow A Pair?

Caution: this is for first time Entrepreneurs or Consultants. You've been out there working for them and now It's your time. You are on your own,  wether by choice or force. it is time for you to take the bull by the horns. Don't be afraid of  your own authority. You are the boss now and you decide what works or doesn't work for you.

If you want to consult, or start a business you make up the hours and days you want to work. You are in the driver's seat and all rewards and risks are yours, so be mindful of how you proceed. Just make certain that your rates are comparable to others that are providing the same services. You don't want to be thrown out of the ring before you start the fight.

Get yourself involved in Associations or Organizations that pertain to your expertise and knowledge base so that future contacts could become future clients. You need to network outside of the computer screen. There is something to be said for the human connection and the bonding that takes place when you are face to face and talking with people. You are as good as your reputation, and the only way that happens is if you are out and about promoting yourself.

So get out there and make it happen!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

What Now?


You wake up on a Monday morning and you find yourself disoriented and in a panic. Aren't you supposed to be on a train or in a car heading towards the office... No, no wait you're okay. You no longer work for that company and can literally walk to your computer in your PJs. That's great, in the beginning. You don't want to get yourself into a funk, which is what will happen if you allow yourself to go down the path of least resistance. 

Give yourself some downtime, you've earned it! but you need to put your game face back on eventually. Oh, and let's not forget to shower and maybe change into something more presentable at least twice a week (really more like seven). Just because you're no longer with people doesn't give you the right to let yourself go. If you get up, dress up and show up at your computer wherever that might be, the boiler room, kitchen or bedroom; I promise you that you will feel better. If you look good you will feel good. 

Now get behind your computer and start your day, the right way.  It's all about networking and being prepared for the unpredictable. Initially, in the very beginning there are no set rules, you make them as you go. Thats right! 

It's okay you're allowed to take lunch anytime you want now. It isn't a set time anymore. If you want to take lunch at 11:00 AM, you can! If you want to end your work day at 3:00 PM, you can. You have a new found freedom. There isn't any reason to feel guilty, you are in a completely new work environment, Welcome to the wonderful world of Entrepreneurship...


Monday, January 25, 2016

It's Okay to be Afraid

So what? I am here to tell you that being scared when things in your life are all of a sudden turned upside down, is okay. Maybe your company down sized or you were fed up and had enough, whatever the case may be; stay calm. Focus. If you like everything just so, write down what you are truly good at and what your strengths are (not want you wish they were). Be very honest because no one is judging you here.

Yes, I know, Maybe like me you were in boardrooms and now you find yourself in a boiler room. My move was intentional. Was yours? If not, please remember to shower and dress each and every day. Putting on clean clothes and a little make-up will energize you. There is a ton of potential for consulting in the new world order involving the internet. Are you an editor, a sales person, a ghost writer maybe an artist? Find the organizations that have members with the same talents and expertise you have. Don't be afraid to reach out to them and discuss what they offer their members, and more importantly what you can offer them in return. The barter system does work, while it doesn't pay the bills it does build up a good referral base.

I know you might not want to call in some favors, but the time is now. If you have helped others, there is no reason why you couldn't reach out to them in your own time of need. Don't view it as an act of desperation, but an exchange of professional assistance.

I have given you a few things to think about. I promise I will be back with more advise.