During your transition you must continue to develop your skills, talents and abilities. Give yourself an appraisal every 3 months and complete a personal SWOT analysis; use this to set personal goals which will add value to your brand and business. Raise your awareness and business acumen by finding a short course which covers the basics of running a business for example; how to structure and market your business, pricing, managing your finances and taxes.
Set goals
Your goals should include creating a viable business plan, complete with a cashflow forecast and a personal survival budget. Get involved with a good networking group and, another top tip which worked for me, find an accountability partner who will help to keep you focused and on task.
Build your confidence
Redundancy is not the end of road. Take a fresh look at you and work on building your confidence and self-belief. Consume personal development materials, and become confident in your ability to run a business. Remember that 90% of success is in the mind.
Manage your time
Design your time, manage your diary and be consistent with your actions whilst working on your business. Break down your goals into bitesize, achievable steps which will help you to manage and review your progress whilst developing effective habits that will help you develop and grow as a business owner.
Join a good networking group
An ideal way to combat loneliness and isolation is via networking which now takes many forms. Perhaps you can start with online social networking and then attend offline face to face events. It is important to raise awareness of your business, make connections and develop a mobile sales force. Remember that networking is all about building relationships.
Be visible
Redundancy will open new opportunities. Embrace these opportunities, step out and turn that idea you have had for the last 3 years into a viable, profitable business. Shine and connect with an energetic, insightful and inspiring new group of friends.
Find a co-working space
An affordable cost effective alternative to renting office space is co-working. Find a professional space that will allow you to grow depending on your needs. You may opt for hot desking or renting your own desk. Many spaces also offer virtual office services, meeting rooms and excellent networking opportunities. I recently visited a space close to Old Street, where you can hot desk for as long as you buy a cup of coffee and share your email address.
Mentoring
Find a good mentor, or join a peer networking group, the group maintains confidentiality and you will be accountable to a group of ambitious entrepreneurs committed to moving forward in life and in business.
A business mentor will also be a sounding board, someone who will listen to your ideas and provide confidential, non-judgemental support and feedback.
Be curious
Become curious by studying successful business people. When you attend events, exchange details and find out where your peers are seeking support and information.
Seek opportunities, develop your contacts and master social networking sites such as LinkedIn.
Be at the forefront of potential customer’s minds, by being present and engaging with your target market. You may choose to connect with old work colleagues and some may even become your 1st paying customers.
Be vigilant
Protect your ideas, intellectual property and self-worth. Be mindful of who you share information with and ensure that you place a value on your time, energy, money, products and services. Reduce the need to lower your price or to over deliver and be firm and confident when you pitch, present or submit a proposal.
Finally, know who are you are and what you can provide. Be aware of your limitations, remain enthusiastic and proud of your business and achievements and find time to celebrate each time you reach a goal!]
By Janice Beckles, Founder of B-Consultancy LTD
