Today I was listening to a podast and once again heard the quote, “Luck: preparation meets opportunity.”
As I was thinking about that, I was reminded of everything I’ve learned over the past year or so. For those who don’t know, I just quit my full-tie job to ‘go solo’. It was a huge leap, but one that has taken a year or so of learning, growth, and extensive preparation.
I’ve been building my side business for about six months, working day and night. Last week I finally gave my notice to finish my transition from traditional work to solopreneur work.
And although it’s been a very busy week, it’s been one of the best weeks I’ve had a long time. I’m finally doing what I want to do, and the fact that I don’t necessarily have total control over the next year makes me excited with the opportunities and possibilities it will bring.
Positioning Yourself for Success
About a year or so ago, in preparation for this transition, I began positioning myself professionally online. I’ve had two goals in mind for this transition: became a writer and blogger, and help individuals and businesses build their online platform.
In order to do that, I had to position myself for success; namely, build a side business enough for sustainability, and then transition.
In this post, I want to share some key tasks that one should consider as he or she starts the transition process from traditional work to solopreneurship.
1. Connect
Find people doing what you want to do, connect with them, and learn.
If the nature of your business is a competitive one geographically, find somebody far away in a different state doing what you want to do, and ask for help. If you are from Tennessee and want to open a pet store, perhaps call a pet store in Montana to get advice. They will be more apt to help you because you probably won’t steal any of their business.
2. Study
Read, listen, and watch. You must always be learning.
Honestly I’m not a big reader. But I love to listen. In fact, I listen to almost every book I ‘read’. I listen because I can multi-task when I listen. I’m often traveling, cleaning my apartment, driving to a meeting, or working out (not as much as I should be).
Start budgeting a little money every month for books, learning materials, or audios. Another option is to start frequenting the library more. There are also services like Audible which provide audio book ‘rentals’ for a very low price.
I also listen to several podcasts about business, psychology, leadership, and God.
3. Invest In Yourself
Start investing more in yourself holistically. Here are three great ways:
- Go to events: I’ve heard coaches recomend recently that if you have a spare $100, you should spend it on going to an event. The purpose is not just to go to the event: the purpose would be to meet, network, and connect with folks at the event.
- Pay for a coach: find somebody who can teach you how to reach your goal, and pay them to help you. Find somebody who will work with you and who will get paid based by results. Even Tiger Woods has a golf coach – you can get one too!
- Health: do not underestimate the power and value of staying fit and eating well. Yes, these things cost a little more money and more time, but the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual power these benefits bring can skyrocket your success rate.
4. Experiment
Not sure what business you want to get into? Or maybe you’re unsure about what your ROI will be by going to this or that event.
The only way is to go and try. If you lose money, you lose money. But you still would have learned something in the process, right?
With the right attitude, the right outlook, and the drive to succeed, you will succeed.
If I can do it, you can too.
