This Wednesday is my four year business birthday, and I couldn't be more excited or more proud.
I always get a little reflective this time of year. And lately I keep coming back to one question: what would "ready" have actually looked like for me?
Because I wasn't ready. I left corporate HR because I had to figure something else out, fast. But a lot of you are in a different spot. You're still in your job, and you're thinking about it. So here's what I'd tell you.
Start having conversations now
If I could go back, I'd start building my business on the side before I needed it. Networking. Reaching out to people. Telling potential clients what I was thinking about.
That's truly how you begin. Just start having conversations.
It's less about the money cushion and more about the money potential
Savings help, of course. But what I really wish I'd had was money potential. Maybe one side client. A simple system for reaching out to new people and meeting new people. A pipeline, not just a safety net.
Your network is your first client list
I got my first clients by reaching out to my entire network. I've been lucky to work with some incredible people over my career, and I've kept good relationships. I left most places on good terms, so people wanted to work with me again.
If you're still in your role, this is your sign to take care of those relationships. They matter more than you think.
Learn how you work best
Nobody tells you when to be online anymore. I had to learn to trust myself, and figure out how and when I like to work. I'm very self motivated, so this has been a good thing for me.
If that's not you, you can absolutely still run a business. You'll just need a few extra systems to hold yourself accountable.
You may never feel ready
In a perfect world, you'd build your business on the side until you're so busy you can leave your full time job. I've even heard of people who left their corporate role and took that company on as a client, as a contractor.
But that's not everyone's situation. Most of us have to fly by the seat of our pants a little, trust ourselves, and trust the process. That's terrifying, and sometimes it's hard.
[CHECK: paste the quote by Chelly here, with her full name for attribution]
There's no perfect time for anything. But there are things you can do to get yourself ready, and the first one is simple: say it out loud. Tell people what you're thinking about doing. That's usually how opportunities start to show up.
Four years in, I'm so glad I didn't wait to feel ready.
Kirsten
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