Great Tips for Self-Employment

This morning during my blog travels to friends spaces, Laura Young had some reminders and suggestions for those who are presently self-employed or contemplating this career choice.

Top 10 Things I Had to Learn on the Road to Full-Time Self-Employment

As we wind down the year, I know many of you are considering your career directions and setting some resolutions to launch your own ventures in 2007. Allow me to give you some food for thought from the other side of that transition. Going from over a decade of salaried work in a licensed profession where I had a clear role and status to full-time self-employment in a profession that is a bit like the Wild West was not without it's challenges. If you are an entrepreneur or considering making the leap, here are a few tips I can offer you from my own insights and dope slaps along the way.

1. Admit it when you need help and then ask for it. Pay for it if you have to. Stubborn independence is not an asset when you are stuck.

2. Accept help and support without worrying that people will think you less of you if you aren't a 100% Self-Made Success. There is no such thing as a successful person who was not given help along the way.

3. Don't overplan. Once you start moving, new energy, new people and new opportunities always show up. You may even discover talents that were previously dormant. Leave some room for synchronicity.

4. Develop work habits that bring out your best. It may take a while to shed old habits and the remnants of burn out. Be patient and persistent with yourself and make sure you don't just substitute one stressful job for another. Experiment with what work flow is best for you.

5. You don't have to catch every ball thrown at you. If you are working from home, it does not mean your schedule is free and that you are on call to fill everyone else's needs. Know the difference between a business and a hobby.

6. Take a look around you once in a while. One's environment is a very strong, clear reflection of your overall life balance. Mix business and pleasure. Your work should support and energize you, not drain and consume you. Not sure if you are balanced? Look around you and take note of areas that are being neglected and make a plan to handle them.

7. Just because you are good at something doesn't mean you ever really enjoyed it. It's natural to gravitate toward our strongest skills, but they may just be overworked muscles. No one likes feeling incompetent, but if there are skills and talents you would like to explore, make it a priority to devote time to developing them.

8. Don't let small stuff serve as a distraction, you will fool no one. We are always making choices, and what we choose to tolerate are the most powerful choices we make in determining how high we will reach in life. Handle the little stuff and be a good gate keeper before clutter accumulates. You may feel like you are busy but is it with the right stuff? If you were on trial for running your business, would you be convicted?

9. You won't do it exactly like anyone else. Don't assume that all the experts know the secrets to your success. Study good models but listen to your gut.

10. Take care of yourself, you are your greatest asset. People are attracted by the person, not the message. You will succeed when you walk the talk because a powerful life is the greatest attractor.

Need help moving from insight to integration and implementation of these concepts? Visit Wellspring Coaching.