10 tips for those who want to leave the corporation and to start a business

In a corporate environment it is now quite popular idea of ​​a second career out of corporation or to start their own business. There was even a whole line of career consulting to help you find yourself and smoothly pass the turn. To open their job is never too late - on the contrary, in the US, according to a recent studyAge and High-Growth Entrepreneurship The MIT, the average age of startups is 42 years, and the fastest-growing companies created by entrepreneurs in 45 years.

For what to prepare, if you decide to radically change the scope and start your own business?

1. Do not rush to throw everything

Do not rush to teach diving or open early development center just because you're tired of sitting in the office. Think about which of the available skills, knowledge, connections can be capitalized. HR can become a career coach, PR-specialist - an expert on

personal brandFinancier - trainer on financial literacy and investment. And suddenly something from what you do in the office can be done in another place and realize their ambitions?

2. Do not think that it is a hobby has become a second career

Often hobby - this is not the way to earn money, but a way to be happy to spend the earned money. You see the difference? Do you need an idea that makes money. And often it turns out that it is less than the original, the more profitable.

3. Check out the idea

Tell it to others. Locate potential customers (optimally, that it was the people who know you as a person with a certain level of expertise that you are going to offer in the market) and talk with them. Find out if there is interest in what you are planning to propose, and if so - by what criteria they choose this type of goods or services. And the most interesting - that will criticize your idea. It is a mine of valuable information.

4. Get ready to deal with the impostor syndrome

Even if you have achieved success and recognition in the corporate career, everything is reset when you go out to the market in a new way. That's what helps in such situations:

• C the first day to gather a collection of reviews and commendations from customers (letters, comments - all handy).
• Include logic: "I'm as excited when starting a new project, accepted the proposal of the leadership position, the company changed. But I managed and handled well. I manage this time. "
• If you still do not have confidence in the expert, share the position of use, which can be obtained by applying your tips. For each level of expertise has its audience.

5. Form a supportive environment

Former colleagues, who think you are very good professionals and are confident that you will succeed. Best friend, who says, "You really are very goal-oriented person. You always achieve what you want. " Family members who can help in different cases - from Looking people with useful suggestions to take on some economic concerns.

6. Learn to distinguish between constructive criticism of cynicism

"How will you do it, then you know, 'and the like. Include internal filter and do not miss the whining, complaining about the complexity and advice "keep a low profile." Download audiobooks on motivation and listen to the traffic jams. Who, if not you?

7. Develop a financial plan

What financial commitments have you got? How you will be able to fulfill them at a time when a new case will not bring more money (and most likely will require investments)?

For serious changes need to prepare in advance. You might also need investment in new skills, equipment, materials, rent. Similarly need investment in promotion. It should not be a surprise to you.

8. Do not forget the business plan

What is the cost to start a business, what other expenses will be required in the next steps? When a business starts to generate the first money? How will it grow? Honestly answer yourself to these questions. They will have to answer more than once, especially if you want to attract investors' money.

How to write a business plan: 6 important points →

9. Work in demo mode

If you figured out what you want to do, do not rush to quit and open company. Take a vacation or do so in their spare time. Put entrepreneur hat and carefully listen to yourself - not too tight? I wonder whether to engage in new business is not in the format of a hobby and regularly, according to plan and with clear deadlines?

10. When the decision is taken, announce it to the world

Make announcement in the public space, tell friends. Now, nowhere to retreat work. And by the way, will be your first customers.

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The most important thing - you have to understand that you have to go through periods of burning idea and doubt. This is what every entrepreneur has to deal. And if you are in a corporate environment to perform their tasks and observe deadlines, if only because you have a manager, but now you need to remember: "Now I am - my new boss."

see also

• 5 simple tips to budding entrepreneurs →
• 7 reasons to talk publicly about their business →
• What I did not know about the success of 25, but I know 50: Business Council →