In late 2018, I took an opportunity to step out of the corporate world and start a business. Many of my colleagues thought I was either crazy or lucky. I preferred the lucky version. The timing felt right to do my own thing; work with interesting people, doing interesting things with interesting impact. Something more creative and on my terms.
In honour of what I call the “stepping-out/stepping-up” second anniversary, and having had the time to percolate on my new experience, I wanted to share three reflections that I hope will be of value to you if you are considering stepping-out and starting your own business.
1 – People will make up their own story; do it anyway
It didn’t matter what I said about why I was stepping out of the corporate world and starting a business. People made up their own story. Many couldn’t understand why I would walk away from a “prestigious” and “well-paying job” so there must have been another reason. I soon realised it wasn’t about me at all – well-intentioned as it was- people are more focused on themselves. By asking me questions, it was really to better understand themselves: Would they have stepped out? Could they step-out? What would they step out to?
Lots of speculation followed and as someone once said, “what people say about me is none of my business”.
I did take the time to have a narrative that aligned with who I am and what MY story was. If someone was interested, I could articulate my thinking. The exciting part of the conversation wasn’t why I left, but what I was going to do next. At least, it was for me.
So, while people will make up their minds on why you are starting something new, it is lost energy to focus on them; focus on what you are doing.
I didn’t feel that I had to explain my reasons, but we also need to understand that we ARE a brand. And if, like me, you still want to work and contribute, then you need to have a clear understanding that people are curious about your brand. Don’t leave your brand narrative to speculation or worse, to disinterest.
Reflection: Focus less on what people are saying and more on what you want to say and do. Then go out and do it. Less talking and more doing.
2 – Listen to others; then follow your heart
Not everyone liked that I was changing; what I was changing and how I was changing. Not everyone matters. I suggest that family and friends matter the most and I would also suggest you ensure they are across your plans and can support you. Not advice. Support.
Now take their advice if they happen to be lawyers, accountants or something relating to your business or the field you are entering. If they are coaches, social media fiends or know the market segment you are targeting, then take their advice. Everyone else will be well-meaning, but of little use to boot-strapping your business.
And as well-intentioned as family and friends are, I learned that I needed to listen to ME. Mainly my heart and what it was telling me.
Frankly, you are the only one who is going to be getting up EVERY morning, making the calls, setting up the meetings, looking for business, dealing with opportunities and setbacks and the million and one things involved with starting and running a small business. You. Not your family, and not your friends.
Reflection: Listen to what your heart tells you. Follow its lead. Get advice and support; we need to ask for help if for nothing else because it is more EFFICIENT, but tap into your inner wisdom and ask yourself what is the one thing I need to do now? And do it. Then ask it again and do that one thing. Action drives clarity.
3- Not everyone will be a fan; that’s ok.
Shifting gears from one industry to another or one role to another is not easy. Some of my fans and those who support me came along the journey, and some didn’t. And I made new supporters along the way.
For those who supported me, I worked to reach out, stay engaged and shared my new business narrative with them. It helped me do more than just “market” my business; it also helped me to refine my value proposition as well as help inform my supporters that I was available to help. The equivalent of an “open for business” sign.
My supporters already know that I have the right mindset, the skills and the know-how to help them based on my previous experience and track record. They understood that I know how to solve problems, create opportunities, coach and could, therefore, help them. They could also see I knew how to transition from one role to another, from one type of work to another and that my coaching could help them.
I did also find that some people only knew me in one context and were not prepared to get to know me and my skills in another context. You might find the same. I had a choice: I can either try to rebrand in their mind OR leave them for now, concentrate on the work and then come back once there are runs on the board. I chose the latter.
Reflection: Some people are more risk-averse than others and changing their habits to why YOU are a better option than the other consultants/coaches/collaborators they have used previously might take too long or just not be the right fit…for now. Come back later. Clients will always have problems for you to help them solve and people will take coaching when they are ready. Work on being ready for when the timing is right.
Take home lesson?
Many friends have asked me whether I would step-out again, and my answer is YES! Starting a business is not for everyone and starting a consulting business when you are not known as a “consultant” is also not for everyone. For me, I feel compelled to work differently with clients to help them solve and transition through their situations. Whatever they may be.
Staying focused on WHY and WHAT my heart is telling me, keeps me focused on staying the course and not oscillating. Expectations will not always be met, and some of my desires have not been fulfilled. But that’s how I learn. By taking one step at a time and asking what do I need to do next?
x Hala
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