If you are one of the many professionals still trapped between jobs by
circumstances outside your control, or are about to dump the loser job
you have now, or you just past out of Youth service, you should be
actively defining and starting your own business, in parallel with
looking for that ideal job. Let me explain why this is a win-win deal,
no matter what the outcome.
You have probably secretly always
wanted to run your own show, but with an existing job, never took the
time to consider a startup. Then there was always the risk of failure,
which of course doesn’t apply once your real job is gone. Also, for most
of us, not having done it before, we have no idea where or how to
start.
Here are my top recommendations on how and why initiating a
startup while looking, or about to be looking for a job is the right
thing to do:
No gap in your resume. Instead of an
embarrassing gap in your resume for your period out of work, you have an
entry for your startup business, showing initiative, leadership, and
breadth of experience.
Fun learning experience. It’s more
fun tackling the challenges of a startup in between job search
activities, than sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and waiting
for status callbacks on interviews (which seem to have gone out of
style).
Explore finding a partner. Unless you are a true
loner, you need someone like-minded but complementary in skills to help
you with the startup plans. It’s always good to have someone to test
your ideas, keep your spirits up, and hone your business skills. Now you
have a reason for talking to people who may become lifelong friends.
Learn how to incorporate a business.
First, pick a name for your company and do the paperwork on starting a
Limited Liability Company (LLC). Almost anyone can handle this without
professional help, and the cost is less than N10, 000 in many states. It
shows everyone you are serious, and limits your liability on any
mistakes.
Practice developing a business plan. Pick a
startup business that you can do for minimal cost, like a services
business with the skills you have. With simple software available today,
find a domain name and implement your own website. Use social
networking and blogging to get your message out. You don’t even need an
investor.
Get business cards made. Nothing says you are
serious about a business like handing out professional business cards at
local events and business meetings. You can design them yourslf on your
computer or hire someone to do it for you. Offer to help a couple of
customers free, just to get your act together and your presence known.
Have startup efforts to highlight in job interviews.
Work your startup efforts into every job interview and application. It
will definitely show off your energy and vision, and will make you a
more competitive candidate for any role.
Give yourself a choice – job or your own business.
Obviously, at some point you will need to decide whether your startup
business is better than the job opportunities. That’s good because it’s
always nice to have an alternative, rather than feeling that you just
have to take the first dead-end job offered.
There are
organizations springing up like RicherLife Business Academy, to mentor
people out of work and contemplating a startup. Get some help from them
if you need it. Just remember that problems are really just
opportunities in disguise. Don’t miss out on what may be the best
opportunity you will have in your lifetime for a new career. Start up
now.
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