Ready to Launch: Is Now the Time for a Transition?

Freedom. Flexibility. Financial Control / Upside. These are some why someone might choose to start a business (in addition to the mission!!). These are all great reasons.

I hate my job! That isn’t necessarily a great answer. If your job no longer exists, ask whether you want to start a business or maybe pivot careers taking on a new role or new industry.

Why do you want this? Get clear on that because your “why” will keep you motivated and centered on what will be a very bumpy ride.

The key to a successful transition is mindset!

Fear Factor

Making a transition unearths fears in all of us. Fear of failure and, for some, fear of success. Making a change takes courage (the antidote to fear) and confidence. Making a change means sitting with risk every day. What is your risk tolerance?

Expect to fail. Entrepreneurship is about failing quickly, iterating, and trying again. Having a growth mindset that sees failure as learning opportunities, something to be valued, is important. Maybe it helps you to think about your worst-case scenarios and potential solutions – play a game of “what if?”. 

Making this transition means adjusting your money mindset. Accepting that you are giving up some level of security. Understanding for most entrepreneurs, making money and taking a salary may take a long time.

You may take the big leap or you may take small steps down this new path. Along either path, sure there are also the nuts-and-bolts – figure out the need you serve, why you or your product is the best solution, test the market, save money, and go learn as much as you can. But getting your mind right is foundational.

What am I doing?

No idea. You are not going to know what you are doing if this is your first business or you are taking on a new career path.

For many women who suffer from imposter syndrome and a belief that they need to have 100% of the qualifications to do a job…that won’t work here. You have to be aware of that negative self-talk and confront it daily and head on. Or, you will think you are never ready.

Building a business means you are doing it all by yourself (or maybe with a Co-Founder). Accounting, marketing, product, sales, and every administrative task in between.

You will need skills you don’t have and will be learning on the fly. You may be used to being good at your job. Entrepreneurship can highlight all of your deficiencies or weaknesses but make it play to your strengths.

Now is a good time to surround yourself with people that have done this or have certain expertise you need. Build a new network but continue to nurture your existing network.

Rewrite the Story

Get rid of the stories in your head about what success looks like. Maybe with this transition you are giving up a big paycheck or a prestigious title – things that often come with social validation. Some of your closest family and friends won’t understand why you would do this or believe in your vision.

You need to redefine what success looks like for you personally and for your business. Remember it always takes longer than you think to build a business. You will likely work more hours and your work/life balance will get messy. But if freedom is success to you, you are on that road to freedom. Or, maybe its personal and professional growth, -- success is continually learning.

It is not a glamorous gig, there aren’t overnight successes even those the media make out to be.

It’s an emotional path, the highs are higher and the lows lower. If you are ready for your next adventure now might be the right time.