Starting a Small Home Business

Re-Inventing Yourself – An Entrepreneur’s Guide For the Current Financial Climate

May 15th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized — Small Home Business Author

In these uncertain economic times, more and more hard-working people are losing their jobs. There are also many more that are hanging onto stressful, unsatisfying careers because they are afraid of change. I was in that same boat. After being in retail management for 20 years, my 40th birthday brought a lot of soul searching, reflecting on my life, and some very tough questions.

My stress level was high because I always gave 100% but was not getting back the same amount from my employer. I was feeling over-worked and under-appreciated. Maybe you are feeling the same way right now. Maybe you are stuck in that same old rut you’ve been in for years because it feels “safe.”

I’m here to tell you it’s o.k. to think about your happiness for once. If you allow yourself to slow down, reflect on your life and ask the most important question you can, “Am I happy with my life so far and if I died tomorrow, will I have fulfilled my dreams?”

Unfortunately, most of us are so wrapped up living our lives that we forget to actually LIVE! An entrepreneur is born whenever someone is tired or frustrated with how their lives are being lived. It sounds scary to chuck it all and start over but sometimes, it is in fact a matter of sanity.

The Three Things You Can Do To Start Over

1. What hobby or pastime do you currently participate in, that can earn you income?

If you like to take long walks with your dog, or just want to get more exercise, then start a dog walking business. If you enjoy making crafts, then try taking them to craft sales and flea markets for extra income.

2. What do you consider yourself an expert in?

If you constantly find yourself telling others how to properly stain a deck, fix a toilet or lay ceramic flooring, then start a small handy-man business on the side. This is one business that relies on word of mouth advertising. We all are looking for a reliable mechanic or painter that we can trust.

3. Don’t announce to everyone your plans at first.

For some reason, that supportive best friend or parent will suddenly turn into a negative entity that will suck the ambition right out of you. They will tell you they just have your best interest at heart but the truth is that they are probably jealous that you are taking control over your future and they didn’t have the guts or mental fortitude to do it first.

It is very hard to leave the security of a regular paycheck and search out something different. I took that giant leap of faith and I don’t regret it at all. In fact, I wonder why I didn’t say, “Enough is enough” a long time ago.

I am involved with marketing on-line and I also recently started my own vending company in Ottawa called “Food For Thought Refreshment Service.” I was once where you might very well be right now in your own life. All I can say is have a little faith in yourself.

Take that first step to re-inventing yourself today. Stop relying on others for your happiness and security.

Visit me and take a tour of my new website right now at http://www.cape-cod-insider.com

It’s never too late to start over. Take that first step, you’ll be glad you did.