Your path to success through the power of no.
When smart people who have success in their careers go out on their own, there is a period that follows that can only be described as turbulent. Not always negative turbulence but the swishy-swashy-throw-you-off-your-feet type of turbulence that messes with your head.
You knew it would be different and challenging, but did you really expect doing the same profession employed through a different set of circumstances could be THAT different?
Well it is. And everyone has an opinion about it.
You’ll meet the “OMG! You’ve gone out on your own” people and “Awesome, I’ll capture you for myself” people. There will be the ones who say, “Partner with me for free and we’ll make a go of it”. Then there is your mum saying, “Are you crazy? Are you that good?”.
Most people, I think, expect it to be hard for your day to include writing proposals, following up and even chasing down money. But if you have a good reputation, what you probably don’t expect is a lot of work, the opportunities and chances that are waved under your nose.
This is both tantalising and daunting. I’ve seen so many fabulous people go out on their own and they have so many opportunities thrown in their direction. It is great on the surface and ‘a good problem to have’. It can also be confusing and stressful. Which way to go, which path to follow, and what are the ramifications?
This is a confusing time. Until you’ve nailed your niche (WIP here!), you’ll get asked to do a lot of things. This is great, but here are some things to keep in mind:
- Listen to everything, but don’t go too far off your path. Unless that path has long term prospects, remember you need to pay the rent next year as well.
- Be careful who you align yourself with. Sometimes this will stick, and their competitors won’t touch you.
- Remember you aren’t an employee anymore so the expectations on you are different (9 to 5? Pfft! Sick? Tell someone who cares!). Hold space around you, so you can be proactive in making your work life work for you – isn’t that why you left the corporate job in the first place?
- Consider this piece of gem advice I heard once; your success will be defined by what you say no to, more than what you say yes to.
Starting out on your own is fun, challenging and even sometimes an itch that needs to be scratched. So, go out with your eyes open and remember to say no. Those two little letters might make all the difference.
