The New Entrepreneur!
There is a profound change coursing through our cosmos, our world, and our very beings in these times. Although not under the radar of the mainstream media, change and reinvention are occurring throughout governments, corporations, small businesses, communities, families, and even in our individual daily practices. Business as usual is out- Innovation, collaboration, and evolutionary impacts are in!
THE “JOB” is OBSOLETE
Nearly 10 years ago, one of my mentors, William Bridges, International Change Consultant, introduced the then, ground-breaking concept of You and Co., in his best-selling book
Now in 2007, Bridge’s predictions have ripened, with an encouraging emphasis placed on non-linear leadership paradigms, community building, local economic development, and sustainability. The US Bureau of Statistics reveals that by 2010, approximately 40% of the US population will be self-employed or small business owners.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Starting one’s own business may be an attractive career choice, particularly if you are ready and willing to transform a long-held passion into income, run an extra mile (or two) and creatively package your varied resources, abilities, talents, and knowledge. Not for the weak of heart, or for those simply longing for independence and freedom, owning a business is for those who are comfortable with the unknown and risk-taking, have done their research, and possess certain qualities that set them apart.
TEN QUALITIES of the NEW ENTREPRENEUR!
Are you thinking about starting your own business or taking an existing business to the next level? Are you ready to excavate a buried dream? Take a look at my Qualities of the New Entrepreneur and ask yourself if you have what it takes.
1. Passionate and driven to transform dreams and ideas into reality - loves what she does and knows what she stands for. Think about the energy of passion. It is a natural attractor. The New Entrepreneur inspires her customers with a passionate declaration that offers creative solutions to her customers needs.
2. Goal Oriented - has a short- and long-term strategic plan. The New Entrepreneur is FOCUSED (period)
3. Self-Confident and Optimistic - practices the principles of the “Law of Attraction.” In the release of ” (www.thesecret.tv) , we are reminded that every thought vibrates and radiates a signal, thereby attracting a matching signal back. Thoughts come from feelings. The New Entrepreneur puts her attention on the vision/outcome that “feels good”, in order to bring about the desired manifestation.
4. Creates a budget with well-researched operational costs from which she makes realistic financial projections.
5. Maintains work/life balance and asks for support from other “experts.” The time of the lone wolf is over.
6. Realizes the value of partnerships and the necessity of environmental sustainability, and builds these elements into her business plan.
7. Life-long learner - thrives on change and keeps abreast of trends in her industry.
8. Approaches obstacles as opportunities.
9. Committed to and grows through helping others.
10. Creates a business plan and marketing strategies with her coach.
REINVENT YOURSELF: YOU, INC.
In his widely acclaimed book, Awakening the Giant Within, Tony Robbins, the nation’s leading Peak Performance Coach, introduces the three guiding principles to lasting change:
RAISE YOUR STANDARDS: Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. Write down all the things you will no longer accept or tolerate in your life, and all the things that you aspire to becoming.
CHANGE YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS: Our beliefs are like unquestioned commands, telling us how things are, what’s possible and what’s impossible, what we can and can not do. They shape every action, every thought, and every feeling that we experience. As a result, changing our belief systems is central to making any real and lasting change in our lives. We must develop a sense of certainty that we can and will meet the new standards before we actually do.
CHANGE YOUR STRATEGY: In order to keep your commitment, you need the best strategies for achieving results. If you have set a higher standard, and you can get yourself to believe, then you certainly can figure out the strategies. You simply will find a way. The best strategy in almost any case is to find a role-model, someone who’s already getting the results you want, and then tap into their knowledge.
SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Start thinking of yourself as a business, now! How will you position your product, service, skills, and knowledge? Assess what you truly value. Translate these values into offerings.
Ask yourself: How can I help? How can I make a difference? Whether you are currently employed full-time, in career transition, planning to start your own business, buy a franchise, offer seminars or other consulting services, your skills and talents are a product or service to be offered and received.
Create a business that reflects your passion and represents your values. Give of yourself and the rewards will follow.
There are over 80 new start-ups born each day. 79 of them are unprepared. Entrepreneur Magazine Best Businesses to launch in 2007 include:
Specialty Food Businesses (Wine, Chocolate, Organic Foods, Dessert Restaurants,) Alternative Energy and Green Products, Specialty Apparel, Senior Transition Services, Virtual Economies, Nanotechnology, Media Storage, Baby-Boomer Career Counseling and Financial Planning, Teen Party Planning (by and for teens), Kid’s Businesses and Home Parties.
ABOUT the Author
Sheryl R. Sever (Shera) is an organizational consultant and business coach. A passionate, small business advocate, she writes and speaks regularly on business development, career transition, leadership, change and innovation in the workplace.
Shera has been developing and leading communications and leadership seminars and workshops for over 15 years and has trained and coached corporate, educational, and organizational leaders and solo professionals from over 40 countries on 4 different continents.
She has served on the faculty of the Creative Work/Life Transitions Program at San Francisco State University, and as a Life Directions Coach with Peak Potentials Training. In collaboration with the Jewish Vocational Services in San Francisco, her Career Development Training for Employment Specialists won a national award for “Most Innovative Curriculum”. She currently is the Business Trainer for C.E.O. Women’s Entrepreneurship award-winning training program for immigrant and refugee women.
For more information visit http://www.sherylsever.com
Tags: career transition, entrepreneurship, small business, solo professionals
