15 Tips to making the Transition from Employee to Business Owner

There are 15 tips I would like to share regarding the transition from being an employee to being a business owner. The tips will be shared as a 3-part series posting 5 tips over the next 3 weeks. So lets get started….

1. Create a transition plan – This plan will be your guide to moving from an employee to being a business owner. It is your road map to decreasing your full-time to part-time to CEO. As you increase your business you will decrease your employment and this plan will be your road map to getting there. The transition plan will be a very close partner to your business plan but will focus more on how you will handle the transition.
2. Make your travel time inspiring – As you travel to/from work listen to inspiring/motivation CD’s or MP3’s in your car. Speakers like John Maxwell and Dan Miller who will inspire your, motivate you and keep you focused.
3. Utilize Internet-based tools in your business – By using tools such as web-based email, project managment software (i.e. Basecamp), and Toodleto (web-based to do list) will allow you to access your business information anywhere. If your at work, lunch or break you can keep an eye on your business while away from office.
4. Use a cell phone as your business line – Having a cell phone allows you to be accessible throughout the day to your clients. While you may not be able to take every call you are able to make call backs more quickly and during breaks or lunch you can make any necessary business calls.
5. Get an accountabilty partner – Have someone you can trust that believes in what your doing to help you keep focused. This is someone like a business coach, a best friend or family member who is willing to ask you about your business and the progress your making. This someone will also help keep your spirits up when you get down.

These tips have helped me in making the transition to business owner. I still work full-time while starting my VA (Virtual Assistance) practice, the transition is both exciting and challenging at the same which is why these tips are important.

If your also making this transition please share your tips and ideas.