Look before you leap-into building your business machine.
Who hasn’t contemplated owning their own business, right?! I’m pretty sure most people have given it some thought, a few of us a little more than others. Some for legit reasons, and others not so much.
Those of us that have imagined ourselves owning our own business, may be guilty of living a fantasy world complete Facebook posts that show our feet crossed at the end of a lawn chair, as we sit on white sandy beaches sippin foo foo drinks with gorgeous aqua colored ocean pools in the background.
Seek wise counsel.
Talk to people about their green grass and what it took to get it that way, and be sure and ask them what it takes to keep it that way. Ask for as clear cut and honest answers as they’re willing to share. Specificity is King. Share all your current circumstances and responsibilities and ask them for their opinion of your thought process.
Here at the gym, we are totally aware that once the left brain train has left the station and you’re on a mission to conquer the world, it can be just as confusing as being in love. There’s no talking to ya.
Be careful out there. Be awesome and make awesome things!
The difference is that freelancers are networking with clients, whereas startup founders have to rub elbows with industry thought leaders, investors, and their target audience all at the same time.
In a way, freelancers and startup founders are pretty similar: They both follow their passions, answer only to themselves, and want to enjoy a flexible lifestyle. But there often comes a point when freelancing isn’t enough. It’s a great career choice for many people, but before long plenty others begin to wonder how to turn their individual skill sets and their biggest ideas into a full-fledged business.
Here are some of the hardest things that I discovered when making the transition (more than once) from freelancer to startup founder.
1. It Can Be Weird Working With Other People Again
2. Now You’re On The Clock—And On The Hook
3. You Forego Pay Sometimes
4. You Have To Network Differently
5. It Was Still Worth The Switch
I’ve had clients just shoot me an email with the specifics on a project, like the scope and deadline, and more or less leave it at that. Other times I’ve had project managers notify me through tools like Basecamp or Podio. In either case, it was pretty much just one-on-one contact. There was very little collaboration required.
It can be tough transitioning from that situation into building a team—and as a startup founder, I suddenly needed one. There was just no way that I could handle all the responsibilities myself. I needed developers, writers, and salespeople. I had to think about accounting, legal, and social media management. I brought in a cofounder, too.
