You Need to Know the 3 Steps to a Stress-free Business Launch

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3 Steps to a Stress-free Business Launch

3 Steps to a Stress-Free Business Launch

Dexter and I had a fun today discussing the 3 steps to a stress-free business launch. It is a topic that we love to discuss with budding entrepreneurs. Therefore, if you are thinking about quitting your 9-5 job and leaving that bad boss behind, listen to this episode of My Biz Dream Team Opportunity Wednesday Training Series before you break out of those of chains.

 You will quickly realize that the issues that we discuss in this podcast episode are not about business.

Instead, we are talking about life. We are discussing how you need to order your life before and after you make that leap into the world of entrepreneurship.

Realize that everyone is not going to be happy with your decision to leave your 9-5 job behind. There will be people who are jealous, because they wish they had the guts to break out from the mundane job they have.

There will be others who think that you are a fool for giving up the security of a regular pay check.  They will be looking at you. Perhaps wishing that you fail. That is the reality of life.

You will be joining the more than 500,000 small businesses that are started each month. By tuning into our podcast, you find valuable information that will help you become one the successful new business owners. For more information on planning and launching your new business check out the business guides at the Small Business Administration.

Now, you are ready to take a moment to consider the 3 steps to a stress-free business launch!

3 Steps to a Stress-free Business Launch

1. Build-up Your Financial Reserves

If you want a stress-free business launch, then make sure you have financial reserves before you resign. You will probably want emergency reserves for your business and your personal life. As you launch your business, you do not want to be worrying about how you are going to pay your bills. You will have enough on your mind without the additional stress of worrying about whether you can afford to pay the mortgage and buy groceries.

2. Gain Family Support

The second step for a stress-free business launch is to make sure that your family supports this decision. Dexter and I have known entrepreneurs who did not have spousal support.  It is not a good situation. The lack of support can range from no interest in the endeavor to hostility to the endeavor. Neither situation is good.  Therefore, we recommend that before you resign that you discuss your plans with your family. Let them know of your dream for your business and your life. Hopefully they will buy into your vision and give you the support that you will need.

3. Take Time for Yourself

The third step for a stress-free business launch is to take time for yourself to reflect on this new phase of your life. Once you have decided to break out the chains of your 9-5 job and launch your business, be sure to schedule time for yourself.

Yes, you are excited about your new business!  But you cannot work all the time. Make sure to schedule time for a walk or a work out. Take a few days off.

You do not want to work all day long. Click here to read: Finding Time for Yourself: “Me” Time

Remember that you are building a business, not a job!  At some point you will want to add team members who can help you reach the business and financial goals that you have set. To find out more about building your team check out: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Business Dream Team.

 Conclusion

Are you ready to break out of the chains of your 9-5 job? Are you ready to create the business and life of your dreams? then follow these 3 steps for a stress-free business launch.

1. Build Financial Reserves

2. Gain Family Support

3. Take Time for Yourself

 At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to break out of the chains of your 9-5 job and build an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your financial goals.

If you have already left your 9-5 job and are building a business, check out The Podcasting Power Playbook, to help you increase your visibility, credibility, and authority status.  Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love. Act today!

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing you results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

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This is What Happens When You Leave your 9-5 Job

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Leaving Your 9-5 Job

This is What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job

This is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job. You execute the plan that you have spent weeks preparing. You decide whether you are going to (1) quit your job completely within the month or (2) phase out your job in stages, setting up your business on a part-time basis.  This episode of My Biz Dream Team:  Opportunity Wednesday Training Series will tell you all about you can expect when you leave your 9-5 job. This episode concludes a 4 part series that provides you with a systematic approach to leave your 9-5 job and begin your entrepreneur dream.

We have included a checklist to support this episode: What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 for Your Entrepreneur Dream?  Click here to get your checklist.

Below is an excerpt from the checklist.

Plan for Growth

         I am ready TO ACT and get started—today!

        I have identified my key:

                Milestones

                Goals

        I know how much I need to:

                Cover my expenses

                Invest back into my business

                Make a profit

        I have determined what software, tools and services I need

        I understand I will have challenges but I am ready to meet them with a positive, proactive attitude

        I have a plan and a roadmap that will help me deal with issues like discouragement or challenges

        I have set up and planned a rock-solid foundation for my business, with everything set up in place

        I have planned for growth and expansion to the best of my ability and research right now.

Develop Consistency

        I am cultivating the habit of ACTING every day

        I am avoiding the traps of:

                Perfectionism

                Procrastination

        I am taking my planned steps—one after the other

        I understand that being fearless is not a feeling, but a decision

        I understand that consistency in my business practices and habits is vital to success

        I understand I need also to have:

                A list-building plan

                A social media plan

                A content plan

                An outsourcing and automation plan

Develop a Sales Funnel

        I am planning an entire, cohesive sales funnel rather than just one offer or package

        I am tailoring that sales funnel to the steps my ideal client or customer is going to need to take after each offer

Use Automation to Reach Goals

        I am using automation to create consistency in my practices, speed them up and ensure that tasks are performed efficiently

        I am semi-automating my content and offerings to ensure they are of top quality and consistency

        I am automating tasks and functions that do not depend directly on my personal involvement

        I have determined:

                What to automate

                Which system, method or tool to use

        I have listed the functions I may need automated, and properly researched the best choice in automation options.

Build a Powerful Team

        I am planning for outsourcing in my business

                Immediately

                In the future

                Task by task—starting soon

        I am planning one day to have a powerful team that can function well in my absence.

Conclusion/Call to Action

This is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job. You begin to build a viable and sustainable business. You begin a strategic pathway to entrepreneurial success. You begin to live the life of your dreams. By following a few strategic steps, this is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job, you will:

• Plan for Growth
• Develop Consistency
• Develop a Sales Funnel
• Use Automation to Reach to Goals
• Build a Powerful Team

Leave us a comment to let us know if you are ready TO ACT and leave your 9-5 job.

I am Pamela Montgomery, the attorney, author, and entrepreneur who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

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A Powerful Approach for a Practical Business Start-up

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A Powerful Approach for A Practical Business Start-up

A Powerful Approach for a Practical Business Start-up

A powerful approach for a practical business start-up begins with brainstorming a few crucial questions that will launch your business on a solid foundation with a sound business plan.  This episode of My Biz Dream Team:  Opportunity Wednesday Training Series, discusses this powerful approach for a practical business start-up.

Begin brainstorming by asking yourself these key questions:

Are you building quality into your business set-up?

Sometimes it is easy as a new entrepreneur to justify using free products and services because, “I am just beginning.” But it is a trap for the unwary. You may very well find yourself caught in a mess of disorganization and chaos because you choose the cheapest option available. If you want a business that will survive and grow, begin by building quality into the DNA of the business. Make sure that you have a presence on the internet that you own and control. Yes, that means buying a domain name and paying for hosting. They money that you spend up front will be well worth it over time.

If you want a business that will survive and grow, begin by building quality into the DNA of the business. #entrepreneurship

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How will you attract your ideal client?

As you brainstorm about the business that you will launch, carefully consider: (1) who is your ideal client and (2) how will you attract your ideal client.  Are your clients located in your local community, globally, online or off-line?

It is necessary to go beyond demographics and to think about the psychographics of the clients you want to buy your goods and services. What kinds of problems do they have? How can you help them solve those problems? When pondering these questions, think about what your ideal client is looking for help with. Then consider how you can teach her or do a task for her.

You need to also consider the kind of learner she is. Is she a kinesthetic, visual, or oral learner? You may need a mix of learning modalities to reach your ideal client.

What is the perfect business model for you?

After considering your entrepreneurial personality type, think about the type of business model that works best for you. Do you want to deal one-on-one with clients on a daily business?  Do you prefer to work with clients in a group setting?  Will you provide clients with products and services that they can use without your direct involvement? If you plan to be a coach or consultant of any kind, you may want to consider a combination of

(1) one-on-one consulting;

(2) special VIP events; and

(3) information products that produce passive income. 

You may find that too much of one type of product or services may overtax your abilities to provide high-quality.

Conclusion/Call to Action

This article has presented you with a powerful approach for a practical business start-up that will result in you launching your business on a solid foundation with a sound business plan. So are you ready to leave your 9-5 job?  

Remember to brainstorm the following ideas:

• How will you attract your ideal client?
• Are you building quality into your business start-up?
• What is the perfect business model for you?

Leave us a comment to let us know if we can help you with your business startup. 

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life! 

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Finding the Highest Best Purpose for Your Life

Finding the Highest Best Purpose for Your Life

Finding the Highest Best Purpose for Your Life

Finding the highest best purpose for your life sounds like a daunting task. Why would you even bother? Because you may be one of those persons who has dutifully done everything that you were told to do. You got good grades, a good education, and a good job. But now you feel like you are “living for the weekend.”  

Where is the satisfaction, passion, and fun in your life and career?

I felt that way after many years working in a job that no longer challenged me or gave me joy. I had stayed there too long.

Like me, you may be thinking about leaving your 9-5 job. You may wonder “what do I do next.”  This article will discuss the first step that you can take that will lead you to finding the highest purpose for your life.

Imagine If…

Start by brainstorming what you would love to do, if money were no object. You have enough money to cover your expenses and some left over for fun. This is a list of possibilities. Do not filter yourself.  

How would you spend your days, if you had the freedom to spend your days any way you wanted to?

Would you:

• Shop?
• Paint glorious watercolors?
•  Go back to college and earn a degree in art history?
• Travel the world?
• Rescue animals?
• Work with abused women?
• Plant a garden?

If you get stuck, think about what you do on weekends and holidays. Nearly everyone looks forward to relaxing and enjoying their favorite activities after the workweek is done. What are the activities you most enjoy?

The purpose of this exercise is not to make a realistic list of business opportunities, but rather to make a list of possibilities, so do not censor yourself. Write down whatever pops into your head without considering if you can make money with it, whether you will love it forever, or even if you have the skills or talent for it.

That is, after all, what brainstorming is all about. Unfiltered ideas. We will sort them out later.

Conclusion/Call to Action

Take this exercise seriously. This is the first step to finding your highest best purpose for your life. During the next few days, I will share with you a few other actions that you can take to help bring you clarity about your purpose. 

Leave us comment.

I am Pamela Montgomery, the attorney, author, speaker, and online business strategist who delivers result-oriented solutions to entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors!

Pamela Montgomery

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What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job: The Best Steps for a Solid Foundation

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What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job

What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job: The Best Steps for a Solid Foundation

What happens when you leave your 9-5 job? It can be scary and overwhelming to think about leaving your job. But with the right mindset and a smart plan, it does not have to be. In this podcast and article, we give you a 3- step process that will help you build a solid business foundation. Following this process will give you a better idea of what happens when you leave your 9-5 job.

Step 1: Does Your Business Idea Excite You?

Does your business idea excite you? Is it something that you will eagerly jump out of the bed and commit to doing for the next year? Your business idea does not have to be a grand passion. But you do need to have a feeling of anticipation and a thrill for trying this new challenge. If your business idea does not excite you, go back to the drawing board!

Step 2: Does Your Personality Mesh with Your Business Idea?

 Being an entrepreneur is more than being someone who is an expert in a skill or topic. You must be someone who does several things to significantly impact your client.

For example, will you:

·     Transform and clarify your clients’ understanding of something they are currently doing

·     Help clients’ see the “why” behind the “how”

·     Share your clients’ excitement over their success.

Whatever you decide to offer your clients must be aligned with your core beliefs and personal values. Does your business idea allow you to be authentic?

You must believe that your solution to your clients’ problems will make the world a better place. Because you are the perfect person to supply the solution to their problems!

To help you understand your entrepreneurial personality, take this quick assessment from Harvard Business Review: “Assessment: Identify Your Entrepreneurial Personality Type.”

Step 3: Is this the Right time to Launch Your Business?

Timing is always a tricky question. You wonder whether you should you quit your 9-5 job now or ease into your business gradually.  Dexter and I started our business while working full-time. That worked for us. You should make an individualized assessment of your situation.  Then you can decide whether to quit now or to ease into your business gradually.

Here are a few issues to consider:

·     Is there a paying market for your business idea?  If you and your brother are the only two people interested in this idea, you may want to find something else.

·     Do you have adequate start-up capital? You do not need a million dollars in your bank account. Countless numbers of entrepreneurs have started a business on a shoestring out of their garage or dorm room. It does help to have some savings and budget that you plan to follow.

·     Is your niche narrow enough?  Remember you want some competition, but not too much. If “weight loss” is your niche, it is probably too big. But if you target “vegans” that specific small segment you probably can serve.

·     Is your business idea one that is sustainable and scalable? For example, once you teach them how to solve one small problem, are there issues that you can teach them? Is there a next step? Can you create multiple products and services?

·     Have you done your research? Make sure to check on Amazon for any books on your specific topic. Look in grocery stores to see if there are magazines on the subject. What are the leaders in your niche doing to serve their clients?

·     Do you have any clients lined up? It would be fabulous if you had a waiting list for your products or services.

·     Have you tested your idea? Perhaps you want to share your new products or services with special group of “beta” testers. Perhaps for a reduced fee, they can give you feedback.

·     Do you already have credentials or experience that instantly qualifies you as an expert? Are you already doing it or teaching it already? Do you have a strong network of connections?

Take your time to think through these issues. Do not act impulsively. Really dig deep and then decide.

Leaving you 9-5 job can be an exhilarating time in your life.  It is the first step in achieving your goal of creating the life of your dreams.

Conclusion/Call to Action

 What happens when you leave your 9-5 job? With the right plan and a strong mindset you can deal with the feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. This article sets forth a 3-step process to help you build a solid business foundation.

Step 1: Does your business idea excite you.

Step 2: Does your personality mesh with your business idea?

Step 3: Is this the right time to launch your business?

Let us know if you are ready to leave your 9-5 job. Contact us to help you develop a plan to launch your business idea and put you on the strategic pathway to success.

I am Pamela Montgomery, an attorney, author, and online business strategist working with entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors as they create the life of their dreams and achieve uncommon results!

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Leaving Your 9-5 Job: 3 Steps for a Stress-Free Business Launch

Leaving Your 9-5 Job

Leaving Your 9-5 Job: 3 Steps for a Stress-Free Business Launch

Leaving your 9-5 job can be exciting. But sometimes it can be stressful. We understand your desire to work from home. We understand that you want freedom from your awful boss, nasty coworkers, and the limitations of a fixed salary. You are ready for the independence that comes from doing your own thing!

But if you are trading all that in for a different kind of stress, what have you really gained? Before you kiss your cubicle goodbye, be sure you first build a solid foundation. Before leaving your 9-5 job follow these 3 steps for a stress-free business launch:

·      Building a financial safety net

·      Gaining support from your family

·      Understanding the importance of taking time for YOU

Building a Financial Safety Net

Nothing causes stress us quite like worrying about money. Leaving your 9-5 job can be an opportunity for stress. Whether you are concerned about those college tuition bills you will be facing in a few years, or worse, not sure how you are going to make the mortgage payment, it is easy to lose your business mojo. As a new business owner, you certainly do not want money trouble casting a shadow over your entrepreneurial dream.

Before you turn in your resignation, set aside some cash in case of a rainy day. Aim for at least three months of living expenses, but more is better. Hopefully you will not need it. But having some cash on hand will relieve the pressure of having a new business that is not earning its keep—yet. It may take several months before you come close to replacing your salary. Having a financial safety net will make it easier for you to stay on track with your new business.

Receiving Support from Your Family

Money troubles are bad, but there may be one thing that is worse: an unsupportive (or downright hostile) spouse. And as any entrepreneur will tell you, not everyone understands the drive to be a business owner. In fact, most people find it scary to step away from that regular paycheck to chase after a dream.

If that sounds like your husband (or wife) do not take it personally. They are not making a statement about your ability. More than likely, they are just worried about what the future holds. Do your best to understand there point of view. Be sure to clearly explain your ideas, why you are confident it will work, and how you plan to cover the start- up expenses and manage the risk.

If he or she is still not on board, consider starting slow, with a part-time business while still working your day job. That will give you the opportunity to prove your idea is workable, and might just help your spouse get as excited about it as you are.

Dexter and I started our business while we were both working. I retired from my job to become a full-time entrepreneur. Because we own the business together, we support each other’s entrepreneurial dream.

Understanding the Importance of Taking “Me” Time

Understanding the importance of taking time for yourself is a key part of your solid foundation.  No matter what is going on with your money, your spouse or your business, you need to be sure to schedule some “me” time. No one can work all the time, regardless of how driven you are. You especially need to remember that no one can stay healthy while maintaining a nonstop schedule. Go for a walk, hit the gym, get a pedicure, or just binge on your favorite television show. The point is simply to take time away from your desk to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Without it, you will soon find yourself overwhelmed and stressed, even if you truly love your new business.

Conclusion/Call to Action

Leaving your 9-5 job to start a business can be stressful. But with a solid foundation you can have a stress-free launch. This article outlines 3 steps for a successful, stress-free business launch. They are:

1.   Building a Financial Safety Net

2.   Gaining Support from Your Family

3.   Understanding the Importance of Taking “Me” Time

My following these 3 steps you are well on the way to launching a stress-free business.

Leave us a comment on our website to let us know if you are finally ready for leaving your 9-5 job.

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Work from Home: 3 Tips for Creating a Business Not a Job

Work from Home

Work from Home: 3 Tips for Creating a Business Not a Job

Are you ready to work from home? Are you ready to leave your 9-5 job? Many people dream of working for themselves, being their own boss, and having the freedom to take on clients and projects they love. This dream continues even in the face of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that the self-employment rate has trended downward over the past two decades. According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1994, “the self-employment rate was 12.1 percent; by 2015, the rate had declined to 10.1 percent. From 1994 to 2015, the unincorporated self-employment rate fell from 8.7 percent to 6.4 percent.”

What you may not realize, though, is that there is a huge difference between building a business and being self-employed.

Business owners scale their income. Self-employed people trade dollars for hours. I know several dentists, doctors, lawyers, and technicians who are self-employed. Don't you? If the lawyer is sick and out the office, the work does not get done.

Business owners leverage the skills and talents of others. They have staff who work for them. The staff can be employees or contractors.

Self-employed people rely on their own skills. If you are the only person in your “business,” then you are self-employed.

Are you discouraged yet? Don't be. Every business owner started out self-employed. Just do not stay there. When you work from home, these three tips will help you build a sustainable business instead of another job.

1. Do Not Try to Do it All Yourself

Building a sustainable business requires that you leverage the talents and time of others. While it might seem cost-effective to simply do everything yourself–especially in the start-up phase when you likely have more time than money–it is the path to burnout and stress.

Instead separate your tasks into those that you love and are especially suited for (for example, marketing) and those that you dislike or not great at. Then make a solid plan to get those tasks that you dislike or are not great at doing off of your plate. If you think that you cannot afford to outsource it all right now, start with what you tend to procrastinate doing, even if it is just a few hours each month.

For more information on building a business team, listen to our podcast and read our blog post: Building a Great Business Team.

2. Do Not Allow Yourself to Work All the Time

The trouble with working at home is that you live at work. That means that there is no clear line between your work day and home life. Initially, I found myself caught in a never-ending cycle of work. But I quickly learned that was not a recipe for success.

Since there is always work to do, it is easy to find yourself working every available moment–often to the detriment of your family relationships. You can avoid this situation by:

• Setting and maintaining clear work hours
• Having an office with a door you can close when you are done
• Scheduling time for family and other activities
• Taking time for yourself

It is so important to find time everyday to reflect and focus on what is truly important. As stated by Kevin Kruse, author of 15 Secrets Successful People Know About, Secret #1 is “Time is your most valuable and scarcest resource.” Use some of that time for yourself. That is not being selfish. To find out more about taking time for yourself, read our blog post, Finding Time for Yourself:  “Me” Time

3. Take Time to Relax, Refresh, and Renew Yourself!

Do not create a business that requires you to be “in the office” every day. At the start, you may need to be available more, but you should plan for the day when you can be “off the grid” for extended periods of time.

• Have trusted contractors who can handle things when you are away
• Leverage automation tools such as autoresponders and auto-webinar systems
• Create repeatable systems so that you are not always re-inventing the wheel

While you may not be able to hit the road with no internet access for weeks at a time, at the very least you should be able to reduce your workload to a daily check-in.

 Sound impossible? It is not. with some forethought and planning, you can create a team, and systems they need, to successfully run your business without becoming overwhelmed and overworked. To find out more about the importance of creating systems and delegating to others read your blog post, Delegate to Your Business Dream Team to Multiply Your Success.

Conclusion/Call to Action

Make sure that when you leave your 9-5 job to work from home, that you have not created another job for yourself. By following these three tips you will be on your way to leveraging the efforts of others to create a business that you can scale and enjoy.

1. Do not try to do everything yourself
2. Do not allow yourself to work all the time
3. Take time to relax, refresh, and renew!

We would love the opportunity to work with you to help you create the business and lifestyle of your dreams. Are you ready to leave your 9-5 job? Are you ready to work from home? If so, give us 6 weeks to show you how to build and grow your online business. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™

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