Many people dream of working for themselves.
They imagine a life of unlimited possibilities set in an environment unencumbered by a boss or the madness of daily cubicle life.
As attractive and rewarding as it can be, being self-employed is also challenging.
Follow these suggestions, and your step into a new life is more likely to be successful.
Fill a need in the marketplace.
We've all heard of products that failed miserably, despite all the advertising behind them.
Why did this occur? Because there was insufficient demand for the product.
Don't assume that what you'd like to do can be profitable.
Consider performing or contracting for some market research if you're not sure.
Develop a business plan.
Among other tasks, a business plan forces you to set goals.
Without goals, you are bound to flounder.
(The business plan also helps you determine the demand and competition for your idea.
) Many colleges and business organizations offer courses in writing a business plan.
Consider signing up.
Be disciplined.
Working from home sounds like a dream situation: Set your own hours, work in your pajamas, and no dealing with a crabby boss.
But there's a rub.
Unless you're really disciplined, it's easy to slough off.
You know what you like to do: Surf the Web.
Check e-mail.
Send text messages.
Post tweets.
Working from home requires that you concentrate on productive tasks during business hours.
You need to develop a routine that keeps you engaged in meaningful activity all the time (or nearly all the time).
Use an agenda whenever possible.
Map out your day based upon the tasks you need to perform.
Budget time for breaks, as well.
You need to step away on occasion, but use those times to check for and return messages.
Market continuously.
Clients won't magically find you; you need to find them.
Sure, you'll use your computer and the Internet to stay in touch and send out your files, but a lot of your early success comes from face-to-face meetings.
Don't stop just because you've landed a few clients.
You will lose clients over time.
Make sure you are able to replace them.
Some suggestions include: Seek out networking opportunities.
Chambers of commerce and business organizations hold regular networking events.
Better yet, join one or more of these organizations.
Get involved so you can enrich your knowledge and enhance your visibility within the group.
Join a service club such as Rotary, Kiwanis, or Lions.
While these aren't networking groups, members tend to turn to each other when they have a need.
In addition, you'll get noticed as you participate in their many events.
You'll also feel good about helping others.
Other marketing can include mailings, a newsletter or ezine, seminars, blog column and Web site...
the list is almost endless.
Pick several you are comfortable with, and do them regularly.
Have some clients to start with.
Jumping into the freelance world "cold," as I did, is the hardest and most nerve-wracking.
If possible, bring some clients with you from your existing position.
Be careful, though, about violating any non-compete agreements.
Plus, business ethics dictate that you not merely steal clients.
Talk with your current manager about clients that you could take with you.
Make sure you leave on good terms.
The boss you once had could turn into a referral or client under the right circumstances.
However, if you burn your bridge, your prospects and clients may hear about it.
Even in difficult job situations, put in a two-week notice, and work hard until the end.
Then you can leave with your head held high and your professional reputation intact.
Have enough money in the bank.
Experts recommend always having three to six months' worth of income in the bank.
I recommend you consider the high end.
It'll take awhile to get yourself established and working.
And even then, you can expect to wait anywhere from one to perhaps three months from the completion of a project to receive payment.
Live on a tight budget.
As noted above, the income will be slow to arrive initially.
Cut out unnecessary expenses until you're established and you know revenue is coming in regularly.
Have patience.
Good wines and cheeses take time to develop fully.
So will your business.
Work hard, develop a good reputation, and eventually the work load will increase.
Remain optimistic.
Remind yourself daily why you struck out on your own.
The freedom to do exactly what you want to do, under your terms, can be very inspiring.
It takes a lot of work to get going, and some days will be really challenging.
But if you maintain the right attitude, and incorporate some fun in your work life, you will enjoy your new life.
And be successful at it.