That's a very important question for anyone who's looking for work (and considering striking out on their own), as well as for any small business owner / entrepreneur looking to expand. And lately that's been a lot of people..
Our current economic environment has claimed a ton of jobs. And because I've built a career out of networking, I've had a lot of people come to me looking for advice, connections, jobs, brainstorming, etc. Many times people have struggled (are struggling) to find a salaried position paying anywhere near their former salary, and they'll invariably gravitate towards providing a service on their own.
I'm good at building websites; I can do that for other people.
I can fix up properties for banks so the homes are in sale-ready condition. (hauling trash & debris, painting, etc.)
I've worked so hard on my diet-exercise-nutrition; I can be a personal coach for others.
I'll get my real estate or insurance license.
These are all workable ideas, but they all come back to the same question: "Where will your business come from?"
I have other questions for you, too.
Is this a short-term fix or a new career? I would approach each differently.
Do you need money now, as in today? Or do you have a cushion available to use while you build your business up?
How much money do you need to survive? A little bit on the side to help make ends meet, or a whole bunch because you don't have any coming in?
I haven't found a one-size-fits-all answer, but I seem to always come back to that first question.
The "If's" are easy: If people will pay me X dollars to do Y service, and if I can get Z clients per day/week/month, this'll be perfect.
Unfortunately, those Z clients will be harder to find than you think.
more on this topic to follow...
Your just thinking out loud Realtor,
Chris Butterworth
