Go From Employee to Entrepreneur: 4 Tips

BY: Minda Zetlin

Use the skills, industry knowledge, and contacts you have today to set your business up for success.

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Sick of working for someone else? Want to go out on your own as a solopreneur or running a small business, but not sure how to get started? Don't try to make the leap all at once, advises Joanne Cleaver, author of The Career Lattice.

"We think of becoming an entrepreneur as a one-way street," she says. "You 'take the leap'--that's how we talk about it. You leave the staff job and you become an entrepreneur and never go back." She recommends taking a more open-ended approach, and looking at the many ways the staff job you have now can set you up as a successful entrepreneur, as well as the ways having been an entrepreneur can set you up to be successful in case you decide to return to working for someone else.

With that approach in mind, these four steps can bridge the gap between employee and entrepreneur:

1. Decide between using your industry or professional skills.

"Let's say you're an accountant in a healthcare company," Cleaver explains. "Maybe you want to build your business on your accounting skills by opening an accounting firm. Or maybe you want to apply your accounting skills within healthcare because you're really familiar with that industry." For instance, you know that electronic billing is creating big challenges in the health care field. So perhaps you want to open a consultancy to help healthcare companies with electronic billing.

2. Find the trends that are driving your industry.

Like electronic billing in healthcare, every industry faces its own set of challenges and changes. Identifying those trends can tell you where you're likely to find the most success. But what if your job doesn't give you a good view of overall industry issues or future concerns?

"Look at what associations are talking about at conferences," Cleaver says. "If you can't go to conferences, you can still look at the agendas. Read association publications and blogs. Find out who the influencers are in your profession or industry and follow them. Often stock analysts can give you good information about trends if you can see through their temporary hyperventilating about ups and downs." Once you've identified the key issues shaping the future of your industry or profession, set up some news alerts so you start getting a steady stream of information and commentary.

Another way to identify trends is to put your own company under a magnifying glass, she adds. "If you envision yourself having a relationship with your clients similar to what XYZ company has with your employer, dissect that relationship." Take a close look at the current factors that support your company's success (or lack thereof) with that customer, and you can begin to understand how your company is filling industry needs.

3. Find your sweet spot.

Once you understand industry trends, you can get a better idea of what potential clients most need from you. "What do they need right now, what will they need in six to 12 months, and what will they need in 12 months and out in the future?" Cleaver asks. Answers to these questions should help you determine what offerings will likely meet with the most eager reception from your potential clients. "If clients need something now, you have a pretty good chance of turning that into a winning sales pitch," she says.

An equally important question, though is this: What do you want? If the answer is merely that you're sick of your job and want out, that's not necessarily bad, but it's not enough. If you're running away from something rather than toward something, your process will likely stall at this stage, Cleaver says. "I get it, I've been there, but it's not a long term success factor. You have to figure out what you want to do, translate your ambition into a goal."

Once you answer this question, start looking for places where what you want to do intersects with what clients need in the near term. Each of those intersections is potentially your sweet spot--the place where client needs dovetail with your skills and desires to create the potential for a successful business.

4. Work your network.

Now that you know what product or service you want to offer, it's time to use the connections you have for everything they're worth, both to learn about your industry and potentially sign up new clients. "Go ahead and set up an exploratory conversation with someone in procurement," Cleaver says. "If you don't have direct contact with them, you might meet them at a company mixer or connect with them on LinkedIn. Start a conversation and say, 'I'm trying to understand the industry better--do you have 15 minutes for a cup of coffee?'" When you meet, ask your contact to describe the markers of a strong client relationship, and don't settle for platitudes such as 'good service at a good price.'

Keep your eyes open for opportunities that are right in front of you. If you have a good relationship with your company (though not necessarily with your boss) you may be able to use that relationship to land your first client. "Who do you know who can recommend you for things that fall into your sweet spot?" Cleaver asks. "Are they saying that they need extra help now while they bring in a new customer, but won't in six months?" If so, she says, that's an opportunity that you can grab. Tell them you're transitioning from on staff to consultant, so you can take on that extra work during that six-month period. Or, you can double down--stay at your current job, but then work extra hours as a consultant to help with the overflow. "The results will give you your first marketing materials that you can bring to other potential clients," Cleaver says.

SOURCE: www.inc.com

4 Easy Stress Busters

BY: Erik Sherman

You need peace of mind to work efficiently and make smart decisions. Get back some of your sanity--and productivity--with these tips.

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You could say that stress is one of those #firstworldproblems. But if you're an entrepreneur, stress is far more than a hipster hashtag on Twitter. It can be distracting, lower your productivity, affect your leadership, and even damage your health. (The last comes from my own experience years ago of developing pneumonia and shingles simultaneously after a tough time trying to get a consulting business off the ground.)

Author Heidi Grant Halvorson, associate director for the Motivation Science Center at the Columbia University Business School, has a list of sound strategies that can help reduce stress and let you focus on what is important, not what is nibbling at the edges of your peace of mind. Here are four of them. I've translated them from psych talk to regular business English.

1. Stop beating yourself up.

Halvorson talks of having self compassion, but let's get to the real heart of the matter. Entrepreneurs are typically driven people and they often make the mistake of assuming that flogging the horse that has tripped will make things better. It won't. Beating up yourself (or others, for that matter) rests on an assumption that the person who makes a mistake is just lazy or intentionally dense. But no one is perfect, including you. Admit you're human and focus on finding solutions to a problem or developing systems that will shore up where you fall short.

2. Put things into context.

There are all sorts of activities that are time consuming and grinding. Anyone who disagrees should open their email and see how many unexamined or unanswered messages they have. But the proper context can make things more bearable because it helps you remember not just what you're doing, but why you're doing it. When staying late in the day to answer those emails or inputting expenses and invoices into your accounting system, remind yourself that it all goes into building your business. Suddenly what was an annoyance is a lot more important.

3. Use routine to cut unnecessary decisions.

Halvorson points out that the invisible in life--making decisions--can create as much stress as dealing with those emails and accounting systems. It's the mental tension of wrestling among a number of options that tires you. As she writes, "This is why shopping is so exhausting--it's not the horrible concrete floors, it's all that deciding." So use routine to reduce the number of decisions you have to make. For example, President Obama uses routine to make his days less complicated. "'You'll see I wear only gray or blue suits,' he said. 'I'm trying to pare down decisions. I don't want to make decisions about what I'm eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.'"

4. Add when or where to the to-do list.

I recently wrote about the legendary time management tip of prioritized to-do lists. But Halvorson offered a new intriguing variation: adding the location and time at which you'll do things. Apparently, many studies have shown that deciding in advance where and when you'll perform a task--whether working out or returning phone calls--can double to triple the chances that you'll do it. It further reduces the number of decisions you make and sets up your unconscious to look for the opportunity to complete the task. Of course, if you're using prioritized task completion, where the most important one gets done first, this may not always work. So do it when it can, even treating the task as a scheduled appointment.

SOURCE: www.inc.com

Super Charge Your Energy at Work: 10 Ways

BY: Kevin Daum

Feeling tired at work? Forget the triple shot latte and try these 10 tips instead. You'll be raring to go!

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You may have read the stats. Workplace productivity is up and employment is down. That can only mean that fewer people are in the workplace but now they have to work harder and longer. No wonder so many people are always tired and sucking down coffee and energy drinks.

Since there are still only 24 hours in a day you not only have to be more productive, but also maintain high energy and stay happy. Otherwise you'll drag yourself down, end up a miserable, grumpy, scrooge, and take a lot of folks with you on the way.

The demands of work are keeping people so busy these days sometimes they forget the simple things that make them feel energized. Here are some tips to keep your energy soaring that don't require the use of drugs or an unlimited Starbucks card.

1. Start Your Day With a Workout

You would think a big workout would make you tired, but actually getting that blood pumping first thing will keep you going for the day. Don't forget a good breakfast as well, solid fuel to stoke the day's fire.

2. Take a 20-minute Power Nap

Of course you don't want your colleagues to see you sleeping on the job, but studies have shown that a brief power nap can help revitalize you for the whole day. One employer I know actually set up a motorized massage chair in a designated "nap room" for employees and requires they use it for breaks. Check out Inc. columnist Jessica Stillman's power nap primer.

3. Remove All Personal Grudges

All that emotional baggage takes its toll day in and day out. Whether it's anger you feel for a coworker or even someone who is distant from work, the emotions can be distracting and absorb energy. We like to think we can ignore the feelings, but often we just mask them and that takes energy in and of itself. Make a list of your grudges and commit time to reconcile each of them until they are gone. Soon you'll feel like someone added minutes to your clock every day.

4. Take a 15-minute Humor Break

Laughter is a natural energizer. Those endorphins from chuckles are as good for you as a solid workout. Sign up for the joke of the day, or cruise YouTube for some funny videos. Grab some colleagues and have a joke pow-wow. You'll lighten the atmosphere all around, and help everyone feel good about the rest of the day. This is a good one for 2:30 in the afternoon when the classic after lunch doze is coming on.

5. Take a 15-minute Walk

Sometimes we just need to get out. It doesn't matter if the weather is hot, cold or rainy, getting up from that chair and computer can rejuvenate your body and your mind. Leave the smartphone behind as well. Stretch, breathe and take in the outdoors to feel refreshed and awake.

6. Read Something Fun During Lunch

A little escape is good to clear the mind and reset your energy. Short stories are my favorite for lunch breaks. Not only are they entertaining, but finishing one at lunch gives you a sense of completion which helps boost your confidence to get back and fight through the day. Try a classic like Mark Twain or Rudyard Kipling, and you'll feel like you are doing something worthwhile with your time. 

7. Resolve Any Conflicts With Your Boss or Colleagues

Concern over conflict can eat away at your attention and tire you quickly. Don't hold back.  Confront issues head on. If you are open, empathetic, and diplomatic in your approach you may forge a closer bond that will make coming days easier to enjoy. 

8. Do Something Nice For a Colleague

Energy is easily transmitted from person to person. This tip helps on so many levels. It's energizing to think about someone else, the actual act of giving creates a natural high, and of course gratitude provides plenty of energy as well. Try this hat-trick every day for a week and feel the surprising buzz.

9. Call a Good Friend and Chat for 15 Minutes

Nothing perks up my day more than time with a close friend. Whether it's quick catch up, or a chance to vent some of the day's frustrations, this short, fun reconnect will recharge your batteries and give you the support required to battle any tough day. The best part is that you will give your friend the same benefit.

10. Make Sure Your Work Activity is Fulfilling

If you hate what you do then none of my suggestions and no amount of caffeine will energize you enough to grind out depressing workdays continuously. Find a way to get paid doing what you enjoy. No need to make yourself and everyone around you miserable. Life is short and you are entitled to enjoy every day of it.

SOURCE: www.inc.com

Train Yourself to Be an Optimist: 4 Steps

Optimistic people are happier, healthier, more successful, and have longer lives. You can be one of them.

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Some people seem to have a sunny disposition, while others always focus on the darker side of things. Are they just born that way? Yes, to some degree, says Jason Selk, mental coach and author of Executive Toughness. But it may surprise you to learn that you can mentally train yourself to change your outlook on life toward the more upbeat.

"We're born with a range of potential for optimism or mental toughness," Selk says. "Human beings are made up of thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and thoughts control both how we feel and how we behave. We aren't prisoners of those thoughts. We can choose the way we think, and in so doing, choose our entire life experience."

Optimists lead better, longer lives. During the 1960s, Martin Seligman used personality questionnaires to sort Mayo Clinic patients into optimists and pessimists. When he followed up with those patients 30 years later, the optimists were 19% likelier to still be alive. "If you're an optimist, you'll live longer than if you were a pessimist," Selk says. "And you'll be healthier, happier, and more successful during those years."

Is that enough to convince you that training yourself for optimism is well worth the effort? If so, here's how to get started:

1. Switch your thinking from problem to solution.

Selk notes that human nature is to focus our attention on problems and dangers, probably a leftover survival mechanism from our past as prey for wild animals. So it's important to make a conscious choice to switch. "Any time you catch yourself focusing on a problem or self-doubt, ask yourself: 'What is the one thing I can do differently that could make this situation better?'" Selk advises.

That will get your mind focused on solving problems rather than worrying about them, and give you more confidence and a better chance at success. Try to make this switch within 60 seconds of having a problem-focused thought.

2. Give yourself a mental coach.

"Many of us feel more confident and perform better when someone is cheering us on," Selk notes. "Yet being a high performer requires that you watch, evaluate, and are accountable to yourself."

The solution, he says, is to mentally conjure up someone who has served as an inspiration, mentor, and role model. If you're faced with a daunting task, ask yourself how this person would advise you, or handle the challenge himself or herself. "Ask yourself: 'What would so-and-so do if she had two reports and only 24 hours to complete them both?'" Selk says.

3. Take 30 seconds each day to visualize success.

"Set an alert on your calendar to remind yourself to replay this self-image video daily," Selk advises. "This simple mental training exercise dramatically increases the likelihood you will achieve your win, and it will improve your mood."

To be most effective, your mental video should be as specific as possible, with details as to where you are and what you're doing in this successful future, he adds. "That will elevate a vague life plan into a true vision that you can use to transform the way you think about yourself and your future."

4. Give yourself pats on the back.

I actually reach back and physically give myself a pat when I've accomplished something. You don't have to be that literal but however you do it, "Develop the habit of recognizing your 'done wells,'" Selk says.

Don't wait till you've finally finished that huge project or made that successful presentation. Instead, recognize incremental successes and accomplishments. "Take a few seconds per day to ask, 'What have I done well today?'" Selk says. "This simple gesture reinforces optimism on a daily basis. The answers inevitably add up to help you develop self-confidence, which is extremely important for high-level performance."

SOURCE: www.inc.com

6 Things Really Powerful Leaders Do

BY: Kevin Daum

Not everyone is ready or willing to lead. Here are six things you'll need to master to move masses, inspired by Seth Godin's latest talk.

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According to Seth Godin and his new book The Icarus Deception (Portfolio), more than 100 years of industrialization have led to institutionalism, and the glorification of being a follower. Living in the safety net of what has already been proven allows for a modicum of success, if any, and a whole lot of mediocrity. Most importantly, the impact you'll leave on those around you by doing only what is expected is sure to be minimal. As Seth asked from the stage Wednesday, "Will anyone really miss you when you're gone?"

No need to reiterate exactly what else Seth says in his new book. Buy it yourself. But I will share the inspiration I took away, and how it's already driving my own actions as a leader. Use these tips to masterfully lead your tribe and as Seth encourages: "Ship your art."

1. Build on Your Own Authenticity

You know when you are in your zone, and when you are just playing the game to get ahead. Everyone does what they need to do to make the machine work. But powerful leaders are authentic. That doesn't necessarily mean they are well liked. They are however comfortable in their own skin, and they create an environment around them that supports their worldview. This way they can thrive and create with little resistance. Own who you are and wear it proudly.

2. Clearly Define YOUR Following

Today's technology and Internet connectivity more than ever provide opportunity to attract followers and lead. Accept, however, that not everyone is your follower.  Determine the attributes of those who will gain from what you can teach, share, and sell. Don't assume that just because you're a boss, you're a leader, or that being an entry level employee makes you a worthless cog in the machine. Your followers exist around every corner. Broadcast your vision. Attract them with your inspiration. Ignore everyone else. Truly, there just isn't enough time and energy to make everyone a convert. The most powerful leaders focus on where they are going and trust that the right people will follow. Make your voice heard so they'll find you.

3. Break Away From What You Know

No one has it all figured out. Even Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison had to experiment to discover the truths of science and invention. But today knowledge is easily accessible. Experience brings comfort but that comfort can become a prison or worse, a death chamber as the world changes around you. Today's world is moving fast and you need to constantly explore. Learn broadly so you can assess where the opportunities and dangerous hazards lie ahead. Respect every day as Seth's concept of a blank slate, applying what you know and re-exploring the status quo. Then you can create new art that is moving and valuable.

4. Make Yourself Vulnerable

Failure is painful, embarrassing, hard, frustrating, and at times, devastating. Yet without it growth and massive success is all but impossible. Limits will never be truly tested without the risk of breakage and destruction. On a smaller scale, learning new things is filled with constant, disheartening failure. I remember four weeks of Spanish immersion as an adult. I spent five hours a day being wrong and feeling stupid. Yet the breakthroughs were exhilarating and beneficial. Just a simple mind expansion opened doors beyond my expectations. The CTOs who never really explore marketing or the CEOs who never learn to write will forever limit themselves and leave room for their competitors to blaze new trails. You don't need to be an expert in everything, but the broader your exposure, the more language you have to connect. Learn the things you need to learn, meet the people you need to meet. Stretch, risk, grow, and revel in the risks and rewards ahead.

5. Be Generous to Your Tribe

What's the point in having a following if you are not going to lead them anywhere?  Followers sign on because they believe you can enlighten and enhance their existence. Share what you are learning and what you produce. Don't worry that it's not perfect. Include them in the process. Let them engage and share in the experience. Give them the gratitude, recognition, and encouragement to step up and lead in synergy with your vision.

6. Allow Time to Work Its Magic

So many people race against the clock as if time is their enemy. But people who lead use time as a powerful tool for change. People need time to absorb new ideas and determine a course of action. Following a leader helps but credibility comes with time and consistency before followers will amass. Lasting impact comes not from a single incident but from a steady consistent march forward. Embrace the blessings that come with patience.

People choose to lead for different reasons. Some can't help themselves and others find it the only way to maintain their material needs. Whatever your motivation, leadership brings great responsibility. It's hard. It's intricate. It's risky. It's certainly not always pleasant. But the highs from the successes well outweigh the lows from the failures. I for one will continue to risk and ship my art. Thank you Seth for the added inspiration.

SOURCE: www.inc.com

3 Ways to Manage Your Impatience

BY: Kevin Daum

Are you frustrated with your own impatience and the pace of others? Here are three ways to cope and make time your friend.

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So many people consider time an enemy. Entrepreneurs feel the pressures of technology changing, competitors gaining advantage, or limited funds running out. Managers race against quarterly deadlines and performance targets. Young people push to get ahead before their expenses eat up their savings. All of this results in feelings of anxiety and impatience.

Impatience has its benefits as well. It creates drive, speed, and action. But many valuable opportunities are lost due to impatience. Most great business models and effective marketing programs require time to develop, prove, and take hold. Some of the best things are truly worth waiting for.

Still, it can be excruciating to wait for the world to catch up with what's already finished in your head. Few that are successful are ever truly patient. They have learned to manage their impatience and use it to their advantage. Here are a few ways to make the passage of time more tolerable and effective.

1. Reward and Reflect on Midpoint Milestones

So many people drive themselves crazy focusing on the end goal that they lose sight of the accomplishments along the way. The bigger the project, the more steps to get there. Every milestone deserves a celebration and a post-mortem. Every midpoint is an opportunity to reward the performance of the people involved helping to motivate their ongoing efforts.  Then together you can analyze, refine, and improve in a structured manner.

These activities will help you feel less anxious as you manage expectations for time-frames and accomplishments. The detailed analysis will give you additional specific action steps going forward to improve your progress and move the project along a little faster. Create a detailed plan and a structured post-mortem process so you can revel and refine.

2. Bring Friends Along For the Ride

You can be your own worst enemy when in an impatient mode of operation. In 2008 my industry and company collapsed and I had to begin a 3-year journey of rebuilding from scratch. With few resources I had no choice but to go it alone... sort of. I knew it would take time to rebuild and that I was the only one who could do the work. But I included friends and colleagues on my journey. I spent time on the phone and in person discussing my plans and soliciting support and response.

The feedback was immensely helpful and helped me gauge my progress. Not only did my friends soften my anxiety, but keeping them informed allowed them to offer solutions and opportunities along the journey. Most importantly, they helped me keep my sense of humor when things were most frustrating. Set aside time to share your journey with those who care about you. Encourage them do the same. That's what bars are for.

3. Engage in Alternative Activities

Back in 2001, I had to rebuild my real estate finance company after a previous downfall.  Even though I knew clearly what needed to happen, I also knew based upon available resources it was going to take a while. If I could have done every job myself, it might have gone faster, but of course, I was reliant on others internally and externally. The business could only move as quickly as employees, vendors, and customers would allow. I was faced with a choice. Abandon the plan or let it take the natural time to succeed. My early approach as an entrepreneur was to simply push harder. This time, I realized that applying more energy would only cause more stress internally and slow the process down.

So instead, I backed off. I disengaged. I found alternative activities to occupy me. I engaged heavily with the Entrepreneur's Organization building learning programs and holding board positions. I used the time to learn, and build a bigger and better network.  Instead of applying 100 percent of my energy to the rebuilding company, I only applied the 25 percent required since the same results would have occurred regardless of the energy expended. Now the company grew on its own merits. My time focused elsewhere resulted in greater opportunities and benefits when the company was ready, and I was no longer needed all the time.

Long-term projects are valuable and worthwhile. They can kill the competition and create great wealth. Learn how to manage your impatience and apply the right amount of energy to a project so it can take its natural course and achieve exponential results. Accept that the greater the complexity, the greater the benefit, and the longer it will take to reach its full potential. Forcing it to move at an unrealistic pace is like trying to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

SOURCE: www.inc.com

One Leadership Skill That Will Set You Apart

BY: Shelley Prevost

This skill probably isn't one you've ever thought about developing--and that's a big mistake.

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I recently wrote about control freaks, and was surprised by the feedback I received regarding one suggestion--to be more vulnerable. For many, vulnerability signifies weakness and incompetence. They believe it has no place in leadership where authority and strength must be maintained.

I worked with a founder-turned-executive for several years, encouraging him to be more vulnerable. He is a brilliant visionary and leader. However, he had a bad habit of hulking up when he felt fear or insecurity. Rather than be vulnerable and reveal his self-doubts, he would let his emotions (and the underlying shame) morph into an aggressive force field to keep people out. Unfortunately, it only served to shut out the people whose support he needed most.

I told him, "You don't have to be vulnerable with everyone--that would be exhausting--just with people who matter. Your family. Your business partners. Your girlfriend."

Leadership gurus have extolled vulnerability's importance and TED talks have espoused the power of vulnerability, but what exactly is it? And why do we humans collectively suck so bad at it.

Vulnerability is taking a risk, stepping into the emotional unknown, and exposing who you really are. You're comfortable showing your deficits as well as your assets.

Vulnerability is when you can admit you're wrong and take responsibility for your part in a conflict. By claiming your role in the dysfunction, you are better positioned to de-escalate a situation and to work toward a resolution.

Vulnerability is when you can give honest appraisals of a person or situation. Saying what you really think isn't always easy. If fortified with compassion, however, it can be the quickest route to building trust with another person.

Vulnerability is when you can encourage others to be better than you. You aren't intimidated by another's big success. You're inspired and challenged by it.

Vulnerability is recognizing when you're having an emotion and naming it. It's the opposite of posing.

Vulnerability goes a long way to build trust and loyalty, create stronger connections between partners and teams, and mitigate conflict. So why is it so damn hard?

Simply, it pushes us into the unknown and primes us to experience one of the hardest emotions there is--shame.

Shame is that emotional punch in the face the moment when your worst fear is realized. You know the moments.

In a conversation with someone, she off-handedly verifies the thing that you're most insecure about. There it is. It's out. Your cover is blown. The fear that you're not smart enough, successful enough, thin enough, caring enough, or whatever enough is, in fact, true and being exposed right at that moment.

Or, you're new to a company or social group and have no idea what to do or how to act. Your deepest insecurities are out in full force. The insecurity you feel is a form of shame. The posturing you do to cope is a way to slam the door on vulnerability.

What you do in these moments has the potential to set you apart as not only a great leader, but also a great person.

There is one caveat. Some people are just not safe to be vulnerable with. They will distort, minimize, or use it against you later. Decide who has earned your authenticity and trust. Then lean into vulnerability by being honest about what you're feeling. Find the humor and laugh at yourself. Empathize with everyone else's crazy insecurities. Take a risk. Be open.

Because most of us suck at it, if you can master the art of vulnerability, you have a distinct advantage. It may very well be the one leadership skill that endears you to others, creates unwavering loyalty, and sets you apart from the pack.

SOURCE: www.inc.com