The Entrepreneurial Revolution Has Begun.
Hello Friends!
The Entrepreneurial Revolution Has Begun.
Embrace it.Seems we’re back to a Guild society of sorts, and I’m not a bit mad about it.
I have been a proponent of (and living) remote work and contracting since the days of dial-up. It’s way better now, btw. I think it fosters a sense of immediacy to demonstrate value that is good for getting us out of bed in the morning and feeling exhilarated (similar to fear but is a helpful ‘fizz’ if you can harness it.) I will tell you that I have loved being solo/freelance/a business owner more than any other job I’ve had. Because I have freedom. To set my schedule, to say no, to take time off or give myself a bonus. I have loved every agency job I’ve had, but being master of my destiny (and wearing many hats like creative director, new business director, etc.) and not having to do timesheets or expense reports is INSANELY GREAT.
“I’d rather be a pirate than join the Navy.” is one of my favorite quotes (saw it on a t-shirt once.) Not sure I’m pillaging, but it’s a vibe.
Fear not, I’m not spouting off to make you go freelance/start a business…
I’m inviting you to:
Prepare for liberation. There are people I know who are retiring, but aren’t ready to be done yet. They’re being liberated. Those who are leaving the corporate world because they’re kids are almost out of the house and they’ll be untethered (and need to take full advantage.) Many have been laid off. You just might be happy you have a business in your hip pocket one day is all I’m saying (and it can make you feel more secure even if you never use it.)
I learned very early on that ‘Security is a myth.’ No one retires from an agency these days unless your name is on the door. And even THEN… I was mentored to learn how to have a craft as well as a career..what could I do that people would pay for as a stand alone project with a deliverable? Clients, they said, want to pay for OUTPUTS, not for time. Plan accordingly.
What I learned to do was build a ‘staging area’...that I now call ‘coiling’. It’s taking the time to do some thinking and build bits now. It’s said we spend more time prepping for a two-week vacation than we do the course of our lives. What can you deliver? What are your survive/thrive numbers? What are the 10 things you MUST HAVEin your new gig? These.
Coiling can be enjoyable.It is fabulous for getting your creative expression ya-yas out, feeling more confident and grounded around big decisions and unknowns, feeling inspired to learn something new and cracking off any plaque that has formed from ruts.
All my coaching gigs include a‘Brand You’element. It’s helpful for owners who promote their company but don’t have a LinkedIn profile themselves, for stars who have been promoted to Leadership positions but haven’t played in that sandbox before and/or for those who want to elevate their position. Those looking for a first job or a new/next job. And those who want to make some extra loot to spend responsibly (if you must, but spending extra irresponsibly is one of the great joys of life. Sayin’.) OH, agencies, leadership teams and whole departments (Innovation or Global Brand, for example) have used this same thinking to define themselves as a force and raise their profile. Same, same.
Check yourself.That is, begin by auditing your image + your connections. Define your vision of ideal–both in how you want to show up for the next iteration of your life, what you want to make, who you want to work with, etc. Are you dressing for the job you want?
Also remember that your network is your net worth. Rekindle connections. If you read the Chicago love letter, I can’t tell you how easy and worthwhile it was to make the effort to reach out and meet people if/when the opportunity arises. Or MAKE an opportunity. Demonstrate that you are willing to put in the energy and it’ll pay off. Promise. If your profile doesn’t convey what you wish it to, change it. Yes, it’s that simple. Claude is great at revamping your profile with an updated resume, for example. I have issues with Ai, but it’s out there and I’m going to let it help me when I’ve regurgitated the same things over and over. Or hire a brand/PR person. I’ll help you ;)
Shoot me a note and I’ll tell you the four easy peasy things you need to do to start your business. You can do them in a long lunch-hour. For reals, happy to chat. I’d love nothing more than to have you out there buying disco balls (for your chickens.)
Besos,
L.
P.s., yay, you’re still here :)
Let me share a quick story with you about 2 massive things that created the conditions for me to go freelance:
2 nights - as outlined above, I discovered my stand-alone craft was moderating focus groups because I could charge enough in 2 nights to cover my ‘survive’ number. Once I realized I only had to sell 2 nights in a whole month, it felt completely do-able. My numbers are way higher now, but I’ve learned to sell things with another zero. If you’re able, start now while you have a paying gig during one week of your vacation time or do two jobs (you’ll live) to build a practice without having to rely on it.
SUV - my greatest fear was (and still is) to be homeless. I was hesitating to go full solo (one of many times…I went back to agencies when I needed to buy a house, have a kid, etc.) and realized I needed to mitigate that fear. I couldn’t pay off a mortgage for a house, but maybe a cabin? A studio condo? Then I redefined home to be ‘a place where I could sleep, with my newfie and some stuff and lock it.” Which was, in effect, an SUV. The fun part of this story is that I gave my ‘must have’ list to an auto broker who told me that a truck like this had never come across his desk in 20 years. He called me after 2 days and had the exact car I wanted (down to the color) and it was exactly the price I wanted to pay. I went freelance (again) the next day and I’ve had a ‘pack for evacuation vehicle’ ever since. If you have a rockin’ plan B, nothing bad can truly happen. TMI, I’ve stockpiled options.
And a reminder from last time... as you take stock and coil, look up and around: “Magic times are there for the making if you create the conditions for them to be.”
Until next time...MWAH!
