Are You Ready To Start A Business? Take This Quiz and See

Don't get discouraged! A "no" answer to any of the questions will identify an area for development -- not a roadblock. I am available to help if you would like to discuss your options in greater detail.

(1) Do you offer a clear, unambiguous benefit that your target market can't live without?

Ideally you can learn whether demand exists for your service. Otherwise, don't dive in. Dip a toe into the water to see if it's warm.

(2) Can you demonstrate expertise?

Collect testimonials, references, products and awards. Credentials help only if clients believe they make a difference.

(3) Do you have evidence that people will pay for your services? For instance, you may have achieved expertise in a certain type of healing where the going rate is $15 an hour. .

(4) Is your market crowded with competitors?

If it's hard to stand out, you need a network of personal contacts to get started. And if the quality of your competitors varies, much of your business will depend on referrals.

(5) Do you have networks of people who can become clients or referral sources?

For instance, are you a CPA whose clients pick your brain for career change and business start-ups? Do you belong to professional groups that will give you access to a mailing list?

If so, you may have a straightforward transition to your new business.

(6) Have you ever
(a) been self-employed or
(b) been successful at a straight-commission sales job?

If you dropped out of a sales job because you couldn't handle the uncertainty, you need an exceptionally generous safety net before you embark on your own solo venture.

(7) Are you at home on the internet?

Do you understand the principles of web design, so you can do-it-yourself or work intelligently with a designer?

A website is a commitment, especially for service businesses. You have to be your own designer, marry a designer, or have a big maintenance budget.

(8) Are you active in a community that is large enough to include potential clients and referrers?

It is possible to have a lucrative distance business, but it takes longer and requires unique marketing skills.

(9) Are you comfortable in a sales role? When someone calls to inquire about your services, are you willing to view your task as selling as well as helping, analyzing or troubleshooting?

(10 ) How much continuity exists between your former career and your new business?

Professions have norms and values. The greater the distance, the more challenging will be your journey, and the greater the risk and time to achieve. You may have to learn a new way of thinking about the world.

And you truly may not be able to go home again.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

---

So You Want To Be a Nurse When You Grow Up?

You're interested in becoming a nurse. How do you get... Read More

Nine Career Zappers

Today, everyone is looking for the secret to business success.... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

Workplace Melodrama--A Flair For The Dramatic

A flair for the dramatic is a theatrical term used... Read More

Top Career Advice ... More Choices and A Better Way of Life

Why Career Advice Is So ImportantChoosing a career presents a... Read More

Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts

Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because... Read More

Children At Work: Looking at Child Labor in the Victorian Age

Today, it isn't that uncommon for some children and teenagers... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

How to Get Hired by Being Obvious

If you want a drink of water, do you hire... Read More

Whiners Need Not Apply

Sometime last summer I decided to host a pity party... Read More

The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter

Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This... Read More

Resume Software ? The Hidden Pitfalls

Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormat A large majority of software requires... Read More

Have You Been Fired? Laid Off? No? You Will Be!

It's true. Things have changed. You need to know the... Read More

20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers

When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security

In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More

Work In Dubai

Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of... Read More

21st Century Career Success

When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More

Analysing Adverts for the Creative Response

The fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply... Read More

How To Find Quick, Free, Job Search Resurces

There are many free job search resources available in any... Read More

Job Interviews: Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A study conducted by the Journal of Consumer Research in... Read More

Resume Writing Tips

Resume Writing doesn't have to be a solo gigResume writing... Read More

To Get Hired or Get Promoted, Attitude Is The Key

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what... Read More

Focus On White-Collar Crime: Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need; Qualified Investing

An epidemic of white-collar financial crime has resulted in the... Read More

Ten Great Careers That Don?t Require A Four Year Degree

One of the great myths associated with the "American Dream"... Read More

Unemployment Blues: Mind Over Mood

Our lives are tranquil and smooth so seldom, it seems.... Read More

Retiring in Paradise

I have to admit that I'm starting to slow down... Read More

Avoiding 10 Deadly Interview Mistakes

Too many job seekers set themselves up for failure before... Read More

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: ?Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position

This is a question that you can almost count on... Read More

Petite Modeling: is There a Career for You?

PEtite modeling is a tough industry to break into. Especially... Read More

I Just Lost My Job: How Am I Going To Tell My Kids?

One of the responsibilities of a human resources professional is... Read More

Look in the Mirror

Take a moment to step outside yourself. Now, be honest... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More