With many Multinationals heading for the Irish exit door and redundancy announcements filling the newspapers one would be entitled to feel a bit pessimistic. You have two choices – feel sorry for yourself or you can take control of your own destiny and create your own dreams. This can be by landing a dream job or going it alone.
I have worked with many employees who have suffered redundancy and while a good percentage of them are negative there are many who respond positively to the event. One such response is to go it alone.
This option is not the right option for everybody BUT for those of you who are thinking of taking the leap and starting your own business here are some tips.
- Take all the advice you can get. There are many sources out there and much of it is FREE. Financial Institutions & Banks, friends and family. Often overlooked is the competition.
- Have a plan – great companies are very rarely built on great ideas. They are a combination of planning and people. A strong business plan will provide valuable direction and help you secure financing.
- Avail of free funding and financial support – for example the County Enterprise Board offer a variety of support.
- Training – all though not essential a “start your own business” course will give you some good advice. There are various other relevant courses for entrepreneurs.
- Financing – You can spend your own money BUT I prefer to borrow. Even with the turmoil in the Irish market the banks are relatively supportive.
Success – whatever direction you take.