TYPICAL STAGES OF A GRADUAL TRANSITION FROM EMPLOYEE TO EMPLOYER

We can help you make this transition. Whatever stage you are at, we can help.

Steps to manage your risk to have the lowest chance of failure

STAGE:	Actions/Reality:	*Some Familiar Comments:*
Idea / Brainstorming / Dreaming	Come up with great idea Wonder who else is doing it Wonder if you could make it fly	"What a great idea!" "I wonder why no one else is doing this?" "I wonder how much money I could make?"
Tentative Exploration	Check into competitors/similar ideas Look at numbers a little Tell some friends and get feedback Explore potential business partners who can complement your strengths	"I can do it better than the other companies I see" "Based on these figures, I could make a profit"
Build Basic Infrastructure	Take steps to start formal business Consider legal structure Look at business licenses requirements Put out feelers to get business	"I'm ready to start my business now" "I need stationary and business cards/fax line" "I should check on the legal requirements for getting my business name - I'll reserve my dot.com name now!"
Operate in secret at your real job / Home Office	Serve some clients and prove concept Explore offer & price Low financial risk due to day job Reinvest money into co. - budget for FT Look at cost to do full time (budget) Do behind boss back (lunch meeting/calls, hide faxes) Have fun dreaming about FT - no boss Business partner?	"I hope my boss doesn’t find out that I have my own business - I doubt she will mind if I do some quick copying over lunch" "I'll meet clients at lunch" "I can't wait until I can do this full time - it is so much more creative and I hate the BS at work!" "I'm glad Jane at work knows my plans so I can talk about it a little around the office - I wonder who she told?" "During my work meetings, I am thinking about my business more and more"
Quit Day Job - Start Full Time	Make full time commitment to idea Arrange all legal & license requirements Discover new expenses such as business personal property tax and license fees Operate on a shoe-string budget Arrange for your own health insurance Realize that $1K profit isn't really that much money Realize that being your own boss may mean getting paid much less Days of easy pay and easy benefits are gone Hunt for new customers Decide if a business partner (silent or operating) will make a critical difference in your success	"I need some more steady clients" "I miss that steady pay check" "I may even miss a little of that corporate BS - nah" "I thought it would be easier to get new business" "I wonder if I can ever make a decent living on this business?" "It may have been more fun to dream about it" "I may need some help!"
Build Stronger Infrastructure Transition from home to Business Office	Hire experts to help you with tasks Move to office to get away from home job Start to adjust to new monthly expenses such as office rent	"I better talk to an accountant" "I will look for an office so I can grow my business with the help of others" "My old co-workers have no idea how spoiled they are by the company - no paid snow days here!" "How did I function operating the business in the house?"
Hire Employees	Realize you need FT help and hire Learn that 5K to keep the "lights on" means no salary to you Spend more time on admin issues Review what defines success for you? (is a bigger co. better?)	"Based on the sales this month, I need some help" "I am spending too much time on non revenue activities such as payroll issues and license issues" "I will put the growth of the business ahead of my immediate need for a higher salary" "How did I think I could grow without employees to help me with the day to day work?"
Grow - Consider Public Co.	Consider opening ownership for investment Expand the product line	"I need to grow

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