TO MEN WHO WANTS TO QUIT JOB SOMEDAY

There are just so many men and women who want to be valued for the effort they put into their job and they want to share in the financial rewards for their efforts. The reality, as we all know, is that in a job, you are paid “the going rate” irrespective of the value you create for your boss’ organisation. In today’s uncertain economic climate, the value of the worker is further diminished  with many people regarded as providing “commodity” services.

So therefore, it is not surprising to see men and women, irrespective of their backgrounds or education seeking personal fulfilment and ready to take control of their financial lives. Many want to be productive, to contribute their services to the community and to be adequately rewarded. They seek to be productive by working in their own business and retain the financial rewards for themselves.

If you are among this category of men wishing to dominate their world, here are eight tips to get you started:

· Take a Stand for Yourself. If you are dissatisfied with your current circumstances, admit that no one can correct them except for you. It doesn't do any good to blame the economy, your boss, your spouse or your family. Change can only occur when you make a conscious decision to make it happen.

·      Identify the Right Business for You. Give yourself permission to explore. Be willing to look at different facets of yourself (your personality, social styles, age) and listen to your intuition. How do you know what business is "right" for you? There are three common approaches to entrepreneurship:

Do What You Know: Have you been laid off or want a change? Look at work you have done for others in the past and think about how you could package those skills and offer them as your own services or products.

Do What Others Do: Learn about other businesses that interest you. Once you have identified a business you like, emulate it.

Solve a Common Problem: Is there a gap in the market? Is there a service or product you would like to bring to market? (Note: This is the highest-risk of the three approaches.) If you choose to do this, make sure that you become a student and gain knowledge first before you spend any money.

· Business Planning Improves Your Chances for Success. A business plan will help you gain clarity, focus and confidence. As you write down your goals, strategies and action steps, your business becomes real. Ask yourself the following questions: - What am I building? - Who are my potential customers? - What is the promise I am making to my customers/clients and to myself? - What are my objectives, marketing strategies and action plans (steps) to achieve my goals 

· Know Your Target Audience Before You Spend a Penny. Before you spend money, find out if people will actually buy your products or services. This may be the most important thing you do. You can do this by validating your market. In other words, who, exactly, will buy your products or services other than your family or friends? What is the size of your target market? Who are your customers? Is your product or service relevant to their everyday needs? Why do they need it? However, the most important way to get this information is to ask your target market/customers directly and then listen. 

· Understand Your Personal Finances and Choose the Right Kind of Money You Need for Your Business. As an entrepreneur, your personal life and business life are interconnected. You are likely to be your first--and possibly only--investor. Therefore, having a detailed understanding of your personal finances, and the ability to track them, is an essential first step before seeking outside funding for your business. 

· Build a Support Network. You've made the internal commitment to your business. Now you need to cultivate a network of supporters, advisors, partners, allies and vendors. If you believe in your business, others will, too. Network locally, nationally & via social networks. Join your local chamber of commerce, or other relevant business groups.

· Sell By Creating Value. Even though we purchase products and services every day, people don't want to be "sold." Focus on serving others. The more people you serve, the more money you will make. When considering your customers or clients, ask yourself: - What can I give them? - How can I make them successful in their own pursuits? - This approach can help lead you to new ways to hone your product or service and deliver more value, which your customers will appreciate.

·     Get the Word Out. Be willing to say who you are and what you do with conviction and without apology. Embrace and use the most effective online tools (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) available to broadcast your news. Use social networks as "pointer" sites; i.e., to point to anything you think will be of interest to your fans and followers. Even though social networks are essential today (you must use them!), don't underestimate the power of other methods to get the word out: e.g., word-of-mouth marketing, website and internet marketing tools, public relations, blog posts, columns and articles, speeches, e-mail, newsletters, and the old-fashioned but still essential telephone. If you take these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming your own boss. It's important to remember that you are not alone. If you want to "be your own boss" but you still feel stuck, reach out and connect with other entrepreneurs in a variety of ways. You may be surprised by the invaluable contacts that are right at your fingertips.