Category: entrepreneurship

career, entrepreneurship, time, work

Leap: Working for Yourself Doesn’t Equal Leisure

Christa Avampato

People are funny.

Yesterday someone asked me how I was enjoying my life of leisure. Someone else asked me how it feels to have all this free time now that I am unemployed. I was equally confused by both of them and set them straight (quickly):

A.) I am hardly living a life of leisure. I’m working a lot more now for myself than I was a few weeks ago when I was working for someone else. The difference is that now I work on projects that light me up and that I decided were worth my time rather than having someone else dictate work that I felt was largely pointless given its lack of usefulness to just about anyone.

B.) I’m not unemployed; I work for myself and not out of necessity. I chose this path.

Here’s the lay of the land in my new world of work:
When you work for someone else, you set aside a (big) portion of your day in exchange for a stable salary. Usually that time is blocked off on a regular schedule and you get into a routine: getting ready for work, the rhythm of the work day, and then traveling back from work into your personal life. When you work for yourself, the boundaries are a lot less clear. You need to set up your schedule with discipline and you work far more hours for yourself than you do when you work for someone else. Luckily, your passion for the work makes the longer hours worthwhile.

Working for yourself is a huge time commitment. Remember, you’re doing everything yourself – from the mundane administrative work to the big picture strategic thinking. It’s rewarding, but it’s not leisure. It’s work and it takes time.

You keep your current clients happy, you pitch new business, and you research for new leads. That cycle of work has to be maintained to keep the business going. The freedom and the passion you feel for your work provides a tremendous amount of satisfaction with opportunities to constantly learn and grow. It’s a ball and a half but it needs near-constant attention, especially at the start.

This life isn’t for everyone, but it is most certainly for me. I’ve never felt better about my career and life, present and future. There’s so much opportunity all around us and I’m grateful for the time to make the most of it. We only get one crack at this life in this form; every second counts!

books, career, entrepreneurship, time, work

Leap: Your Time Is Priceless

Christa Avampato

Would you run out into the street, open your wallet, and hand out money to anyone and everyone you saw? Probably not. So why would you do that with your time?

Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pam Slim and The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau are must-reads for anyone who has taken, is taking, or is contemplating taking a big leap into a freelance life. They are both loaded with inspiring and practical information.

Of all the tidbits of wisdom and tools that they offer, the one that truly stands out like a shining beacon of reason has to do with valuing time. Nothing will get you to understand the worth of your time more than working for yourself. Pam Slim goes so far as to say that entrepreneurs, and particularly those just starting out, need to “be ruthless with their time.”

Pam and Chris are right on: your time is now at a premium. And not just the hours you may set aside for work, but all of your time. Working for yourself you become acutely aware that your time is your most valuable asset because it is at the core of every decision you make in your business. Don’t just give it away to to everyone who requests it. Treat it like the greatest treasure you could hold because it is.

career, entrepreneurship, work

Leap: “Live An Empowered Life” by Guest Contributor Cameron Tyler

Christa Avampato

Cameron Tyler, a supportive reader of this blog, sent me the most eloquent guest post query I’ve ever received. His professionalism and passion for empowered living were clearly evident in every word and I’m honored to feature him for today’s post.

As the economy continues to change—and the work force with it—people are on the lookout for better ways to earn an income. For some, this means making the switch from traditional employment to self-employment. In fact, approximately  one out of every nine individuals in the U.S. workforce is self-employed. If you have dabbled with the idea of being your own boss, this is a great time to make this jump, but as with all major career moves, this one requires a little soul-searching and contemplation before taking the plunge.

Signs You Are Destined for Self-Employment
Being self-employed is quite freeing and rewarding, but not everyone is cut out for it. Are you? There are some  signs to look for that indicate you might be a good candidate.

• You need to be a self-starter with the ability to successfully manage your own schedule.

• Have a passion about what you do. This enthusiasm for your work will keep you motivated to continue, even when times are tough.

• You must be one who thrives while working in isolation. Set up a support structure, but do not expect engaging water cooler conversations, as there will be none.

Pros and Cons
Flexibility is one of the most misunderstood pros of working for yourself. While your work schedule will be flexible, it is not necessarily going to entail shorter days. In fact, most self-employed people work longer days than those who are traditionally employed; the hours are just a bit more flexible. You can work from 8 p.m. until midnight if you want, or you can get up in the wee hours of the morning to work, but you will need to be ready to work hard.

One of the most difficult things for many self-employed individuals to handle is the ebb and flow of work. Sometimes, you will have more work than you can handle. At other times, you will sit staring at the phone waiting for it to ring or continuously refreshing your email inbox. Facing this cycle requires courage and fortitude, not to mention a lot of patience.

Lost benefits can be another hurdle to overcome in your quest for self-employment. Your 401(k) is no longer going to be matched by your employer, and you will lose your company insurance plan. Instead, you will need to purchase your own  health insurance for your family and set up your own retirement savings account. This can sometimes be expensive, but you have several options you can consider.

Making the Switch
If, in the end, self-employment is the right venue for you, the key to your success will be  making the transition as smoothly as possible. Begin by researching all you can about your business idea, ensuring that it is something you love. Then, start offering your product or services to potential customers. Always go the extra mile to satisfy your customers. Set your prices high enough that you are not undervaluing what you offer and can pay your bills. Once you have a sufficient number of clients, quit that day job and start enjoying life as a self-employed individual.

By working for yourself, you open the door to endless possibilities. You can be as successful as you want to be, as you do not have a boss or coworkers holding you back. You can pursue your passion while making money at the same time. This also opens the door to working from home, which cuts overhead and allows you to spend more time with your family. By making this transition, you are no longer at the mercy of others to ensure your success. Do your research to ensure it is right for you, gather your courage, and then take the plunge into self-employment!

Cameron Tyler is a driven recent college grad pursuing a life full of empowerment. He currently blogs and serves as the admin at Cooks and Travel Books, Eat Breathe Blog, and Technected. “Making your way is not always easy, but hopefully this article will help those who are looking for a little motivation on their own life path.”

career, change, courage, entrepreneurship

Leap: Today I’m Trading My Corporate Job for a Freelance Life

Christa Avampato
Thanks to my friend, Trish, for sending me this photo this week!

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anaïs Nin

Today is that day for me. After many months of thinking about taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, I’m ready to go. My desk is clear, my email inbox is empty, my to-do list is done, and I’ve said all of my good-byes (which are really more see-you-laters.) Now there is nothing left to do except leap. June 15th will be forever etched in my mind as the day when I chose to be free, the day I chose to take the leap and build my wings on the way down.

I had an incredible run during the toughest economy we’ve ever faced. For 4 years I had a front row seat to the economic crisis – its unraveling and its knitting back together, albeit more loosely and in a different form. I met some of the very best people I’ve ever encountered, and some of the worst. I learned from all of them and will be forever grateful to each for helping me to find this new path, my path. I leave my corporate job with a lot of heart for the company and the people, and even more gratitude.

As Milan Kundera so brilliantly wrote, I now understand what it means to experience the unbearable lightness of being. That is exactly how I feel – as if I don’t even need wings, as if the wind will just rise up and allow me to float to the other side. It’s so empowering to take my future into my own hands. I feel like I could just tear my dreams right out of the sky and plant them here on Earth. Like Adele, I could set fire to the rain. Freedom feels that good.

And to all of you, I owe an enormous thank you. Ever since I started this blog 5 years ago, ever since I set the New Year’s resolution 6 months ago to make this leap, you have been cheering me on and offering up your own stories – through comments, emails, tweets, texts, and conversations online and off. I wish there was a way to adequately say thank you. There isn’t. The best I can do is make the most out of this new road and take you all right along with me.

Take my hand. 1, 2, 3, jump…

career, change, entrepreneurship

Leap: Stop Waiting For The Other Shoe to Drop; It Won’t

Christa Avampato

Perhaps I have a serious case of rose colored-glasses but I actually think I look younger since giving my notice at work.

Tomorrow will be my last day at my job before jumping off the cliff to work for myself. I keep waiting to bolt upright out of bed in a total panic. A funny thing keeps happening: the closer I get to the goal, the more solid I feel in the decision. I’ve never felt so sure of my path and I have to admit that there is a lightness creeping into my being. I’m walking taller; my mind and heart are opening in ways I never thought possible.

After so many years of looking around for the perfect job, I finally understand that creating that job is up to me. It’s empowering to be firmly in the driver’s seat and to have an unexplainable trust in the wisdom of the Universe to work out the details. All I had to do was commit, show up, and be prepared to take the journey. Come along with me – I can’t wait to see what lies on the other side.

business, career, entrepreneurship, technology

Leap: Got a Technology-based Startup Idea? LaunchHouse Wants to Hear It!

Christa Avampato

The world just got a little brighter for tech entrepreneurs who are looking for a combination of funding and support to launch their ideas out into the world.

Introducing LaunchHouse: an Ohio-based seed capital investment fund, like Y Combinator or Tech Stars, will invest $25,000 in 10 technology-based entrepreneurial teams from around the world. And the best news is that you still have time to grab your shot at being one of the 10 brilliant teams to receive funding.

What is LaunchHouse looking for?
New startup technology-based companies with 2-3 cofounders, 1 of whom must be a programmer
Willingness to relocate to Cleveland, Ohio for a 12-week, full-time commitment to the LaunchHouse program

What kinds of applicants is LaunchHouse looking for?
High school graduates to baby boomers, LaunchHouse is looking for the 10 best ideas for new startups from around the world. Period.

When is the application due?
July 1st

What happens once all of the applications are submitted?
In July, there will be an “un-conference” where the 30 top teams will be invited to Cleveland to compete in a pitch session to clinch one of the 10 final spots in the program. Then the top 10 teams roll up their sleeves and get to work for 12 weeks building their dream companies.

What’s the goal of LaunchHouse?
Identify 10 promising teams of entrepreneurs and work with them over 12 weeks to launch their new companies and set them up to either raise follow-on funding and secure their first paying customers.

Your dream of entrepreneurship could be just an application away. Stop waiting. Start doing. Apply here.

adventure, courage, creativity, entrepreneurship

Leap: How Did You Celebrate Leap Day? I Started The Geronimo Project and I Want You to Join Me!

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest member http://pinterest.com/sdl/hell-yes-and-amen/

My house is full of lists – things to do, places to go – far and near, people to contact, things to buy, things to look into. You name the task, and I bet I have a list for it.

Over the past few months as I’ve started my journey to make The Leap into entrepreneurship and a new way to live my working life, I’ve been kicking around an idea that began to take root yesterday, appropriately enough on Leap Day. The timing couldn’t have been more synchronous. Introducing The Geronimo Project, a community of people who took The Leap and share their stories to inspire others.

Back in 2009, I started a column on entrepreneurship for Examiner.com to showcase inspiring entrepreneurs. The column did very well and I wrote a free e-book (please download and share!) to highlight the interviews that were most meaningful to me in my quest to get inside the entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve missed conducting and writing those interviews and since closing out the column in 2010 I’ve wanted to find a way to continue that journey to celebrate the brave people who took a chance to realize their dreams. Also, I’ve become increasingly interested in finding a way to begin doing more video and podcast work. Wrap all that up with my love of teaching (yoga, meditation, personal finance, personal action plans) and it becomes The Geronimo Project.

The site and Twitter feed are incredibly bare bones as I work behind the scenes to bring it all to life. And here’s where I can use your help!

Have you taken The Leap from a stale day job into a career that you love? Do you know someone who did? Did you read an interesting article or see a news clip that highlighted someone who took The Leap? Have you got links to resources, ideas, and advice that you think would be valuable to someone considering the Leap? Do you know someone I should connect with? Send all your ideas on over via email or Twitter – your choice. The more the merrier.

Let’s see what we can build together!

determination, entrepreneurship

Leap: The Training of an Entrepreneur

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest member http://pinterest.com/oliviawickens/

“It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.” ~ Confucius

My friend, Poornima, recently explained to me that entrepreneurship is like regularly getting punched in the face and getting up again for more. And still I was not deterred. Neither is she.

As I think about every wonderful experience in my life, I’m reminded that all of them required their fair share of punches. Some times, the punches came in bunches and that expedited the process. Some times, those rounds of punches happened over a long stretch of time. Nothing was ever easy for me, and now I understand why. I needed to build my stamina for the journey I’m on today.

We’re a culture addicted to over night success, to the belief that everyone we admire woke up more morning with a brilliant idea and suddenly became a sensation. But it’s not that way. Beneath all successes worth having, there is a long, long list of things that didn’t work out, opportunities missed and lost, and a map that shows how we often take a step forward only to take two steps back. We should not be discouraged.We need the conditioning.

The trick is of course to keep going. To keep our eyes on the prize. To recognize that no matter how much adversity we face, it’s impossible to beat someone who never gives up. Do not stop.

creativity, entrepreneurship, opportunity

Leap: The opportunity habit

Christa Avampato

“For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are.” ~ C.S. Lewis

In this economy, it’s easy to look around and see miles and miles of space lacking in opportunity. But what’s really happened is that the opportunity of today has a different face than the opportunity before this latest recession touched down. We cannot look for it with the same methods, in the same places, and with the same lens.

The opportunity before was often found in big companies, in big cities, and by following the rules outlined for us. Get a pedigree education, go into a corporate training program as a well-respected company, and climb, climb, climb. Now, the greatest opportunities are discovered within our frustrations, solved by our imaginations, and brought to life with our own two hands.

I flip through the New York Times every day – online version during the week, paper version on the weekend – and mark, snip, and save everything that has some kind of future relevance for Compass Yoga. I do the same with a ludicrous number of magazine, websites, newsletters, and any number of social media channels. Leads on sources for potential funding, programming, partnerships, and smarter ways of working are piling up. And the more I find, the more there are.

Creativity is addictive, endless, and constant, if only we begin to trot down the path to solve something that bothers us with a solution that benefits the greater good.

business, entrepreneurship, time

Leap: Make Sure Time Is On Your Side

Christa Avampato

“Guard your own spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson via ZenMoments

“Be ruthless with your time.” ~ Pam Slim

New projects take a tremendous amount of time to incubate, plan, and implement. To make the most of the opportunity, time alone creating and time collaborating with kindred spirits is critical. And in our often overly connected world we can feel guilty for being selfish with our time. We must put the guilt away if we intend to do something truly meaningful. Guard your time – it’s yours to spend as you see fit.

On Friday, I spoke to Poornima Vijayashanker, my friend and founder of Bizeebee. (Bizeebee is company that creates yoga studio management software.) She was one of the first employees at Mint and is a wise, generous person who’s been very supportive of Compass Yoga. On Thursday afternoon, a few of the board members and I had an interesting meeting with a potential partner that left all of our minds swirling. Poornima’s advice helped ground me and see what a gift this Thursday meeting was for our development. And then she gave me some personal advice: carve out Christa-time – entrepreneurs need it and so rarely take it.

Quiet time alone allows our minds to percolate as we develop interesting solutions to tough challenges. To tap our creativity and imaginations, we have to spend time on our own. “Being an entrepreneur is like being in a race by yourself,” Poornima said. “All that really matters is that you’re doing your own personal best every day.” It’s so easy, and harmful, to endlessly compare our business to others. There’s value in keeping our finger on the pulse of the market. It’s not valuable to be hopelessly consumed by what everyone else is doing.

To follow our path, we have to pay attention to our intuition, our heart. And the only way to do that is to know our path. And the only way to know our path is to sit and breathe, alone. We must guard our time like a precious jewel because it is.