Develop a Plan

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Develop a Plan

“Winging it” is the surest route back to where you started–working full-time for someone else. Before you make the move, you should be able to answer each of the following questions:

  • What services am I going to offer?
  • Do I have the necessary skills and/or certification to offer these services? If not, how will I get them?
  • Who needs my services? Where are they located? How can I contact them?
  • Do I have at least one client “in the bag?” If not, how can I secure one?
  • Do I have a proven track record of success? A portfolio of my work? Satisfied clients to use as references?
  • How much am I going to charge?
  • Where am I going to set up shop?
  • Do I have money in the bank to cover at least 3 months of living expenses?
  • What’s my fallback position if I can’t make ends meet? Do I have another option (i.e., substitute teaching, temping) other than going back to work full-time?
  • How am I going to pay for health insurance, life insurance, etc.?
  • Do I have a plan for setting aside my self-employment and other taxes?
  • Have I created a marketing and promotions plan?
  • Do I have someone to go to for advice if I get stuck?
  • How long am I going to give myself to make a go of this?