#KellyTips: The Business Game of Transferable Skills

Let’s face it, starting a business is a scary decision to make. Not only to make the decision but to start implementing all of the steps it takes to create and successfully run the business. I became a business consultant because I knew that I had a lot of ideas for all kinds of ventures. I also realized, I can’t run all of the businesses myself, so what better way to still have a hand in the business venture, than to help someone else start their own? That’s one of the main reasons. The other main reason is because I was working a job that I started to absolutely despise. I had way too much free time on my hands at a full-time desk job. It allowed me to see the true frame of the business. I was able to observe how the company truly communicated, or really the lack thereof. (Which is why clear and transparent communication now being of #1 importance within my own companies, and anybody else I conduct business matters with.) I was able to take in how they paraded new clients in. (To me was like the parents who put on fake smiles when company comes over, and you’re the child(ren) looking at them sideways because that’s not how they normally act.) Most importantly, I was able to realize that I was sitting on all of the skills to improve their company. If only they would’ve implemented the suggestions, I’d still be working there. Lucky me!

If you are seriously thinking about starting a business, as usual, I have some wisdom to share. Understand that pretty much anybody can start a business. No matter your age, your race, your gender, your whatever. Anybody can start a business. A few things I would do first is to review your finances. Did you recently inherit funds? Do you have a hefty savings? Do you not have a savings? Don’t be scared to start if you don’t have any sufficient funds, there are ways to work around this. That’s why you Consult Kelly. 😉 Once you’ve determined your financial status, now you can decide if you’re able to quit your job and work on this business full time, or if you have to work on the business in your spare time while you still work. Many people do both until they’re secure that the business is performing how they desire. Remember, if you are able to quit your 9-5 that you view your business as your new job. Don’t lose focus.

The next thing to do is conduct a tremendous amount of research of your idea. This is probably the most important part. You have to consider the who, what, when, where, how, time, of every aspect of the business.

• Payroll process

• Target market

• Competition

• Brick and mortar or online

• Which social media platforms

• Branding

• Marketing

• Employees

• Other policies

• Supplies

• Profit

• Cost

You really have to do the who, what, when, where, why, how, time, of all of those categories. These things take time. A lot of these categories can be researched using the right resources. Some of these items are trial and error. However, before you just up and quit your job you should be the most prepared so as to achieve the highest levels of success possible.

Now let’s consider the skills you are currently sitting on that could assist in your business. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are things you are passionate about? What are things you can do but prefer not to? What do you need to learn more of? For me, I have been working since I was 14 years old. Business in general is my passion. Anything involving business I want to know about it. Some of the jobs I had in the past were working in a retirement home as a dining room server. I worked all aspects of that job, from server to host, to busser, expo, prepping Saturday’s etc. Those who use to work with me and reading this know the exact job. LOL. It was a blast. But that job taught me skills such as customer service, being detailed, patient, outgoing, compassion, improved my memory, and to take pride in my work. Then I changed industries and worked in retail. I was able to use my previous customer service skills but had to enhance it greatly because I was dealing with people of all types of backgrounds. While working in retail I went from a part-time associate all the way up to store manager. That job probably gave me the most professional growth. I was super young and had a lot of responsibility. I learned how to reconcile funds, learned how to price items, hired and fired employees, reprimanded them, praised them, created schedules, had to be accommodating, more patience, marketing, inventory, gain new business and overall a lot of business practices. I was in charge of my own store by age 20. (I think.)

Again, I transferred industries and got into a call center. This time I was working in education. I whole heartedly support education. I think it’s the fundamental of life, but not just going to school, I also support those who learn on their own. Knowledge is something that can never be taken away from somebody. So, I transferred all of my knowledge and skills I had thus far and decided to encourage others to get into school. This job wasn’t physically hard, it was all mental. You had to cold call folks and speak a lot of life into them to encourage them to further their education. This job wasn’t challenging enough and felt like a scam at most points. I decided that I deserve more. I had been enrolling and dropping out of school myself. I didn’t want to take on a 4 year commitment yet so I became an insurance agent. This was a turning point for me. My best friend and I met at this educational job. We made a pact that within 5 years we wouldn’t work for “the man” anymore. We would be owning and operating our own business. At the time we thought it would’ve been an insurance company (which we will own one day just not now), but we did it. She runs three companies and I run two. I saved up my money while working to pay for the insurance agent course, to pay for the books, finger prints, background and all of that. I taught myself within 2 months everything I needed to know. I riskily quit my educational job Friday, took my insurance test Saturday, PASSED, and started working my new job Monday. What if I would’ve failed my test? I would’ve been without a job, but I didn’t even think about that too much. I knew I didn’t want to work my old job any longer and had to pass. I had studied, I took several practice tests, and was confident.

My insurance job allowed me to do a lot of self-growth. I took all of my enhanced skills and started making some decent money without having too much responsibility. I was even allowed a flexible schedule for a full-time college school schedule and to complete a paralegal internship. For a while it was working well but not for long because I’m one of those people who enjoys a challenge and to grow. I felt very stagnant in my position. I realized I’m sitting on all of the skills needed to run a business. Why am I not running my own?? I’m more than capable. I know that my employees want to be valued, challenged, and to grow. I know how to run a business and pay attention to details. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. A business consultant was perfect. To be the person everybody considers to be the subject matter expert in business. I encourage other individuals to quit their job and work for themselves. I can give other businesses feedback and strategies about their operations. I do that now in this job so why can’t I start my own company doing the same thing? I can. I am. I do.

I’m proud to say that now I’ve been able to utilize all of my skills and experience to help several other individuals either improve their business or start their own practice. I love being their business therapist. I listen to all of their issues and provide them constructive wisdom that typically fixes their problem. I said all of that to say, evaluate your skills. Evaluate the business venture you want to start and let’s get serious about it coming into fruition. If Donald Trump can become president, anybody can start a business.