From Strategy Consultant to Business Owner

From Strategy Consultant to Business Owner Success Story > From: Job To: Startup From Strategy Consultant to Business Owner “I found the lack of longer-term ownership frustrating.” * From Strategy Consultant to Business Owner Alice Whiteley was finding it increasingly difficult to balance life and work. She was also itching to create something of her own that she could grow over time. Here's how she put in place a financial strategy, and a team, to get her ideas off the ground. What work were you doing previously? I was an independent strategy consultant. What are you doing now? I'm running Yawn â€" a nightwear business that I set up with my co-founders Phil and Roly. We launched about five years ago. How did you feel in your work before you decided to make the change? Intellectually stimulated, but tired. I enjoyed the work and it was well paid but I found the lack of longer-term ownership frustrating. I was also finding it increasingly hard to balance work alongside family life. Why did you change? I've always wanted to own and run my own business. I love putting my energy into building something that can grow its own identity and momentum. When was the moment you decided to make the change? There were a couple of things that contributed to the decision. I had a car crash on the way home from a client that I was commuting long distances to get to, which put life suddenly into perspective. I was getting increasingly tired and frustrated by the lack of control over my time. How did you choose your new career? I needed to get some new PJs and was shopping in John Lewis on Oxford Street. I couldn't find a colourful, characterful, high-quality nightwear brand. It was then that I spotted a niche! Are you happy with the change? Yes â€" 99% of the time. It's a hugely more challenging route than the work that I was doing before, but infinitely more satisfying. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss the reliable pay cheque. It's definitely financially stressful growing a small business organically and there are no quick wins. I don't miss constantly changing who I'm working with. I enjoy longer-term relationships and the feeling of building something steadily together over time. How did you go about making the shift? I started putting aside some money from my consultancy work to grow the business organically. I recognised I would need a team. I approached my co-founders and asked them to get on board as the design and branding experts alongside their work running a successful design agency. Luckily, they said yes! What didn't go well? What wrong turns did you take? Nothing has been a disaster so far. I'm a firm believer that you have to try things and learn from mistakes. However, in retrospect I think I probably rushed to export too soon. I was dazzled by the opportunity of working with the large department stores but quickly got too stretched. How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible? I saved up money from my previous job so that I could finance the beginning of this business. After that, myself and my co-founders have been putting loans into the business, drip feeding them as required. My husband is hugely supportive and highly entrepreneurial. He also (and critically) has a stable job, so luckily as a team (and for now) we can manage the financial stretch between us. What was the most difficult thing about changing? Starting with nothing but a concept, and no industry experience. I remember being really daunted at the idea of creating a product from scratch that would then sell to people I didn't know! What help did you get? My family are my biggest cheerleaders and support. I've also reached out to lots of government-backed initiatives and mentoring schemes to win informal support. What resources would you recommend to others? The British Library was very helpful in the early days when I was researching the sector. I attended quite a few of their seminars and would definitely recommend them. What have you learnt in the process? To trust my instinct, to be patient, and accept that I have chosen a long journey with this business. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Start the business as a 'side hustle' and keep it going on this basis for as long as possible. I didn't go full time with Yawn until I'd found a reliable factory, tested the idea with small boutiques, and gained some happy customers. I'd definitely advise not putting all your eggs in one basket until you've tested the business concept by finding a customer who'll pay for your product. Once you've done this you can either grow the business organically or via raising money â€" but either way your plan will be much more appealing to others! To find out more about Alice's business, visit www.loveyawn.com. What lessons could you take from Alice's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Associate Your Brand Name with a Picture - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Associate Your Brand Name with a Picture - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career I came across this podcast featuring Jeremy Schoemaker, taken by Elmer Thomas at the PubCon 2007 event. Jeremys corporate brand Shoemoney is represented by a logo resembling that of Supermans legendary symbol. He creates a lot of awareness and brand recognition through passing out free T-shirts at events. His blog is one of the top 50 blogs on Technorati, which is quite impressive I must say. I like how Jeremy is consistent with his brand and hands his brand out with promotional materials, making it a tangible. My thoughts in this area are simple: if someone cant match your logo with a name, then you fail. Its easier said than done, but if you can uncover a cool logo and then ensure that it connects with either your personal brand or your corporate brand, people will understand and remember you and your company. Its that clear cut and that necessary. If you can keep a consistent brand image, through all social networks, it will make people recollect who you are. The below video has some great points attached to it, especially the importance of blending a name with a picture or logo. Every time someone views his logo, they think of him. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPV4q69GbU]

Whats Irritating about Cell Phones - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What’s Irritating about Cell Phones - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career When People: such as my staff, co-workers, friends, etc feel I should be connected all the time. are multi-tasking i.e. driving. use the phone in inappropriate places during a church service, funeral, formal setting talk loud in public places; or speaking loudly to compensate for bad reception â€" without consideration for others in the surrounding (train, subway, etc.) leave their phone on the desk or dinner table like they are expecting a call constantly check for calls call me when there is a lot of background noise: traffic, walking downstairs, on stairmaster drop calls because of bad signals; poor connections â€" reception fading in and out stay on longer than three minutes mumble; don’t speak clearly just start talking without asking if it’s a good time to talk talk on the cell phone when interacting with other people, e.g. at the grocery store, in line at the bank don’t tell you that you are on speaker phone talk but don’t listen answer a cell phone call during a meeting, conversation, while driving with you yelling at other drivers or kids in the back seat when on the cell phone in the car don’t allow time to respond when asked a question; talking over you answer in a nasty tone if the call came at a bad time for them without accepting the fact that the person left the phone on make irritating sounds: blow their noise, clear their throat have loud ring tones have long conversations in public areas; people going on and on in general and when saying goodbye call me when they know I’ll be in the car talk socially to me for long periods without consideration of my limited phone minutes So now that you are reminded about whats irritating about cell phones dont be guilty of doing those things.

Getting Perks At Work - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Getting Perks At Work - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career In a world in which job security is scarce, you may not want to approach your employer asking for perks such as a flexible schedule, telecommuting, extra days of leave or educational opportunities. Nevertheless, many employers are opting to give perks over raises to attract and retain valuable employees. Obtaining these perks requires more than walking into your boss’ office and asking. Instead you need a plan that is business-benefits focused. Here are tips for getting perks are work. Have a plan Creating plan makes it clear in your mind what you want and therefore easier to articulate to your boss. Further it shows that you aren’t asking for   perk on a whim, but that you’ve given the idea plenty of thought. Your plan should include not just what you want, but also how you’ll deal with the ramifications your perks might have on the company. For example, if you want an extra week of leave, who will cover you while you’re gone? If you want to telecommute, how will the office stay in touch with you and know you’re working? Remind your boss how good you are A quality personal brand is essential to asking for and getting perks. But even the best workers may have to remind their bosses of their value to the company. Highlight your achievements, awards and accomplishments in terms of how they benefited your company. If you work well with your colleagues or have a leadership role, let your boss know about that, as well. Focus on what’s in it for your boss Your boss might care about you, but ultimately, his concern is the bottom line. He’s not going to let you telecommute simply because you’re having childcare issue or pay for a weeklong conference because the topic is interesting to you. Reframe your perk request to accentuate the benefits it will bring to your company. For example, telecommuting could increase your productivity while decreasing strain on office resources. A training might lead you bring in more sales or help you network to gain a big client. Be flexible Many employers want to be generous, but can’t meet your request as you’ve asked for it. However, your boss might be willing to negotiate something in the middle. For example, maybe instead of telecommuting three days a week, your boss will allow one or two days. Or instead of paying all expenses to a conference, your boss might pay the conference fee, but you have to cover travel and lodging. Perks are not rights, but instead they are privileges you can earn for being a valuable employee. In a tough economy, employers want as much value for their buck as they can get, and are willing to give valuable employees perks to lure them to the job and entice them to stay. If you provide great value, don’t be afraid to take advantage of or request perks, especially if you can show how doing so would be benefit to your company.

Think Like an Executive Resume Branding Pro What Is Personal Branding ... Really - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Think Like an Executive Resume Branding Pro â€" What Is Personal Branding ... Really

How to defeat workplace bullies

How to defeat workplace bullies Bullying is a problem in the workplace. According to a recent survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute, nearly 37 million U.S. workers faced “abusive conduct” at work, while another 29 million workers witnessed it. Bullying â€" defined as psychological violence in the form of verbal bullying (ridiculing, insulting, name-calling, or slandering), physical bullying (pushing, shoving, kicking, or tripping), or situational bullying (sabotage or deliberate humiliation) â€" represents a problem that impacts us all. What can be done? According to Dr. Lynne Curry, author of Beating the Workplace Bully and founding partner of the management consulting firm The Growth Company, “Those of us targeted by or witnessing bullying can stop bullies in their tracks.” How you came to be bullied Curry suggests you start by realizing how you came to be bullied. “Was it simple bad luck that you were in a bully’s way or had something the bully wanted, or did you ignore warning signs or signal in some way that you were an easy target?” Common warning signs There are common warning signs you need to notice, such as a bully cutting you down, treating you poorly, or making you feel you’re in the wrong or that you need to walk on eggshells. “Individuals can bully without being a bully, Curry says. What distinguishes a bully from someone with normal bad behavior is that a bully engages in intentional repeated bullying behavior. “ Recognize bully types Bullies come in several types: The angry, aggressive jerk The wounded rhino The scorched earth fighter The character assassin The silent grenade The shape-shifter The narcissist We’re most familiar with the angry, aggressive jerk who demeans, belittles and insults others. While the mean-spirited wounded rhino seeks to dominate, the cutthroat scorched earth fighter bully pulls out all the stops when he bullies you, because it’s not enough that he wins, he needs you to lose. The character assassin defames you, and the silent grenade rules your work life because you fear he’ll explode in unstoppable rage. The Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde shape-shifter charms the boss and subtly takes out those who get in his way. The narcissist lives according to “me, only me” and harms others without remorse because (s)he feel entitled to play by his/her own rules. Could you meet a bully who combines several of these types? Absolutely. If you’re bullied If you’re bullied, says Curry, “The solution starts with you. Never let a bully gain an outpost in your mind. Instead, assess what’s going on. Decide whether you’ll allow the bully to treat you this way, and if not, how you’ll handle it.” Curry’s book teaches those targeted by bullying to “step into their power, uproot old habits with new actions, confront mental manipulation, and rehearse new behaviors.” Does the bully feel bad about hurting you? “Bullies don’t feel bad about hurting others,” says Curry. “They lack respect for those they view as vulnerable and rationalize their behavior because their targets ‘deserved it.’” Bully bosses and employees Learn the special strategies for handling bully bosses and employees. “If you work for a bully boss,” says Curry, “see him for who he is, know your legal rights, and never go toe-to-toe with him.” If you supervise a bully employee, “realize that he feels justified in creating uproar and distorting your actions and words.” What can leaders and HR professionals do to combat bullying? Curry recommends that business leaders realize they may not see bullies, because bullies “kiss up and kick down.” A leader who wants to create a bully-free environment needs to define a policy, implement it, and create a confidential grievance channel. Provide supervisors with training to recognize bullying problems and provide behavior-changing training for targets and bullies. Ensure that HR professionals investigate allegations of bullying and directly intervene if there is substantial evidence.

Tips to Prepare for a Resume PPT

Tips to Prepare for a Resume PPTResume PPT's are indeed common nowadays, in fact, almost everyone has one. However, if you really want to make your resume a success, then you need to really know how to prepare for it. For starters, you need to know how to format the resume. We will discuss some tips to help you.Firstly, you need to look at the particular section that will be giving information about you. Nowadays, there are already many things on your resume. Some of these things will include your resume cover letter, your academic history, the education you have gone through, and your work experience.The first important thing that you need to remember when preparing for a resume is to make sure that you get enough space to insert your information. You do not need to put all of your life story here, but only the relevant details. The longer your information will be, the more difficult it will be to find.When preparing for a resume, you need to organize the information and write down as much information as possible. So you may either write down a chronological order or use the headings. You should start with the most recent work experience and after that the ones you have done at your present job.The next tip for preparing for a resume PPT is to check the grammar and spelling of your resume. You should always start with a review of your resume. If you can see something that is not right or unclear, then you should make a note about it and correct it later.Besides this, you also need to learn how to format your resume for a better impact. As much as possible, you should use bullet points, which are the better way to read a page. This is especially true if you are working as a freelancer or an independent freelancer.Your resume should highlight the strengths of you. You should emphasize the areas where you excelled. This is where your skills come into play, so it is always a good idea to write this down.Lastly, when preparing for a resume PPT, you also need to inc lude a summary. This will help to give the reader a summary of what you had to say in your resume.