1. Build strong, respectful relationships (both personal and professional)
2. Clarify your vision and goals
3. Work with passion, enthusiasm and energy
4. Develop a flexible business plan, revisit it often and change as required
5. Assess your entrepreneurial spirit: perseverance, openness and integrity are crucial
6. Market your business effectively. Develop a sales package, generate leads and follow-up referrals
7. Stay visible and connected. Volunteer, work part-time, speak, write, join associations or serve on boards
8. Manage your finances. Establish a cushion, learn basic bookkeeping
9. Stay knowledgeable in your field. Take courses, attend conferences, keep reading
10. Work smarter, not harder. Be persistent and willing to work long hours, but also strive for balance. Organize, simplify, delegate when you can.
Although self-employment is not without its’ challenges, almost 100% of self-employed people surveyed love what they do and would make the choice to be self-employed again.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
