A little advice from Deb...

From time to time we all feel underpaid, under-utilized and just plain used! Feelings change like the weather. Those of us who question the feelings usually come up with an answer. My answer was to go into business for myself.

I suggest that you keep working at your job, keep smiling and start creating a plan for your future. If your future includes going into business for yourself, here are a few suggestions.

There is a lot of information on Field of Dreams for you to find out about going into business. I suggest you work in the field you plan to open a business in first to find out where your income will come from and to learn from other's mistakes. Learn what not to do in your own business. All along the way you will have an income and you will be building a reputation that will go with you. Don't burn your bridges, and smile when things get too rough by remembering what you're secretly planning.

If you fail to plan, your plan will surely fail.

I operated and owned a executive search firm for several years before going into the document conversion service bureau business. I also worked for approximately 15 years before going into business. The best business owners are those who have invested learning time (about 2 years) in the field in which they eventually do business.

Some hints to help you get ahead:

1. Make a conscious decision to learn everything you can about your job. I don't mean the physical tasks as much as the nuts and bolts of its operation. Ask how the business succeeds...what does the owner do to create more business? What types of marketing does the owner do (or not do)? This includes mailouts, newspaper advertisement, telemarketing, charitable functions, political functions, etc. Does the owner network? Is the owner a hands-on controller? Some controllers do make a success... many controllers don't! Keep a list of contacts in the industry, including the salespeople. 

2. Never negate a single person's value as they walk into the office (even if the owner does)! Every salesperson is a networking foot in the door for you. What goes around, comes around.  Purchasing agents for large companies learn this lesson early in order to keep job security. A salesperson visits the companies that you want to visit too. You would be surprised how another salesperson can help your business succeed.  It's not your beautician you want to get the town gossip from...it's the salesperson! I am the greatest gossipy salesperson around...and when I want some information, all I have to do is ask and I get what I need through my networking contacts.

Also, the "janitor!" is the most important person in the entire organization! The janitor knows and hears and is loyal (believe it or not). The janitor is privy to information the owner wants to let off his chest ... think... marketing happens in the restroom, on the "pot!" Marketing happens everywhere. Once you learn that trick, you can hire someone to do the "tasks."

3.  Set limits/boundaries of what you will or won't do. I don't mean become uppity...I've cleaned many a skid mark off the toilets in our offices.  Show professional limits/boundaries. Analyze what is good for the company's growth...have professional discipline. Just because you go into a bakery and the owner says eat all you want for free, doesn't mean you do it...there would be suffering in that move. At the same time keep in mind your professional career growth will be affected by these types of decisions.

4.  Always take the good and the bad. Own up to your mistakes. If you make a mistake, you prove you are doing something worthwhile. If you make no mistakes, you must not be doing anything. Make sure every mistake you make causes you discomfort. People tend to protect themselves from pain. So, it will not be easy to forget your mistake as the degree of pain suffered reminds you daily not to do that again! 

5.  Don't let anyone be scared of you. Make yourself an avenue for "sounding" out. When people feel comfortable (i.e. safe) with you, they will confide in you. Open communication is the greatest communication. When the walls come down, you can walk through! 

6.  If you hate your work, quit. You're not helping your career staying in a place just for money or possible promotion...you are killing your self-esteem and you're closed to good opportunities that only come to those who deserve them! Luck is not how you get success. Hard work is not how you get success. Working smart leads to success. 

7.  Never follow my advice!