2090: [Part 2] The Get-Started-Now Guide to Becoming Self-Employed by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Self-Employment Basics

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[00:00:58] Learn more on the Uber app. This is Optimal Work Daily. The Get Started Now Guide to Becoming Self-Employed. Part 2 by Leo Babauta of zenhabits.net. On quitting your day job.

[00:01:13] This is a big question and I don't have a single answer for everyone. I'd say for most people, it's best to keep your day job at first, just so you have some income while you get the business started. Work in the morning, on your lunch break, after work, even during work if you're not super busy. Just don't get fired. This is a good way to fund your startup. Have a steady income and get the business going until you're ready to quit the day job. For me, it took a little less than a year, but if I were doing it over again, I think I could do it in much less time.

[00:01:43] For some, quitting the day job is best right away because it gives them the kick in the butt they need to get moving. It's scarier this way, of course, but there's no better motivator. This is best for people who don't have a big family to support, singles or couples without kids. Or if you do have a family, perhaps you have some savings you can live on for at least two to three months while you get the business off the ground. Even if you quit your day job, you might be able to do some freelancing or consulting business to get some regular income right away as you also get the business going.

[00:02:13] What to do First, you should choose something that you love and know a lot about. If you love gardening, do something related to that. If you love writing, do that. You should ideally have some experience or be willing to put in a lot of hours learning at first. If you're already good at something and you love doing it, you're off to a great start. Next, you should figure out what you have to offer and how it will be different than what's already out there.

[00:02:38] How will you meet people's needs in a new way? Who needs your service or product? How will you reach them? Where do they go now, either in the real world or online? And what's the simplest way you can reach them and offer your product or service? Simplest means the least work, the least amount of steps and complications, the easiest for the customer, the least expensive, and the least amount to start up. And how fast can you get started? What's the bare minimum you need to get started?

[00:03:06] For many, this is signing up for a free web account and putting up some content. For others, this is calling the right people and meeting with them with an offer to provide services. And that's all. Get the basics started and add the rest later. Again, you can get the business card later. You can figure out accounting and corporate structure and all that later. You can refine your marketing and product later. Just start and keep improving. Never stop learning and never stop failing.

[00:03:34] Failure is not the end of your business. It's just the beginning. You have to take the attitude that failure won't stop you from making it on your own. If your business doesn't get off the ground, learn from that and try again. But do it better this time. You might need to take a job temporarily to fund your life as you make another attempt. But that's okay. You do what you gotta do. Failure isn't a reason to get depressed, to quit. It's a learning opportunity. Failure is a stepping stone to your success.

[00:04:02] And if you make it, don't take that as a reason to get complacent. You should always be learning, always improving. Not because you're not satisfied with what you've done, but because if you stop learning, you'll stop having fun. There should always be new challenges, new things to explore, new skills to learn, new ways to grow. One more thing. Do not be afraid of hard work. You'll work harder than you ever have. Becoming self-employed is not about laying around in a hammock and drinking margaritas.

[00:04:31] Although you can do that when you want to. It's about loving what you do. About working hard to build something you're proud of. About pouring your heart and soul into something rather than giving it to someone else. Make no mistake about it. You'll work hard or you won't succeed. But you'll love every minute of it. Should I start in a bad economy? Yes. This is the best time to start. This is a time when job security is low, so risks are actually lower.

[00:04:58] This is a time to be lean, which is the best idea for starting a business. This is the time when others are quitting, so you'll have more room to succeed. And with social media and networking taking off, this is the easiest time to start a business. The easiest time to spread the word. The easiest time to distribute information and products and services. And while the big corporations may struggle in a bad economy, you're small and lean, which means you don't have the fat that the big guys have.

[00:05:25] You are able to adjust to the market much better, and you're less subject to the problems of financial markets, real estate markets, and other external realities. But what if everyone were self-employed? Is that even possible? I have no idea. I'm not advocating that, actually. I'm saying it's been great for me, and I recommend it for those who are looking for freedom and the ability to pursue their passions and dreams. And if you are, I don't guarantee success. I'm just sharing what I've learned.

[00:05:54] But what if everyone were in business for themselves? Would this be a horrible thing? I can imagine a world of tiny businesses and free agents. I think people would collaborate, as I do today with many people. But they do so as free agents, not as employees. And that's a huge difference. A world of difference. Because then they'd come in as equals, and they'd be collaborating because they want to. Because they're excited about a project. Then the world of trying to motivate employees disappears because people are motivated already.

[00:06:23] They're excited. They have freedom. They choose to do the work. That's a utopia, obviously. And the real world would have all kinds of problems. But there are all sorts of problems today, so that would be nothing new. I don't know if it could happen or if it's desirable. All I know is I enjoy my freedom, and I'm happier than ever. I wish nothing less on all of you. You just listened to part two of the post titled,

[00:06:51] The Get Started Now Guide to Becoming Self-Employed, by Leo Babauta of zenhabits.net This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Chrome That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required.

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[00:07:48] And thanks, of course, to Leo for letting us share his work, and you can learn much more about him and check out all the content he has at zenhabits.net. Okay, that's going to do it for me today. I hope you have a great one, and I'll be back here with you tomorrow where your optimal life awaits.