To the untrained eye of non-dreamers they may appear to be much the same thing. Not so! I declare this aloud with an index finger hoisted aloft! There are distinctly two types of dreaming. The Naval Investment will reap no reward. It is a mindless and aimless killing of time and will produce exactly nothing, aside a variety of belly button fluff and three forgotten cups of congealed coffee. The Window Gazing, however, is a frame for the possible. Window Gazing is daring to flesh out the bones of your dreams. Window Gazing allows the dreamer to establish if the dream is in fact an ambition.
In my last post I wrote about the attitudes here in the UK concerning breaking the mould and striking out on your own. On reflection these limits may be self-imposed ones. Window Gazing led me to starting a business from home. A few ideas here may lead your afternoon dreams straight into an actionable plan. My dream went a little like this…
Step 1
I asked whether my ambition was backed up with a solid background and understanding of the career I wanted. Was I qualified to embark on this adventure? Was there a niche or a need I could service?
Step 2
Why struggle alone? Get support and advice. If you are out of work and have a great idea, the local job centre can put you in touch with professionals to support you. The staff themselves will do everything they can to assist. Do not be afraid to ask, they will help you to help yourself. If you are in work and want to change direction, approach your local Skills Development centre. Our version in Scotland is Skills Development Scotland They can find appropriate sponsorship and training opportunities to suit you. I found the service very personal and supportive.
Step 3
How do NASA organise their day? Planet! I apologise, but yes, plan it. Get that patootie down to the Business Gateway A business plan will literally be a blueprint to your version of success. Let those who have trodden upon that path guide you around the pitfalls.
Step 4
You have no business without people! This was tough for me as I am not a natural at joining in. Change that! social media was a wonderful resource to me, building my confidence and allowing me to connect with people already successful at what I wanted to do. Join in discussions locally and globally. Learning, sharing and connecting drive you forward and build business communities and relationships. Talk to those in your immediate locale, as others setting up small businesses might need your skills. Bills need to be paid, true, but skill swapping should be considered to build your experience and confidence.
Step 5
Repackage your brand from Dreamer to Entrpreneur. I told you dreams were real!
As always I invite contributions to the topics raised in these posts. The more ideas that flow the better!
In my last post I wrote about the attitudes here in the UK concerning breaking the mould and striking out on your own. On reflection these limits may be self-imposed ones. Window Gazing led me to starting a business from home. A few ideas here may lead your afternoon dreams straight into an actionable plan. My dream went a little like this…
Step 1
I asked whether my ambition was backed up with a solid background and understanding of the career I wanted. Was I qualified to embark on this adventure? Was there a niche or a need I could service?
Step 2
Why struggle alone? Get support and advice. If you are out of work and have a great idea, the local job centre can put you in touch with professionals to support you. The staff themselves will do everything they can to assist. Do not be afraid to ask, they will help you to help yourself. If you are in work and want to change direction, approach your local Skills Development centre. Our version in Scotland is Skills Development Scotland They can find appropriate sponsorship and training opportunities to suit you. I found the service very personal and supportive.
Step 3
How do NASA organise their day? Planet! I apologise, but yes, plan it. Get that patootie down to the Business Gateway A business plan will literally be a blueprint to your version of success. Let those who have trodden upon that path guide you around the pitfalls.
Step 4
You have no business without people! This was tough for me as I am not a natural at joining in. Change that! social media was a wonderful resource to me, building my confidence and allowing me to connect with people already successful at what I wanted to do. Join in discussions locally and globally. Learning, sharing and connecting drive you forward and build business communities and relationships. Talk to those in your immediate locale, as others setting up small businesses might need your skills. Bills need to be paid, true, but skill swapping should be considered to build your experience and confidence.
Step 5
Repackage your brand from Dreamer to Entrpreneur. I told you dreams were real!
As always I invite contributions to the topics raised in these posts. The more ideas that flow the better!