Until August 2003 I was working in the IT industry in the UK. I was in a sales role, but it was more about managing relationships with companies who had already been sold to. The industry was at best stagnating and the pressure to squeeze more out of existing customers was hell. Like so many people, I only stayed for the money. I was never a superstar – I didn’t really like the job at any time, I just liked the money.
Eventually I was made redundant and left with a small pay off, and a big high that I had finally left a job (and a boss) that I really hated. On the day I left, I knew that come hell or high water, I had to find a way to never feel that unhappy nor that trapped in a job again. I did not want to spend another day of my life wondering if I was next in the firing line.
Although I had made the decision that I would like to work for myself, despite years in the IT industry, I didn’t have any transferable skills. I couldn’t do hairdressing or plumbing or language tuition or any of the other ‘work from home’ type of businesses. I knew how to use a computer – possibly better than many – but certainly not well enough to offer it as a service. We didn’t have the financial resources for me to take a couple of years out to learn a new skill and I had two young children and couldn’t afford to pay expensive childcare while I worked my way up in a new employer.
However, despite having the wrong skills and very little money, I did have one redeeming trait. I had a real determination to succeed. (Actually I think it was a real determination not to go back into an IT job!).
What I am saying here is that I’m no business whiz kid. I didn’t go to university. I didn’t start out with pots of money to throw at my business. I didn’t have a outstanding aptitude for cold-calling (although I did have sales experience). I just felt I needed the right opportunity, and this business was it.
I really do love what I do now. I get a real buzz from the fantastic comments from residents about how much they love the magazine. And equally I love helping people start up their own business – it’s a real thrill for me when I get sent my first edition of your newly launched magazine.
I believe that by continuing to run my own magazine I have a real understanding of the developments in the market, changes in legislation and I am able to pass on ideas to the growing base of magazine owners.
If you think this is the sort of business in which you too could excel, get in touch with us.