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Between 2021 and 2023, the United States experienced a 34% increase in potential business applications of employers. It was during this entrepreneurial boom that I, along with a friend, transitioned from a corporate job to starting a backyard chicken venture. Here's why and how I made that leap.
After years in a high-stakes corporate fintech environment, managing a large team and an equally large budget, the day-to-day and office politics began to dampen my enthusiasm. I've always been very entrepreneurial, even within the walls of corporate America. However, it wasn't until I faced a particularly challenging boss that I realized I needed a change. I wasn't just looking to escape a bad work situation, but I'd be lying if that wasn't part of it. I was driven by a vision for a different kind of life—one centered around a different community, sustainability, and most importantly, FREEDOM.
Preparation for the dance
Transition from corporate world for entrepreneurship It was not a quick decision for me. Initially, I entered the healthcare sector and allowed a startup I created to thrive while I cut my teeth in corporate America. This broadened my understanding of the dynamics of small business and gave me an experience in relative security. This experience was a cornerstone that prepared me to jump into backyard chickens.
“Buy or build” has been the “chicken or the egg” of entrepreneurs since the beginning of time. Getting into chicken was never on my mind until I passed the business listing on to a friend who wanted to buy a business. I really didn't think much of it, but he was angry about it. The idea flew quickly, and we began due diligence on the purchase. Leaving behind the predictability of corporate America means that one must become a student and quickly master the game. Learning about digital marketing, search engine optimization and media strategies became my new norm, as these skills are critical to small business success. I also took a crash course in international logistics.
A fundamental and interesting lesson is any company you may start or buy, no matter what the name is on the door, it is not a manufacturing company or an e-commerce business. It's a media company that happens to sell whatever it's selling. There is a big difference and a focus on digital media will make or break your venture. I consulted with experts and adapted their knowledge to fit my business model. Gaining expertise in digital marketing is essential to effectively navigating the online marketplace.
You don't have to be the smartest as long as you surround yourself with really smart people. A key to this was that we assembled a knowledgeable legal team early on who had a lot of experience dealing with real-life deals. This team was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of small business ownership. They offered guidance on everything from structuring deals to handling regulatory requirements.
For example, their knowledge was invaluable during the acquisition of my healthcare company, helping me manage the financial terms and negotiate all aspects of the deal, including some important tax benefits. Their expertise didn't just provide legal certainty – it drove creative solutions for it challenges that often arise in entrepreneurship.
Additionally, as mentioned above, I realized that in today's business environment, regardless of your industry, you need to act like a media company and master digital marketing. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning. I subscribed to industry newsletters, attended digital marketing seminars and followed thought leaders to keep abreast of the latest trends and techniques.
Over time, I've hired agencies and freelancers and learned from all of them. Soaking up knowledge like a sponge from anyone who will teach you digital marketing tips and tricks is a great way to become a master. Generating effective content is one of the main pillars of digital marketing success and should be one of your top priorities with any business.
This approach to learning and team building has kept our chicken coop business nimble and competitive, enabling us to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing market.
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Top lessons and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs
Embarking on the path from a secure corporate position to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship has taught me invaluable lessons. Here's what I'd like to share with any aspiring entrepreneur:
1. It's more than a cliche – networking is everything:
The importance of making connections with experienced mentors cannot be overstated. When I started, I reached out to established business owners who had navigated similar transitions. For example, I connected with a former corporate executive who successfully transitioned to running a multi-million dollar organic farm. His insights helped me avoid early financial pitfalls and inspired innovative approaches to marketing my products.
Networking it's more than just getting advice; it's about mutual growth and sharing experiences that enrich both parties involved. Networking groups in your local area can be a great way to do this, but being vulnerable and willing to reach out to key thought leaders in your space will reap huge rewards. Pick up the phone. The knowledge you need is there.
2. Be ready to learn – always:
Entrepreneurial travel is a continuous learning curve. When I first entered the world of digital marketing, I realized how vast and complicated it was. I was completely overwhelmed and didn't even know where to start. I took online courses, attended webinars and even hired a digital marketing consultant to bring me up to speed.
This proactive learning approach was essential when we had to change our marketing strategies while launching a new product line that differed significantly from our initial offerings. Testing your assumptions without bias is essential, and being willing to go wherever the data leads is like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. Being willing to put in the work and learn how to apply the same concepts to different scenarios will be invaluable even when hiring people to do the same work later.
Get Elon Musk, for example. Despite achieving significant success with companies like Tesla and SpaceX, Musk continues to push into new areas like neural technology and sustainable energy. His approach involves constant reading, learning from failures, and engaging with different areas of knowledge to innovate and solve complex problems. If you look closely, you'll see that he's applying some of the same tactics and lessons across industries that are polar opposites. I'm nowhere near as energetic or successful as Musk, but his commitment to continuous learning fuels his ventures and pushes the boundaries of technology and business. Finding blue oceans – a big deal book — is done thus pushing the boundaries of learning.
3. Freedom is worth the risk:
Choosing entrepreneurship brings a unique kind of freedom that is rare in corporate life. For example, being able to set my own hours allows me to balance work with personal passions such as pickling, boating and international travel. Having the freedom to do things when and how I want has drastically improved my life. However, it also begs the question – can I be disciplined? Can I manage work-life balancehandle stress and differentiate myself in the market?
Making the leap from a secure corporate job to entrepreneurship is scary, but for those who dare, it can be incredibly rewarding. My journey from corporate executive to professional nutritionist to backyard chicken entrepreneur is a testament to the power of aligning your career with your passion for freedom. If you know how to do business, it doesn't matter what industry you're in or what you're selling. If you're up for a challenge, the entrepreneurial path offers a new way of working and a new way of life.