July 28, 2007

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Interview #9 - Pamela Slim - EscapeFromCubicleNation.com

Pamela Slim gets to write about what many of us dream of as we slowly drudge through our work weeks. Here are her thoughts on escaping from cubicle nation:

1. For those of us who are unfamiliar with you, could you briefly describe who you are and what you do?

I am an entrepreneur coach and writer, who helps corporate employees break through the fear of leaving their corporate job to start their own business. I call myself a “recovering managment consultant,” as I worked inside corporations for many years before seeing that it was becoming increasingly difficult to create bearable employment situations inside large companies. So I switched focus a couple of years ago and now help people to leave. I have a blog, radio show and podcast, all under the name Escape from Cubicle Nation. My company site is www.ganas.com.

2. Your transition from corporate drone to entrepreneur almost happened by accident. Is this common or do most people plan for the change?

I would say that most people now plan for the change, as I recommend that they should. When I quit my job in 1996 with no clearly defined next step, I was single with no kids, didn’t have a mortgage or large financial responsibilities, and I knew that I had very marketable skills in a healthy job market. I did stumble upon consulting by chance, since no “real jobs” sounded interesting to me, and I needed to get some cash flowing in order to pay bills. Once I began working for myself, I realized that I was cut out to be an entrepreneur, and I haven’t looked back since.

3. What lessons have you learned that you wish you knew when you first started out?

I have learned that creating a business plan is a good thing, just to keep focus and ensure that no unexpected “panic moments” arise from lack of planning. I also learned to stand up and assert myself more in business partnerships. Honestly, I don’t know if I really would have gained the same level of experience if I hadn’t gone through some challenging times, so I am thankful for the whole process. I did write about some lessons learned in couple of blog posts awhile back, both what I did wrong and what I did right.

4. What is the biggest misconception about leaving the corporate life to start a small business?

I think many people believe that once they give two weeks notice at their corporate job that they are stepping off a cliff, never to return. They also feel that they must choose the perfect business that meets all of their criteria for happiness and success, or else they are doomed to failure. I see the process as more a series of experiments. You will never know how it feels to be self-employed until you do it. So stepping out and trying something is the most important thing. You always want to have a backup plan, and it is not the end of the world if you have to go back to a “day job” for awhile until you iron out the kinks in your business. You also won’t really know what you love to do until you start doing it, and one initial thought often leads to new, unexpected areas.

5. What can someone start doing right now to prepare to one day say goodbye to the corporate life?

First create the picture of what you want your ideal life to look like. Spend time defining the type of existance that would make you happy, healthy and fulfilled. Then explore topics of interest, and see what businesses might emerge from them. Then … and this is really important … start a little “gig” on the side to test it out. Doing a little thing in a short time frame is more important than spending 5 years planning a grandiose escape.

6. If you could say only one thing hopeful entrepreneurs considering going into business for themselves, what would it be?

Be your true self. Don’t explore ideas, opportunities or business models because another “expert” tells you is the right thing to do. Build a business that is based on who you really are, and you won’t have to be afraid of doing things wrong. Sure, you will make lots of mistakes, but they will be in pursuit of something that helps you grow as a human being, and as a businessperson. The world is starving for truth and authenticity, so when you attempt an endeavor that is based on sincerity, people appreciate it. And it feels so much better than being an imposter!

Thanks very much Pam; I hope to be telling you about my own escape in the near future!