Tips for Those Considering Self-Employment

Tips for Those Considering Self-Employment

Wed Nov 10, 2:11 PM ET

By The Associated Press

Self-employment can be a rewarding career path. But experts say you should think about a few things before you make a move:

_ Have you ever worked in the business you're considering? If not, get a job in the field — or interview several people who do what you want to do. "You want to learn from the people who are doing well," says Stacey Mayo, a certified career coach and author of "I Can't Believe I Get Paid To Do This."

_ How much do you know about running a business? Do you have a business plan? Do you have seed money? Many higher learning institutions offer courses and entire programs on self-employment. Experts also suggest visiting your library or local bookstore to check out the many books written on the topic.

"Somebody may be very good at what they do; they may be good with a computer, or a good graphic artist or a plumber," says Gene Fairbrother from the National Association for the Self-Employed. "But knowing how to be a good plumber is not going to make them successful in their own business."

_ Fairbrother also advises against moving too quickly, especially if you've never run your own business. As he often tells people who want to work for themselves, "Speed kills."