Originally published by Naomi Simson on LinkedIn: You are at the starting blocks – you are ‘ready to soar’

This is an excerpt from by newest book ‘Ready to Soar - How to turn you brilliant idea into a business you love.

You may well have done the work to establish what sort of business owner you want to be, whether you will be self-funded, look for funding, be an owner-operator or an entrepreneur. You now have an idea of where you would like to head. The point is that now you’re at the starting line of what could be a marathon. You are fit, trained and ready – but you need to manage your energy for the long road ahead. Everything you have done and experienced to this point has been part of your preparation.

Consider this – you have one life, one chance to give it a go. You may have decided that it is not for you after all – the risk versus return is just not for you. Or perhaps just not for now, as the timing is not quite right. If so, maybe there is a step you can take, a ‘sample’ of what it could be like before you give up paid employment altogether. You might like to consider working in a small business or someone else’s start-up before you start your own business. This will allow you to see the value of your contribution, to see if you can be a ‘jack of all trades’, to share the excitement of the start-up world – without taking the financial risks yourself.

I cover much in Ready to Soar, from establishing possibility, making sure you are prepared and realising that being a business owner means that you will be forever pitching, ultimately it is up to you – who you are, who you are as a leader and how you bring people (customers, suppliers, employees, investors) with you on your journey. No entrepreneurial journey happens in isolation. Being a business owner, a founder or self-employed may well be the most rewarding experience of your life – and deliver you the richest life lessons.

I never realised all those years ago when I left my corporate career that I would not be back – that I would have two decades (and more to come) of ups and downs and sideways moves. That I would be responsible for my own future and well being. I would create my own reputation – well beyond the business reputations of the enterprises that I worked for. My life would not be linear. I would know true joy – and deep despair. But if you were to ask me what I would do differently, I’d say – not much (just perhaps a little more yoga).

The entrepreneurial life suits my energy and enthusiasm. I found a place where I belong, where I can contribute and feel valued. I found my calling. I continue to stress that it is not for everyone – but this book is about helping you make that choice.