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.

Feel free to contact me via my blog naomisimson.com and let me know what you decide. If this has supported you in your inquiry, share how – and then share it with others and pass it on.

Remember, keep laughing, have fun and enjoy the ride. And get ready to soar!

Join me, order a copy and join the conversation.

(Picture: Some of the early RedBalloon start up team - Including Head of Security Dexter - getting ready to soar)

Naomi Simson is the founding director of Australian online tech success story RedBalloon and Redii. She has written more than 950 blog posts at NaomiSimson.com, is a professional speaker, author of Live What You Love & Ready To Soar and is one of five “Sharks” on TEN’s business reality show Shark Tank Sunday nights 9.00pm.