Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Going Out on My Own Question: I've decided that I want to get out of the corporate rate race and start my own company. I've got a lot of drive and ambition and I think I have a good idea for a new business, however I'm still scared at the thought of going out on my own. Any suggestions for gaining the courage to be my own boss? Nina Answer: You are certainly not alone in wanting to 'get out of the corporate rat race and start (your) own company.' The people who do so are the ones who have those special entrepreneurial qualities - a complete belief in themselves and utmost confidence in their ability to be successful; strong conviction that their concept or business idea is unique and attractive to the marketplace; an unassailable desire to 'do it on their own' at any cost. Often these qualities emerge over time and become clear through targeted self-inquiry. In deciding whether or not you want to strike out on your own, ask yourself if you fit the profile. Be clear on exactly what you are trying to eliminate from your life by leaving a corporate setting and what you picture your entrepreneurial efforts will create in replacement. Determine your level of belief in your 'good idea.' Ask if it awakens every single ounce of drive, ambition and determination in you because that's what you will need in order to have even a chance of success on the entrepreneurial trail. Acquaint yourself with others who have done it before you. Get a true picture of the journey. (It's perfectly set out in 'Pour Your Heart Into It' - the Starbucks story by Howard Schultz.) In other words, the first, most important thing to do is get a clear, realistic picture of yourself and the size of your business desires. If you come out of that evaluation feeling more invigorated, more convinced that you really want your own business - go into action. Start making it real with a solid business plan. Gather up every resource. Begin to work towards the making it real. And, ignore every single person who says you can't do it. If, on the other hand, you decide against pursuing your own business, shift your focus toward finding your way into an 'intrapreneurial' company that will welcome your outstanding business acumen, strong leadership skills and independent streak. They do exist. Should you find yourself caught somewhere in the middle - remember the words of William Joseph Slim: "When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take - choose the bolder." Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.