You're considering a career shift in a small business. What paths should you explore next?

Making a career change can be a pivotal moment in your professional life, especially when it involves the dynamic world of small businesses. Whether you're seeking more fulfillment, a better work-life balance, or new challenges, small businesses offer a unique landscape for growth and opportunity. As you contemplate this transition, it's crucial to consider the various paths you can take. Each offers distinct experiences and requires different skill sets, but all can be rewarding in their own right. The key is to align your personal goals and passions with the needs of the small business sector.

1 Assess Skills

Before diving into a new career, take stock of your current skills and how they can transfer to a small business environment. Small businesses often require a jack-of-all-trades mentality, so your ability to adapt and wear multiple hats can be as valuable as specialized knowledge. Assessing your strengths and weaknesses will help you identify areas for improvement and positions that could be a good fit. Remember, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly prized in small business settings.

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Eric B. McLoyd

Empowering mission-based leaders and organizations to increase productivity, profits, and skills with expert advice and hands-on implementation. CONSULTING | FRACTIONAL C-SUITE
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Enlisting the support of a career or executive coach can be helpful when assessing transferable skills. Their outside perspective can help organize the process and identify opportunities that align with your talents and abilities.

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Ronald Dizon

If you’re ready to do something, let’s go! Let’s do something that should’ve been done yesterday. Anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it.
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Before diving into a new career, assess your skills and how they can transfer to a small business. Coming from over 20 years in automotive, I found project management skills useful for running operations and technical expertise handy for maintaining equipment. Soft skills like communication and problem-solving are crucial. Embrace the challenge and leverage your diverse skills.

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Michell Sierra

Certified Business Coach | Experienced Entrepreneur | eCom Expert
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Explore new roles: Seek out opportunities to try new roles and responsibilities within the company, identifying areas where you can contribute and develop new skills. Take on additional projects: Volunteer for additional projects or initiatives that align with your interests and aspirations, demonstrating your initiative and drive. Network internally: Build relationships with colleagues and managers in different departments and roles, learning about their work and seeking guidance on potential career paths.

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2 Research Roles

Once you've identified your transferable skills, research various roles within small businesses that could benefit from your expertise. Positions in small businesses vary widely, from operations and sales to marketing and customer service. Consider roles that not only match your skill set but also offer the potential for growth and learning. Networking with small business owners and attending industry events can provide insight into what roles are in demand and where your skills could be best utilized.

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3 Understand Scale

Understanding the scale of operations in a small business is essential. Unlike larger corporations, small businesses often operate with leaner teams and resources. This means you're likely to have a more direct impact on the company's success but also face a broader range of responsibilities. Grasping the scope of work and the potential for wearing multiple hats will help you prepare for the shift and set realistic expectations for your new career path.

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4 Entrepreneurial Spirit

Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit is crucial when shifting to a small business career. This means being proactive, resourceful, and ready to take on challenges without a roadmap. Small businesses thrive on innovation and adaptability, so showing initiative and a willingness to learn on the fly can set you apart. Consider how your past experiences have prepared you to think like an entrepreneur and how you can apply that mindset to a small business setting.

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Ronald Dizon

If you’re ready to do something, let’s go! Let’s do something that should’ve been done yesterday. Anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it.
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Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit is key when shifting to a small business career. Coming from over 20 years in automotive, I’ve learned to be proactive and resourceful. For example, my project management skills streamlined operations at Teofilo Coffee Company, and technical expertise helped maintain equipment. Soft skills like communication and problem-solving are crucial. Apply your past experiences and entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in a small business setting.

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5 Financial Acumen

A solid understanding of financial principles is beneficial in a small business environment. You don't need to be a financial expert, but comprehending basic financial concepts like cash flow, profit margins, and budgeting is important. In a small business, every decision can have a significant financial impact, so being financially literate can help you make informed decisions and contribute to the business's financial health.

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6 Personal Fulfillment

Lastly, consider the personal fulfillment that comes from working in a small business. Often, you'll have closer relationships with coworkers and a clearer view of your contributions' impact. This can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction. Reflect on what drives you professionally and how a career in a small business aligns with your personal values and career aspirations. This alignment is key to finding long-term happiness and success in your new path.

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Ronald Dizon

If you’re ready to do something, let’s go! Let’s do something that should’ve been done yesterday. Anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it.
Report contribution
Lastly, consider the personal fulfillment and bigger purpose that come from working in a small business. You'll build closer relationships with coworkers and see the direct impact of your contributions, leading to greater job satisfaction. Reflect on what drives you professionally. For me, transitioning from over 20 years in automotive to running Teofilo Coffee Company has allowed me to create a legacy and make a meaningful impact. Aligning your career with your values and aspirations is key to finding long-term happiness and success in your new path.

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You're considering a career shift in a small business. What paths should you explore next?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Skills

2 Research Roles

3 Understand Scale

4 Entrepreneurial Spirit

5 Financial Acumen

6 Personal Fulfillment

Small Business

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You're considering a career shift in a small business. What paths should you explore next?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Skills

2 Research Roles

3 Understand Scale

4 Entrepreneurial Spirit

5 Financial Acumen

6 Personal Fulfillment

Small Business

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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