<p>Since you are reading this article I assume you have some entrepreneurial blood in your veins. If you have ever dreamed of getting out of the rat race and spreading your wings as your own boss, read on. Pamela Slim, of <strong><a href="http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/">Escapefromcubiclenation.com</a></strong> blog fame has written the definitive book for everyone who shares the dream.</p>
<p><strong>Escape From Cubicle Nation – From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur</strong> is must reading if you want to avoid the pitfalls without sacrificing your enthusiasm. Pam, who was in Seattle on Friday, July 10 at MOHAI holding a workshop, was an independent corporate trainer for ten years. The stories she heard on the road inspired her to start the blog to help people realize their dreams. That “research” turned into the book.</p>
<p>Pam really breaks the whole process down into four major categories – opening up the opportunities, the reality of entrepreneurship, making the money work, and making the leap. You have to know and recognize who you are and what you want, understand the truth and get past the fantasies, prepare financially and finally – “Just do it.” Taking ample time in each section to prepare for the next is a key to success.</p>
<p>Within this process there are stages. Pam uses “The Change Cycle” developed by Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star, to illustrate the four squares of change.</p>
<p><strong>Square One: Death and Rebirth</strong></p>
<p>As the name implies, this is all about letting go of the old and embracing the new. Looking inward to determine what makes you tick, you find the true you. You can’t start the journey without knowing why you are going. The “compelling why” is what will carry you over the rough spots.</p>
<p>This is all about finding your mojo, getting in touch with your muse. It doesn’t have to be all “airy, fairy” either. You just want to know what you are working with internally so you can make the external match. The harmony is what turns your efforts into such sweet music.</p>
<p><strong>Square Two: Dreaming and Scheming</strong></p>
<p>The number one rule in this stage is – there are no rules. Here is your chance to break free and fill the whiteboard with any and every idea you can imagine. The more you put out there the better the odds of finding “the one” to get you rolling.</p>
<p>I just watched the Lonesome Dove miniseries based on the book by Larry McMurtry. The dreaming and scheming phase – thinking about being the first cattle ranchers in Montana – was the great idea that uprooted everyone and took them on a 2,500 mile adventure. The passion for freedom and independence (form square one) sustained them in the face of danger, death and hardship.</p>
<p>That is why there are no rules. If you discount any possibility you may be eliminating the very best option. You can sort them out and select your first attempt after that. For now, just think and dream.</p>
<p><strong>Square Three: The Hero’s Saga</strong></p>
<p>Throughout history and literature, the hero always faces seemingly insurmountable odds and incredible hardships. Being an entrepreneur is the same. And just as the hero seldom encounters a smooth road, you won’t either.</p>
<p>If necessity is the mother of invention, then Square Two is the father of resilience. The only thing you can count on is nothing going as you planned. And that is OK. This is a research stage. It is the proving ground where you find out which ideas work and whether you need to adjust, or head home.</p>
<p>The cattle drive lead by Gus McCrae and Woodrow McCall has to cross lots of rivers and deserts to get to Montana. The route changes and they experience losses. But they persevere and enjoy the rewards, most of which are in the journey itself.</p>
<p><strong>Square Four: The Promised Land</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations! You have arrived in the “promised land.” Don’t get too comfy just yet. There is more in store.</p>
<p>Once you get your business running and functioning satisfactorily, you will notice something interesting. Everything keeps changing. You are constantly facing new challenges, new market conditions and new choices. And as it is written, “this too shall pass.”</p>
<p>No sooner does the Lonesome Dove bunch makes it to Montana and establishes the ranch, than pecking order changes and Woodrow Call has to make the return journey to fulfill his promise to Gus McCrae. Other characters set out on their own and life begins anew.</p>
<p>Here is the good news – Pamela has given all of us entrepreneurs and refugees from the cube farm a road map and user’s manual to make our journey simpler and safer. I encourage you to visit her blog, read a chapter of the book and then order your own. It just might make the difference for you and your business.</p>
<p>You can see a short video of Pam addressing single parents on my <strong><a href="../members/richard-baum">Biznik page</a></strong>. You can also read more articles about Pam and the book at <strong><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-7513-Seattle-Career-Coach-Examiner">Seattle Career Coach Examiner</a></strong>.</p>
2009-07-13T21:18:56Z
-5.28881
201
5469
true
1
16480
escape-from-cubicle-nation-from-corporate-prisoner-to-thriving-entrepreneur-0
1
2009-07-14T08:47:37Z
2009-07-14T15:48:20Z
If you have ever dreamed of getting out of the rat race and spreading your wings, this is the compleat manual for you. Give yourself a gift and read this book.
Escape From Cubicle Nation - From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur
1
2009-07-14T15:48:20Z