Transitioning a business--messy, but good?

Once I say this, it'll be out there and I'll be committed. It feels messy to talk about this without much preparation ahead of time, but here it is:

I'm transitioning my business. I've discovered my true passion lies a little to the side of what I've been doing. I enjoy blogging coaching and I'm still happy to work on that with my clients, too, but I've discovered something that feels like a clearer and stronger Thing I Want/Need To Do.

There's more about this new passion on my rewritten profile, but my question for you all is this: have you ever transitioned a business from one type of service to another? If so, what was that like? How did you manage it?

Healing IS possible.

4 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by John Hays, Seattle, Washington | Mar 09, 2007

I've made the jump from a J-O-B to business and from a training business to my current business. From J-O-B to my first business was easy. It was harder and took more time and preparation but the last transition went well. It's too complicated to tell here. What specific questions do you have? Call me if you'd like. (206)722-7551.

Seattle Washington Private Investigator
Posted by Leila Anasazi, Seattle, Washington | Mar 09, 2007

Rachel,

I've been through a few pretty severe business transitions.

I like the metaphor of pruning. You know, how some plants thrive when cut back severely, and some plants thrive on their old growth, and some like to be whacked back a little every year ... and the trick, of course, is knowing which is which, and having the strength and faith to whack away as needed.

Now to switch metaphors completely ...

You're following your soul and you are amongst friends, so you've got a good compass and probably a Sherpa or two at hand. But there's no map available for what you are doing, so--just in case--beware of tripping yourself up if you start looking for one :-)
Posted by Rachael Eaton, Seattle, Washington | Mar 09, 2007

Hi Rachel - I have firsthand experience at this since I'm in the process of transitioning my own business. My approach is to continue my work with existing clients while moving steadily forward with the new. I'm not taking new client's for my old business and I'm only networking and advertising for the new stuff.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to call or email me.
Posted by Lynn Colwell, Renton, Washington | Mar 19, 2007

My businesses have always been in a state of flux. I've never been one to pigeon hole myself and even dislike calling myself a coach because really I do a lot of other things with my clients besides what would be considered strictly coaching.

If it's really something entirely separate, then I agree, stop taking the first kind of client, finish up those you have and begin working with the new type.

However, I've often found that I can link the two businesses together in ways that others never envisioned and that's turned out to be the best solution for me.

Good luck as you pursue your new passion. Good for you!

Warmly,

Lynn www.bloomngrow.net