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Home > Ask A Career Coach > Wanting to Start my Own Business

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Wanting to Start my Own Business

Jacqueline M. on July 18, 2012

Career Change

I'm 40, 6 years free and clear and starting my whole life over. I decided several years ago I would go back to school, see if it would help my chemo brain and now I am one class from finishing college. I really have nothing but myself and my one plant that I am trying to keep alive. The chemo brain stuff is still around is some ways, but not enough to totally put me out. I want to know if there was a mentor or roll model or someone or some place for a lady like me that could get some guidance for all I am about to do. To start a Social Media Marketing Business in NM, to help anyone that needs help with online sites like linked in so that they can be more marketable to get jobs and build business. I feel like I need someone that gets why sometimes I am so disorganized and loose focus, or that sometimes life isn't all about money its about having your health and clear mind. Just need some help to get to the next step of surviving cancer. Thank You.




3 Comments

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Kathy F.

Jul 24, 2012

Hi, Jacqueline!   You sure do have some successes under your belt. Congrats on getting through that degree!   

I have a few suggestions for you related to starting a business that supports job seekers.  First, SCORE, is a service of the Chamber of Commerce in which retired executives provide counsel and advice for entrepreneurs starting out in business.  They can help  with business plans, strategies for marketing and in general can be great guides throughout the start-up process.

Second, your local federal One Stop career center may have some consulting resource people you can tap into without charge.  Same for any local business incubators in your area.  A business incubator is usually state or municipality funded and is set up as a location to provide a start-up site, support and guidance to new businesses.   Your state or regional economic development authorities will be able to assist you there.

Finally, there are frequently job search support groups that you may find in local churches or non-profit organizations or even at community colleges.  These groups will provide you with some proven strategies for job search using the social media tools you discussed.  

Job seekers can be a tough group if you are trying to market a service to them for a fee, because usually they are really watching their pennies.    But, these support groups can give you a sense of what is currently being offered. So, too, would checking into the for profit firms that offer career coaching, and job search assistance. They can be found by doing an internet search using key words such as "job search assistance", "outplacement", "career coaching", etc.  

Do a content and competitive search online for similar services to the one you are thinking of starting, too.   In 2006, I conducted a competitive analysis for a national career coaching firm and found that there were more than 100 firms offering search advice to job candidates, and that the services were consolidating under big name umbrellas.  That scene has probably changed since then, because social media has dramatically altered the landscape.  Still, doing your market research to see what is already out there will help you hone your niche.

Best of luck to you in your entrepreneurial adventure.  With good advice, some able coaches, and a good business plan focused on a realistic market niche, you'll be on your way.

Kathy, CAC  Career Coach


Image of Jacqueline M.

Jacqueline M.

Jul 24, 2012

This is perfect, thank you so much for helping me. Thank you.


Image of Stanley  D.

Stanley D.

Feb 19, 2023

Sounds great


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