Testing the Entrepreneurial Waters - 1 day course

Testing the Water' - Is self employment an option for me?

Ever thought of starting your own business?

Did you know that over the past 20 years the number of people setting up their own business in the U.K has tripled (Moralee 1998)? Ireland is not far behind and the trend is growing. More and more people are considering 'making the break' from the corporate world and going self employed. The concept of the 'portfolio career' is also growing, where people work for themselves a couple of days a week, work for an employer a couple of days and then perhaps do charitable or voluntary work.

About the Programme:

'Testing the Water' is a licensed coaching tool which evolved out of research at Birkbeck University of London which showed that the transition from employed to self employed can be made easier if certain things are taken into account, issues considered and specific preparation made. This can be summarised down to eight factors.

Barbara Quinn, the programme leader, has developed a Coaching Programme that debriefs this eight factor questionnaire and begins a reflective process around self employment, highlights the capabilities around entrepreneurship and identifies the personal traits that might require further development. It is the basis for decision making around successful transition into self employment; it is informed, client centred and practical.

Worksheets & Handouts:

Participants are required to complete a self-assessment in advance of the workshop and this typically takes 60-90 minutes.

Debriefing in the workshop then includes

  • Understanding the research
  • Making sense of your 'Testing the Water' results
  • Creating your business vision
  • Managing your energy
  • Business development brainstorming
  • Action planning

This programme is 1 day in duration with the option of 1-1 follow on coaching.This is not a Start Your Own Business course.

For Whom:

Ideally suited to those individuals who are considering the self-employment route but want to first explore if they have what it takes.

If you would like more details on this course, please call Karen Gray on 05786 36622 or 086 171 2051 or email her at kgray@careervision.ie