How to Quit Your Day Job and Start Your Dream Business

When I first developed a presence on the internet, I wanted to accomplish three things: establish myself as an expert, build author platform and build my dream business. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I ended up with two static (html) websites and six blogs.

These days, there’s better information out there for those who want to become authors and build businesses around their blogs—or vice versa. Some people begin with a business and then decide to become bloggers and authors to further their authority and success.

Of course, almost every dream business needs a home in cyberspace, which is where everyone searches for everything. And the easiest way to create that home is with a blog. Sunday, as I watched GoDaddy’s Super Bowl commercial, I was reminded of exactly how easy it is for someone with a great idea to get started online or off by simply setting up shop with a blog . I don’t recommend their hosting or website services, but I found the company’s focus on the ability to start a new career by building an online presence inspiring.

How to Quit Your Day Job

If you didn’t see the commercial, it featured Gwen Dean, 36, of Yonkers, NY, quitting her job to pursue her dream of being a puppet master—and she actually told her boss, Ted, “I quit,” during the GoDaddy commercial that aired during the 2014 Super Bowl on February 2, 2014. (He had no idea!) You can watch the commercial below.

Dean had worked as an operator for large refrigeration machinery for 18 years but decided to resign publicly after setting up her own puppet-making and performance company, PuppetsbyGwen.com, which she said was her passion. The commercial and public announcement to her boss came as the result of winning a competition offered by GoDaddy to those using its services.

How to Start Your Own Business

What did it take for Gwen to start her business? Well, she needed to make her puppets and the presidium she uses for her performances. And then she needed a website from which to sell puppets and attract clients. To accomplish the latter, Gwen registered a domain name, got a website, and in that way turned her dream into a real business. With a website, she could begin taking orders and booking engagements as well as telling the world about her services. (The commercial went a long way toward doing that; it aired to more a million viewers.)

The point of the commercial was simple: People have dreams and actually pursue them. Gwen is one of those people. If Gwen can do it, so can you. Purchase hosting, set up your website (a blog serves as a website), and you’re in business. Pursue your dreams!

I have to admit that Gwen inspired me, and she probably inspired a lot of other people, too. Her story represents achievement of the American Dream.

What’s Missing?

If you go check out Gwen’s website, you’ll see it’s pretty cute—fun, colorful, with all the basic elements. It even has a blog—with one entry featuring pictures of her and a puppet on an outing. Yes, just one. Here’s where she’s missing a huge opportunity…or will be until she gets moving as a blogger.

You see, beyond the fact that Gwen followed her heart and created her own business, she’s also becoming an authority on puppetry. GoDaddy helped her make this nice video:

It showcases her expertise nicely, expertise she could feature on a blog. Not only that, she could write about it in a book. But at the moment, she’s not doing either (at least not yet).

After all, a blog and a book are the perfect complement to any website and business. A blog provides both discoverability and authority, while the other offers expert status and credibility.

That’s why, if Gwen came to see me for a consult, I’d tell her she’s missing two pieces to her business: a blog and a book.

When the hubbub over her Super Bowl commercial fades away, consistent blogging and providing quality content—not just photos—would help her business become more discoverable long term. It will also continue to enhance her authority as a puppeteer. And she has plenty to blog about. People might be interested at first in her decision to quit and pursue puppetry. But they’ll also be interested in how she makes her puppets, comes up with the ideas for new puppets, and creates the story lines for her performances. She could also write about her experiences as a puppeteer. Indeed, each performance is an opportunity for a blog post.

If she also wrote a book, her expert status would skyrocket. Wondering what she could write about? Here are just a few books she might consider:

• 50 Ways To Make Unique Puppets Kids Love
• How To Create Puppet Shows That Engage Young Audiences Every Time
• 10 Steps For Creating A Business You Love So You Can Quit Your Day Job

If, like Gwen, you have a dream business you’d love to start, follow her example. Have the chutzpah to set up a blog and tell the world you’ve got a new career. But don’t forget to publish posts regularly and to write a book (or two or three) to support that business. Better yet, blog your books! This will help you get discovered and build authority. You’ll need this, since one million viewers won’t see you quit your job and open the doors for business.

Image credit: bloomua / 123RF Stock Photo