This program is a self-assessment tool for individuals who are thinking about becoming self-employed.

The overall purpose of this handbook is to help you decide whether or not self-employment is the best option for you at this particular point in your life, and if so, to identify your next steps. Specifically, you will:

• Determine your marketable talents.
• Identify the skills and knowledge you need to operate your business.
• Assess your current entrepreneurship strengths and challenges.
• Ensure the business you are considering is the right business for you.
• Decide whether or not you want to be self-employed.
• Get ideas on how to find business opportunities.
• Explore the viability of your business idea or ideas.
• Access a variety of business resources.
• Get focussed and prioritize the things you need to do.
• Develop an action plan to move forward.

The exercises in this program can be completed in just a few minutes at a time, and completely at your own pace. You can skip around the different sections, and come back and re-do any of the activities. Or, you can start at the beginning and work your way through, step by step.

The program is divided into 5 sections:

Part 1:   Getting Started
Part 2:   All About You
Part 3:   Your Business Idea
Part 4:   Next Steps
Part 5:   At Your Fingertips

Objectives appear at the front of each section so that you understand the purpose of each exercise.

Many individuals who are thinking about becoming self-employed often have several things in common: you have a million ideas running around in your head, you have a huge list of things to do but don't know where to start, and you may be wondering if you have what it takes to be successful. Sound familiar?

To get the most out of this program and to avoid getting overwhelmed, let's figure out a starting point, a place for you to focus on first. Think about 3 key things you feel like you need to figure out RIGHT NOW. Don't worry if it makes sense or not. Pick the first few things that come to mind. For example, are you trying to find a business idea? Figure out which of your many ideas has the best chance of succeeding? Decide if you want to go into business? Determine what skills you need to develop?

Based on the 3 things you came up with, you may want to cruise briefly through the whole program to get a feel for what is covered, or just go directly to the section that appeals to you most right now. Alternatively, just start at the beginning, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the experience!

Good luck!

Let's go!