Entrepreneurship: The Entrepreneurial Decision

The decision to seek new employment is no longer as simple as it was in the past. And we still hear stories of entrepreneurs who have, seemingly with little effort, created highly successful new ventures and accumulated incredible wealth through an initial public offering or profitable business sale.

Many executives with successful track records in larger corporations realize that job security derived from the size and stability of the company no longer really exists. They have developed the skills and desire to “run their own show” and now see the entrepreneurial option in a favorable light.

Entrepreneurs and business owners who have participated in or led ventures which have been sold, gone public, restructured or simply grown too large may also be seeking new entrepreneurial opportunities, spurred on by the experience and wisdom gained from having done it before.

Fortunately, the entrepreneurial path is still an exciting and viable option for a number of reasons.

First, we will see the greatest transfer of wealth in history as the “baby boom” generation inherits or buys the businesses built by prior generations. Second, the economic climate in the United States and the expansion of the global economy create an outstanding window of opportunity for entrepreneurial businesses. And third, the availability of a variety of financing alternatives makes the entrepreneurial venture more attainable.

Many executives and entrepreneurs believe the entrepreneurial venture is the most exciting path to building personal wealth and achieving great career satisfaction. TMI’s entrepreneurial services can help you understand the options available and your personal entrepreneurial potential.

Entrepreneurial Options

Executives and entrepreneurs are faced with a board range of options that vary significantly in risk, effort and reward. These may include:

  • A personally financed start-up product, service or consulting company.
  • Creating a venture capital or privately financed company or start-up business.
  • Purchasing an existing business through a combination of personal, venture or traditional financing.
  • Joining a first or second phase venture with one or two rounds of existing financing in place.
  • Leading or participating in a turnaround, LBO or acquisition.
  • Joining a smaller company in an equity position to spearhead "next level" growth, sale or IPO.
  • Considering franchise, distributorship or consulting ventures.
  • Joining a larger company with plans to spin-out/take public or sell smaller business units.
  • Negotiating stock grants and options to enhance traditional employment.

Risk and Rewards

All of these options and almost infinite variations and combinations offer a range of risks from “bet your house and first-born” to relatively low and easily manageable. The rewards, both financial and personal, can range up to and sometimes even beyond realistic expectations.

Entrepreneurship: What We Offer

Professional Advice and Guidance
With all the options, complexity and risk of the entrepreneurial decision, the experience of a consulting company that has worked with thousands of executives, business owners and entrepreneurs can be the key to success. A successful entrepreneurial venture itself, TMI Executive Resources can help you sort through the entrepreneurial decision, reduce the personal, professional, and financial risk, and increase the likelihood of substantial entrepreneurial reward.

Personal and Professional Assessment
Before taking the entrepreneurial path for the first (or second or third) time, TMI will conduct an in depth evaluation of the personal and professional skills you have developed, assess the financial resources you are willing to commit and thoroughly evaluate your tolerance for entrepreneurial risk. In addition, we factor in your personal and family situation, short- and long-term goals and commitment to the entrepreneurial path.

Identification of Entrepreneurial Opportunities
No matter which options you decide to pursue, very rarely will a great business idea, a successful small business or other venture drop into your lap. TMIer is here to help the entrepreneurially-minded individual generate and refine ideas, and offer a structured, proven approach to creating a range of options. We have assisted clients in developing ideas leading to successful operating businesses, acquiring companies, finding partners to start ventures, structuring buyouts, purchasing franchises and licenses, and establishing successful consulting firms.

Business Planning
Any successful entrepreneurial venture requires a strong business, financial and marketing plan, a well thought out strategy and supporting personal, business and marketing materials. TMIer helps develop appropriate communications materials to present your ideas and plans most effectively to targeted audiences with different information requirements. Unique to the TMIer approach, we will help you develop a personal business philosophy which will provide a strong foundation and significantly increase your probability of success.

Ongoing Consultation and Guidance
TMI Executive Resources' professionals are available to you at any time during the course of your entrepreneurial search to answer questions, solve special problems, assist in negotiating agreements including compensation and equity, and provide general counsel.

Ongoing Review, Evaluation and Recommendations
TMIer will be available for a regular review of your career and business situation to evaluate progress, provide introductions to resources and position you for future career opportunities.

Entrepreneurship


Success Stories

WL:

New situation at [Company XYZ] is working out great. Used techniques TMI coached me in to land it!


DRB:

Thank you for taking the time to meet. It occurred to me as we were meeting that it has been nine years since I first joined the TMI network. I remember my trepidation at writing “the check” needed to gain membership. In retrospect, the fee turned out to be a real “deal”. I have the advantage of being a member of an expanding network of executive level managers (peers), the pleasure of meeting and having access to people such as the legendary Norman Strait, the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with others seeking their next leadership positions and the luxury of having virtually the same team in place as was in place in 2003.