Lisa, Congratulations -- and I mean it just that way -- It's a window to a new opportunity, and you have absolutely the right mindset to move forward. It's emotional and challenging and scary, but you already know what you want to do, so you've got the hardest part under control!
Check into Small Business Administration resources for starting your own business... they have a ton of stuff on creating business plans, getting funding, doing research and more, and there are often extra perks for woman-owned or minority-owned businesses. Hire an accountant, they usually can advise on the best form your business should take (for example, I'm still a sole proprietor, it will work well for me and my situation for the next year or so). At the same time you are looking at how to set up your business, look at developing a strong Integrated Marketing Plan (contact me off-list on this if you'd like). It's essential to your long-term success and can help you determine when and where to focus your PR, advertising, CRM, and other marcom activities, based on your strategic direction, USP, potential markets and more. Check with your state's employment commission on restrictions on your ability to file unemployment claims. I haven't filed since the 1980's and I know it's probably changed a lot! Look into women's e-business networking organizations-Many cities around the country have chapters, and they are great not only for business networking but also for support and resources. All the best, you're about to embark on a truly amazing adventure! Connie P. Giordano The Right Words Communications & Information Design (704) 957-8450 (cell) www.therightwords.com "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney > -------Original Message------- > From: Lisa M. (Bronson) Gielczyk (TCP) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [TCP] first time for everything > Sent: 01 May '07 10:59 > > In my ten-year career as a technical writer, I've always been able to say I > was never laid off--that is, until last Friday. The company I have been > working at for nearly nine years eliminated all three of the technical > writers' positions, due to a company-wide reduction following a change in > ownership. > > I've been wanting to start my own business doing interactive 3D > documentation (software reseller, training, tech support, and consulting), > so it's really quite perfect. Beginning next year, I will be moving > frequently as my husband finishes his bachelor's degree, pursues an > M.Divdegree, does an internship, works for a few years, and then goes > back for > his doctorate, so having my own home-based business will be better than > getting a new job every 1-3 years. > > With the elimination of my job, I will be paid through May 15th, and then > will receive a lump sum payment for 18 weeks of severence pay. They will > continue my health insurance coverage for six months at no cost. Not a bad > situation, all things considered. > > I realize I will have to talk to officials and professionals in some areas, > but there are still things I'd like to hear about from people who've "been > there" (and of course, sympathy and encouragement are always welcome, too... > even though this is a great opportunity, it's still an emotional > experience): > > * I received severance; can I also get unemployment? Now, or after the18 > weeks? > * What resources do you know of for starting a business, particularly a > woman-owned business? > * Have you ever done a press release to announce a new business or make some > other announcement? > * Corporation, LLC, or other business setup? > * Other things I haven't even thought of, yet? > > Thanks everyone! > Lisa G. > ______________________________________________ > > Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. > New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help > technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. > > > DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE > > April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour > 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com > _______________________________________________ > > Technical Communication Professionals > > Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: > http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com > Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com > ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
