| Many people are not able to quit their day jobs and open the tea
business of their dreams, at least not right away. Finances, family
obligations, and various other factors play into how you can and
should best develop your tea business dream.
The type of business you want to develop also plays a role in how
you should best approach it. If you want to build a business hosting
children's tea parties, for example, you can easily keep your regular
job until your business takes off. Children are in school during the
day most of the year, and you will need to build your reputation.
A business such as a by-appointment tearoom is also one you can
build slowly, particularly if you are in a partnership with another
business where you can share space and expenses.
 Getting organized
As you continue to work and build your tea business, you will need
to rely heavily on your organizational skills (or on developing them if
this is a weak area). Essentially, you will be working two full-time
jobs until you are able to make the transition.
Building your business takes a lot of planning and effort, and
obviously, as your business grows, you will become busier. Learning the arts of organization, time
management, and self-discipline is key.
In the beginning, you will likely be very energized and enthusiastic
about your dual roles, and the extra time and effort may not seem
like it will be an issue. If, however, you develop a solid business plan
and pace yourself, you will be much better prepared to handle the
stress as you become busier.
 That last minute rush!
Before you are able to make the switch, you will have times where
you will be very busy. How will you handle this?
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Do you have resources in place or lined up so that you will be able
to meet all your responsibilities?
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Having a plan in place will help you prepare. This plan will also be a
great help if you find that your business grows much faster than
anticipated.
Talking about it
Depending on the nature of your current work, you will also need to
know how you will handle discussing or not discussing your new
venture. Some employers will be thrilled for you and do everything
they can to support you.
Others will see your new
tea business as a threat. In these circumstances, you will need to protect yourself by either
not mentioning your new business or by proving that it will not
interfere (at least for the time being) with your current position.
When it comes time to make the switch, treat your current
employer with respect. Give the full notice required, offer to help
train your replacement, and leave on the best possible terms. You
never know -- your current employer could end up being one of your
best customers!
Family Time
Last but not least, consider your family your first priority. Without
healthy family time, the support base for your business will quickly
diminish. Act now to prepare for your busy future.
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What times can you block out for weekly family fun?
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How will you handle getting your children to and from activities?
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How
will you handle housework when your business grows?
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Are there jobs you can "farm out" within your household?
 A successful tea business takes time to grow and just like the tea
plant, your business will not be ready for a full harvest immediately.
Anticipate the upcoming "picking" by preparing in detail now. Within
no time you will be living your tea business dream.
Copyright
© 2006 by Dawnya Sasse. All rights reserved.
Lady Dawnya
Sasse is author of the world's first online tea business program entitled
Start a Tea Business. To learn more about Lady
Dawnya's seminars and CDs visit her website.
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