Employee to Entrepreneur

Making the Transition to Entrepreneur

Writing a book might not seem the same as opening a business, but, in fact, authors that do well approach promoting their book in the same way that any entrepreneur goes about promoting their offerings. Beth Dunn's business is her book. We talked to her about the transition from working for somebody else to having her own business.

Beth Dunn's business is promoting her book and she does that from her home in Mays Landing, New Jersey.

Beth, where were you working before starting a company and why did you leave?

I left the Philadelphia PR firm KB Consultants to spend more time with my family and finish my novel.

You've got your own company now. What is it and what do you do there?

Yes. Social Climber LLC was developed in August 2008. I published a novel called Social Climbers and we promote and sell the novel.

I'm the socialite expert on NBC 40 each week. I'm developing a radio show and a socialite starter kit. I'm also a personal coach for charity work, etiquette and style.

I'm working on my next novel right now.

I also have a foundation, The Dawn Marie Foundation.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur instead of simply looking for another job?

I have always wanted to own my own company. My grandmother and father both own their own companies.

Did you start your business from scratch? Why not just take over one of the family businesses?

I started this company from scratch. My family businesses do not interest me. If they had, I would have done that. I think the best approach is turn your hobby into your job. Figure out what you love and do that every day to make money.

How did you decide what kind of business to go into?

I have always been obsessed with "Lifestyle" and knew I was an expert in the lifestyle I want to live.

Owning a business is very different from working as an employee. What are some of the biggest differences you've noticed? What do you miss? What don't you miss?

I don't miss working for someone else.

I set the rules. I get to exercise every day, take my son to the bus stop and I'm home when my sons come home from school.

The only thing I miss is the beautiful office on Rittenhouse Square that I worked in. I miss seeing the girls I worked with but I'm still best friends with my old boss and we support each other's business.

What advice would you give to somebody who is leaving the life of working for a company to go out on their own?

Just do it. You'll succeed if you are passionate about what you.

And do not just read emails and hang out. Make a to do and stick to it. Decide how many calls you will make a day to garner sponsors, get press or sell your product.

Anything else you'd care to share with us regarding the transition from being laid off to starting a business?

It is scary but exhilarating! My self esteem is the best it's ever been. And every day is the best day of my life.

Great. Thanks for participating in our entrepreneur interviews. Good luck to you in promoting the book and in completing the next one!

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