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Between 2021 and 2023, the United States saw a 34% increase in business applications from potential employers. During this entrepreneurial boom, my friend and I made the jump from corporate jobs to a backyard chicken coop startup. Here’s why and how we made the leap.
After years of managing large teams and equally large budgets in a high-stakes corporate financial technology environment, the day-to-day grind and office politics began to eat away at my passion. I had always been very entrepreneurial, even within the walls of corporate America. But it wasn’t until I was faced with a particularly difficult boss that I realized I needed a change. I wasn’t simply looking to escape a bad work environment, but I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of the cause. I was driven by a vision for a different kind of life – one centered around community, sustainability, and most importantly, freedom.
Related: Considering starting your own business after a successful corporate career? Three things you need to know.
Preparing for the leap
Moving from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was not an impulsive decision for me. I gained experience in corporate America, first in the healthcare sector and then running a startup I created. This experience gave me a better understanding of the dynamics of small businesses and allowed me to gain experience in a relatively safe environment. This experience was a crucial stepping stone for me to jump into the business of raising backyard chickens.
“Buy or make” has long been the chicken-and-egg problem for entrepreneurs. I never thought about going for the chicken. I forwarded a list of companies to a friend who wanted to buy a company. I didn’t think much of it, but he was on board. The idea took hold quickly, and we began our due diligence to buy. Moving away from the predictability of corporate America meant I had to become a student and master the game quickly. Learning digital marketing, search engine optimization, and media strategy became my new normal. These skills are essential to the success of a small business. I even took a crash course in international logistics.
One fundamental and interesting lesson is that whatever company you start or acquire, whatever its name, it is not a manufacturing company or an e-commerce company. It is a media company that happens to sell what you sell. There is a big difference, and your focus on digital media can make or break your business. I consulted experts and incorporated their insights to fit my business model. Gaining expertise in digital marketing is essential to effectively navigate the online marketplace.
If you surround yourself with really smart people, you don’t need to be the smartest. One of the keys to this was assembling a knowledgeable legal team early on with real-world transactional experience. This team played a key role in navigating the complexities of running a small business, guiding me through everything from structuring deals to navigating regulatory requirements.
For example, during the acquisition of a healthcare company, their insight was invaluable, helping manage the financial terms and negotiating all aspects of the deal, including significant tax benefits. Their expertise not only provided legal security, but also generated creative solutions to challenges that frequently arise in starting a business.
Additionally, as mentioned above, I realized that in today’s business environment, regardless of industry, you need to operate like a media company and master digital marketing. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning. I subscribed to industry newsletters, attended digital marketing workshops, and followed thought leaders to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques.
In the past, I have hired agencies and freelancers and learned from all of them. Being a sponge and absorbing knowledge from anyone who can teach me digital marketing tips and tricks is a great way to become a master. Creating effective content is one of the key pillars of digital marketing success and should be one of the top priorities for any business.
This approach to learning and team building has enabled our chicken coop business to remain agile, competitive, and thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Related: 3 Digital Marketing Strategies That Can Save You 20 Hours Every Week
Important lessons and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Moving from a stable corporate position into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship has taught me some valuable lessons that I would like to share with all aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. More than just a cliché — it’s all about networking:
The importance of connecting with experienced mentors can’t be overstated. Early on, I reached out to proven business owners who had made similar transitions. For example, I connected with a former corporate executive who had successfully transitioned into a multi-million dollar organic farm operation. His insights helped me avoid early financial pitfalls and inspired an innovative approach to selling my product.
Networking is not just about receiving advice. It’s about mutual growth and sharing experiences that enrich both parties involved. Local networking groups are a good way to achieve this, but you’ll get great results by being vulnerable and proactively reaching out to key thought leaders in your field. Give them a call. The knowledge you need is there.
2. Always be ready to learn:
The journey as an entrepreneur is a continuous learning curve. When I first stepped into the world of digital marketing, I realized how vast and complex it was. I was completely overwhelmed and didn’t even know where to start. I took online courses, attended webinars, and hired a digital marketing consultant to keep myself up to date.
This active learning approach was crucial when we had to pivot our marketing strategy to launch a new product line that was very different from our original product line. Testing assumptions without bias is key, and being willing to go where the data leads is like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. Making the effort to learn how to apply the same concepts to different scenarios will also be extremely helpful when you later hire someone to do the same work.
Take Elon Musk, for example. Despite his immense success with companies like Tesla and SpaceX, Musk continues to branch out into new areas like neural technology and sustainable energy. His approach involves continuous reading, learning from failure, and tackling different fields of knowledge to innovate and solve complex problems. If you look closely, you’ll see he applies the same tactics and lessons to the opposite industry. I’m not as energetic or successful as Musk, but his commitment to continuous learning drives his ventures, pushing the boundaries of technology and business. To find blue oceans, you need to push the boundaries of learning in this way. Great book.
3. Freedom is worth the risk:
Choosing to start a business gives me a unique freedom that is rarely available in corporate life. For example, I can decide my own work hours, which allows me to balance work with my personal hobbies, such as pickleball, boating, and international travel. Having the freedom to do things how I want, when I want has dramatically improved my life. But it also raises questions: Can I maintain the discipline? Can I maintain a work-life balance, handle stress, and differentiate myself in the market?
Related: How to Be an Entrepreneur – 8 Tips to Start a Business Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start
Moving from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship can be tough, but for those brave enough to take it, it can be incredibly rewarding. My journey from corporate executive to professional nutritional supplement manufacturer to backyard chicken-raising entrepreneur is a testament to the power of aligning your career with your passion for freedom. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what you sell, as long as you know how to run a business. If you’re up for the challenge, the entrepreneurial path offers a new way of working and a new way of living.
