The age-old question: Are entrepreneurs born or made? Bee Brand of a leader, we work with GenX entrepreneurs, in their 40s and 50s, and have had the privilege of witnessing both types of founders. On the one hand, there are the born entrepreneurs who ran lemonade stands at a young age and sold anything and everything to their classmates. On the other hand, there are those who discover their entrepreneurial spirit later in life, after building a successful business career. By the way, did you know that the average age of a new australiabusinessblog.com in North America is 40? That’s right, the next great australiabusinessblog.com might just be a GenXer, not a GenZer, or even a millennial!

So, if many people take the plunge into entrepreneurship after hitting the big 4-0, what was their journey like before that? For many, it’s all about climbing the corporate ladder and reaching the executive level, only to wonder, “Now what?” According to a Gallup survey, only 13% of people find happiness in their jobs, and the pursuit of happiness can be the spark that ignites a desire for freedom, autonomy, and fulfillment through entrepreneurship.

For some, a corporate career can be exhausting, with long hours, limited time with family, and difficulty prioritizing health, both physical and mental. But for those who decide to start their own business, striving for a better work-life balance is often a key factor. A survey by MBO Partners even shows that 60% of the self-employed mention the desire for a better balance as a reason for self-employment.

Others may be driven by a desire to make a bigger impact. For example, a CHRO leader with a passion for DEIB may choose to start a consulting firm that implements leadership inclusivity programs across multiple organizations rather than just within his current employer’s organization. The decision to become an australiabusinessblog.com after a rich and successful career in business can be fueled by a desire to make a difference on a larger scale.

At Brand of a Leader, we have had the privilege of guiding many entrepreneurs through their transition from corporate to running their own business. They come to us for advice on building a personal brand that sets them apart from the competition. And as you can imagine, we get a lot of similar questions. Here are three of the most common:

Related: The step-by-step timeline for moving from corporate life to self-employment

1. Should I use my own name or come up with a separate brand name for the company?

The secret to starting a successful business is having a clear vision. If you want to sell the business later, it may be a good idea to have a separate brand name. But if you want to create a legacy or pursue solopreneurship, having two different brands — one for the company and one for your personal brand — can give you double the equity (but also double the time investment). However, our clients who choose to build their business around their personal brand enjoy a unique focus and the ability to gain a following without excessive ad spend.

And here’s the point – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But we recommend one thing: don’t neglect your personal brand. People follow people, and a strong personal brand provides visibility, portability, and a platform that can help your business while you pivot when needed.

2. Should I wait to work on my personal brand after making the transition to entrepreneurship?

Many of you may be concerned that a transition could alienate your audience and force you to wait before making a move. But this is a common misconception that stems from the idea that your personal brand reflects what you do professionally. At Brand of a Leader, we help our clients change the way they think by showing them that their personal brand is who they are, not what they do. The goal of personal brand discovery is to understand and package your essence in a way that appeals to others. Your calling is just one of your main talking points, and when you pivot, you simply shift those points while keeping the essence of your brand.

So, when should you start building your personal brand? The answer is simple: the sooner, the better. Building a brand takes time — time to build an audience, create visibility, and make associations between your name and consistent perceptions in people’s minds. Starting earlier means you’ll see results faster. And if there’s one thing our post-corporate career clients regret, it’s that they don’t start working on their personal brand sooner.

Related: What I Learned When I Went From Corporate America to australiabusinessblog.com

3. What is the difference between my company brand and my personal brand?

As entrepreneurs, it’s natural to think of our businesses as a reflection of ourselves. But as we work with post-corporate clients to develop their personal brands, we often find the lines between their personal values ​​and those of their company become blurred. When asked about their core values, they may default to listing the company’s values ​​rather than their own personal beliefs. The same goes for the target audience – they can see their company’s target audience as their own.

This is where we encourage our clients to challenge their thinking and explore the nuances of their personal brand. While it may seem helpful to align your personal brand with that of your company, it’s important to consider whether there are values ​​and audiences that are unique to you as an individual. For example, as the founder of the company ‘Brand of a Leader’, my target audience consists of GenX entrepreneurs and CEOs. However, my personal brand also has a secondary audience of immigrants, which may not align with the company’s focus.

While we encourage our clients to explore the differences between their personal brand and that of their company, we remind them that it’s okay to have a personal brand that differs from the corporate brand. Personal brands can have different values, audiences and even a clear brand voice. Embracing these differences can lead to a more authentic and satisfying personal brand-building experience.

Related: How to transition from a corporate job to an australiabusinessblog.com

The entrepreneurial journey is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It can be the natural next step for some, a way to escape the misfortune in your current career or a means to make a greater impact in the world. In the words of Mark Zuckerberg, “The greatest risk is not taking any risks.”

If you’re considering going into business after a successful career in business, now might be the time to take that leap of faith. Building your personal brand will give you the visibility, portability, and platform needed to succeed in your new venture. So go ahead, take that risk and make your entrepreneurial dream a reality, powered by an inspiring personal brand!