Thinking of going independent or starting a business? Before you quit your day job, here are a few “top of mind” things to consider:

• your risk tolerance
• your comfort level with doing business development
• your level of discipline
• your value proposition (why clients should hire you instead of all the other solos in the marketplace)

As a would-be entrepreneur, you should also develop a business plan right away–before taking any other steps. Developing a business plan will force you to focus on your goals and what is aspirational, what is achievable in the shorter term, and what resources it will take to succeed.

Photo by Bill Strain (Flickr).