One of my guilty pleasures in the 1980s was watching the A-Team. Last week, a client success reminded me of Hannibal’s famous line: “I love it when a plan comes together.”

My client spotted an opportunity in an industry sector where she had zero experience. She came to me full of passion and enthusiasm ready to rush in and launch her business straight away.   The first part of our conversation was about slowing her down as launching her business prematurely will more than likely lead to costly mistakes.  Instead, we focussed on developing a strategy to reach out to an established player in the sector not for a job or investment but simply to learn from them how the sector works in practice.

As a result, my client organised a meeting with an established player in the industry.  The initial meeting went so well that a second meeting was arranged What happened next surprised us both – my client was encouraged to apply for a position available in the established players business.

My client secured the position and is now happily gaining invaluable knowledge from within the industry while being paid.

My client’s dream has not changed – the plan is to launch her own business. However, rather than rushing in she now has advantage of gaining the following:

• Hands-on experience in daily operations
• Access to industry networks
• Inside knowledge of challenges and opportunities
• A steady income while planning her venture

The outcome was better than either of us imagined possible. My client is building expertise, relationships, and financial stability – all while moving steadily toward creating the business and life to which she aspires.