The Entrepreneurial Decision

The decision to seek new employment is no longer as simple as it was even a few years ago. We constantly hear stories of entrepreneurs who have, seemingly without effort, created highly successful new ventures and accumulated incredible wealth through an initial public offering or profitable business sale.

Many executives with successful track records in larger corporations realize that job security derived from the size and stability of the company no longer really exists. They have developed the skills and desire to "run their own show" and now see the entrepreneurial option in a much more favorable light.

Entrepreneurs and business owners who have participated in or led ventures which have been sold, gone public, restructured or simply grown too large may also be seeking new entrepreneurial opportunities, spurred on by the experience and wisdom gained from having done it before.

Fortunately, as we enter the new millennium, the entrepreneurial path is an exciting and viable option for a number of reasons. First, we will see the greatest transfer of wealth in history as the "baby boom" generation inherits or buys the businesses built by prior generations. Second, the positive economic climate in the United States and the expansion of the global economy create an outstanding window of opportunity for entrepreneurial businesses. And third, the availability of a variety of financing alternatives makes the entrepreneurial venture more attainable.

Many executives and entrepreneurs believe the entrepreneurial venture is now the most exciting path to building personal wealth and achieving greater career satisfaction. TMI's entrepreneurial services can help you understand the options available and your personal entrepreneurial potential.

Entrepreneurial Options

Executives and entrepreneurs are faced with a broad range of options which vary significantly in risk, effort, and reward. These include:

A personally financed start-up product, service, or consulting company.
Creating a venture capital or privately financed company or start-up business.
Purchasing an existing business through a combination of personal, venture, or traditional financing.
Joining a first or second phase venture with one or two rounds of existing financing in place.
Leading or participating in a turnaround, LBO or acquisition.
Joining a smaller company in an equity position to spearhead "next level" growth, sale or IPO.
Considering franchise, distributorship or consulting ventures.
Joining a larger company with plans to spin-out/take public or sell smaller business units.
Negotiating stock grants and options to enhance traditional employment.

Risks and Rewards

All of these options and almost infinite variations and combinations offer a range of risks from "bet your house and first-born" to relatively low and easily manageable. The rewards, both financial and personal, can range up to and sometimes even beyond realistic expectations.

What We Offer

Professional Advice and Guidance

With all of the options, complexity, and risk of the entrepreneurial decision, the experience of a consulting company which has worked with literally thousands of executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs can be the key to success. A successful entrepreneurial venture itself, TMI Executive Resources can help you sort through the entrepreneurial decision, reduce the personal, professional, and financial risk, and increase the likelihood of substantial entrepreneurial reward.

Personal and Professional Assessment

Before taking the entrepreneurial path for the first (or second or third) time, we conduct a thorough, in depth evaluation of the personal and professional skills you have developed, assess the financial resources you are willing to commit and thoroughly evaluate your tolerance for entrepreneurial risk. In addition, we factor in your personal and family situation, short- and long-term goals and commitment to the entrepreneurial path.

Identification of Entrepreneurial Opportunities

No matter which options you decide to pursue, very rarely will a great business idea, a successful small business, or other venture drop into your lap. We help the entrepreneurially minded individual generate and refine ideas, and offer a structured, proven approach to creating a range of options. We have assisted clients in developing ideas leading to successful operating businesses, acquiring companies, finding partners to start ventures, structuring buyouts, purchasing franchises and licenses, and establishing successful consulting firms.

Business Planning

Any successful entrepreneurial venture requires a strong business, financial and marketing plan, a well thought out strategy and supporting personal, business and marketing materials. TMIer helps develop appropriate communications materials to present your ideas and plans most effectively to targeted audiences with different information requirements. Unique to the TMIer approach, we will help you develop a personal business philosophy which will provide a strong foundation and significantly increase your probability of success.

Ongoing Consultation and Guidance

TMI Executive Resources' professionals will be available to you at any time during the course of your entrepreneurial search to answer questions, solve special problems, assist in negotiating agreements including compensation and equity, and provide general counsel.

Ongoing Review, Evaluation and Recommendations

We will be available for a regular review of your career and business situation to evaluate progress, provide introductions to resources, develop boards and position you for and evaluate future career opportunities.