Now that Tony, Carlos, and I have launched out on our own... there seems to be lots of personal introspection going on, threats of widespread career sabotage, panic at the disco. =) But before you go crazy, here's a list of 10 things you need to do before you launch out on your own:
1. Make sure God's calling you to do it.
2. Make sure your spouse is not only behind it, but championing it.
3. Spend at least 5 years building a network of friends.
4. Build platforms for other people and get darn good at it.
5. Have guaranteed income for at least three months. Six if you can.
6. Prepare to work your arse off, like no other job you've worked.
7. Have a way to replace your salary through, say, consulting, writing, singing.
8. Never burn a bridge unless you're sure you'll never go that way again.
9. Create a "personal business plan" so you'll know the realities.
10. Make sure you can do nothing else... and then burn the ships.
Ben,
SUPER encouraging right there. Those things are exactly what I've done leading up to starting this new church. Thanks for the encouragement. We need to chat sometime for a few.
Posted by: zak white | June 02, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Great list Ben!
Love the paradoxical nature of #8 and #10. In fact, I think it would be a great title for your next book:
"Burn Ships Not Bridges: A Guide To Launching New Things" by Ben Arment
Posted by: Paul | June 02, 2009 at 02:51 PM
awesome stuff man.
Posted by: Milan Ford | June 02, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Might need an 11. It's a given but PRAY. Pray for direction and discernment always to stay on the path that God has lead you down. Pray for courage to stay on task despite any perceived setback and opposition.
As my 6 year old sings... "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid."
Posted by: Daniel Decker | June 02, 2009 at 02:58 PM
I love that "Burn the ships" analogy! that lights a fire under me!
Posted by: Jesse Phillips | June 02, 2009 at 02:59 PM
you forgot: first work for catalyst, north point or new spring :)
Praying for you and fam Ben.
Posted by: Greg Darley | June 02, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Thanks for the list Ben. Hope a ton of people see it and wrestle through those things before launching out.
Posted by: adam herod | June 02, 2009 at 03:01 PM
i'm a huge proponent of not mythologizing faith stories.
anyone can do this. not just former staffers at big orgs.
Posted by: Ben Arment | June 02, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Good word!
Posted by: pete wilson | June 02, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Just dip out of the corporate world and go serve. Its a great (although unsustainable)business plan. Well, I hope it is anyway. Flight to the Dominican is already booked.
Posted by: chrissulli | June 02, 2009 at 04:55 PM
great advice ben! thanks.
Posted by: Josh | June 02, 2009 at 05:03 PM
I got laid off, so I'm an exception to the rule. I'd also add to be prepared to do whatever it takes+its ok to fail.
Posted by: Jim | June 02, 2009 at 05:17 PM
great thots ben. love it. excited for all of you.
Posted by: mike foster | June 02, 2009 at 09:59 PM
thanks Ben!
Posted by: bryan a | June 03, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Great tips, Ben! Back to Virginia eh? Couldn't stay away from the state for lovers for long eh? :)
I'd be curious to learn your tips for how to transition well. It's always seemed awkward for me to leave one job for another, even if there's "God's calling" on the line.
Posted by: djchuang | June 09, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Helpful tips!!
Posted by: Latasha | July 20, 2009 at 03:06 PM