If you’ve started a business before, you’re already well-positioned as a business development professional, marketer, or project manager. Even if things don’t go well, the experience gained is invaluable. These skills will make you a strong candidate in the job market.
1. Project manager
This is the best job for ex-entrepreneurs. Your entrepreneurial experience has given you the perfect toolkit for project management. You’re used to overseeing various aspects of a business, from budgeting to coordinating teams. That’s what project management is all about. Your ability to problem solve, complete complex tasks and lead a team will make you an asset to this role.
2. Operations Director
Big companies want specialists, but they also recognize the need for generalists who take risks and look at the big picture. That’s the place for you.
As a former business owner, you have hands-on experience in the ins and outs of running a business, making you the perfect candidate for the role of Director of Operations. Understand daily challenges and drive improvements across various departments.
3. Franchise owner
The transition from business owner to franchise owner can be a smooth transition, especially since some franchises are more self-sufficient. Because the systems and processes are already established, this type of franchise allows you to step into a leadership role without the heavy lifting of starting from scratch.
Business management experience provides the knowledge to oversee operations, manage staff, and maintain the quality of service and products that customers have come to expect from a well-known brand.
4. Sales Director
As already mentioned, generalists excel in management positions, especially sales directors. Your talent for seeing the big picture and pulling insights from different disciplines means you’re ready to lead your sales team to success.
Your extensive knowledge is not only useful; It’s a superpower in navigating the complexities of sales strategy and customer relationships. You are a general who can command from the front, inspire your troops, and win important deals.
5. Program Manager
For a former business owner like you, stepping into a program manager role may feel like a natural transition. This job makes the most of your entrepreneurial skills, including the ability to juggle multiple projects, foresight in planning, and strategic thinking.
You’re already adept at steering the ship in turbulent waters, and as a program manager you’ll be at the helm of a variety of initiatives, ensuring they align with the business’s vision and goals.
6. Business Development Manager
If you have successfully launched your own business before, you are in a better position to market yourself as an effective business development manager. This role aims to identify and seize new opportunities for growth. This is something you are already familiar with.
An entrepreneurial background means you have a keen eye for potential markets and can effectively strategize and enter markets and build valuable partnerships. These are exactly the abilities that make a successful business development manager.
7. Market Research Analyst
With your experience as an entrepreneur, stepping into the role of a market research analyst may be a natural progression. As a business owner, you’ve already honed your ability to understand your market and customer base, and that’s the core of this job.
In this role, you’ll dig deep into consumer behavior, analyze market trends, and help businesses make informed decisions based on data. Your talent for spotting patterns and predicting market changes is a valuable asset in this field.
8. Nonprofit Director
For the former business owner, serving as a nonprofit director is a natural transition. Entrepreneurial experience in budgeting, leadership, and strategic planning can directly contribute to the success of nonprofit initiatives. Additionally, this role allows you to blend business acumen with a passion for social impact.
9. Corporate trainer
Experience as a business owner will help you step into the role of corporate trainer. You will be responsible for educating and developing the skills of your workforce, leveraging your comprehensive understanding of business operations and human resources management to improve employee performance and productivity.
10. Commission-based sales
You’re probably already familiar with the importance of understanding your client’s needs, communicating persuasively, and closing deals. These skills are essential in sales, where the effort and strategy you put into each pitch and negotiation is reflected in your bottom line.
11. Real estate developer
The transition from business ownership to real estate development can be a natural progression. Our expertise in project, budget, and team management provides a solid foundation for overseeing real estate development projects.
This role requires a strong understanding of market trends, insight into worthwhile investments, and the ability to manage construction schedules and sales strategies.
12. Instructor
By taking on the role of instructor, whether in an academic setting or for industry-specific training, you can share the wealth of knowledge you’ve accumulated as a business owner. Your real-world experience will provide valuable insight to students and trainees seeking to understand the intricacies of starting and running a business.
13. Start a boring business
Everyone is chasing the next big thing and trying to build a business full of innovation. On the other hand, there is a real demand for “boring” businesses that many people overlook.
For example, take care of your lawn. Just get your lawn mower and you’re good to go. Often, using this simple approach he can earn more in a month than a person who uses trending apps can earn in a year. It’s all about meeting needs, not necessarily creating new needs.
