It’s never an easy decision to leave your career to start a business but that is exactly what Nada Matijevic did. She was leading a 30-year corporate career when she decided to start Innovative Consulting Solutions, a venture formed to help professionals have more rewarding careers. Nada has helped individuals pursue better-aligned career paths through her business.
She found her purpose after realising that she wants to help others through their career journeys with strategic consultation, coaching and other tools, leading them to work in roles that fulfill their professional and personal goals.
“I realised that our education systems do not adequately equip people to live a life which is personally meaningful and fulfilling based on our individual strengths and needs. There was a gap and many people did not have the support and tools to help move them from just functioning to flourishing. I wanted to be a part of the change. I want to see in and bring positive change to people’s lives and careers and in organisations.”
3 Things Nada Wishes She’d Been Told When She Started Her Own Business
- Get quality advice from credible and experienced people who have successfully done what you’re contemplating.
- Start research, planning and preparing for the leap before you leave your employment so that you have some of the big hurdles sorted and have an easier start.
- It takes a lot of hard work, but you don’t have to burn yourself out. Find and focus on the big impact items first to build momentum then, take care of the smaller details.
Nada’s Advice for Someone Thinking About Starting a Business
“Have a strong WHY. Do it for the right reasons and make sure it’s aligned with your authentic best self – be purpose and mission driven and you’ll find it more meaningful and fulfilling. You’ll have more energy to take you through the challenging times. Also, do your research and surround yourself with a positive support network which includes those who share the same journey as you, those who inspire you and those who you can learn from.”
Starting Out in Business? Nada Recommends Mastering These Skills
- Get really clear on your ideal client Avatar – research, interview your target market or do surveys o Ensure you have an understanding of marketing basics – you can outsource, but you need to speak the language and understand the concepts.
- Get some advice on available technology and resources so you can make the choices that suit you and your business (re: websites, hosting, automation, CRM, Landing pages).
- Business planning, bookkeeping, financial reporting and understanding the numbers – at least have a basic understanding even if hiring for or outsourcing some of these.
Nada’s Favorite Entrepreneur
“For me it has been Vishen Lakhiani, the Founder of Mindvalley. This is a forward-thinking, mission-based online education technology company offering progressive life-long learning experiences.”
Nada on HerBusiness
“Being a Premium HerBusiness Member provides a support network, such as the Facebook group and access to Roundtables, webinars and a library of trainings and resources related to starting and running your business. It offers the support of a positive community of business women who are in various stages of their business growth cycles, so there is a wealth of knowledge and experiences to be shared. The trainings are very comprehensive and constantly updated in line with the members’ most pressing needs.”
