Episode 35. It’s an incredibly challenging step to leave a career or a well paying job to start your own business. The leap is huge. It’s risky. But many of us do it. Why start your own business? How do you get the most out of the experience? How do you be really good?

In this episode host Greg Martin joins William Buist to share stories about taking the leap and starting a business. Both Greg and William have done it themselves and work everyday with entrepreneurs who have times where they love and hate their choice.

William began his career in the insurance industry, but eventually left that industry to work with small businesses as a business mentor. The journey of mastery is at the core of what he does—a passion which led him to author his book “Intentional Mastery: Step Beyond your Expertise and Build Better Business.” William uses his skills to help entrepreneurs confidently build a better business.

Key Takeaways and Discussion

• Where his career began the pivot he made 20 years ago.
• What William has observed in his role as a business mentor.
• The journey of mastery and how it relates to his book.
• Indications that someone is on a journey towards helping more people.
• Why people are drawn to entrepreneurship and how to know if it’s for you.
• How finding what you love can help you in your small business journey.
• Why no experience—good or bad—is ever wasted.
• The other skills you need to hone when you become an entrepreneur.
• The freedom of choice starting your own business offers.
• What collective decision making is and why it can be important.
• The shift to mastery and what businesses do to hit their stride.

William’s Background

• William began his career spending 21 years in an insurance underwriter role.
• He eventually decided to change industries and moved into a role as a business mentor.
• William wrote “Intentional Mastery: Step Beyond your Expertise and Build Better Business.”