Ritika Puri Founder at Storyhackers

Hey there. Here's how our law firm advises us (we operate in a competitive space and are launching products in a competitive space). For context, I am co-founder of a 7-figure, self-funded company that is currently building 4 products. I come from an enterprise business development background and was basically spoiled with dedicated access to in-house corporate attorney who literally answered every question I had about everything, ever, and worked with me deeply.

1. Be careful what you share with whom. What we usually do is share *enough* detail without someone being able to connect the dots. It's kind of like a front end/back end to an idea.

2. Trademarks and patents can help, but as transactions become more global, it's becoming harder to enforce patents and trademarks internationally. We own several trademarks as a first line of defense should anyone try to cramp on our work (we can simply ask them to stop using our IP, although we've never run into a situation where we've had to in 7 years).

3. IMO NDAs are "the honor system." We share varying level of details w/ the people we trust.

Content curation can help businesses (1) build up a high-quality content pipeline and (2) establish a network among thought leaders in their industry. Content marketing is equal parts distribution and editorial. Curation through content syndication can help you hit both with one swing. Not to mention, syndication opportunities are typically reciprocal. When syndicating your content externally (for others to curate), ask for links to drive traffic back to your website. The concept is not new; rather, it has been a massive traffic driving strategy in the media/publishing industry (where I previously worked). We syndicated our content with larger media channels and were able to drive multiple millions of (free) pageviews a year (thanks to the level of scale at which we were producing stories). Happy to discuss further for anyone interested in the topic.

Build up these things:
-Stamina
-Endurance
-Efficiency
-A really awesome network
-A client/customer base
-Resistance to bullshit

I have wanted to be an entrepreneur since I was 23 years old but was tied to a full-time job for health insurance and income to pay off medical and student loan debt. In 2010, I decided that I wanted to start a blogging/content consulting company. By 2011, I was making $5K a year with my side business and by 2012, I was making 1/3 of my full-time income. In 2013, my side business amplified, and two weeks ago, I left my full-time job.

When I share this story, folks think that I accomplished some amazing feat, but I didn't. I worked my ass off -- 17 hour days for a year and a half straight. I networked relentlessly for client work and built a strong foundation to never have to rely on a full-time job again.

I think that your transition will depend on the type of business you're running. You'll need to develop your assets + client base. When you feel like you have a strong foundation and can support yourself financially, jump.