How to quit your job and start your own business

I've always been stunned by the interest from people wanting to hear about HOW I got here in my career - not the work I actually do!

Yes, I've been building-in-public since I launched my own business two years ago.

But I didn't realise people would want my advice on how to do the same thing!

So, if you're curious about turning your passion project into your own full-time business, here's part 1 of a series to help you.

I've listed the critical, non-negotiable first steps you need to take to ensure your new business will be a long term success.

Read on, and stay tuned for part two 👇

This newsletter is sponsored by:

1. Don’t quit

Start building on the side of your day job. Make space at weekends / evenings for “brick-by-brick” time. This is a journey of a billion bricks. Each tiny one significantly moves you forward. Even if it doesn’t feel that way!

2. Forget about the money (for now)

That will come in time, after you’ve established the fundamental basics I’ve listed in this guide. And it will flow very naturally after that. If you just focus on money upfront, your ego will take you down the wrong path (towards bankruptcy).

3. Figure out ICP

Niche, niche, niche. Who do you want to help? Who is excluded that doesn’t strictly fit (for now - you can expand later)? What are their top 3 pain points? How can you help them fix those in your own special, unique way?

4. Figure out your mission

Turn the pain points you identified in step 3 into your business mission.

Sample:

“Our mission is to help [ICP]:

1.save time on X & Y

2.avoid X by Z & Y

3.reduce / minimize X & Y”

5. Figure out your vision

This is whatever you want it to be. Imagine money and other constraints don’t exist. Speak your heart. First things that come to mind count.

6. Identify your values

What’s your belief system? Pick 3-5 values. They will be embedded in the DNA of your business. You will hold all stakeholders to these standards - prospects, partners, sponsors, investors, speakers, advisors.

7. Figure out TAM, SAM and SOM

TAM - TOTAL ADDRESSABLE MARKET

If you had all the resources at your disposal, what markets could you sell to? Every country on the planet? Just Europe? Or Europe & North America? Can you speak lots of foreign languages?! TAM is about the best case scenario, panoramic view of the entire market's profitability.

SAM - SERVICEABLE ADDRESSABLE MARKET

More realistic - a snapshot of the market segment you might realistically capture with your business.

SOM - SERVICEABLE OBTAINABLE MARKET

The reality check - this zooms in on your company’s immediate market focus, short-term plan, and initial offerings.

8. Identify competitors

Who are they? Where are they? Why are they similar? How are you different? How are you better?

9. Branding 

Design a logo, branding colours, marks etc - think deeply about your mission, vision and values and market differentiators when you’re designing these. Canva and Figma are easy to use. If you’re not creative, there are plenty of contractors out there who can do this on a one-off basis for you.

10. Buy your domains

Buy a website and email domain - your first IP!!!!! You won’t use your website much at first, but you need a simple landing page so you look legit.

11. LinkedIn FTW

Set up a LinkedIn company page (same on Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok if appropriate). Make sure your branding is splashed across all those too so it’s easy to see it’s your business. Linktree can be helpful to streamline links to all your socials, press features, promotional materials etc in one place.

12. Build your personal brand

Generously & consistently share helpful content that shines a light on the pain points of your ICP, and showcases your expertise. Do it as often as possible on LinkedIn to find and educate your ICP. Watch your audience, personal brand and 24/7 sales & marketing engine EXPLODE!

13. Monetize

Are you D2C? B2B? Looking for sponsors? Or investors? Whatever your set up, if you follow the steps in this guide, the money will follow!!

Join my inner circle!

Do you need help navigating an overcrowded market to find the right legal AI tools for your team, or to justify budget for one?

I am launching a private inner circle for an exclusive group of first legal hires and solo GCs wanting ongoing support and to learn as you go. ✨

You will get:

✅ authentic connection with peers in the same boat

✅ personalised attention from me

✅ private space away from public feeds

Curious about in-house practice or simply want to reach out?

Don't hesitate to reply to this email - I'm happy to help with any questions, no strings attached.

Let’s connect! 💜

Copyright ©️ 2025 ITGC | Copyright ©️ 2025 Sarah Irwin | All Rights Reserved