I still can’t believe that is true, but it is!

Startup founder is a title for other people…

Is the first thought I had.  But then I was reminded that, no, in fact, I AM a startup founder.  Yes, yes I am.  I am not thinking about doing it, I AM doing it.  I’m hiring developers, defining a product, working through business plans and marketing ideas. I’m working on this thing.

But, when I think of start-up founders…

I still think of a lot of other people.  Like, Naveen (Foursquare), Loic Le Meur (Seesmic), Jason Fried (37signals), Hiten Shah (Kissmetrics).  You get the idea.  I think of those who now have some traction, some publicity, and are months & years into their thing.  So, OF COURSE I don’t think I’m a founder like them.  I’m at the beginning, beginning.  I’m at the place that these guys were at a long time ago (in startup years!).  I am a startup, I’m just not in the same place, I’m at that place that most people never see publicly.  What a great thing to realize!

So now, I say to people, I’m a startup founder…

And I leave it at that.  I don’t add on the consulting gig I may have to help bring in some revenue, I don’t mention what I used to do, I don’t mask it.  When people ask what I do, I tell them… “I’m starting a company, I’m a startup founder.”

I admit, it still feels weird, but, every single day, it feels more real.  I’m getting more comfortable in this skin.  Maybe time is helping, maybe the writing of checks in helping, or maybe… just maybe… I see that I am doing the work to make something happen and am starting a company.  For real.  It’s not just a dream anymore, it is reality.  I am doing this… now.

So I leave you with this…

What is it that you aren’t claiming because you think you haven’t done what others in your space have done, yet?  Well, I say… as others have said to me… you ARE doing it NOW.  Claim it.  Remember that those you’re most likely comparing yourself to, were at this stage once too… you just hadn’t heard about them yet.

Yes, I am a Startup Founder, and that feels good.

It feels great (and a bit terrifying!)

I stopped being an employee on Friday…

And tomorrow I will wake up my own boss.  I will be making the decisions, will be responsible for what happens next, will be e-mailing and calling my advisors to get a good dose of ‘support.’

So, what is my first order of business?

Well, on my first day, here is what I have on my to-do:

1. Get my calendar system set-up and working
2. Get my contact management system in order
3. Send out updated contact information to my network
4. Finish up a legal document so it can be filed and completed

I think that is a pretty good list.  I am working hard to make realistic schedules for my days.  I’m sure it will take some time to nail it down.  I’m pretty sure I’ll need to remind myself to eat lunch!

What else will I do on my first day, as my own boss?

I can tell you, with certainty, that I WILL drink a cup of coffee, from a real mug, with my husband and I will take my dogs for a walk… possibly in the middle of the day.

I will also make time to start doing yoga again.  I get giddy just thinking that this is possible.

So… here I am…

I am making sure I hold on to the feeling I have right now.  It is one of excitement and exhilaration.  I’m looking forward to the unknown an what is possible.  I can’t wait to see where the coming weeks and months take me.

What do you think?  Have you been where I am?  What were your thoughts and emotions?  Any tips for moving from corporate employee to entrepreneur?