This is an unprecedented time for all of us in the hospitality industry. We need to come together to help each other get through this challenge and rise again to create our new success stories.

It may also be the right time for you to re-evaluate your current state and ask yourself the questions that will help determine your future. The following are 5 questions to help those with entrepreneurial dreams to evaluate their options, take the leap and achieve continued success in the hospitality industry. These questions come from my years of experience as an independent business owner and from the 100+ individuals that have joined me or those I have coached through the process to determine whether or not it was the right option for them.

1. What are your dreams and goals for the future?

What is your ‘big why’? What are you trying to accomplish? As Stephen Covey teaches us, “begin with the end in mind.” Without directions or a map, you will never find your desired destination. The same is true with your career.

2. What is the most pressing challenge that you need to address right now?

Focus today on the one thing that will move you closer to achieving your dream.

3. What opportunity best utilizes your experience and expertise?

It is important to clearly understand how your experience and expertise will translate to your next opportunity. Look for the best match that will ensure a successful future.

4. Is the timing right to make this change now?

Do you have everything in place (support group, money set aside to fund your start-up and ramp-up period, office, etc.) to make the move now?

5. Who can I talk with to help me evaluate my options?

There are many successful people in our industry that have gone down this road before you. They can be your mentor/coach and assist you in thinking through the opportunity. They can also be a valuable resource to you as you make the transition.

“When you’re in business for yourself, you write your own history, you write your own success story, you write your own legacy and most important, you write your own paycheck,” Jeffrey Gitomer, best-selling author.

You can also reach out to me; I am always available for a short conversation in an effort to assist you.

I hope these simple questions will help you evaluate whether now is the right time is to make a ‘big’ change.