Start telling people, when they ask you what you do that you have a portfolio and that you are now a portfolio professional. Use the website to connect with others in the community, and actively participate in your group.
This is where you take full possession of life as a portfolio professional. For most people, who have had a personal identity attached to a particular company or institution, becoming self employed and giving up that identity is difficult. What do you say when people ask you what you do, or who you are with? Answering these questions is part of the social ritual of our society. Not having a ready answer can cause awkwardness. Not having a proper business card to hand out when people are exchanging them can make one feel somewhat naked.
In this fifth and final step creating your own “corporate identity” is a critical task. Many people already have a ‘closed corporation’, or a personal company or trust which owns their home, or houses a small business. If not, creating this vehicle is easy, and turning it into a base for your portfolio life is essential.
The other issue for the portfolio professional is having an office or some suitable place of work. Many people create one in their own homes, and while this may seem like a cost effective and convenient solution, it often causes problems. A more professional way of solving this is to find a place in a real office environment, sharing with someone or sub-leasing in the office of your accountant or financial advisor or whoever. Having a proper receptionist and the facilities of an office will give you a stronger sense of being a legitimate professional person. Have business cards printed and hand them out with confidence.
To compensate for any possible sense of isolation make an effort to have regular contact with other portfolio life professionals and stay linked to the website. Telling interested people that you are a “Member of the Portfolio Life Institute” Gives you an opportunity to talk and to describe what you are doing.
