"You want to start something?"
I am not interested in starting a bar fight.
I'd like to talk about those people that find the courage to start a business.
I am a few years into running my own business. It is my second effort as I ran a marketing consulting firm for a dozen years. That died when I took a pay check job for a decade. Now, I am back on my own two feet again as an advertising photographer.
Business practices, marketing strategy, to be or not to be an LLC. Pacing the floor trying to make a tough call. You decide someone must be let go and now you have to sit down with that person. You are fully aware that your spouse is stressed due to the simple fact that next month's income is an open question. We are not even getting into the risk of potential lawsuits over stupid stuff. It's enough to consider touching base with a phsychologist for a statement on why anyone would do it.
My best guess is that we see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is possible that it is an oncoming train. We push on with faith that we can reach that golden light and enjoy the fruits of our labors. Of course there is plenty of ego involved and that is not a bad thing... usually. There are as many different types of busines owners are there are people. The stereotype of a stoic, pragmatic business person is rarely a true fact. I make many decisions based on what I think others will think of that call. It's a fact that I need to address and an improvement I need to make. Emotions must be controlled as many things will make you angry and you must hide that and move on.
Some of the smartest people start a part time business and keep their day job until it makes sense to make that huge leap of faith. My wife wishes that I were one of those smart people. The lack of start up funds is an increasing difficulty causing many to start much smaller than they had planned. Some brave souls will risk the home to get the start up bucks and others charge up credit cards (my photo equipment option). Red ink flows and the plans change as the attempt is made to get to black ink.
It does take courage to step out on your own. It also requires that a good business person learn quickly to think first of the customer and actually act with that priority firmly in place. I am a firm believer that many new businesses fail due to a stubborn entrepreneur that was unwilling to make changes, listen to sage advice or build a team. Playing your cards too close to the vest is a sure way to wearing a vest with some big box store logo on it. Learn to listen, ask for tips and then learn the art of making decisions with good facts in the mix. Invest time in others and delegate some stuff you really would rather not let go of.
One last bit of advice, dear entrepreneur, be very aware that you will have a tendency to hear only what you want to hear. If you hear some advice you do not like it is only human to disregard it. I am suggesting that you learn the art of thinking it through. Blend what you like with what experts tell you will work. If you aspire to be the best business person you can be .. you will go out of your way to tap the wisdom of true expertise.
Continue to spread your wings, land on firm ground and then stand tall and strong. Call me if I can help in any way at all.
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