SO YOU REALLY DO WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
We are told that more people than ever are looking to start a business of their own. The reasons for this are not clear.
Maybe a lack of fulfilment at work. Frustration at being held back. Fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will reduce my opportunity for the future.
If you have my experience, you feel you are no longer appreciated for the hours and the extra effort you put into everything you do. Lack of recognition is a major source of dissatisfaction.
Whatever the reason, starting out on your own is a mixture of frightening, exciting and a leap into the unknown. Especially if all you've ever known is being employed. We imagine what life as an entrepreneur is like but no one can prepare you for the reality. It's a roller coaster of a ride and most of us fall down.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
I've just finished watching this video on YouTube and I had just had to share it for anyone thinking of giving up their job to start out on your own. It contains so much good advice that I know to be true. Remember, hind sight has 2020 vision.
I wish I had seen this then.
Who am I kidding? I would have thought I knew better. You may have the same feeling.
What resonates with me in particular is the advice to start something from home and work it part time. Replace the mind numbing activity of watching endless episodes of 'Lost' or other binge series with building the foundations of your new business. Spend less time on social media or in the pub with your mates.
HANG AROUND WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE YOU
Planning any business requires two key resources. Time and Money.
Don't spend money on stuff you don't need, (offices, high spec cars, staff etc.) until you can afford it from the money you make. Make the money first. It usually takes longer to get customers and generate revenue than you imagine.
THE ADVANTAGE OF A NETWORK MARKETING PROJECT
One of the best investments you can make is in a networking marketing project, without interfering with your main source of income, your job.
Anyone who knows of my career background might find my view surprising. I did very well in my corporate career, have started a conventional business with offices, staff and expensive overhead. I've owned (rented) a successful franchise. I can speak from experience in all of these income streams. And yes, I've made every mistake there is to make in network marketing but it is still one of the best ways to learn about business without taking any real risk.
It doesn't have to be a career in itself. For a few it can be. However, it will teach how to present your ideas, sell product or services, create a team and become a leader. All of these aspect of becoming an entrepreneur can be enjoyed without the worries, challenges and high risk of a classic start up. Network Marketing is the ultimate virtual business which can be built from the smartphone in your hand. Great training and experience to see if being an entrepreneur if for you.
You won't have traditional cash flow risk or need an expensive lease on premises. Nor will you have to bear any of the overheads of an established business (legal, social, r&d, health and safety costs). You should work it from home or a coffee shop and, if you choose the right products/services/company you will receive first class mentoring for free. Surrounded by people who will motivate and inspire you. Providing first class personal development is normally part of the ethos of companies who market exclusively by word of mouth.
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
Does is it sound too good to be true? Yes. But maybe the idea of starting your own business sounds too good to be true. We make our own reality.
Will you stand a good chance of failing? Yes. Most entrepreneurs and business start-ups fail, for a variety of reasons. Running out of money (cash flow) is a major factor which shouldn't ever be an issue in a network marketing project. I would like to bet you fell over the first time you ever stood up but it didn't stop you from getting up again.
Will you learn something in the process? Guaranteed.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT
I've been paid every month for 15 years from a product I recommended to someone 15 years ago. I never handle delivery, payment and sadly, I've lost touch with the person who took my advice.
WHAT WILL OTHERS THINK?
Will your friends and family support you or tell you it won't work and you are crazy to even try?. Depends on your friends and family. They'll respond whatever you do. Their advice will normally be based on their prejudices, experience and fears. If your family have jobs they are unlikely to understand what it's like to be an entrepreneur. They certainly don't understand marketing, especially network marketing.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Steve Jobs
Take advice from people with experience instead of hearsay. People who've tried and failed and from people who've tried and been successful. Get a balanced view if you need to help deciding.
If you've not already done so, check out the video at the top of this article. Straight advice from entrepreneurs who've failed their way to success. It's gold.
There's nothing guaranteed about becoming an entrepreneur but then I've come to realise that there's nothing guaranteed about life. Which is where the fun lies.