How many people do you know who long to be in their own business? They have lots of great ideas and yearn to “be my own boss.” They put a lot of energy in dreaming and wondering if this will be their ticket to financial freedom. I had the opportunity (I use this word lightly) to meet one of these dreamers the other day. They had that great idea that was going to do it for them. We shared a conversation over coffee. Essentially it was a web-based business, lots of coding etc. I said I’d investigate and can back with a price for this dream of theirs.
(You probably know where this is going)
When I submitted the fee, the instant reply I got was… “If I had that amount of money, I’d buy a car.”
I’d buy a car. How perfectly telling. No – they wouldn’t finance their dream – invest in themselves – they would buy a car! I guess they figured this would cost very close to nothing. It showed just how valuable their dreams are. I believe you see this all the time with start-ups. They have lots of cash for office equipment and decorating – things that make them “0” amount of income. Weeks before launch, with their budgets very nearly depleted, they then see “what’s left” to put towards marketing. The very thing that “makes them money.” The sad fact is that in many cases, decorating is fun. It’s dressing up the dream. Marketing somehow feels and looks like air.
The smart ones get it and realize their dream. The rest – well, they’re out buying cars!
If they don’t have faith in themselves, how can they ever expect to succeed? That person I was dealing with, should have considered the fee and found a way to finance the dream just like all of us. Sometimes that financing is time, sometimes its money, and sometimes its perseverance. Whatever it takes. When I started, I put up my house, everything to realize my dream.
How bad do you want it?
Ed, most people are dreamers only and forget about the doing part. It’s part of my system to be an entrepreneur. One thing for sure this keeps the competition down.
I think that the most of people that start their own business, leave it because they don’t get any initial success. That the mistake the most of the business owners do. No one can get profit in just a few days. It takes time to earn. So do not give up. Be more eager towards what you want. And you should want it badly with full courage and hard work. You will get success for sure.
Shipu, it makes you wonder where people get the idea that short-term planning will yield immediate rewards. From my perspective, it is the universe weeding out the pseudo-entrepreneur from the real thing.
Yes, it certainly does that JB.
Having my own business for the past four years after working for the man for a decade – I would definitely advise those of weak heart or work shy to stay on board with their salary/wage jobs.
You’re right Gourmet, being an entrepreneur is not for the weak.
Entrepreneurship definitely isn’t for everyone that’s for sure. You need a special kinda of personality. You have to be constantly breaking out of your comfort zone. Even after years in this, I’m still finding so many things I need to overcome. If you can’t even break out of the shell, you won’t be able to spread your wings and fly.
Comfort zones can be the kiss of death. The name is misleading. Should be more like comfort traps. Thank you Lynette.
I didn’t spend much money making my “dreams” come true. All that was required for me was to act fast and not hesitate when I saw a new way of making money. Today I have set up the first website in the world helping people for free to make money the same way that I do online. Visit it if you want. 🙂
Perhaps we should only do business with people on bicycles (no more than 10 gears permitted). I agree – investing is worth it, even if it’s for things you can’t immediately see – though they could always rent some office space and not spend thousands on offices. Buying chairs is aways fun though.
This is wonderful advice! What a motivating article to help us truly sort out our priorities. Feel free to visit my site as well!
We share like minds Silvia. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice compliment.
Ed, I agree on the hardships and sacrifices that you have to put up with to reach that dream. It’s not an easy task but if you really want that dream to become a reality, you’ll going to have to do something concrete and not just fantasize and dream. You’ll need to do a lot of investing, whether it’s time, money, or other resources to get moving closer to that dream.
If you believe in yourself, is it really a risk? Thanks for your input Vic.
Have a weakness for chairs do we Michael? First things first though.
MediaKash, your investment was security. It’s not always money. Barriers are just that – hurdling them is what makes a true entrepreneur.
Thank you for your thoughts.
How bad do you want it? Indeed a great question that sorts the dreamers from the doers. In my experience the ‘doers’ are the ones with the passion, and that ingredient makes all the difference.
I have to agree with you Sharon. The passion is the key. If you find yourself lacking this passion, then maybe you should consider another line of work.
Thanks for commenting