Consider Becoming An Entrepreneur

Believe it or not, it’s a great time to start a business. Have you considered becoming an entrepreneur? Don’t let CNN or Fox News be your conscience. And don’t let them scare you. As a country we are living in challenging times, but we are still living in the land of opportunity. And becoming a business owner is still a viable option for anyone who has the courage to take an idea and create income for them self and their family.

As an entrepreneur, I can tell you that it is very rewarding. I don’t have the largest coaching practice and I don’t get to speak as often as I like right now, but through consistency, determination and hard work, my business is growing. It’s Saturday night. And as I think about the many job seekers I get the opportunity to help, for some, starting their own business is the solution. For others, finding a job is the right solution. I don’t attempt to make the decision for my clients or for you as a reader. But I do want to pose the option to you.

Think about this, there are entrepreneurs who start businesses from interesting ideas. Today, as I watched television, I saw Bobby Flay on the Food Channel do a Throwdown with a couple in New York who opened a restaurant around incredibly good pancakes (no I have not tried them, but I trust Bobby Flay). How many of you had pancakes this morning? Or maybe Sunday morning? My first thought was wow, these people took a food item that most of us take for granted, we enjoy them and we go on. This couple took blueberry pancakes and opened a restaurant/bakery with a simple, delicious breakfast food.

Jason Alba, author of “I’m on LinkedIn, Now What?” began his company JibberJobber out of frustration with his job search about three years ago. He used his strength and knowledge of computers and databases and created a tool for job seekers to track their job search. He started with a notebook and now he has a successful business, two books and speaking engagements. And he was looking for a job when he started.

A friend of mine started a painting business while he was in college. Why? Because he wanted to start a business. He knew nothing about painting when he began. He learned after he got his first contract, and now he makes over $100K per year in the painting business and that is not even his primary job.

I can go on. My point tonight is to challenge you to think about what you know how to do. What you have a passion for, and how can you take that knowledge, skill or ability and turn it into a profitable business? One of the first things that I learned from my painter friend, is to just get out there and do something. If you don’t know what you’re doing when you start, do it anyway and ask questions later. Just something for you to think about tonight.