Unemployed to entrepreneur – don’t believe the hype
July 29, 2008 by ShannonCherry
Filed under Business
With the economic downturn, I’ve seen tons of people losing their jobs lately.
But what I am really surprised about is how some think that they should become ‘entrepreneurs.’
I have a friend who has fallen for this. He, after losing his job, has been trying to find a way to ‘make money online’ for a while now. After all, he said, he wanted to be like me. He dreamed about freedom to set his own hours and answer to no one but the boss (himself). He also has this idea that starting a business is recession proof.
I don’t know what planet he’s come off of, but it seems my friend forgot about the days I was struggling to keep my business going.
But there’s more… he’s fallen for the hype because he has become desperate.
Even though another close friend and I handed him a couple of entrepreneurial opportunities, he decided on a multi-level marketing program with the illusion he’ll make a ton of money quickly.
Look, I am not against such programs per se, but I do realize that the people who make the most money are closer to the top – and very aggressive. It’s not his thing. He’s going to fail.
It’s sad, because he is so skilled. He could do a lot of different things, but truly isn’t cut out to be an entrepreneur.
Tomorrow, I’ll highlight some traits I think entrepreneurs should have.
Shannon,
I too, feel sorry for your friend. All this “make Your Internet Millions’ junk is so tacky, and so scammish. I have no problem saying that I AM against anything related to or that actually is MLM. I met ONE person who was fairly successful at MLM. The others: The usual 6 months and out. What are the chances that one can invest 60 bucks in an MLM program, and actually become wealthy?
Joel Libava
The Franchise King Blog
Initially, I might have suggested that you offer some support to your friend, because although you might think you know him, there may be some hidden traits that weren’t clearly expressed while he was busy slaving for the company that laid him off. But, I read further, and realized that you and another of your colleagues did offer him opportunities that he glazed over and ran towards “more exciting endeavours.” This is certainly too bad for your friend. He or she might have made their biggest mistake: ignoring the advice of others who have successfully made a living as an entrepreneur.
People are often self-consumed. They hold their own interests and beliefs in such high regard that they often trick themselves into believing that they know more than everyone else. A true entrepreneur is ready and open to be critiqued; someone who welcomes advice FROM others and opportunities WITH others. I know too many people who fail because they think they can do it all on their own, without advice, assistance, or support from others. I rarely feel bad for them these days, because I’ve done my job to offer them opportunities that they decided not to be a part of.
My advice to those that are SERIOUS about becoming an entrepreneur? Listen to what other successful entrepreneurs are saying, and if any of them offer support or opportunities consider taking them. Hold your ego back, and you might just learn a thing or two about how to really make it.
Thanks for the article, and keep them coming.
Shannon:
Sorry to hear about your friend.
I’m not really sure getting involved with Multilevel Marketing, though, is a good example of starting a business. For most people, it’s no more starting a business than deciding to buy 10 lottery ticket every day. Is going to the race track twice a week staring a business? Is wiring money to the Western Union account of the deposed Nigerian dictator who just emailed you about the $36 Million he wants to ship to you in a steamer trunk ?
I currently have a raging debate going on at http://www.franchisepick.com regarding the Mary Kay MLM. While it’s probably one of the more mainstream opportunities, there are many ex-Kaybots who claim MK – like most MLMs – is a pyramid scheme made up to resemble a business.
I’m still looking for a legit one. If you know of one that works, let me know.
Keep up the provocative posts!