How I did it: I knew I wanted to start my own business from when I was a small child.  From the lemonade stands to the baseball card shop and eventually to my "restaurant" (where I served tortellinis and hot dogs) I knew what I wanted to do with my life.  I finally got the real kick in the butt during my senior year in high school from my macro economics teacher. 

He taught for fun, he had made his millions from his own enterprises.

I wanted to do things just for "fun."

I went through college trying out different ideas, and eventually got into social media marketing. 

I have not held a real "job" since I graduated from college and it's been amazing.

Granted, I seem to work longer and harder than my friends, but the rewards are amazing.  I work out of my home, can go out anytime I want, and make better money than my friends.

Best of all, when I provide results (which I usually do) I get to enjoy the smile on the face of my customers.

I will never have a "job."  I will always have a business of some kind.

Lessons & tips: Really sit down and think about what you are good about, and be general.  Most of us don't necessarily have all the tools necessary to run a business on our own.  Find if any of your friends or acquaintances are entrepreneurs, then talk to them.  Find their strengths and then leverage them.

If you have never gone into business, don't do it alone.  Get a mentor, visit the SBA, or contact me.

Don't go into a field that's necessary a "hobby" of yours, because a failed business could ruin it.

If your business is failing, get out of it sooner rather than later.  You can always start another one.

Resources: SBA
Mentors
Google   

Jun 24, 08:46AM PDT | 2 comments