Attempt two of a reply.
I read that thread that got locked. Fortunately, it wasn't a complete waste of time, and it actually didn't end up in random flaming like 99% of the other "ban this guy" threads.
Anyway, you started talking about how you went to school to be an engineer, and how it was tough to overcome your shy personality and start your own business. I'm kind of struggling with taking my side business to the next level, so can you tell us how you overcame those barriers? Or could you share some tips/advice?
Thanks.
Give yourself a pat on the back, you've actually started a business and that puts you ahead of 99% of the people out there.
1.
I'd take a vivid look at where you want to take your business in say 2 years time. From this visualization, pick up on the feelings of how you would be at your business 2 years from now. For me, I felt empowered. I felt important. I felt like I could hold me head high. I felt the security of not having to worry about my finances. I felt happy to drive around in that car I could never afford.
The idea here is to associate feeling with your goal. These feelings should give you a butterfly feeling in the pit of your stomach because they excite you so much. This is your motivation right here. This is what has pushed me forward, because it FELT SO GOOD to push forward.
2.
What are you willing to give for this visualization? Pretty simple question. Be honest. The more exciting the above feelings are, the more likely that you'll give a lot to reach your goal. IE: Working 100hrs/week, giving up social time with friends for a while, putting credit on the line, etc.
3.
Now you want to put your visualization into concrete stuff. So like
20,000 square foot warehouse
10 full time employees
$400,000 yearly profit
etc.
4.
Breaking the goal down into sub goals, or "the plan". This is the most complicated one, and it's probably the most helpful thing for me. When you look at your goal at a whole, it can be pretty amazing. Or the flip side of that, intimidating. The sub goals help to make it easier, give you something short term to do. Basically you disect the hell out of your business goal, and make sub goals and than try to make sub sub goals. The smaller the sub goals are the easier they are. It also gives you that do this and this, than do that and that.
I have a major goal to meet this summer where I need to plan out a complete service, down to how much is charged to how much profit I'll make. You have to know what you need to do and when. So put dates on those sub goals.
5.
Look at yourself. What are your weaknesses that may sabotage you from reaching your business goals? Be honest. Don't over sell, or under sell yourself. Be honest and objective.
For me, my shyness was basically my problem. And basically you have to do steps 1-4 again except this time, to deal with your shyness.
You also should recognize that you may have a hard time getting past these, and you just need to kick yourself in the a$$ to do them.
What I've learned.
-Before hand, take the time to plan out your exit. Robert Kiyosaki(Rich Dad, Poor Dad author) talked about this a lot. Don't make a job, make a business. And a business is something that makes money when you're not around. My first idea was basically job, with no exit. I had to work very hard researching and planning and just brainstorming, on how I could create exit for it. It took awhile, but when I found that exit, I was extremely happy.
-Have a mentor. My dad is my mentor, I grew up in the home of an entrepreneur and I've learned a lot.
-It's not hard. Everything thinks it's difficult, it's not. My dad was a high school drop out!
-Ask yourself how fast you can adapt. Things change, stuff happens that isn't expected, etc how fast can you change things to make the business profitable again?
-One step at a time. Don't get bogged down with all the complexities of business, just one step at a time. Just make sure you're always taking those steps.
-Evolve as a person and as a businessman. As a person, always look to improve yourself. As a businessman, you need to evolve, because things change. Your business models will not be as effective down the road, so you have to learn to evolve.
-Don't be afraid to reach into other related niches in the market. This is the most exciting thing for me.
-Sh*t Happens! Don't get down on yourself. Sometimes a customer will really put you in your place. Sometimes you make a poor move. Don't get down on yourself, roll with the punches, there's always tomorrow.
-Be logical, not emotional. Don't get too wrapped up in the emotional part of running a business. Remember you're trying to make a buck.
Hope this helps.
