I spend a large portion of my free time reading from the perspective of the Entrepreneur and the CEO of Fortune 300-500 companies. Below is my HONEST AND REAL list of what it is like to be an Entrepreneur. Enjoy!
- Running a business sucks – I mean really sucks. Starting a business is awesome.
- Being in charge is harder than you think.
- If things get bad – they can get worse. If things are good – they can get better.
- Everything costs double what you think it will.
- Everything takes 10x longer than you think it will.
- Only your mother will think you are perfect and have the best ideas.
- In lawsuits, the only winner is the lawyer. Try to avoid them (lawsuits, not lawyers. They are nice people outside the courtroom)
- You will learn the definition of “grinding” in the first month. If things are easy, I suggest re evaluating your current situation.
- There is never a good time to leave something or a commitment.
- Having partners is a challenge. Treat it like a marriage – because it is. You will see him/her more than you see your significant other.
- If you think you aren’t “ready” – you are. Trust yourself.
- Understanding money in and money out (cash flow) is paramount. Don’t let this run your life.
- You will get sick. You will throw up. You will cry. You will feel the world collapsing. Let it. It’s part of the fun.
- Try to be a part of your industry – beyond a business owner. Stay connected to the root and the pulse.
- In the service business, the customer is (usually) right. In today’s world you have to stick to your guns – even as a business owner.
- 90% of your problem comes from 10% of your business.
- Starting a business is the easy part. Growing the business is the hard part. So just start the damn thing and see where it takes you.
- Tell people your ideas. Don’t keep them to yourself. Don’t be afraid to show people what you create – 99% of the world are too lazy to steal your idea.
- 80% of your inner thoughts are negative. Do your best to stay positive in hard times.
- Talk about your feelings. Don’t be an idiot and think you can solve them on your own. YOU CAN’T!
