Finding Your Path in the Business World
Entrepreneurship - Things I Would Do Differently
“I see you exploring,” my friend said about my business ventures. “You’re doing a good job.”
That was nice to hear. Sometimes, I feel like a kid playing at being an adult without taking on any real responsibility or getting any real results.
I started this experiment in entrepreneurship with one idea; an idea that seemed to expand as I asked people for advice and then change as opportunities came along. I got advice from creative, knowledgeable people who had started businesses and knew what they were doing. I wholeheartedly acknowledge that I would not have known where to start without them. However, if I had to do it again, with everything I know now, I would change a few things.
1. For one, I wouldn’t spend so much money up front.
I wouldn’t spend so much money because I would know to focus on the networking first and let it evolve from there. I met a lot of people in my new industry and they knew the market better than I did.
Once I had the benefit of perspective from the inside, I could figure out where my skills and knowledge fit in. I had a clearer objective.
2. Second, I would spend more time just getting my name out there. The hardest part for me has been marketing. It takes a while to find the people who want what I have to sell. I believe this is true no matter what the product is. Building a following in a world of screaming sales messages simply takes time.
3. From a more personal perspective, I would be more honest with myself about what I really wanted. My business idea had not been done anywhere else and I did not have any experience working in its industry. I climbed a steep learning curve. It did not occur to me until much later that I have many well-developed skills that could bring in income more easily than a brand new business idea.
If you’re going to start a business and ask me for advice, the most important thing I have to tell you is this: ask yourself about your motivation. Yes, I believe in local food systems and want to support farms. I spent most of the summer making muffins and selling them at the farmers’ market, which brought me into the local foods network.
But what I really wanted was a chance to be creative, control my own time and spend more of my life in the home I love. I could have done that in many ways, some of which would have come to fruition more quickly and cheaply.
It’s not for nothing I call this experiment my homemade MBA. At least I’m getting a good grade and I believe it will all come together sooner or later. Patience makes a big difference, whether you’re learning in school or learning as you go.
Finding the right path in a thicket of ideas simply takes time.
About the Author
Bonnie Simon Has Written 35 Articles For Us!
I am an urban homesteader in Colorado Springs, CO where I raise chickens, make my own yogurt and am learning to grow some food, all within sight of downtown in a 1950s era neighborhood. I am starting a small business designed to fill the gap between local farms and local dinner tables.
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Bonnie – I’m really enjoying your travels into entrepreneurship. I agree #3 is the real challenge. Now I’m off to rethink what it is I do really want!