I don’t know how many of you have ever made an attempt at entrepreneurship, but I have put my hat into the ring a few times with varying success.
First I tried to start a counseling practice soon after receiving my M.A. in counseling psychology. I found moderate success, but soon tired of trying to think of ever more creative ways to attract new clients. My marketing budget was zero, and I knew very little about sales and marketing.
Next I had a brilliant idea to market my medical research skills to those with recent scary diagnoses. I was certain that I could help those trying to decide what their options were in terms of treating serious illnesses. I learned a lot and helped a few, but with no money to educate people about my unique service, I found little success.
You’ve all heard about my matchmaking service for those over 40. That was my most successful attempt at entrepreneurship. I did attract a great group of clients and had some successes in matching nice couples, but soon decided the work wasn’t really me.
Looks like I’m average in terms of failed entrepreneurial attempts…I hear most try a few different businesses before they finally find some success doing what they love.
Would you like to learn more about how successful entrepreneurs succeed?
Local writer and entrepreneur Brian Schwartz has just launched a new book called: 50 Interviews: Entrepreneurs, where he asks 50 successful entrepreneurs candid questions about start-up costs, positive cash flow, genesis of ideas, marketing plans, the relevance of educational background, challenges, rewards, and the all important “Where do you see yourself in 10 years” question.
Since a small business start-up will be the next step for many of the 4 million Americans thrown out of work in recent months, Brian Schwartz provides an excellent service by penning this collection of interviews to guide the way for anyone who has ever had the desire to create something from nothing, explore a unique market niche or live a life of discovery.
Why not learn from the experience of 50 successful entrepreneurs? Go see where they’ve been and what they’ve learned, before deciding whether to start your own company.
