Start a business!
You still working 9-5?
Become an influencer!
You really happy being a slave to your boss?
Here’s how you can become a millionaire in 7 minutes!!
Raise your hand if you’ve heard this hype and drama a thousand times over.
LIKE YOU JUST DON’T CARE!!
I’ve been running businesses for over 25 years, and I’ve been investing in businesses and real estate along the way. (you too? the lower half of this email is for you.)
Mistakes, I’ve made a few… hundred!
So I’m about to lay down some truth and tell you eight reasons why you might want to think twice before starting your own business…
⚠️ Do not start your own business if:
You hate going to your kids’ baseball games: When I was in corporate, a guy had to ask permission (and was denied) time to go see his son play ball. If you hate the games, just stay employed.
You enjoy being micromanaged: Nothing beats the thrill of having someone constantly looking over your shoulder, scrutinizing your every move, and dictating how you should do your job.
Stagnation rules: Why bother with personal and professional growth when you can settle comfortably into the same routine year after year? Starting a business means embracing change, innovation, and continuous learning. Who needs all that?
You jones for Monday mornings: There’s nothing quite like the joy of waking up on a Monday morning, filled with dread, monotony, and the tequila you drank to get over last week’s sh*t.
You love office politics: The drama, the gossip, the endless power struggles – who wouldn’t enjoy the delightfully toxic environment of backstabbing and maneuvering up the corporate ladder?
You don’t want to make too much $$: If you’re content with a fixed salary that barely covers your groceries and student loans, starting a business is not for you. Forget about the possibility of unlimited income potential and financial freedom… sounds like BORING!
You like swimming, in red tape: Endless paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles, and compliance regulations get you going? If you enjoy spending your precious time on mind-numbing administrative tasks, then entrepreneurship is definitely not the path for you.
You love job insecurity: Why settle for controlling your own fate when you can experience the adrenaline rush of never knowing if your company will succeed or fail? The current wave of layoffs is insane!
Alright alright. If you made it through that I hope you got a laugh or two.
In all seriousness though, here’s your truth bomb 💣
I know you.
I believe this is true:
You have a million-dollar product right between your ears!
Yes. You Do. Right Now.
Nobody else in the world has done what you’ve done, been where you’ve been, seen what you’ve seen.
You are a unique culmination of all you’ve experienced, and somewhere, someone is facing a problem only you can help them with.
If you’re not outright quitting your job by now, or at least spending 4 hours a day on a side hustle, you really need to consider it.
There’s a product, an idea, or a service opportunity that you are the best in the world at… go make it happen!
If you’re considering what you have to offer the world, you can stop here and read this.
If my “warnings” are too late, and you have already taken the leap into entrepreneurship, read on…
Congratulations!!!
You are destined for economic freedom and a lifetime of joy and pleasure!!!
HA!
Ok let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Not even close.
As a business owner, investor, and consultant, I’ve worked closely with individuals in a dozen different industries in different countries.
I have had the opportunity of hearing about (and experiencing) firsthand the challenges you face on your journey.
I want you to know you’re not alone.
Here are the top five problems that consistently arise:
The Great Idea:
Many aspiring business owners have brilliant ideas, but they often find themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start.
They navigate through a sea of noise, bombarded with well-meaning but often conflicting advice from family and friends.
This is you from earlier in the letter… DON’T LISTEN TO THEM!
The Technician’s Awakening:
It’s not uncommon for experts in a particular field to start their own businesses, assuming that their mastery of the craft will automatically translate into entrepreneurial success.
However, they soon realize that running a business requires a completely different set of skills and responsibilities.
I worked with a trainer-turned-gym-owner recently who remarked on how surprised she was at how little time she spent training and the abundance of time she spent sweeping!
The Analysis Paralysis:
Entrepreneurs often encounter a myriad of potential solutions for a particular problem they are facing.
This abundance of options can lead to feeling paralyzed, making it difficult to choose the best path forward.
The primary directive of my consulting strategy is to help people with finite resources make decisions in a sea of infinite options.
The Struggle for Profitability:
Many entrepreneurs find themselves in a constant battle to stay afloat and turn a profit. This challenge often stems from poor education/experience, mismanagement of resources, inadequate lead generation strategies, or difficulties in closing deals.
The I Can’t Do This Anymore:
Entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster, and at times, you feel like you’re losing your mind.
The pressures of managing life, family, a business, dealing with uncertainties, and wearing multiple hats can take a toll on one’s mental well-being.
These five problems resonate with entrepreneurs across all industries, and understanding them allows you to better navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Please note, these challenges are not insurmountable barriers.
They are all, in fact, opportunities for growth and learning.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro, an early-stage founder, or an aspiring freelancer, here are some final tips:
Stay resilient
Seek guidance from mentors and fellow entrepreneurs
Continuously adapt your strategies
Hire help when needed
And that’s it for this week!
I appreciate you reading this through and hope you gained some value from it.
Brian ‘you can do this’ Orr
PS. Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you on your journey:
Consulting – If you need a fresh perspective and new ideas
Project Fulfillment – if you need execution on large tasks
Investing – If you need capital and a strategic partnership
If you have a friend who needs to hear this message, please share it with them to start stacking your referrals for coupons, promos, and swag!!