Mar 07, 2013
Rick Schwartz sold Candy.com for $3 Million. I bet he thinks to himself the initial investment he made in that domain; how he faced criticism about investing in something others felt was not worthwhile. Or how they wondered if it would ever flourish into something more.
I reflect on good sales and websites I made in the past; and think about the times when people didn’t understand what I was doing. How people told me to get a ‘real job’. When they thought I was spending long amounts of time on the computer for no reason.
What about you? What are the best investments you have made in business? Were they websites? How about a marketing plan? New business talent? Improvements in the way you do business?
Forget the above. You should be looking in the mirror. The best investment you will ever make as an entrepreneur is in yourself. Successful entrepreneurs have learned to step over several mental road blocks known as the “I CAN’Ts” and “BUT I’M WAITING ONs“. If you are waiting for the perfect time to quit your full time job and jump head first into starting your own business, the perfect time will never come. If you are waiting to reach the perfect income bracket before reaching entrepreneur success, it might not happen if all your energy is sucked away at a 9 to 5 job.
You do not have to figure out HOW but you do need to believe in yourself.
Just a few years ago I was holding down a full time job in addition to providing freelance web development, going to college and being a single mother. I worked my ass off but through blood, sweat and tears I was able to make the transition to entrepreneur. The hard work I had to endure was a temporary sacrifice. Yes, there were times I wanted to give up. Yes, there were times I doubted myself. But I would have robbed myself of so much reward had I gave in to the fear of failing.
Today, I get to enjoy spending time at home with my daughter, I have flexible working hours, I have flexible income, payday is any day and I look forward to making the daily short trip to work.
Entrepreneurs are human. They doubt themselves at times. They reach hurdles. They sort through conflicts. But only the successful entrepreneurs learn to persevere: put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time. They learn to kick the excuses in the rear, ignore negative criticism from doubting friends and family and they learn to focus with a laser mind. Did you notice two reoccurring words? THEY LEARN.
What you invest in yourself is more valuable than any revenue you earn. Learn something new today: a different perspective or a different skill. Take time everyday, even if it’s only an hour to invest in yourself. It adds up. But it won’t begin unless you make that commitment to invest in yourself right now, beyond anyone’s doubt, beyond anyone’s criticism, beyond anyone’s misunderstandings and even your own self doubt. Do it right now for yourself. If you don’t, who else will?
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are
omnipotent.” ~ Calvin Coolidge
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Well written article Tia. Bein an entrepreneur is a bit like scratch-off tickets. You scratch and scratch and if you are lucky you will win the big one. Well ok maybe being an entrepreneur is a little more work LOL.
Congrats on your own success and of course congrats to Rick for blazing the trail and raising the bar for all entrepreneurs and domainers.
Thanks, Scott. Luck almost has nothing to do with it.
Sometimes we have to create our own opportunities.
Tia, an inspiratonal and motivating posting. One makes their own luck. Learn from the masters, read the blogs, watch the videos, (at least of Frank Shilling, Dr Ham)and daily the blogs of Rick Schwartz, Ron Jackson, Frager, Sahir, Elliot, Wizzbang. I rarely leave without an actionable idea…
Fred, funny you mention that. I was just at Frank Schillings blog a few days ago and reread the last post he made last year. Its one of the best: http://www.sevenmile.com/2008-03/everybody-sells/ . I do wish he were blogging again.
Nice article, Tia.
You should add bit more about difficulties you had.
Without them, people will think you are just lucky
Nicely done, Tia.
I think you should add bit more about difficulties you had along the way. If you dont, people will just think you are being lucky
Jonathan,
…full time job in addition to providing freelance web development, going to college and being a single mother. I worked my ass off but through blood, sweat and tears…
:-*
You should add bit more about difficulties you had.
I could have but I believe it would have steered away from the point of the article. I think the above pretty much sums it up.
Somebody once said luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
Many people see this industry as a brreding ground for slackers and workshy layabouts, which it is. This in itself presents opportunities for those who are prepared to invest the time to become the best. The most important change I ever made in my life was to stop saying I cant be bothered whenever something demanded a daunting amount of effort- it is rarely as bad as you think when you get stuck in.
I fully agree with your post! And everything you talk about is so much easier when you pour all that work and persistence into something you are passionate about.
Posts like this are a breath of fresh air for someone who is going through it! A big breath of fresh air to just stick with it and keep moving forward. Make some progress each and every day. I have my hands in many things and have no problem staying busy, overworked, stressed, frustrated, but on the other side of things, I remain persistent and motivated to succeed. I think my new role at JV is going to be something I can reallllly sink my teeth into and produce results. I know I can. Never doubt yourself and always believe in YOU. Be your #1 fan whther or not you have an audience cheering you on. Set small and big goals and knock each and every one out of the park. Pace yourself and dont forget to breathe, everything passes in time and that includes the struggles every entreprenuer faces.
Great post, Tia. Thank you for sharing and post more often, please! I enjoy the reads.
Talk soon,
Michael