Hi,
I have been in the corporate world for the past two years since graduation, but have a huge itch for entrepreneurship. Therein lies the problem, no idea where to go from there. Great resources on YSN, I just need to get the ball rolling! Any advice?
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Yes, the whole process can seem overwhelming, but a good model to use is the way in which a company launches a product into a target market (which is basically what you’re trying to do anyway). The Self Assessment gave you some ideas of what makes work rewarding to you and how your operating style provides insight into the type of organization structure that works best for you. Did you see clear evidence that your definition of success and organization preferences match what you’ve decided to pursue? Do you have the drive and determination to succeed on your own? If so, than your next step is to “reality test” your “career hypothesis” by talking to people doing the kind of entrepreneurial work you want to do to make sure it’s what you imagined it would be like. More importantly, use these meetings to get feedback on how someone in the field sees you as a “candidate.” Do they agree with your assumptions about your potential for success? Are there specific educational or experiential “creds” you need to have? What about the market you’re targeting… who else is there? How are they successful (or not)?
As for contacts… well, how about starting with ysn? I’d also suggest your school’s alumni network or LinkedIn as well as online resources like:
- American Venture Magazine: Tool to access to information about venture capital firms, entrepreneurs, angel investors, funding and service providers.
- Entrepreneur.com: Online business-to-business community marketplace built exclusively for small and emerging businesses.
- Inc.com: Resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners that includes management information, tools and services.
- GoBig Network: Marketplace that connects the startup and small business community.
- Startup Journal: Content from the editorial resources of WSJ, industry experts and their editorial team.
If you’re looking for concrete steps to take, I would suggest connecting with the US Small Business Administration where you can take on-line courses to learn about managing your own business. I’d also suggest connecting with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) where you’ll be assigned one or two mentors to help you along the way. They’ll review your business plan, offer advice to overcome pitfalls and delays, and congratulate you when you succeed. Good luck with your plans!
Dear Sir / Madam,
Please, I need inverstors or venture capitalist for startups business.
Can you link me up?
I disagree with all previous answers.
If you’ve got an itch then friggin scratch it! If you hear yourself saying “I just need to do this” or “once I do this” or “once this is better I’ll do this” you’re bs-ing yourself. Self assessments are a complete was of time. Take a look at what you want to do. Create a 90 day plan of all things you need to do in order to get whatever your idea is up and running. now create a 60 day plan, out of previous list what can you get done in 60 days? Now a 30 day plan. Now go after it, don’t wait. call whoever you have to call, email whoever you have to email, walk in and talk to whoever you have to talk to. If by the end of 30 days you still haven’t made real progress and you’re still making excuses. There’s your self assessment. If you still feel the itch, keep scratching. Don’t worry your skin won’t go raw, this is a good scratch it only keeps feeling better. Oh and SBA is worthless, you want to find out about entrepreneurship, go talk to some entrepreneurs, go into small businesses and talk to them. interview them. find one you gel with and ask them to be your mentor. Lastly don’t waste you’re time with a worthless business plan, complete waste of time. You will have no experience to construct one accurately and in the end you’ll be blue-skying all you’re numbers and predictions. create your action plan and do something now, don’t wait. If you don’t do it now you never will. Once you’ve got something going and you need money or investment, then create a business plan. Lastly, lastly, be prepared to make mistakes, fail, lose friends, change you life and outlook. Entrepreneurship is a tough road but it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. Even if you try and fail you’ll look back and say I did that! As long as you keep going and learn from you’re mistakes you’ll eventually succeed. go now, keep going.
As for Richmond, forget about it. unless you have a business up and running or at least a proof of concepts up and running don’t expect anyone to invest in it right now. I’m assuming you have an idea and this if you’re first business you’re looking to pursue. How much do you believe in you’re idea? Can you scrounge up $5,000 for it? Same as previous question create a 90, 60, 30 plan. What can you get done for $5,000? You’re goal by the end of 90 days and $5K is to have something up and running making some money or at least a proof of concept. Now start talking to investors, maybe.