Category: Rise And Grind

The Wantrepreneur’s First Steps

12/29/2015

Wantrepreneur, n.
definition: Someone enamored with one day running their own business, owning their time, and building a cash flow machine, but is afraid, or waiting, to pull the trigger on starting.

Lots of people like the idea of being a successful entrepreneur, most of them never pull the trigger because they are waiting for the “perfect moment”. Unfortunately, there is never going to be a perfect moment.

You might as well make a move right now. But, if you don’t feel comfortable, you should at least start doing these six things to make it easier on yourself when you decide to make it happen.

Improve your credit score - While the myths of getting funded by a venture capitalist or and angel investor are well chronicled, most entrepreneurs bootstrap their business, particularly in the early days. If you are interested in getting a small business loan or increasing the credit limit of your credit card, you have to improve your credit score. For tips and fundamentals, check out this article.
Minimize your personal burn rate - cash flow is king, see your life, and personal finances, like a business. Make a personal budget and track everything you spend money on for one month. The simple act of writing down and acknowledging all your expenses will help you cut back.
Read a book per month - Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s partner, has been quoted saying,

“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn't read all the time -- none, zero. You'd be amazed at how much Warren reads--and at how much I read. My children laugh at me. They think I'm a book with a couple of legs sticking out.”

Don’t do it because I said so. Do it because one of the wealthiest, humble, intelligent men in the world said so.
Master a NEW skill - You are probably talented. You probably have a few elite skills. Go build a new one from the ground up. This will benefit you for TWO very important reasons. One, you can consider the value of the skill before you choose it, increasing the likelihood that it will be applicable in the future. Second, you will learn the much more important skill of HOW to learn and master new skills. Once you’ve mastered one skill, you have a blueprint for mastering more.
Produce content - Videos, podcasts, blogs, it does not matter what. You have to get comfortable putting yourself out there and sharing something you created publicly. If you start a company, you will be doing this in a very serious way.
Pay off debt - Debt is an entrepreneur’s worst enemy. A lack of self-control leads us to spend and live beyond our means, perhaps because we have seen our parents and friends practice the same behavior. Instead of rushing to enjoy luxuries at the first possible opportunity, employ some discipline and reap the rewards of a debt-free existence.

Doing these things will not guarantee your success, but they will certainly increase your odds.

Want more insights and some book recommendations?

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You Are Hiking

12/17/2015

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The pursuit of a goal, be it professional or personal, can be all-consuming. It is very easy to put on blinders and hone in on a single outcome defining personal success or total failure.

There is nothing wrong with an earnest campaign.

But remember, you are not simply following some predetermined course that Google Maps dictated to you. You are hiking.

On the trail, hikers have a distinct end goal in mind. Get to shelter. Trek twelve miles today. Complete the journey.

They will certainly come across segments of the trail that require all-consuming focus and perseverance. The crossing of a some uneven terrain, or climbing a 20 degree grade for two miles.

There is a lot less talking and joking going on between a party of hikers when they meet these obstacles, as each person turns inward for their core motivations and base instincts.

However, the hiker also takes breaks to sit on the side of the trail and take in nature's beauty. They know they should drink in these views that will be unattainable just a mile down the trail. The hiker knows that these images will be burned into their memory and just like the pain and determination that was required to climb the peak.

The same truth applies to every step of your personal journey.

There is beauty in the furrowed brow of your colleague next door, the late night, slightly misspelled email outlining a new idea, the taste of the coffee propelling you into motion, and even the familiar face of the parking lot shuttle driver.

No matter what goal you are pursuing, no matter how well you've laid your plans, always be on the lookout for the grand view waiting for you to stop and look up. Every step of the trail offers an unnoticed spectacle waiting to be appreciated. Being present in such moments will fill you with a renewed energy that will propel you forward with an incomparable vigor.

Happy trails,

Aaron

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There's Room for One More

10/20/2015

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I have really good news for you. You do not not have to settle for a mediocre existence. You are not stuck.

No matter how old or young, no matter what your level of education, you hold your destiny in your hands. Maybe you have forgotten this fundamental truth.

Maybe you’ve heard, either implicitly or explicitly, that you should give up on your dream. Someone who was "looking out for you", suggested you take the safe route. Momentum and naivete have brought you to a point where practicality trumps dream-chasing.

Do not fear. Like a cowboy on a bronco, intention and unwavering focus can guide life in the direction that you choose.

Pick an daunting industry; entertainment, entrepreneurship, science, business, or writing. One of the most common refrains you'll hear from a wannabe is that, "It's not practical" or "too hard to break into".

I’ve got great news; You're wrong

There's room for one more.

One more person who wants it so bad they will run through a brick wall.

One person willing to stay up until midnight reading the writings of those who've come before.

One more person who is dedicated to their own unique spin, not just copying and imitating.

One more person who is excited to blaze a new route and avoid the path of least resistance.

Lucky you, you're just in time.

P.S. - Once you’re there make room for the next person!

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The Wantrepreneur’s First Steps

You Are Hiking

There's Room for One More

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