So, you decided to subscribe to the blog after all, huh? Good decision because it is going to be an adventure. But more importantly, it lets me know that you are either interested in starting your own business, or learning more about the ins and outs of starting your own business or that you just happen to like me a lot. LOL! But seriously, this is a huge step because to seriously try your hand at creating your company is a huge endeavor that can take months if not years to achieve, and even longer to achieve success. I have been talking about becoming an entrepreneur since my college days, and a couple times I even tried my hand at it, but it was nothing serious though. During the latter part of my undergrad days, I flirted with thoughts of starting my own intellectual property (IP) licensing company. Of course, this was a profound business concept to wrap my undergraduate mind around--I know it was for me because although I knew what IP was I would be lying if I said that I truly understood it.
Starting a business is hardwork and takes tireless dedication. Part of my problem back then was that although I had the vision, I lacked the tireless dedication that was required, and the appropriate skill sets. There were also so many other things at that time in my life that took priority. So, if you are truly serious about your business endeavors one of the first things that you will need to do is reorder or restructure your priorities. If you don't do this, it will be tantamount to running in place with no forward movement--believe me, I know this from personal experience.To give you a more concrete example, let me explain by saying that when I was younger I had a very basic understanding of what a copyright was but that was it. I knew what trademarks were, but didn't have a clue about patents other than they had something to do with inventions.
Anyway, being an avid self-help guy as a college student, I would read a plethora of magazines about business and society at-large to enhance what I was learning as a liberal arts student studying journalism. Due to the fact that I read so many different magazines, I was able to increase my knowledge base about the subjects that were dear to me. So, in order to learn more about IP during undergrad, I had to do some extra reading and research.
In fact, one magazine that was quite helpful to me was Black Enterprise Magazine. Black Enterprise was definitely the beginning for me. I have been a loyal fan for more than 20 years now and I have to say that if you are seriously considering starting a small to medium size business that BE is a must read, as it is usually filled with very informative and insightful business news related stories, articles and exposes. BE for me back then was its own college course; if you read it with frequency I guarantee that it will increase your knowledge base about business. Another great thing about Black Enterprise is that it highlights other African-Americans who have successfully started their own business or businesses.
For me, just reading this was a great source of motivation, and stoked my entrepreneurial fire for years.A few other great business-related magazines for your reading pleasure are: Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc, BusinessWeek, and U.S. News & World Report. Although U.S. News isn't a hard-core business mag per se, it is nevertheless one of my favorites because of its coverage of global and domestic news. Take a peek at any of these magazines when you get a chance. If you don't have the time to take a peek at all of them then definitely check out BE and Entrepreneur Mag. I believe that they both will give you some good insights into the various business ideas and opportunities that you can pursue. Also, don't let the money be a deterrent to peeping these mags; they are all available online for your to review for free as well, just click on the links above.
On a final note, I want to add that many times we are prisoners of our own minds. What I mean by this is that we limit what we are able to accomplish by how and what we think. So, start getting into the habit of thinking positive thoughts and practicing positive thought reinforcement. Identify business ideas that interests you, and make an inventory list of any and all of your special skills and/or talents. After you have done that identify those business ideas and personal skills sets that you enjoy using and are most passionate about. Once you've done that search the web to research those areas of interests that you selected. Identify companies that are successfully conducting business in the areas of business that you are interested in entering. After you have done all of this take the time to mull over your list again, critically thinking about your prospective business choice or choices. Thereafter, try to match your business choices with your skill sets and/or natural talents. Once you have a match or matches rank them in order of preference, and you are ready for the next steps in starting your business. I guarantee that if you free your mind by making up your mind to go for your dreams, success will utlimately have no choice but to follow. It won't be easy, and it may not happen over night, but you will be laying the foundation for a future of personal freedom and satisfaction.
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