Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

As odd as it might sound, as I made the selections in my profile I struggled with this question. I have been working to get my profile updated this week and have changed the answer to this question twice now. I think I need to change it again. I wonder if anyone else has experienced these types of feelings (or fears) with starting a business . . .

I don`t think I actually believe I have a business, I know this sounds stupid. The posts here this past week have really made me stop and think about what I am doing (and all of a sudden it is SCARING THE HECK OUT OF ME!) I don`t have a business plan, don`t have a lot of computer knowledge, have never paid anyone for any help or service, everyone on here seems so advanced in the business world, it`s scary. The good thing is that the business has no debt, if I wanted something or needed something, I just waited until I had the funds to pay for it. If it all fell apart tomorrow, I would just close up shop and walk away (with lots of inventory to give away!). I have just muddled thru it all on my own. I think that when I signed up here at SUN it was the first time since starting this that I actually listed myself and spoke of myself as "the Owner".

So, at first I selected small business, but, I began thinking, I am not a small business, good god, people running businesses know what their doing so I switched to Solo Ent. However, I do have employees, not full-time but a staff of 4 pretty steady persons that help with packaging and 12 persons that help with shows. I have single and newly divorced moms that needed part-time work that rely on their income from me to help financially to keep their households together, (I have already felt the pressure of having persons dependent on me). I think because we are homemade and the majority of our business is done at craft and expo shows I don`t feel like this is an actual business. So, what stage am I really at? In regards to the business, do I keep going like I have been? Do I need some formal schooling or training to maintain what I have or to expand it? Lots to think about here, curious if anyone has thoughts on this. . .

 

I think you are doing a lot better than you think!

I know that after my baby was born, I didn`t just want to be an IC and muddle along anymore. I wanted to run my own business, with employees and everything. And yes, often times I do look at my plate and go WHOA! I`M OVERWHELMED! but then I just do the same thing everyone else does ... I sit down and go through everything on the list, step by step; ask questions when needed; find answers at the right time; and make partnerships along the way to help me succeed.

You sound like you`re doing JUST FINE.

Hi DipLady,

I agree, I think your doing great. It is good that you have had a wake up call and realize that, yes, you own a business and that you are actually doing quite well, with trade show exposure and a few employees. Think about it. Even Walmart was small at one time. I wish you great success in growing your business.

It`s wonderful that you are starting to think deeper about your business. I
think a lot of people begin doing something because they like it and
when it gets successful, they inadvertently find themselves in business!
It`s not a scary as you think. I started out just making art and selling
prints and I thought of myself as an artist, nothing more. I had no
concept of the fact that I was actually doing business until it dawned on
me. Don`t get too hung up on the titles in your profile. It really doesn`t
matter much what "stage" you are listed, rather who you are and what
your business is. And try not to be intimidated by all the success and
knowledge here on SuN. Embrace it and learn. You will discover a whole
world of answers to the questions you ponder.

Couldn`t agree more with all the replies so far. You`re doing great and don`t get hung up on what "stage" you are in - makes no difference here or in the workplace. Follow you dreams and heart and HAVE FUN!

Never stop learning. Formal and/or informal are both good. We can always learn something new. In today`s wired world and with resources such as SuN, it is easier now than ever to gain any knowledge you seek and in the comfort of your own home or office. What I would have given to have all of this when I started years ago. No different, just easier ... IMHO.

Focused Passion is what it is all about. And doing something you love.

I wish you much success.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

Guys thanks so much for all the kind words. I`m really finding myself at a crossroads these past few weeks and have been up and down, alot. So, glad that I found this site. I will continue to tap into the resources available out here and will continue to plod onward. Looking forward to what the new year will bring us. I also wish each of you much success in your own adventures.

This reminds me of how people listen to talk radio and say, "Everyone! is talking about such and so."

The fact is a tiny number of people ever get through to talk on the air. Of those, they have only minutes. Then, there are only a few talk show hosts in any given area.

So too, only a very few number of people post on any given forum. It`s because they feel strongly enough to be motivated into posting something. But does that mean "everyone" is brilliant with computers, business savvy, and so forth? Of course not. It only "looks" like that because of the numbers.

What matters is that anyone has enough nerve to post a topic that has direct personal meaning. You can pretty much count of the fact that if 1 person says, "Jeez...I`m totally freaked about this thing," there are another 100 people who are thinking exactly the same thing, but don`t have the nerve to make a public posting.

Startup Nation is astonishing in the lack of flame wars, insults, snide commentary, and so on. It consistently provides honest people making real communication about things that actually matter to them.