Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello everyone.
There is no question I want to be an entrepreneur.  Even with medical issues, I am not afraid of doing my own thing and leaving my secure teaching job with great benefits behind.  I guess I can always come back if I fail miserably.

My problem is I have so many business ideas, I just can`t focus on one.  I think it`s because I`m still thinking in a  "job" state of mind.

I`ve written out my life plan, and I know the business model I want.  My strengths are in writing, new media, online communities and marketing.

But, I have so many niches I want to serve and be involved in.  How do I get  focused.  I`m feeling a bit ADD.

Sandra

How about making each idea a product that people can use. I would not want to focus on one thing when you have a chance to meet with every consumer.

I too have many business ideas, some of which I am working on.  One thing you might do is to write them down.  Make a few `pros and cons` lists out of them.  List the challenges and obstacles, your strengths, ones you have more passion for, etc.  This will help you focus on the ideas that are more suited to this time in your life.

Sometimes your first business might be one that`s a little easier than others to break into.  I have an idea which involves complex manufacturing and will involve a lot of startup capital.  It`s my number one business dream that I will follow through with.  But I want to learn more and get some experience before I go big like that.  So I am starting an internet business first, something a little easier and faster to market.  This is more of a personal strategy for myself.

So think about which of your ideas might be a stepping stone to something grander.  This will help put things in an order of priority.

Thanks guys.

Steven,
one of my ideas is also an internet business.  A very niche blog/zine that I know once I get started and bring on the right people will require little attention from me. 

My other business is more service oriented-marketing to be exact.  I might email you since you represent one type of client I`d like to work with.

I do?  Well feel free to ask me whatever you`d like.

SandraD,

My theme is to follow what you love.  Pick the idea that you are so excited about you would do it for free.  Meaning if you had to make a money some other way, this is the first thing you would want to do when you got back from work.

Once you know your passion, pursue it relentlessly. And form a business around it.  I believe following your dream is the best bet on a successful business.

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Mike Michalowicz
Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Focus is a skill and like any skill, it takes practice. Why don`t you pick an idea and work on it for a month - just to practice staying focused. Forget about your other ideas for that month.

I think you`ll find that after the life plan shows you where you want to end up, a Business Plan will help you examine then reject those ideas that are too complex or that aren`t as much fun as others.

The Business Plan is a "virtual business," sort of, where you get a chance to really work through a complete idea from start to finish, in detail. That should help you focus a bit more on at least your favorite 5 ideas. :-)

I feel your pain Sandra, I too suffer from O.M.S. (overactive mind syndrome)

I keep a notebook of ideas and concept I think would be viable-I think I am up to about 3 pages of stuff.  I have to discipline myself to narrow them down to the best and most practical  choice.

Thanks everyone.

CraigL, I will get right on the Business Plan.  I`m a do-er and all this thinking is making my brain hurt.  Time to put something into action, even if it`s just on paper.

Briann77, a notebook is an excellent idea.  I have a small Moleskin notebook but I think I need to flush some of my notes out.

Sandra