Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Here is another online resource that you might find helpful: http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/get_a_life_blog/ The latest podcast is on overcoming negative self-talk when you are starting your business. I think you`ll find some other inspirational articles from this link as well. Good luck!

-------------------------

Janice - Splash Virtual Assistance

This article addresses 5 tips for taking away the fear of starting up. It`s featured in today`s StartupNation newsletter.

Thank you again!  Yes, I`m battling a lot of negative self-talk and also dealing with a lot of family pressure to go back to my former job where things were safe.  It`s really hard for me to fight all the criticism when (right now) I have so little to show for why I left.  

What personal obligations or responsibilities do you have? Do you have enough money saved to live on until your business is able to pay you? If not, is someone willing to support you until then?

This may not be a popular opinion, but, if you really don`t know what kind of business you want to start, I think you should go back to your job until you at least figure that out.

-------------------------

Steve,
I don`t think it`s an unpopular opinion, but a logical assessment. There`s the psychological fear of doing something radical but rational, like starting a business. But there`s the functional fear of having no job, no money, no work, and nothing at all in the future. You`re right that in the initial post, there`s not much reference to which type of fear Garfield is dealing with.

`Course there`s a whole `nuther fear. What if he wants to go back to his old job but can`t anymore? :-)

My fear is closer to the "doing something radical but rational".  I do have some financial support, fortunately.  However, I am accustomed to being self-sufficient and getting my own paycheck so this is a very uncomfortable period for me. To ease my discomfort, I have thought of returning to my old job.  But, my old job really did not afford me time to plan a business.  I know that if I went back, it would be even harder to ever get my business up and running.  I recognize that, ideally, one would have his job and have laid the groundwork for the business.  As I don`t, I`m trying to get this business together as quickly as possible (which I think lends to the pressure I`m feeling and hence, my situation of being stuck).

Negative talk is not always a bad thing. Put a spin on it, use it to your advantage and show all the negative people around you that "You will Conquer". I don`t know how many times I heard, your car is due, your insurance is due, what you need to do is find a job! Now that I look back at those days I laugh.....at everyone..... Why, because like I always told myself, Microsoft didn`t get to where they are in 1 day.... Im pretty sure if Bill Gates was around to address this issue he would tell all of us what he went through.  
Don`t let the negativity around you stress you from reaching your goal and for those that gave you the negative pep talk... tell them to back off... If they aren`t there to help then don`t bother... The stage you are going through is temporary.. everyones has to go through it... and in business the faint at heart don`t last long.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!.... Sky`s the Limit...

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Have you seen movies of the Wright brothers first flight. They didn`t push  their aircraft off a cliff to test it. Their first test was in a situation where failure would not likely have been fatal. However it did prove the concept was viable.

Starting a business is much the same. Try to minimize the consequences of any single mistake, while at the same time learning a valuable lesson or proving the concept. See the bootstrapping thread for a lively discussion on that concept. Doing something as simple as buying something undervalued at a local garage sale (negotiating down from the asking price) and reselling it on eBay is a good first step. You`ll learn the skill of negotiating, properly account for the expenses and revenue (go ahead and use inexpensive small business software, overkill, but another lesson learned). Some people actually make  a living doing that.

Do what you must to take the pressure off and still move in the desired direction. You talk about your last job like it`s the only one around. Find one that affords the time to think, plan and begin your business while still supporting yourself.

I`m not trying to discourage you from starting your business. It`s just that I`d much rather see you soaring on your new found wings, than lying in a pile of wreckage at the bottom of a cliff.


-------------------------

I appreciate the encouragement from everyone!  And, Steve, I thank you for your honest feedback and for the reminder that my old job is not the only one out there.  I have been considering taking a part-time retail position or maybe trying your eBay idea.  I`ve been doing eBay for a few years but selling personal stuff.

Well sir
I`m in the same boat as you. I left my job last month and I am in the middle
of the huge question to stay with it or not.
I have no advice for you as of yet. I just thought I would say that I`m right
there with ya.


-------------------------

Aaron Rogers aaron@prorestaurants.com