Start a Successful Business in 30 Days?

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NickThacker

posts: 11

May 08, 2009 5:54 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi there-I`ve begun work on my book on how to build a successful business in 30 days. Obviously a daunting task, but I believe most businesses, whether online or off, share common factors in becoming successful.

I was curious--what your thoughts were as to the order of the steps? What things are mandatory, what things are optional?

ANY advice, comments, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, the book will be targeted toward college/university-aged students, interested in building something successful before or upon graduation.

Thanks!

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Want to start a business? Start with my blog at www.nickthacker.com

Owner of www.highercallingmedia.com, www.highercallingmedia.com, a Texas web design company, and www.AspiringEntrepreneurs.net

nevadascul

posts: 651

May 09, 2009 1:13 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Develop a business plan even if your not seeking outside funding. My plan for example keeps me focused on the direction I want to go in. It also forces me to look realistically at the market place. This in turn requires me to define my potential customers and competitors.

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

NickThacker

posts: 11

May 09, 2009 3:04 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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nevadascul, thanks for the response and great advice!

Certainly having a business plan is an essential element to producing positive results--I`ll go one step further: write it down! Having a plan on paper and in your head are two completely different things, and I make a big deal about writing as much as possible down in the book.

During the course of the "30 Days" process, I mention that the steps are all a part of the larger plan. Basically by working through the process, the reader is creating a business plan (one that may not be strong enough to receive VC funding, but a starting point nonetheless)!

Once again, thanks for your thoughts and advice--also, I`ll have preview copies of the book in about a month--let me know if you`d like one via PM or email!

Nick

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Want to start a business? Start with my blog at www.nickthacker.com

Owner of www.highercallingmedia.com, www.highercallingmedia.com, a Texas web design company, and www.AspiringEntrepreneurs.net

CraigL

posts: 9051

May 09, 2009 5:53 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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When you say "successful business," do you mean that in 30 days you have the framework? Or are you suggesting that within 30 days you can start a business that will provide enough income to pay your monthly bills?

NickThacker

posts: 11

May 09, 2009 8:46 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi, Craig.

A "framework" most certainly can be built in 30 days, but obviously there are many variables (knowledge & skills, effort, luck, etc.) as well as what type of business it is that determine how quickly one can be built that will cover monthly expenses and provide a sound economic base. Likewise, projects can fall anwhere in between a "framework" and a "sound" business with disposal income.

That said, however, the book will in fact focus on building a framework that, if used and created properly, can provide enough income to be considered a "real business."

I spend a good portion of the book`s introduction helping readers define what "success" will look like. For example, I explain my opportunity cost of running my businesses (three of which were built using the "30 Days" principles): If I didn`t run my businesses, I could feasibly make about $1200 before taxes delivering pizzas. Therefore, my businesses needed to make at least that amount for me to consider them "successful."

So you see, the ultimate answer depends on the individual`s definition of "successful business," but the bottom line is that I know a business that makes at least some money can be built in 30 days.

How does that sound? I encourage your further questions and advice!

--Nick

CraigL

posts: 9051

May 10, 2009 6:33 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Nick,
I read your post on the Warrior forum, and saw that you have a clarification. You`re suggesting that 30 "days" is something more like 30 "tasks."

Actually, I think you`re going to run into the same skepticism you refer to there of a get-rich-quick scheme, if you keep the 30 days.

However; your idea of 30 steps is really interesting! :-)

What if you were to re-title the prospective book into something like, "30 Steps in 30 Days to Building a Successful Business?"

In other words, pull away from the "You`ll be successful in just 30 days," and move more toward showing the common success factors you`ve found?

CarstenJacobsen

posts: 10

May 11, 2009 9:40 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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What if you were to re-title the prospective book into something like, "30 Steps in 30 Days to Building a Successful Business?"

In other words, pull away from the "You`ll be successful in just 30 days," and move more toward showing the common success factors you`ve found?

I agree!

As I read Craig`s post I remembered a series of books I read some years ago. They were called "Teach Yourself [###] in 21 Days" - where [###] could be C, C++ or some other programming language or technical skill. I liked the concept and still do.

It`s serious and still catching...

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Carsten Jacobsen
IT Entrepreneur, living in Denmark
My Blog: www.ScandinavianMinds.com

byrneof01

posts: 230

May 11, 2009 11:02 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I like the way you are targeting university/college students. I think that a much higher percentage of graduates will start a business straight out of college this year.

BigIdea

posts: 17

May 11, 2009 2:47 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Whatever the name of the book if your ideas are sound then it should do well. There is a growing demand for infomation on starting a business so I hope it will be truly helpful to people that need it.

http://www.ibigidea.com

NickThacker

posts: 11

May 11, 2009 3:44 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Ugh--sorry I`ve not posted for awhile--my hosting company saw that I had a folder full of .mp3 files (I run a music publishing company that sells downloadable Christian music...) and cried "terrorism!" and shut off my account...

Got it all working now, but I see I missed quite a few GREAT responses! I hope you haven`t wandered off...

First, thanks again for the support--it makes me giddy to realize that there may actually be some people out there who`d be into the book! I will definitely keep everyone here posted on its progress--I`ve finished the first two "Days" or tasks, and they`re looking pretty solid!

Second, I agree with you, CraigL and Carsten, that the book will hit some skepticism. I will certainly leave the options open to re-titling the book to alleviate qualms about the proverbial "get-rich-quick" scheme.

Also, shout-out to bryneof01 and BigIdea--thanks for the comments and support, and be sure to tell all your college friends/family you may have!

I`ll check back soon,
Nick

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Want to start a business? Start with my blog at www.nickthacker.com

Owner of www.highercallingmedia.com, www.highercallingmedia.com, a Texas web design company, and www.AspiringEntrepreneurs.net

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