The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Turning Dreams into Profits

YOUR FIRST THREE ACTION STEPS

From the very beginning—as soon as the entrepreneurial itch strikes—there are three action steps you can take to start turning your dream into reality.

1. Find the time to do it.

2. Find the money to do it.

3. Get yourself up to speed.

Finding the Time to Do It: Time Management

As a fledgling entrepreneur, you will become a five-to-niner. What is that? It’s someone who works a regular nine-to-five job—and then focuses on his own business from 5 to 9 P.M. Or from 5 to 9 A.M.

That’s a lot of hours. You will need a system to keep yourself on track … and keep yourself from burning out. Part of that means carving out time for family and fun, too. It’s not just about work. You cannot expect to work all the time without recharging your batteries. You also can’t expect to put in long hours without the support of your loved ones. (Never lose sight of what is really important in your life.)

There are lots of specific systems for managing your time. Find one that works for you. (I’ve included my own system in the Appendix to this book. You might want to start with that one.)

From the outset, you need to know how much time you are willing (and able) to invest. That will help you set realistic long-term goals. You have to break those goals down into monthly and weekly objectives. And if you find that achieving those short-term objectives is taking longer than you expected, you have to revise them accordingly.

It takes constant, determined effort.

Finding the ...