Chapter 2
Choosing the Right Business
The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: Find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it, put your whole soul into it—every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.
—John D. Rockefeller III
When it comes to choosing a small business, there are two types of entrepreneurs. The first is the person who is in love with the idea of starting a very specific business. This person may be a gardener who envisions opening a nursery or a chef who has long dreamed of owning a restaurant. The other potential small business person is someone who is also in love, not with a specific business but with the idea of being his or her own boss. As there are risks and rewards associated with each path, both warrant further discussion.
If You Do What You Love, Will the Money Really Follow?
There is a saying that goes, “Do what you love; the money will follow.” Although this is noble and possibly true, there is more to small business success than simply doing what you love. Don't get me wrong. Doing what you love is indeed the first prerequisite when choosing the right business, but it is just that—a first step.
Live with Passion
What is it that you love? In life, we tend to succeed and perform well when we are engaged in something that we really enjoy. Your business should be no different. Richard Branson did not start Virgin Music because he thought that music would be profitable but because he loved ...
