I remember borrowing $1,000 to start my first business many years ago.  And within months that online business failed. I lost money and time.  Although my desire and determination were strong, in the end, I couldn’t get it to work.  

The issue was I jumped in too soon into a niche I didn’t know much about.  Convinced from what I read then from these wildly successful experts; they made it so simple and easy.  

They don’t tell you it takes more than drive and passion to succeed as an entrepreneur.  For the most part, we see them succeeding already.  We don’t always see the behind the scenes.  And if you didn’t know any better, failing can make giving up easily!  

But after the dust settled, I went back to my drawing board.  For the next 6 months or so, I studied well.  I researched and learned from the top experts in the same niche I was interested in.  What they were doing.  What they were not doing. And found a gap that they weren’t offering in the marketplace.  

Slowly and surely, I carved my place in the whole wide world.  At that time, to me, $500 was my first expensive lesson, yet the most rewarding.  We hear this all the time.  “Don’t ever give up!” “Don’t ever surrender!” “Keep moving forward!” 

Don’t get me wrong. These are great jumpstarters – motivators, even!  Yet, many people won’t tell you, to go back to the drawing board.  To study your industry well.  And become that expert in your niche.  Then create your unique selling proposition to stand out.  Or what I call, your Unique Signature Program.

And next, monetize it.  Having your own business is rewarding, nonetheless.  Just make sure you’re ready to work wisely.  Becoming and being an entrepreneur is half the battle. Succeeding is another!  

And there’s always more to learn. Thanks for letting me share my short story.

Be great,  Ires