Comments on: Guest Post: Success Takes Courage

By: Red88

Red88 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:43:35 +0000

Instead, I will refer SB readers to the quick, 10-question survey I created, and look forward to sharing and discussing results. ,

By: Mr.Carrot74

Mr.Carrot74 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:43:35 +0000

Blue sheets are used when transiting though countries. ,

By: Bob Thordarson

Bob Thordarson — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:23:29 +0000

Hey James, your post is right on. I have never been able to figure out how to start a business without risk. But, it seems that the mindset required to overcome that risk has always been this self confident realization that I will figure out a solution, whatever the problem that may come up. That mindset has always worked for me.

I also love your no-middle statement “you do know what is going to happen in two years after we start this business. we’re either going to move into a bigger house or we’re moving in with mom. There is no in between. :)” Now, that is the truth!

Bob
http://beta.syncacross.com

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:10:09 +0000

Great post and and a big fan of your blog! I’m 24 and would love to take the plunge, but I wonder How many people out there willing to finance a start up from a young women living in the west indies. It’s not like I have anything to lose. Maybe I’m in the wrong country and should move.

By: SEO Consulting

SEO Consulting — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:42:37 +0000

Wow, thanks James. That was a very good answer. I guess I am still stuck in a bit of a dilema as I would still need to make sure I can keep our rent and bills paid. But I still need to not be afraid of getting it going, which is the point of this discussion.

Thanks again!

By: James

James — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:14:50 +0000

Agreed. One of the best ways see “nothing to loose” mentality is to visit a nursing home for the elderly. Many of the old people lying in their beds post pictures of their family on the walls, all their assets, titles (i.e. CEO, CIO, CxO) and money in the bank don’t mean much to them anymore. They just enjoy talking to people and the memories of how they lived. Go for it, ride more triple diamonds.

By: James

James — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:05:53 +0000

Deciding to take the plunge involves commitment from everyone in your family. Your spouse must support you in what you are doing. The wrong thing to do is to come home one day and say “honey, I quit my job and decided to start a business”. If market forces don’t become too big of an obstacle, tension in your personal relationship will break you down.

Prior to starting Avidian, I had a long discussion with my wife about being prepared for anything. She gave me her blessings. After her blessing I told her “you do know what is going to happen in two years after we start this business. we’re either going to move into a bigger house or we’re moving in with mom. There is no in between. :)”

Again, there is always plenty of reasons not to start a business, in your case you want to be “responsible” and more “financially stable”. Don’t be irresponsible by insanely just plunging in. However, know that the perfect time will never come.

By: Yunjian Jiang

Yunjian Jiang — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:22:25 +0000

Yes, very inspiring. I took on black-diamond trail on the 3rd day of snowboarding, because I knew the worst thing would have been to walk down.

I guess the “nothing to loose” mentality also helps.

By: Johnny Optimist

Johnny Optimist — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:58:40 +0000

I agree with your overall premise, and like that you added “After about 6 months of learning, analyzing the space and talking to other successful entrepreneurs, I decided to take the plunge.” You didn’t just jump w/o knowing anything about what you were getting into.

Equateable to jumping into a pool - you can go off the diving board before knowing anything else (high reward / high risk), or you can find out if you can swim, how deep the water is, etc. before going to the board, thus reducing risk w/ low cost research.

By: SEO Consultant

SEO Consultant — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:36:16 +0000

Wow, that was very inspiring. I am that person that is waiting for the low risk/high reward situation to come along. I fear for my family and our financial well-being since we are struggling as it is. That is the biggest thing holding me back.

What do you suggest when it comes to family and children? I mean, at a certain point it becomes irresponsible to take a big plunge and try to start a business, doesn’t it? What are your thoughts on this?