Hi,
This is my first post and I have built business from scratch to multi million and now help others to do this in their business's.
I personally believe that in the beginning you do need on the job experience and unless you are 'lucky' you will need money to eat. Working for others will cement what you will and won't do in your own business.
Do your research and head hunt yourself - find a Company YOU want to work for - it's ok to start at the bottom of a happening Company in your field of interest.
Where do you want to work? There are many ways you can make yourself stand out from the crowd and get noticed.
Make sure you have a Resume written for the Company you are after. When I started out it was much harder to research a Company, not so any longer. Be a ferret for information and find out all you can.
Join Linked-In and make sure you have a fantastic bio. Linked in is 100 times more powerful then Facebook and most Companies will check both so make sure your Facebook is tidy and inoffensive to all.
Secondly it is the norm for families to want a traditional safe life for their loved ones and you may find some who will discourage your dreams for a safe life working for the man.
Don't lose sight of your plans and continue to work in your own business. Keep all your receipts and costs to claim at official start up. You'll be grateful for the tax deductions.
Most Entrepreneurs are no stranger to working at night and weekends and you have the energy of youth and passion I hope for your dream to fire your work ethic up.
I do love the collaborative process and it's an amazing experience to be around others who think outside the box. Networking will bring you around experienced business owners and you need this.
As pointed out in previous posts many start ups fail and often it is not because they 'product or service' is flawed. There are a number of mistakes most business's go through and you learn from your mistakes but they can cripple you financially.
Be especially mindful of who you go into business with as this ruins a lot of start ups too. If you are going into business with others have a clear plan and commitment of time for each participant. Have a clear entry and exit plan.
Have a clear documented business plan and list of jobs to do, work through these as well as your product development and be mindful of keeping your IP protected.
I do not have a uni degree, but I did leave High School with top grades and a mind keen to learn. Make the most of opportunities and understand that you have the ability from the get go to design a most fabulous life for yourself : )
As a divorce' I now work for another Company and the Family Court will dictate my rights, but am opening my own Copywriting Consultancy and in my forties work weekends and nights to make this happen.
It's no accident that I joined a small but exciting Company that offers a fabulous product. I only applied for jobs that matched my criteria. I refused offers that didn't. I have learned a lot from my Boss and colleagues and my association will continue with them in a cohesive just differently structured business arrangement rather than employee.
As a business owner you need to know about all facets of business and management and there are only 3 ways. Study, work experience and learning the hard way whilst in business.
In short working for others does give you a grounding I think. Many times I was abused when I was younger (partly because I'm a woman, but mainly because I was an employee). Being an employee usually helps you learn how to be a better boss and gives you perspective.
My brother in law went from Uni;to Government; to his own business and although he does OK he has no clue to customer service. Design the best product and design it to do the very best for your customer, love your customer and provide fantastic service and don't be afraid to be different, you need to stand out to find your ideal customer. Get your processes right within your business ie 'paperwork and processes' and you can succeed.
Ensure your digital identity is impeccable. Surprising how many in your field don't succeed in this. I have clients who are web design businesses with web sites that have broken links and spelling errors in their product names! Well they used to, till I contacted them and showed them the problems and now they're my clients, that easy!
Young man you are in an industry that is only been around for just over 20 years. And it's an exciting one. Good luck : )
Good luck xxx
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