Member-only story
The Untold Truth About Being an Entrepreneur
if it doesn’t come bursting out of you
in spite of everything,
don’t do it.
unless it comes unasked out of your
heart and your mind and your mouth
and your gut,
don’t do it.-Bukowski.
Some years ago, my English teacher, in an effort to turn my passion for writing into a career, showed me this quote from one of the most talented alcoholics I’ve ever had the chance to read.
That quote, although well-intentioned, ended up having the opposite effect… I love writing, yes, but being an entrepreneur goes beyond emotion — it’s something I carry in my blood. Maybe it’s heritage, or maybe I’m just into all that sadomasochistic stuff.
For me, it’s not about the money — it’s about having something, or being able to do something, that people want enough to pay for. Warhol once said, ‘Making money is art, and good business is the best art.’
I’m not an entrepreneur for the money. You could say I do it for the love of the art. As for what comes from that art — my wife can decide what to do with it.
What Is The Definition Of an Entrepeneur?
If I had to describe entrepeneurship with an example, I’d say it’s like throwing yourself out of a plane with just a piece of cloth, some cords, a sewing kit, and a YouTube video titled ‘How to Make a Parachute in Under 10 Minutes.’
The chances of surviving are low, you’ll feel fear, and you know what’s worse? Some people actually enjoy it, i call them serial entrepreneurs.
My dad, who became an entrepreneur almost out of necessity because my grandpa couldn’t afford to pay for school, once told me that the first rule of running a business isn’t being good with numbers, it’s learning to live against the odds. It’s a journey built more on hope than on facts.
I would say it’s the biggest leap of faith someone can take… that, and getting married.
