The Realistic Entrepreneur

Let’s get one thing straight. I am using the term ‘Entrepreneur’ in the loosest possible way. Yes, I've started my own business and yes I’m always looking for ways to grow and expand my brand, but, It’s only been 6 months.
In Entrepreneurial terms, I've only just been born. Now for some who read this (if indeed anyone does), that will be an instant turn off. I mean, who would listen to a guy who’s only been running his own business for 6 months; he hasn’t even had time to fail!
Whilst there is some truth to that. To those people I say, if all your looking for is to follow someone who’s already made it and offers you a peak into their world (usually for a price), you’re reading the wrong blog.
Please don’t mistake this for negativity. Although, these days, if you’re not screaming from the rooftops ‘dream big and you can make it!’, then you’re either a negative person or British. Unfortunately it would appear I fall into both categories when I call out some of the bullshit artists out there. Making this life style out to be the best thing since sliced bread — but only after they’ve made it.
The truth is, striking out on your own is terrifying. So if you’re dropping everything to build your own company, you should be scared. If you’re not, your either financially secure in other areas of your life or you’re not risking enough to get behind your product. Now there are staggeringly few commentators out there that talk about this side of Entrepreneurship. I get it, we live in a world that is becoming increasingly about instant gratification, so it is easy to pander to this side of people. I myself got suckered into the same mindset, post on Instagram = instant gratification; post of Facebook = instant gratification….unless, like me, you have nothing witty to say beyond complaining about the trains (I am British after all…and oh boy do i love a grumble).
The problem is, starting your own business, in most cases, gives you nothing for a very, very , very long time. The old saying of most new businesses don’t make a profit in their first year is no joke. If you think you are above this and your business plan reflects this….boy oh boy are you in for a shock.
Fact: no one cares about the shit you’ve built/made/trying to sell as much as you. No one! I made the huge mistake of thinking upon releasing my product to the world, people would fall over themselves to help me make it a success. They won’t, it is all on you — but that is how it should be, no one should care about what you’ve built more than you.
You’ll have learn very quickly to think on your feet and come up with ways of marketing your product that no one else has. So, don’t be negative, just be realistic with any goals you set for yourself.
I’m a prime example of the sheer ignorance towards how success is built. I thought (and planned), that in 6 months, i’d be at close to 250 subscribers (it is a subscription based company I run) — instead I currently have 39 subscribers. Who, whilst very lovely and loyal, are making a mockery of my much cherished business plan.
Now as it happens, running an online business leaves you with very few overheads, so 39 subscribers is actually pretty good for me. But when you hold this number up next to where you planned to be, it quickly wipes out that achievement in your own head.
So having rambled awkwardly for a page or so and surmised nothing, beyond, be realistic! All in a desperate attempt to segue into my blog persona (The Realistic Entrepreneur). The question remains, ‘what is this blog for, what is it’s purpose?’.
Well, much like the future of my business — I have no real idea, but I’m going to give it a go and enjoy the ride.
This is, for me, part therapy, to vent the frustrations and difficulties I run into on my journey and part response to the toxic commentators out there who fail to give actual advice.
I’ll finish this first blog with a quote from my father (who stole it from Martin Luther King) that has always stuck with me and I think is particularly relevant to the points I've made so far.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”
