Ask Who?
“Relatively risk-free, the Web promises possibilities previously beyond the reach of millions of aspiring entrepreneurs. A small initial capital investment presents the lowest barrier to entry ever before afforded to new business startups. Expensive brick and mortar locations must succeed locally while low-cost online stores can access a global marketplace.”
— Chris Kane, January 2008
Sitting behind desks, manning machinery or engaging in professional activities for tens-of-thousands of business and government entities across North America are hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurial spirits. Many more are smart, educated and capable spouses with a primary focus on raising children and managing an active family home. All of you share a common ambition: To start and run a successful business.
The longing to make use of your unique talent, information and capability is profound. Yet, the responsibilities of your present profession along with a heavy dose of caution in the face of overwhelming factual evidence that new business failures are the rule rather than the exception, have so far induced you to confine your aspirations to your dreams. Yet, you look around and see others who have tried. And succeeded.
The truth is that starting a new business is risky. In all likelihood and for a myriad of reasons, the new startup will not be operating just a few years down the road. While you may earn money – and valuable experience – along the way, in the end, most businesses are a net loss. I know. I’m very well-experienced, believe me.
But, I’m like you. I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I’ve been starting and running businesses since I was in my early twenties. Every business I started was successful. But, some didn't make it. Two I sold for a great return on investment. A couple never emerged from low-level owner operator status of small earnings and no growth. Yes, “success” is relative. One business zoomed to 28 employees and millions in revenue but fell victim to the greed and avarice of its main managers. My story is the story of capitalism at work. Sometimes you win, sometimes not. But, the fun and excitement never stops.
In 2008, I’m a 59 year old business and military veteran. I’m an expert at business startups, small business marketing and the providing sage advice to budding entrepreneurs. More importantly, I’m an advocate of online business. In fact, you might call me an Internet evangelist. Because, I surely believe.
Here is your opportunity too! Your online store is a low-cost 24-hour a day sales generator. With some prudent attention and intelligent, rational marketing expenditures, I firmly believe it is very possible to avoid many of the dangerous, capital-intensive pitfalls of brick and mortar rent, equipment leases, expensive inventory, employee headaches and payroll expenditures. No need to spend hours lying awake at night in agonized worry about slow cashflow.
Launch your business online. If you succeed, you reap tremendous rewards. If you lose, the recovery is fast and nearly painless, because your capital investment should never be large enough to risk your current profession or your family’s future. Meantime, learn, have fun and introduce some worthwhile excitement to your life.
