The first time I went down this “entrepreneurial road,” it was a frickin’ disaster. Let me tell you this: it’s a whole lot cheaper learning from someone else’s mistake(s). It’s way less painful, plus you’ll maintain sanity. Believe me. Or, look-it-here. Call in a brave stunt double, just before you’re about to get that serious ass-whoopin’. Makes sense now, huh?
Believe it or not, the 1st time out, was a ton of fun. Yeah…yeah. To an outsider, it’s showing up to a gun fight with a spork. But for me, “If I can hit that m’fing gunman in the head with a rock, me and Betsy(spork) would have the serious advantage.” Okay, it’s a really HUGE IF. But take note: between every huge obstacle, shines a ray of light – an opportunity. Plus, it’s insanely difficult to account for an unpredictable mind-set with a side of crazy enthusiasm. Bruuhhaahaaa.
The 2nd time around, started with a curious question “WHY DO I ONLY SEE PEOPLE LIKE ME FOR TWO YEARS OUT OF EVERY DECADE?” A little insight, I’m black. So let’s repeat, “WHY DO I ONLY SEE PEOPLE LIKE ME FOR ONLY TWO YEARS OUT OF EVERY DECADE?” Depending on who you chop-it-up with in conversation, the answer can either be complicated, way the frack-out there, who cares, or swept under the carpet as “it is what it is.” Bump that. It’s was time to evict the “Once In A Blue Moon” with Gas Face top honors.
The seed was planted to climb mount awesome. Ascend to the highest peaks and plant the flag of truth. Slay the miserable “Once In A Blue Moon” dragon. I was straight up hyped and swoll to the umpth degree. So jumping right in was the thing to do? Whoa, whoa. Pump those brakes cowboy. Be smart. Be wise. Turn that spork into actionable knowledge. Understand the terrain. Study the history. Define the market. Know the audience. Document trends. Discover how and why others are doing it.
Got a great idea. The timing was mentally right. What next? Asking Mom and Dad for cash, out. Family members, out. Just chillin’, letting things work out, nope. Recreating the wheel, not even. Say it again. Not even an option/thought/mention when you don’t have deep pockets. So, high-ho. High-ho. Back to basics I go. Creating a business plan was the key option. Note: business plans & industry specific research = deep knowledge. Resulting in the ability to quickly, articulate data supported responses during intensive Q&A.
There were times, I wanted too throw in the towel. Let go the pipe dream. And just give into my thoughts “Who are you to put us through this? You for real. Not like you hit the lottery or something. Listen. Shelve that bull and get a real job.” And then I was like, “hold up.” It wasn’t my mind turning on me. It was conversations I had with others. See their fears were an obstacle for my reality. That couldn’t happen. Oh no. Digging-in was the new reality. Building on this idea to do away with “Once In A Blue Moon,” was the marching order.
Four and half years later, and we’re off to see the wizard. Let me tell you from first hand experience, the wizard isn’t always friendly. Tell you more later.
Until then. We’ve got some great diverse webseries, just waiting for you to watch @ rowdyorbit.com. Discover a favorite. Tell some friends. We’d appreciate it.
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