I visit a lot of business forums, and inevitably someone posts a message that they're tired of working in Corporate America so they want to start a business. They usually list a few of their intrerests, and then ask "What kind of business should I start?"
It really takes a lot of drive to start a company. There are long days (and nights) of working for little or no money, sometimes for long stretches of time. Should someone just go into a particular field of business because another person feels it would suit their personality, or must you be passionate about your field in order to succeed?
There is an excellent discussion going on at the Small Business Brief forums that talks about this very issue. When I read the opening post, I thought, well of course the business you start should be in a field that you have experience in. And then I read some of the responses. I also realized that, while I am very familiar with Mexican art and artists, I knew almost nothing about importing before I opened my business. And as for running a retail store? I didn't even know how to run a cash register! Yes, I had a lot to learn.
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ou shouldn't jump into owning a business feet-first and blindfolded, but I think I can agree with some of the posters that if you do the proper research, it is possible to succeed in business in a field that is new to you. It's just easier if it's a field that you are familiar with and passionate about.
Before making up your own mind, take a look at some of the arguments for both schools of thought, and then come back and tell me what you think.
First time reader...
I agree that passion and experience definitely makes it easier to run a business, but they aren't requirements.
My passion is Entrepreneurship... owning my business... being in charge of my life, so it kills me when I hear this conversation(and I've had it before):
Entrepreneur(current or aspiring): I am going to start my own business doing (fill in the blank).
Other Person: You have no experience in this type of business. It's going to fail if you have no experience in that field.
In my opinion, experience can easily be gained, but without passion, it's bound to fail.
When I say passion, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to be passionate about the exact product/service you are providing as a business, but if your passion is to be a successful Entrepreneur, than it will likely happen.
For example, I doubt those who own Pet Waste Removal businesses aren't passionate about scooping poop all day. Well, some may, but most aren't. It's the passion for success and Entrepreneurship is what puts that smile on their face as they're scooping that heaping pile of poop in your yard. Right?
You may be an Entrepreneur with one of those "Dirty Jobs" but hey... someone's gotta do it. Right?
I'm currently working on starting a Laundry/Dry Cleaning Valet Service. Not very glamorous, but the potential success this can become and the $$$$ it can potentially generate... I'm excited!
I'm sure many others can agree with your post.
Posted by: Sammy | December 19, 2006 5:36 PM | Permalink to Comment