Don't Become an Entrepreneur

A woman reached out to me on LinkedIn and asked me for advice. She said something along the lines of this:

Hey, I just wanted to say I listened to your story and it’s incredible seeing how you came from being dirt poor to being a millionaire in such a short amount of time. I’m having trouble getting traction on my content and getting people to care. She went onto say that she was struggling and strongly stated that she believed that no one cared about what a 50 year old woman had to say (which isn't true).

And while I appreciate the support I had a few issues with that message.

So much so that I felt the need to write this article. And while everything I’ve ever created on LinkedIn has been uplifting, I felt this was necessary. Because while I’ve never had an issue being vulnerable, I’m just now realizing that I haven’t opened up about everything and I feel an obligation to SHOW my journey in its entirety.

So here’s the truth.

No, I am not a millionaire

I’ve talked about reaching a point, in my past, where I had nothing to my name and -$900 in my bank account. I’ve mentioned it on podcasts, videos, panels, speaking engagements, etc. But one thing I haven’t done is explain what that was like. Being so hungry that you start to comb through the spices cabinet just to subside the hunger. Being so broke that you show up to meetings with potential clients looking like you climbed out of a garbage can. Going into debt because you have no idea how to run a business and live a life at the same time. Heading to the grocery store and having to settle for rice & chicken every time because you don’t have enough money for dog food and human food. And even after, when things started to take off I struggled. When we moved into our first office I was homeless. Not because I didn’t have the money, but because I destroyed my credit trying to be an “entrepreneur” before I truly understood what it meant to be one. I bounced from hotels, airbnbs, and [mostly] my office floor. I spent over $5,000 in a handful of weeks just trying to get back on my feet initially.

And as I’m writing this I’m realizing what it was like mentally during that time. I barely had any belongings. A friend was watching my dog for a month. And I pushed myself to lead a team when I couldn’t even take care of myself. I’m super thankful to my team during that time.

I still remember the feeling of sleeping in my own bed for the first time in a handful of months. The feeling of taking a shower in my own shower. Of having my dog back. Of having something of my own. And that’s a feeling I’ll never forget. I don’t talk about these things because for me it was just an obstacle and I’m good at overcoming obstacles. And once I solve them I barely think about them again.

Owning a startup doesn’t mean you’re rich. More than often not it will mean the opposite. Even though my company is one of the fastest growing startups in my city, most of that money goes back into the business… because it has to so we can grow.

I’m focused on building long-term brand equity and not short financial gains. I’m not a millionaire, yet. And I apologize if my content has ever given that impression.

Q, you’re probably going to fail

I remember going home to Minnesota to visit my family at the end of 2017 for the holidays. I was making some money with my business but had maxed out credit cards, just paid some bills, bought gifts, and didn’t have enough money to buy a $20 bus ticket back to Milwaukee.

“Quentin, you should really look into getting a real job,” my mom said. I argued with my mom & stepdad that night and fell asleep crying. To me, that was their way of saying that they didn’t believe in me. That I wasn’t meant to be an entrepreneur. Which in hindsight I know isn’t true, they were just looking out.

But that’s something you’re going to hear, “starting a business is hard.”

“You’ll probably fail.”

“Why don’t you get a real job?”

And what I’ve come to realize is that they’re right. It is hard. More than likely you will fail. Whether those statements from those people stem from love/fear or hate, it’s important to note that they don’t owe you belief. They don’t owe you support. You have to earn that.

The truth of the matter was that I was dirt broke and I wasn’t taking care of myself. I had a shitty attitude. I was upset all the time. And I pushed a lot of the people that loved me away. And with that comes pain. But the thing about entrepreneurship and pain is this: it forces you to face the ugliest parts of yourself. Because it will feel like everyone is against you. Especially when you’re just starting out. And if you don’t believe in you then you’re not going to win.

Losing friends, family, etc. and making change within myself was more painful than constantly being in a state of hunger. But both of those things taught me a lot about myself.

What if this stuff only resonates with the clueless

No one is ever going to have full context into your life or your business. One of my favorite messages I’ve ever gotten is this one:

I wanted to ask you a question - I watch these videos that you guys do - and the question I am wondering is who is this resonating with? Who takes you guys seriously? Nobody who is a real business dude wants to hear what amount to “children” who have lived almost not at all, have achieved nearly nothing pontificating on “culture” or “life strategies” or “your daily rituals”... I built one of the top 50 agencies in the US that was part of a billion dollar roll up. We did it by focusing on the work we did. Not on telling the daily details about how we popped a pimple.

Perhaps I am just “old school” (or old!) LOL, and maybe this shit works for you guys but I can only imagine that this stuff resonates with the clueless or irrelevant….

I love that so much that I’m going to wear it on a t-shirt during my TEDx talk. The thing about that message is that I’ve gotten hundreds, maybe even thousands, just like it. It doesn’t affect me because contrary to his belief I know what I am doing. People are going to come after you. They’re going to use what they perceive to be your weaknesses against you.

I’ve been told I was too young. Inexperienced. I’ve been called a n*gger. Narcissistic. That I don’t know what I’m doing. And I could go on and on and on. And bottom line is, I don’t care. Because none of that affects me. And none of it affects my business.

I’m not saying don’t become an entrepreneur; I'm actually currently writing this at an entrepreneurship retreat. I love entrepreneurship. I love being in control, building a team, pushing people to grow, changing lives & businesses. But what I am saying is this – don’t believe the bullshit. The hustle porn. The idea that it doesn’t take work or sacrifice to build something of your own. Or that owning your own company will suddenly make all of your problems go away. Do it because you have something to offer. Because you believe in yourself. Because there’s a need. Because you love it.

For those that watch, read, or listen to my content I want them to get the full context. To see what actually goes into the work that I’m doing. I don’t want to be put on a pedestal because I’m just another person. Just human. Just me. Just Q.

Regardless of the route you choose: do your best, make decisions that are going to help you grow, and “don’t let the muggles get you down.” 

love,

#justQ ??????