So, You Want to Be a Business Owner?

The loan officer's words stung, but I refused to let them extinguish my entrepreneurial fire. "I'm sorry sir, but we have to cut off your line of credit." I took a deep breath, realizing this was just another test to overcome on my journey. Decades of grit and perseverance had led me here, and I knew deep down that no temporary setback could derail me. As the fresh-faced banker shrank in his chair, I gained strength from all my hard-won battles. This was merely an initiation into the adventure ahead.

Listen, if the thrilling potential of entrepreneurship calls to you, you owe it to yourself to explore that passion! It's a rewarding path, filled with personal growth, empowerment, and the unmatched pride of building something from nothing. Sure, it's one hell of an exhilarating rollercoaster ride - but isn't that what makes it so gratifying?

I've been an entrepreneur for over 40 years now, launching four companies from the ground up. Each new venture brought unique challenges that had to be met with creative problem-solving, determination, and an unwavering belief in the vision. Was it always easy? Of course not. But those tough moments are what allow you to truly savor the successes.

The Thrilling Embrace of Entrepreneurship

Let's go ahead and get the disclaimers out of the way - running a business is demanding. It's controlled chaos, scattered with unexpected turmoil and countless hats to wear. You're a newborn's parent in perpetuity, responsible for nurturing and guiding your venture through every stage of development. No breaks, no coasting - this is a 24/7 reality.

It's also a constant learning process where you'll become a jack-of-all-trades out of necessity. But don't worry, that's half the fun! Absorbing new skills in sales, marketing, finance, personnel management - it's an ongoing exercise in stretching yourself. And of course, you'll need to be mentally tough and comfortable with risk and uncertainty from time to time. But that calm embrace of ambiguity is what allows you to chart your course as an owner.

The Smart Entry into Business Ownership

Now, I don't say any of that to dissuade you. Quite the opposite - I want to make sure you have a realistic outlook so you can fully appreciate the wild ride ahead! Starting a business from scratch is certainly one of the most challenging yet rewarding tests you can put yourself through.

That's why many aspiring entrepreneurs get their start with franchising instead. With a franchise, you have the credibility and marketing power of an established brand from day one. You're investing in a proven operational model, with comprehensive training and support directly from the franchise corporation. It's a fantastic entry ramp into business ownership before taking the plunge into starting your own independent company down the road.??

The Entrepreneurial Payoff

Whichever path you take, the entrepreneurial journey demands resilience and will constantly push the boundaries of your comfort zone. But isn't that where the real growth and excitement happen? To venture into the unknown, put your sales at risk, and defy the skeptics by pouring your heart into something - that's where you'll find your ultimate sense of purpose.

The rewards of that self-made success and freedom are beyond measure. Each hilltop victory along the path is made exponentially sweeter by the battles you had to wage to get there. To create something from nothing, to forge your own legacy through sheer force of will - it's one of the most empowering and gratifying experiences a person can have.

So if that burning drive resonates with you, don't hesitate! Feel the fear and embrace the wild challenges ahead as obstacles to conquer, not barriers to stop you. Find that smart entry point into business ownership that resonates with you. For some, that's franchising to start. For others, beginning a new entrepreneurial journey from scratch.

Whichever path you choose, attack it with passion, perseverance, and a healthy perspective. This will be one of the greatest tests of your grit and resourcefulness, no doubt. But I guarantee that when you finally build something bigger than yourself and cash that first sweet reward, you'll be hooked on the electrifying entrepreneurial lifestyle. Don't let temporary setbacks dissuade you - keep chasing the dream!

“By Failing to Prepare, You’re Preparing for Failure”

Ben Franklin??

Alex Matini spent 40 years in the business world, successfully running companies in various industries. He is now a franchise coach and consultant at FranchiSelect in Washington, D.C. During his career, he successfully created and ran four startups. His third startup went from zero employees to over 200, reached $35 million in annual revenue, and had a market value of $365 million when it went public.?

Alex doesn’t sell franchises: he is a teacher and a coach. He helps businesspeople who want to be business owners make their dreams come true through franchise ownership.?

If interested, you can call Alex at 202 239 8000. You can also email him here or get on his calendar here .