How an entrepreneur gets past limits!?!

[Bubs]

Hey guys

I'm new to this forum, and I wish i could at least give some advice before requesting some, but obviously I'm new to the whole entrepreneurial spirit aswell- which is why I would like to ask some questions that may be useful to me and others who read through this forum.

I have ideas on what I would like to do. Now obviously, my ideas will be different to yours- so i don't need to know OUTCOMES, and you don't need to know mine- otherwise the advice is only centred on one area, which isn't very useful to others.
I would however like to know your METHODS. That seems to be the best way to model success and mould that into any outcome.

It may appear interview like, but i feel i do cover areas that are important, and your advice will no doubt help other people out by being specific in the questions.
You're not obliged to help, although I'm sure if you're already successful- helping others wouldn't be a problem :-)

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The way i see it, an entrepreneur needs a few short steps WHEN he has a
PRODUCT
SERVICE
SKILL/TALENT
IMAGE
he has to sell

Entrepreneurs are all about selling. Once you have that in mind (the idea), i would like to know the methods to your success.
Which, in my mind, take these few steps:-

1) RESOURCES
Money- Was it invested? saved? How did you get the funds? Did you sell?

Time- Did you have a full time job? Part/time? A student? Three babies and seven foster kids?! And how did you make the time?

Environment - Maybe you weren't in an environmental area to create your outcomes. Did you move if you were not tied by the other two resources?

2) CONTACTS
Getting into the business you wanted - ie, if you wanted to do production, clothing lines etc, how did you get into a company that specialises in it so you could learn on the job?

OR....

How did you get other contacts and mentors? - did you ring up through directories and "interview" others? Were they part of the family? Did you network by finding conferences, local business meetings, forums? What were your methods of networking?

You've got your product
You've got your resources to know you can do it
You've got your contacts for knowledge, expertise and advice

3) MARKETING & SELLING
How did you advertise?
what were your methods of getting your product/service/skill or talent known?


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I've tried to chunk it down the best I can, so i Apologise- I am new

However, I would be grateful for your stories.

OUTCOMES are different for everybody.
but
the METHODS apply to anybody.

thanks for reading anyway! Hope it makes you think a little. If not, at least all us newbies can keep our focus on these questions and get creative in our own way

Brendan