How long have you been an entrepreneur?

**jonathanfigaro** · 07-24-2009 02:17 PM

I've been an entrepreneur since i was the age of 17 to be fairly honest. I started with a decision to work as a sales man during the summer of my entrance to college. I made a lot of money, which opened my eyes to the fact that working for myself maybe harder, but the rewards are beyond the fatigue.

Ever since that day i have been a entrepreneur that will never, ever, ever work for somebody else...............and did i forget to say NEVER......

So how about you guys, how long have you been an entrepreneur? When did you make that decision that no one was going to tell you when to take your vacations? When did you realize you were too smart to work for some guy who doesn't know your name? How did it feel to make your first sale in what ever you do? Lets get this discussion going! Im very eager to hear my fellow Drop the 9-5ers response.

Lets here your great comment!

**kiawah** · 07-25-2009 06:47 AM

I have only been an entrepreneur for 2 years - but I love it!

**jonathanfigaro** · 07-25-2009 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by kiawah

I have only been an entrepreneur for 2 years - but I love it!

What do love most about it?
Any lessons learned?

**8bit** · 07-25-2009 11:30 AM

The first business I started was when I was 12, I offered a gun cleaning service and ran a few clay pigeon shoots at a shooting club I used. Age wasn't on my side really. Then when I was 15 I started trading mini bikes, only made like $5000 though in about 6 months so learnt the lessons provided and moved on. I did a few other projects after that and now using the experience I've gained am starting up my first serious company. I would say the greatest lesson I've learnt is to not expect things to come or happen but to do everything possible to make sure you get it or its done. Also to make sure everything that can go wrong is sorted out before it does go wrong. Finally the biggest lesson learned is that if you want success you have to work HARD for it and keep a confident demeanor.

**jonathanfigaro** · 07-25-2009 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by 8bit

The first business I started was when I was 12, I offered a gun cleaning service and ran a few clay pigeon shoots at a shooting club I used. Age wasn't on my side really. Then when I was 15 I started trading mini bikes, only made like $5000 though in about 6 months so learnt the lessons provided and moved on. I did a few other projects after that and now using the experience I've gained am starting up my first serious company. I would say the greatest lesson I've learnt is to not expect things to come or happen but to do everything possible to make sure you get it or its done. Also to make sure everything that can go wrong is sorted out before it does go wrong. Finally the biggest lesson learned is that if you want success you have to work HARD for it and keep a confident demeanor.

Sounds like you been a entrepreneur since you were in diapers....
But agree with you wholeheartedly! Confidence and hard work towards completing your goals will lead you to success! This is very essential in creating the lifestyle you deserve.

**Mega B** · 07-25-2009 01:25 PM

I have been into some form of business venture since 1972 the 1st one was a small pedola joint venture over in spain that lasted about 2 season and then was disbanded due to falling out with a partner,and have had many other business venture over the years some good and some have not been a good experiance but its all part of the learning curve,the biggest break i had was in the late 70s when i received a big payout after a industrial injury which helped me get a few small properties but i wish i had invested all of the money into other business ventures rather than buy a few big toys like expensive cars which lost alot of money rather than making more money,but hindsight is a wondeful thing.
Never really been happy working for other people and have never really looked back,but i will say that it has not been a bed of roses and at one time i almost lost everything including my marriage so it does require total dedication and i thought of nothing else i even eat and slept with my dreams but if you are prepared to go the distance it is well worth it but i will say very few do go the distance.