The desire but how to start? (Hello!)

**spurchris3** · 02-10-2012 06:14 AM

Hi guys!

My name's Chris, and I wanted to register here to immerse myself amoung entrepreneurial people. I admire the ability you all have, and I would really like to start something for myself. I just have no idea...and I'm hoping that by hearing how you all think, some inspiration may come.

I'm a student in the UK on my placement year, but having had experience of a couple of different companies now, it's very clear to me that going down the conventional graduate job route and following proceedures and essentially acting like a robot for a wage is not what will make me happy. I have no illusions that running my business will be easy, but I simply feel strongly that I will be truly happy pursuing something for myself, rather than trying to fit in with a stifling corporate culture.

So I have registered here - not because I expect someone to simply give me an idea and that I will run with it, but simply to get into the environment and start thinking like someone that can come up with ideas. I don't fear failing, I feel like I will gladly take risks, but I just have no idea where to begin. I have read many advisory articles saying to follow your passion, to do what you are uniquely good at, or to look for problems in the world and think of solutions.

I guess what I'm hoping to take from this forum is to re-wire my brain to think in the way that will help me generate ideas. I just don't seem to be able to spot problems right now, never mind link them to possible solutions that I could pursue, but I want that to change. I know there will be massive challenges to actually making something successful, and the idea is just the start, but I simply want to start. I want that challenge. I see some people who are 16, 17 and taking the intitiative and starting their own businesses, however small. They are doing it and I admire it so much, I wish I could be like them.

I see there are a few people introducing themselves that are already experienced entrepreneurs themselves and I apologise if it looks like I won't be able to add much to the forum. I'm not looking for handouts, for people to do the work for me, I simply feel being amoung people like you will help me think of ideas, and get me going.

Thank you for reading, I really look forward to being a part of discussions and hopefully learning as much as I can!

**Sarah456** · 02-10-2012 06:30 AM

Hi Chris

Well done for taking the steps to surround yourself with like minded people!

Feel free to ask any questions you have

**stone_age001** · 02-10-2012 07:27 AM

Hi Chris,
Welcome to the forum, we are all here to learn from each other. No one is ever perfect, feel free to ask any questions, no matter how weird it sounds.

Francis

**spurchris3** · 02-10-2012 10:43 AM

Thanks guys,

I guess my question is then, how do I think? How do I think like an entrepreneur, so the ideas start flowing? How do I look at situations on an everyday basis and spot the problems that need solving?

My passions are football, basketball and poker. I feel the work I have most enjoyed doing before is in sales, speaking to people. I worked for a conference company.

I really wish I could generate ideas. It seems the best people for doing this are capable of looking at something and breaking it down to such fine details, and then identifying a specific part of the process that they then decide to make their own. How do I look at things like they do?

My idea has simply been to decide to look at what gadgets or unique ideas are currently coming out in other countries, pick which one I think may have potential in the UK, and try to sell them here. And that's not really a big idea - my whole idea is to copy other people. I just feel like I'm looking at things the wrong way, and once I start looking at things the right way, I'll be on track.

My other idea is to look at new regulations/laws that have been passed and see if they open up opportunities. because it would give me the first chance to strike if something had previouslynot been allowed, but I'm not really sure if there is a way to see which regulations are new, and if they are money makers.

I have read that each daily newspaper contains five great business ideas if I knew what to look for...how do I train myself to know what to look for?

**JPStonestreet** · 02-10-2012 03:54 PM

I think this topic deserves a thread of its own. It's a great question many people have....

My advice is to start with what you're good at and what you enjoy doing, then read something everyday on those topics. I've setup news feeds to my phone on topics that interest me and I have a few sites I visit regularly that post interesting information. Reading and watching shows like How I Made My Millions and Biographies on CNBC are great ways to keep current and learn from others and spark new ideas. Just keep your eyes and mind open to possibilities and problems. See a need, fill a need, to quote Mr. Bigweld.

A lot of people think you have to do something completely new to start a business...something that's never been done before. Truth is, CPA's, Lawyers, home inspectors, tree trimmers, bloggers, affiliates, e-tailers, and countless others didn't set out to change the world, they just wanted to be self-employed.

I was once told years ago that you don't have to build a steam engine to become wealthy. Or, to update it for modern times, you don't have to build Google to become wealthy. There are countless ways to follow the entrepreneurial dream that don't require you to change the world. It's ok to copy another successful person (as long as you're not infringing on copyrights or patents).

You're on the right track already, but it might take some time. Perseverance is the key attribute of most successful entrepreneurs. Just keep looking, learning and taking some risks, and you'll probably end up some place you never dreamed of being.

**spurchris3** · 02-13-2012 03:43 AM

Thanks JP,

It's heartening to know you feel I'm on the right track, as I've felt like I'm not, although once I get onto the track I feel like I'll be a lot happier.

I visit websites like Springwise and look at new ideas, I read Trendwatcher etc, I just need it all to fuse together in my head and have something come together. I feel like some people are good at looking at some information, and easily putting it together in order to come up with an idea, and I wish I could do it.

How do I see a need to fill for example? Every day, whenever I'm walking anywhere, or whenever I go to sleep, I'm constantly trying to think of needs that I have in my life, or needs that my family may have, or needs that my friends may have, or needs that industries I find exciting like football may have, but nothing seems to come together.

**Sarah456** · 02-13-2012 06:51 AM

Hi Chris

Do you write down all of your ideas? If you do write them, do some initial research on them and soon you will start to see which ones are more viable than others. Don't forget that businesses always pivot - ie the initial idea they have are usually different to what they end up doing now. That process is normal, so let your thoughts take you around.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

**BarbaraKParker** · 02-14-2012 03:20 AM

Hi! Nice to have you here

Welcome!

You can do it! Have faith in what you do

**Rigest** · 02-14-2012 03:46 PM

And once you have a good idea, here are the three questions that you should ask yourself:

Do you think what you are providing is creating significant value for anyone? Value should be so significant that people should curse you if you take that service away from them. Do you think it could happen?
Do you think there is big enough market for the service AND the market is easy to reach (without spending bootloads of money)?
Are you enjoying doing this? Do you see yourself doing this for several next years?

I cannot post a link to the entire article.

**LifeChanger** · 02-15-2012 08:30 AM

Saw this thread and had to reply. Gen Y Entrepreneurs is the 2012 focus of our business. Just back from Miami World Conference and thought we should share highlights of what we are, what we do and what is there for a Young Entrepreneur. Music Label, Social Media, Social Shopping, Entrepreneurism etc. We are a business model that mirrors Franchising without the headaches and risks. We recently acquired Shop.com from Bill Gates and are on track to overtake Amazon. If you are a true Entrepreneur and simply are not sure what it is you want to do or are not sure how to do it...then take a look at the video streams from our recent Convention and see is something there makes sense......then give us a shout and we can share more with you. Thanks.

**tanguyen** · 02-15-2012 02:52 PM

It is amazing how many young people like you and me are sitting in the same boat. You gotta ask, how did we end up this way? I feel and share your pain and i think that being on this forum is a good first step for any young entrepreneur with no clue as to where to start.

I have been stuck with the same question, how do i start with what i know? School doesn't tell you this, all they did was told you that with a degree, something will come. But with my experience, that idea is dying slowly.

After reading so many posts and suggestions, the thing that sticks out is finding something you're good at and finding good people that feels the same way. Start with those people, and something should come up. Good luck.

**LifeChanger** · 02-15-2012 03:11 PM

Get in touch.

**Daniel S.** · 02-20-2012 12:07 AM

So im pretty new here not as a member by time, so to say, but i do linger and read posts. When i read this it stood out to me as well as all of the replies. I have gotten some motivation to start making a difference in everything. I keep asking myself how bad do i want it and i imagine myself straining for breath underwater...Thats how bad i want it! like im straining for the air i need to live. thank you and again welcome!

**LifeChanger** · 02-20-2012 12:45 PM

Every Young Entrepreneur needs to be sure to READ two books by Robert Kiyosaki.........Rich Dad/Poor Dad and Cash Flow Quadrant. They will radically change the way you look at your future and the way you live your life. Go get them now and then let me know what you think.

**Fuerte Consult** · 02-22-2012 02:59 AM

Chris,

My opinion is that you are on the right track. The fact that you want to start your own business means that you have already traveled half the road to becoming truly independent.
Now regarding the ideas which you want to put in practice my advice to you is to focus on what you know. Try to identify a problem that you with your expertise can solve.

Best of luck!
Daniela