I'm about my business...And you need to be about yours too!

Listen up because I'm about to put you onto some serious ish. A couple of weeks ago I announced that I was going to start my own publishing company. (Yeah go ahead and scroll down and read that post real quick among others. I'll wait for you to get finished.)


Alright now back to some business. Everybody by now know I'm a writer, I love it, it's my passion, what I'm hungry for, all that rolled into one. I'm all about people finding their true talent and capitalizing on that talent. I mean go hard with it. Within the last few weeks I've been ingesting as much information on starting a business and now as I go thru this journey I'm going to let you know how you can start that business that's been in the back of your heads. Don't be a 'dreamer', basically running your gums about a hustle you are trying to get up and running but don't do a damn thing to get you to that point of actually starting it.

Of all of the books I've read so far I recommend you get up on a book called The Small Business Start-Up Kit written by Peri H. Pakroo J.D. This is the one stop information shop all in one book. It breaks down every legal aspect of starting a business, from naming your business, writing the business plan, where to get funds for your business, creating a brand, I mean the list goes on and on. On top of all that, a CD is included where you can print out all of the forms needed to start it up. The language is a little intimidating at first but get over it - quickly. I strongly suggest, no demand everyone to purchase this book and you can do that through Amazon.com or just click the link to it to save your fingers some time. I also recommend to pick up any business book that relates to your goals. It won't hurt you, it will only build on what you already know. A few tips to remember:

1.  Don't go at this process half steppin'. Just because you have the mentality of a hustla doesn't mean you can hop over some steps and decide that you'll learn it after you get the business running. You minds well hang up the towel now! You not that damn smart!

2.  Know your market and competition. You know the saying 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'? If you're selling meat products it's not smart to walk into a vegan spot. You will get kicked out. And the most powerful marketing strategy is word of mouth. Trust me, one bad comment will spread like a California wild fire. Check out who else is doing what you are trying to do and see what they did, then one up them and do it better than them; no matter how big that business is.

3.  Don't use the lack of funds as an excuse to be lazy. There are plenty of other options besides banks to get money. Some businesses give out money to aspiring entrepreneurs if they know you're serious and organized. Start locally with your city such as the Chamber of Commerce, non-profit organizations, churches, etc. Here's a few websites to get you started:
                                     www.sba.gov
                                     www.asbdc-us.org
                                     mbda.gov

Another thing, don't let anyone talk you out of doing what you are trying to do, especially if you're unemployed and trying to do it. Everyone is not going to see your vision for what it is like you do so chuck the deuces to the haters, thank them for their concerns and keep it moving! Just because it's not their ideal of what a job should be doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Don't adopt that mentality. Trust me the hard work will pay off.

Keep hustlin'
Peace and Love