#NerdsUnite: My Dive Into Entrepreneurism
Friday, August 20, 2010 at 2:29PM
This is so many shades of awesomeness, I really do not even know where to begin. I'm totally not kidding when I say that I am slightly socially awkward now, because I have a way of just calling people out. I don't really like it, but I have a bullshit meter and I just call things like I see them. It is very literally the GREATEST time to be alive EVERRR!!!! Why? Because the way we have received our information has changed ... social media is the new media, and the power has been given back to the people at the same time as the people have become their own source for knowledge. Knowledge is friggen power!?!?! I sit in meetings all day, and hear from these studios, networks, businesses, how freaked out they are!!! It's ba-zonkerssssss!!!! It's easy if you're a "social media expert, guru, or one eyed ninja" right now, because literally there is more work than you could possibly imagine. So, if you don't like what you're doing - CHANGE IT!!!!!!!! Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, unemployment rates have skyrocketed ... but EVERRYYOONNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE in the entire WORLD is looking at "the facebook, the twitter" your "low hanging fruit" is literally anyone. You just have to ask yourself, what would make me happy? What kind of client base do I want to have?? BAHHHHH!!! ... read this ...
Per Sisarina: Starting my own company is the most exciting and terrifying thing I’ve ever attempted. Nearly six weeks ago I abruptly left my job to start my own digital marketing and ad agency. In these brief six weeks I’ve learned so much more than I had in the previous year. Let me share my experiences thus far and help any hesitant would-be entrepreneurs take that next step in their lives.
The First Step
The first step is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur. There are so many people who talk about their ambitions and dreams of starting their own company but there are far fewer that go out and do it. It’s because that first step is so scary. There will always be an excuse as to why you haven’t started a company. Always. Don’t get caught up in all the “reasons” why you haven’t started a company. They’re excuses. If you really want to start a company… just start one.
It really is that easy. I had the good fortune of meeting with Jen Friel, founder of Talk Nerdy To Me Lover, who broke life down to me in a very black and white manner. Does it feel good or does it not feel good? That was her motto. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. That night I asked myself how I felt at my job and the next day I quit.
Life Unexpected
People say you’re never fully prepared to be an entrepreneur. No truer words can be spoken, nor can they truly be understood until you have taken the plunge. Everyone starts their company with an idea, a skill set, and a grandiose vision and expect to be tremendously successful. Then you start your company and realize, “Wow, what did I get myself into?”
While you were dreaming your dream company, things like invoicing, accounting, and contracts never crossed your mind. When you actually start to get business, these new challenges present themselves. Things that were previously taken care of at your old job are now your responsibility along with running and building the company. You have to deal with the taxes of the company, paying employees, following laws you previously didn’t know about. Does it sound overwhelming? Yes it is. Is it fulfilling? More than words can describe. If the aforementioned chaos doesn’t sound exciting, then maybe entrepreneurialism is not for you.
The CEO Mindset
Now that you’ve taken the leap of faith, you must remember that you are no longer a file and rank employee. You may only be a one-person company to start, but your mentality must be that of a CEO. You can’t just focus on one job anymore; you need to oversee everything. The future of the company relies on your vision. When you speak with potential clients and consumers, you’re the boss. There is no one else to bail you out if you bomb your pitch or your campaign. Don’t think of yourself as self-employed. You are running a company and you want to build a company that can grow in your absence. Transitioning from the mindset of employee to employer is key to your future success.
Becoming an entrepreneur is a challenging and an equally rewarding endeavor. It’s not for everyone. As a young entrepreneur, the best advice I can give someone is to stop making excuses, start your company, and do what makes you happy. The rest will take care of itself.
----
Jesse Bouman is the Founder of Demeter Interactive, a digital marketing and ad agency. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently resides in Los Angeles, California. You can most likely find Jesse with is face buried in his iPhone at a coffee shop or at the beach.
Website: DemeterInteractive.com | Twitter: @DemeterInteract
This literally makes my lifeeee!!! Jesse, I really appreciate it, but DUDE! Anyone can shine the light on the next step, but you're the one that has to take it. Kudos, my nerdy little lover for taking it. Keep us posted!!!
#NowPlaying: Bruno Mars- Just The Way You Are
#NerdsUnite
Oh and PS. Looking for a job, check out www.TalentZoo.com .... its pretty loaded for us nerdy peeps! W00t!
