Thread: No experience at all.

Let me start by saying that I just got done reading MJ's book sample, and I must say I was instantly hooked, and I can't wait to buy the full version. On a side note, I tried looking for the book in two book stores around my area, but no luck. I guess Amazon is going to have to come in handy on this one.

I am truly inspired to become a successful entrepreneur, but like the title states, I have no experience whatsoever. I don't know anything about coding, marketing, running a business, or how to even buy a domain name. My question is, can someone like me with zero experience become successful in a 5 year time frame? I'm 26 years old, and I am getting a late start on deciding what I want to do with my life, and now I don't think, I know I want to be a business man. What would be some good advice as to where to go from here. What are some other good things to get information from, such as: books, podcasts, magazines, articles, videos, etc. I want to completely open my mind to anything that can even come just a little helpful.

So tell me, what was the move you made when you decided 100% that you were going to be a successful entrepreneur? How did you come up with an idea, and how confident were you about that idea? I've been scanning these forums for the past few days, and just now I decided to make an account, and ask questions. Because without asking questions, how far can you get? Any feedback, encouragement, information, would be very helpful, and soaked in like a wet sponge.

Thank you!

Read the whole book first then you will have a better understanding of everything.

Ideas wise you just need to know where to look, peoples problems are ideas you can persue. The idea is actually the hard part after that it is actually doing it and learning along the way.

Honestly I had very little experience in all of this online marketing, websites,etc also but im learning alot just go on different forums read up as much as you can learn everyday about everything to help you with your idea.

Thanks for the fast response! and if anyone has anything helpful to add, please do so! I consume every bit of information I can get. Also, if you're reading this MJ. I just wanted to give a huge thank you for your free sample of the book. Those 43 pages were extremely inspiring, and helpful. That only goes to show what type of character you are. So thank you for that, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the book has in store!

I'm also highly recommended for you to read the book first. At first I have no skills in my current business (video graphic) and I'm graduate as a nuclear science degree holder. As MJ told in the book, your degree has nothing to do with the world. People don't care and people want their benefit. So, after reading MJ's book I start to learn new skills until I publish my business.

Very interesting that you are 26...
Shoot me a PM and I'll tell you some stuff...
But first watch a video on youtube called "The Strangest Secret"...

I'm not a fan of the belief you need to have experience in the field you want to start a business, skills are another matter. My philosophy is if you needed experience to get into business then how the hell could anyone be an entrepreneur? MJ didn't have experience as a software developer when he started, but he knew enough about the Limo biz to mine out an opportunity and then built his skills in order to capture it, but this is just my opinion; perhaps im a bit off.

Thank you everyone for your responses! I'm really liking the encouragement already on my first post.

Originally Posted by IdleMogul

MJ didn't have experience as a software developer when he started

My degree is in finance and marketing. I learned everything via search engines, books, and other "free" information.

I also knew nothing about publishing either and my book has done incredibly well for a self-published book.

The same principles in the book I've applied to the publishing of the book.

Had I went out and found a publisher for it, it would have been somewhat hypocritical. (I highly doubt a publisher would have bought it anyways.)

Welcome to the forum!

Originally Posted by darkstarc4

...free sample of the book. Those 43 pages were extremely inspiring... I can't wait to see what the rest of the book has in store!

I think a lot can be learned right off the bat from what I just quoted above. After being on these forums for a while, I begin to look at everything from the business end of things. MJ wrote a great book, allowed you to sample part of it. You now know you want to purchase the rest of the book. Win-Win situation: You win because you are learning some great material, and as a result of his generosity- he has made another sale.

I was in the same boat as you less than 6 months ago. I am 25 years old and realize that, while I got a late start compared to some, I am still able to make things happen. Since joining this forum in November and realizing web development is where I want to be: I have learned HTML, CSS, and am gaining a decent understanding of PHP and Javascript. My college degree was in Political Science. Don't worry about experience, you will get it in time.

Start with your every day life, what are your frustrations and what could improve your life? Identify the problem, then figure out the solution, and you've got a potential business.

When I was in your position, I consumed as much info as I could get my hands on - TONS of business books, etc - but what I actually found most helpful was looking on BizBuySell - The Internet's Largest Business for Sale & Franchise for Sale Marketplace at what businesses were for sale. Anything that seemed interesting to me, I searched google to learn as much as I could about the industry to figure out if I really would enjoy it. This helped me identify my own skill sets and interests.

Definitely read the entire Fastlane book - it's well worth it. Once you read that, there are lots of other good books out there, but few as good as MJ's.

Thanks guys! I really, really appreciate it. Would it be extremely helpful if I had a mentor to guide me in the right direction? I know some of you did it on your own, but I would really like to have a teacher. I know MJ's book could serve as that, but you know what I mean. Another thing. I have an idea for an online business, but i'm a little afraid to share it with people I don't even know, because what if my idea is in fact a gold mine, and someone steals it? But at the same time, I want advice, and various opinions about what other entrepreneurs think. Anyways, i'm loving the support guys and useful information!

Thank you all!

Check out the youtube vids FastlaneMJ's Channel - YouTube and Fastlane Entrepreneurs

Recommended books My (Recommended) Bookshelf

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Y Combinator Demo Day: The Ultimate Roundup | TechCrunch

The 2011 Inc. 5000 List - ideeli through Check-6 | Inc.com

Originally Posted by darkstarc4

What would be some good advice as to where to go from here. What are some other good things to get information from, such as: books, podcasts, magazines, articles, videos, etc. I want to completely open my mind to anything that can even come just a little helpful.

Thank you for the links! I'm currently watching MJ's channel right now. Very informative stuff in there!

Don't be too concerned about sharing your ideas - the value is in the execution, not the idea. That said, I would still hold off on posting it in a public place until you are at least close to pursuing it yourself.

I already shared it lol.. I was eager to get some feedback from other entrepreneurs, and not just my personal friends. But I appreciate the concern, and tips. If you want to see it, it's posted in the 'Your Goals / Your Fastlane Plan'.