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GatsbyMag

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This is a thread I've decided to create to keep me accountable. I'm sick to my bones tired of "failing fast", heck I even made an article about it.

I don't know what need I'll solve yet, my idea was to build a niche community on social media starting with Instagram and then help producers connect with the community members. I'm unsure as to what sort of niche it would be and I don't even know if this is the need I'm going to pursue, all I know is that whatever I decide to do I'm not going to think about 'moving on' until 2018. Perhaps that's still too little time to see any progress? Honestly I don't care anymore because I'm not making any progress as I am right now and that's the pain that's driving me.

Even after reading TMF I'm also probably not going to build my business system accordingly to everything I've learned. A recipe for failure? At least it's a recipe. So I'm going to come back to this thread once a week to update on my progress, if you have any feedback/advice please don't share it with me because I won't read it. Not because I'm arrogant but because the more feedback/advice I receive before I begin something, the more hesitant I am to take action.

[£7k > $8k]


fZWuxcY.jpg
 
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GatsbyMag

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Week 1:

This was a pretty challenging week as I forced myself to look for problems that I could solve or solutions that could be executed better. In the forums people speak of how many problems they see everyday that could potentially lead to great business if someone took the effort to solve it. In my experience I saw hundreds of problems however I don't believe most of them would make a viable business as the problems aren't bothersome enough to add value if they were solved.

I then realized that whatever business I was going to get involved with, it would have to be something online because past experience showed that I work better if I don't have to worry about various resources and supplies. Also easier for my bank account. I still didn't have a need that I could solve yet. But I kept optimistic (which is always natural for me) and eventually I saw what was right underneath my nose the entire time.

So now I have the idea, I need to test it in the market to see if it's really worth anything. I really hope it is, there were so many times when I was tempted to ask for advice on these forums but I already knew what type of responses I'd get which motivated me to just keep going.

So Week 2 will be all about testing the market, I wonder if I can verify a need for my solution in a week? If not, does that mean that my solution isn't so valuable or is it normal for the process to take longer? Perhaps 3 months? Honestly I have no clue.

Until next time......and also, remember not to give me any advice/feedback as I mentioned in the last post. Appreciate the concern, thanks!
 

GatsbyMag

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Week 2 [late post]:

I found a mentor and connected with some young entrepreneurs who are way ahead of me. One of them is even giving me an entire guide that relates to my business (at a cheap price). My Youtube channel is growing too, people are really interested in seeing how my journey goes which helps keeps me accountable to my promises.

I also finished reading TMF . The book has taught me the fundamentals but my learning can't end here. I'm also noticing that I'm starting to read less and do more, maybe it's because there aren't many good business books out there like TMF and Lean Startup? Regardless, I force myself to re-read books I find useful everyday.

My business is b2b so I'm finding it difficult to find a way to test the market, right now I'm clarifying to myself what problem my business solves and before the end of this week I want to have my business website (3 pages) and social media (twitter and facebook) set up. I know it seems like action fakes but I feel that people will google my business after pitching to them and if they don't find anything how will they trust me? I genuinely wish I could skip this part but it's fundamental. I haven't even come up with a name yet because I've been so pre-occupied with the details. I believe my business can really add value but I need to prove that belief and if I can't then I'll modify it until I can.
 

David Kotevski

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Week 2 [late post]:

I found a mentor and connected with some young entrepreneurs who are way ahead of me. One of them is even giving me an entire guide that relates to my business (at a cheap price). My Youtube channel is growing too, people are really interested in seeing how my journey goes which helps keeps me accountable to my promises.

I also finished reading TMF . The book has taught me the fundamentals but my learning can't end here. I'm also noticing that I'm starting to read less and do more, maybe it's because there aren't many good business books out there like TMF and Lean Startup? Regardless, I force myself to re-read books I find useful everyday.

My business is b2b so I'm finding it difficult to find a way to test the market, right now I'm clarifying to myself what problem my business solves and before the end of this week I want to have my business website (3 pages) and social media (twitter and facebook) set up. I know it seems like action fakes but I feel that people will google my business after pitching to them and if they don't find anything how will they trust me? I genuinely wish I could skip this part but it's fundamental. I haven't even come up with a name yet because I've been so pre-occupied with the details. I believe my business can really add value but I need to prove that belief and if I can't then I'll modify it until I can.
I like how you have a great goal you would like to reach sometime soon. But seems to me after reading everything your biggest problem now is alot of thinking and planning but still haven't seen any action to really benefit you, besides those entrepreneur mentors but having to pay for a book doesn't sound like the right start when finding a mentor.

In the end there minds aren't yours and only through your own trial and error will finally one day soon surpass that goal with ease.
 
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ZF Lee

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Week 2 [late post]:

I found a mentor and connected with some young entrepreneurs who are way ahead of me. One of them is even giving me an entire guide that relates to my business (at a cheap price). My Youtube channel is growing too, people are really interested in seeing how my journey goes which helps keeps me accountable to my promises.

I also finished reading TMF. The book has taught me the fundamentals but my learning can't end here. I'm also noticing that I'm starting to read less and do more, maybe it's because there aren't many good business books out there like TMF and Lean Startup? Regardless, I force myself to re-read books I find useful everyday.

The lean startup is a good read for beginners...but it somehow lacks in substance.... :(
I felt dried after reading it.

Cut down your reading to on-the-go basis. Read only what you need to solve your latest problems in business. Then move on.

On-the-go reading materials would involve business websites (entrepreneur.com and forbes have brilliant reads) and blogs by specialists would do well.

The best thing is that they can be accessed for free.

Read enough to move forward one step at a time. Works for me.
 

mayana

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I know it seems like action fakes but I feel that people will google my business after pitching to them and if they don't find anything how will they trust me? I genuinely wish I could skip this part but it's fundamental. I haven't even come up with a name yet because I've been so pre-occupied with the details. I believe my business can really add value but I need to prove that belief and if I can't then I'll modify it until I can.

Don't get stuck on this part. Throw something together, and give yourself a hard deadline (i.e. this weekend) to move past this. Yeah, they might look you up after a phone call, but don't let this obstacle get so big in your head that you don't actually make those phone calls.

You can always change up the website and even the name later on when you are bringing in some money.
 

GatsbyMag

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Mid-way Through Week 3:

I've been reading a book called Ego is the Enemy and it's describing my entrepreneurial journey so far. I'm disgusted with what I've done so far and how much I've let my ego grown. This is perhaps why MJ's book resonated with me so much, because it reminded me of the fact that business is about giving. It's about adding value, about using my passion in the right way to help other people. It's not about me building a brand. Why the f*ck am I building a brand when I've only just turned 19?

This is a quote from Ego is the Enemy that really slapped me in the face:

"To be somebody or to do something"


I've spent too long trying to "be somebody" on this planet. Sure I can be somebody but I want to do something more than be somebody, why? Because it aligns with me. Do I want to be famous and make all the girls and guys who bullied me in high school jealous more than I want to help other people? No. I feel ashamed of myself right now, I'm just thankful that I read TMF and Ego is the Enemy before it could have been too late.

I want to change myself now so I can let go of this ego. My first step of action is to stop documenting my journey. Because when I get a comment on Youtube and those likes on Instagram and some points on TMF my ego grows (as much as I don't want to admit it). Also, I have more time to learn now, I don't have to worry about self-deception or the pressure of being accountable to people watching. I am certain this is the right direction for me, when I have results then I can start speaking to the world, until then, my thoughts, opinions and ideas don't mean sh*t.

My next 2 Youtube videos will be my last(actually, I'll just ignore the comments and likes --- I think being able to review my weekly life is useful) I'll keep posting quotes on my IG that remind me of lessons I've learned. This is my last progress post. It's time for me to be quiet.

Thank you Andy, MJ, Sinister, fhs8, ZF Lee and many more who were there for me. Hopefully I can grow as much as you guys and stop being a pus*y. Love you guys :)!
 
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GatsbyMag

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Week ?

It's been awhile! I've learned a lot about myself and business since I last visited these forums. I'm making a lot of progress and I'm getting client's attention. I also learned that some of the advice given on these forums were very bad (not a reflection on the forum in it's entirety!). When I first found TMF Forums I thought I hit a goldmine where everyone's advice is worth its weight in gold. Not true. I also thought that all the members of TMF Forums were wise and living fulfilled lives. Not true. I'm not as naive as I was back then, I now realize that you have to be extremely discriminant in who you listen to, no matter status.

All my naive thinking was built off the idea that TMF had all the answers to success, not true! It's just a puzzle, most of the answers come through action! Anyway, I came back because I don't like the idea of leaving an unfinished progress thread, plus I'm more focused than ever on what matters now.

I recently uploaded a youtube video sharing a key aspect of what I learned from TMF (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQcLQt6Igqw) I plan on making more videos sharing more insights from TMF, some other books I've read and my own experiences to help people like me. I'll come back to post again when I reach another milestone towards my 8k goal.
 
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GatsbyMag

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Week ?

Well the YouTube channel is going well but I'm making 0 progress in business. My main problem is that I either can't see needs or I'm secretly too lazy to get on Amazon and just start selling something.

Selling on Amazon would actually be a good idea but I really want to build a business that can allow me to use my strengths. I really enjoy interacting with clients in the real world, going out and about and persuading them to join me on something. And maybe that's why I'm not getting anywhere, I'm too focused on my strengths and not doing the smart thing which is to simply get on something like Amazon and start selling.

My YouTube channel has shown me how little value I have to give to people. I tried thinking of ways to give more to my viewers but all I can give is lessons on my failures and some stories of my personal life. It's pretty sad. For a while I even thought I could really build a business off my YouTube channel but again, I have nothing to share but my failures and personal life. Public speaking is only good when you are an expert in something like marketing, business, finance or have had massive experience in being successful. I've considered mastering a subject to share value through but I find it hard because I haven't found any subject I truly care about, as I mentioned, I enjoy interacting with people and that's pretty much the only thing I care about.

Anyway, I'm going to continue on my path. I tried giving up this past week but then I realized
1. how quickly depressed I become when I'm not making anything and
2. for some reason I'm not able to get a normal slowlane job, I've never had a paying job in my life and I find it hard to apply for jobs, I always end up tearing up a little bit when I do.

So this is pretty much the only path I have. I laughed a little when I realized that because it reminded me of a 50 cent song/album named "get rich or die trying". I guess I'm going to die trying.
 

TheDillon__

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A recipe for failure? At least it's a recipe.

Hey mate - wish you all the best! Though I'm not fond of this quote. You're going to make a pretty bad cake if your ingredients list is:

Flour
Water
Japaleno
Dijon Mustard
Chia Seeds
 
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GatsbyMag

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So I've recently been featured on Huffington Post because of my work on my YouTube Channel . I'm also getting a lot of attention from people who like my ideas and are eager to get more content from me. In addition to that I made my first $20 for myself by providing designs to someone and now people are starting to seek my services. I've decided to cancel some of my other business ideas and follow this trail of money.

I'd like to build a nice portfolio of designs and then advertise myself to larger people/organizations interested in my services. It's a scrappy beginning but thank f*ck it's something. I've never made money as an entrepreneur for the past 3 years and finally I'm getting SOMETHING. I want to share my experience on YouTube but nobody will be impressed with $20 hahaha. I've also considered ending my YouTube channel because I honestly don't see it going anywhere, sure I've received a lot of compliments and attention from it but 1. I have no more material/business experiences to share, 2. I could document my "journey" but I actually did that before and nobody watched and 3. I don't see how it will bring in any money or really impact anyone in the long term. I'll make my decision before the end of March,

In more personal news, I've been more upset than usual. There are days where I wake up and wish I could just be like a normal teenager, enjoy partying and drinking with friends and watching football and working hard to get a safe and secure job. But I just find it so difficult to live like that, I've tried it but I can't really connect with the people and it all seems so meaningless but when I look around they're all have so much fun. I feel like entrepreneurship/personal development is just my way of seeking escape from the fact that I can't be a normal person. I don't even have any hobbies outside of posting videos on YouTube and finding ways to attract money. I wonder if I left the 9-5 rat race to end up in a hamster wheel.

Regardless of my feelings, I have a family to take care off and there's still a glimmer of light and that's all I need to keep going. Even if it's fruitess at least I can respect myself for not giving in.
 

TheDillon__

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Hey!

This question is only tangentially related, but I have to say, I love the content and film quality of your videos!

If you don't mind me asking - what camera do you use?

Keep up the good work man.
 

GatsbyMag

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Hey!

This question is only tangentially related, but I have to say, I love the content and film quality of your videos!

If you don't mind me asking - what camera do you use?

Keep up the good work man.
Hey, I use my samsung galaxy phone!
 
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GatsbyMag

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I've made great progress recently.

I've found my key strength and I've found how it can directly translate to running a business.

I've decided to build a personal brand around the topic I love and believe there's a market for. This could fail miserably if the topic that I love is not what the market wants or if I find that the market actually doesn't exist (this is the hardest part in business). And if that's the case then I'll go back to talking about my lessons as entrepreneurship in silence and continue working on skills that are proven to bring value to the marketplace (it may even mean I need to get a job but there's nothing wrong with that as long as I keep sight on the mission). But the reason I've decided to build a personal brand around this topic that I love is because there have been hundreds and thousands of books, short videos and blogs on this topic but there aren't any leading figures who can bring it to life for the market.

Building a personal brand will require patience in executing my strategy. To make the process easier, I've defined the success metrics of the process.
1. Does what I'm doing feel right for me?
2. Are views growing by 100's every month?
3. Is engagement increasing monthly?
4. Are organisations reaching out to me?

I only hope I'm following the right metrics, I'll have to research more on personal branding along the way to see if I need to adjust anything.

The scariest thing about this is that I don't know how I'll make money around this. For me, money is how I measure the value I'm bringing. When it comes to personal brands there are only really 3 ways of making money:
1. Selling a product 2. Advertising 3. Being paid for appearances

All of these come as a result of building a successful personal brand. Not within the process. In addition to that, the topic I'm speaking about must have a lot of big money in it for me to make any real money from it. And I'm not sure if it really does. So many questions and concerns, I'll start and see how it goes from there.
 

GatsbyMag

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Well,

Judging by my YouTube channel I'm pretty sure that I'm definitely going to reach where I desire to be through the law of intrinsic value rather than building a business (I've tried about 8 times). I started talking about advertising but now I'm having doubts, I'm really fascinated by marketing/advertising but I feel it's just not my thing. Regardless, I'm still trying to get a job in the field but to no avail. And until I actually get a job in advertising, how can I really say "it's just not my thing".

By the way, the reason I'm getting a job is so I can find a way to start learning from the professionals. As I said, I'm sort of sick of constantly failing in business so now I just want to find an industry and work in it to get experience and excel and if a need arises hopefully I can develop the skills to solve it. Right now my life is really confusing and I kinda wish I had my own personal mentor or someone to help guide me but I have nothing of value to offer as of now and I don't even know where I'd begin searching. But I understand that it's up to me to figure things out myself so I'm not going to use lack of mentorship as an excuse.

I just need to keep going.

P.S. I read the last paragraph of my previous post on this thread, I was thinking way too much about the money!

P.S.S. I'm passionate about impacting people through speech but speaking is one of those skills that is considered 'secondary', meaning it's more of a tool to amplify something of substance. I'm trying to find my substance or something I can have substance in. Anyway, I'm going to bed soon.

I have at least made progress in being emotionally resilient. I don't have those crazy mood swings or heavy doubts and anxiety anymore. I'm definitely going to reach my goal, I just need to figure out HOW. Ugh.
 

GatsbyMag

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Well,

In the past month I've gotten in touch with a multi-millionaire, have established relationships with people and had someone close die.

It's interesting, growing up I've always wanted to have a mentor in my life. Someone that was not necessarily rich but was leading a truly happy life and had their finances and other aspects of their life sorted. This year I finally attracted someone who manages like £400+ m, yet for some reason I wasn't even slightly interested in asking this person to be my mentor. I've made a couple videos on YouTube sharing my ideas on mentors; how most people seeking mentors are only doing so to feed their ego or to commit an action fake. Even with that said, I'm sure one day I'll have a mentor but it's not a priority.

Because of the nature of my videos, I've also noticed a lot people reaching out to me and thanking me for inspiring them or asking to work with me. One guy even asked me to be his mentor. I was surprised at the fact that I was apathetic towards such messages, I guess it was because I was doing what I was doing because I loved it so much and didn't need any sort of approval to do it. But I did appreciate the comments from those who really related with the messages in my videos.

I feel like as each month passes by, I learn something new about myself and this world. And everything I learn, I apply and it works. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that the world is not black & white, I know this is common sense to many people and it seemed common sense to me too. However, there is a difference between knowledge and knowledge you get from experience.

But y'know what's funny? I haven't made a dime yet. I feel like the formula is so simple: find a need/problem to solve, meet that need or solve that problem be ULTRA patient and wait for the money to roll in. I know there's more to it than that but my point is that it's much harder to execute. Why? In my case, I've found good services to give and products to sell, the problem is that once I begin to execute on those services/problems, I get bored over time. Even though I'm motivated, I just cannot find it in me to solve a problem for others. I know I sound selfish. I am. The weird thing is that I'm not really hungry to become rich. I believe I will eventually attain financial freedom but my quest is no longer to attain it by the age of 24, it will probably happen much much later as I have so much to learn.

Anyway, I'll end it here. I hope I'm not f**ing up with my life. Ironically, everyone around me says I'm doing fine and I even have people who believe I'm some sort of life guru. Just another month of brief moments of enlightenment followed by total confusion.
 
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GatsbyMag

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Okay

Idk how or why but I'm a different person entirely from the time I started this thread. I'm patient, emotionally resilient, strong, risk-orientated, grateful and more discriminating and aggressive in how I go about life and interact with people. I also have this strange 'knowing', that I'm going to be the valuable person I envision myself to be. I'm on my way right now.

When I look at the title of this thread and the image associated with the 1st post, I cringe.

I now realize the difficulty of the task ahead of me, and it doesn't phase me. I'm prepared for the worst (psychologically - that's all I really need anyway). I've found the path I need to take (whether this is the path to wealth, I don't know but I need to give it a shot) and if the next 5-8 years will be paved with failure. I won't regret it because I believe in my ability to pick myself up, learn and adjust.

I still have SOOO MUCH to learn but at least I'm mentally ready and know that I won't give up even at my lowest.

The most valuable lesson I've learned so far is that life is a constant struggle to determine who the strong are, you're on your own and you can either cry about it or embrace it and learn the rules of the game to continue moving up.
 

GatsbyMag

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I've made more progress.

I got a job close to the industry I want to work in. Using this job will help me get into my desired industry (if I can find way to innovate within this industry, to bring value, then I will more than complete the goal of this thread). I've also been amassing my knowledge and getting into dirty work. I realized that while I consider myself ahead of most young entrepreneurs, I had always been making the mistake of looking at success from an impractical standpoint.

I've stopped making motivational videos about life and success (it wasn't a sudden decision, it's been happening slowly as I learned more about the truth). I'll always be thankful of self-help industry(life coaches and motivational speakers) for encouraging me to pursue what's possible when I was at a young age. But success isn't has complicated as most people may think. If you want lots of money, provide value to people in scale/magnitude. Sure, it's hard to do, but not to understand. Some people are just lazy and lack guts, others are happy where they are and enjoy the hype feeling they get from listening to speakers like Eric Thomas and Gary Vaynerchuk.

Anyway, I've been doing dirty work that I really don't enjoy but I do it because it's necessary and I have a mission to complete as a man.

That's it for now.
 

GatsbyMag

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I'm launching my prototype next week Sunday.

I'm slightly nervous because I've always had the problem of getting customers/clients to use my services/products (in spite of the fact that I make sure they're free to use). The only time I haven't had the problem is when I was running an advertising agency, I think that only worked because I walked directly into my client's shops. But when you're making something for the public, how do you go up to someone on the street and say "hey, if you ever have problem X, can you please test this solution?". I think the best strategy is to find those who are currently facing the problem and offer the solution to them then, even then I'm not sure.

All I know is that the solution is something I really wished someone had made when I needed it, I know there are people out there who would like the solution too but how can I reach them and will they actually need it as badly as I needed it? We'll see.
 
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GatsbyMag

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Prototype launch failed. Took a job to help fund for my ideas but ended up paying 1/4 for my family's bills, 1/4 for transport and another 1/4 for University costs.

Today was my last day of work.

I've had few paying jobs in my lifetime (which so far, is not very long!), without except, they all sucked. This one had some enjoyable elements but for the most part it was awful. My job was also based in one of the wealthiest cities in my country, I saw people wearing the clothes, driving the cars, eating the food and living in the homes I've always dreamed of experiencing. It was immense motivation but at the same time, it was saddening. The stark contrast between the fabulous city I worked in and the poverty stricken area where my home is located reminded me of how cruel and unfair life can be (and often is) for so many. I'd often alleviate myself of these thoughts about life by telling myself that everyone in life has a choice and are responsible for how they live their lives.

Even though I hated my job, I enjoyed the constant challenges and forcing myself to wake up early in the morning. For the first time in my life, I feel that I truly understand what MJ means when he says "there's passion in overcoming obstacles" (paraphrasing). But would I take on that job for the rest of my life, even if it paid me 100x my salary? No. I hated having to always get on crowded transport, I hated the rat race up the escalators towards the train station's exit, I hated having to 'Sign in' and 'Sign out', I hated having bosses to answer to, I hated being told what to do, I hated working with someone who had emotional issues with clients, I hated the corporate favouritism, I hated being exhausted after work and I hated having to take on clients who I knew our services weren't suited for. By the way, did I mention how much I hated having bosses.

Nevertheless, I extracted some valuable lessons about myself which came in the form of the aspects I found enjoyable about work.
1. Interacting with different people (the best part)
2. Having a structure for the week
3. Travelling around
4. Public speaking / educating (my passion)
5. Leading teams

If I can build/run a business that incorporates at least 1., 3. and 4. I would be in my sweet spot. I know it's selfish for me to focus on how I can build a business around my needs, but I just cannot continue anything long term if my needs are not met first. I feel like I've fallen into a trap I built because 1. I'm not focused on how I can solve a problem and 2. There aren't many business opportunities that incorporate my 3 needs.

But I'm still fired up, I just hope I'm not fired up with nowhere to go.
 

GatsbyMag

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You're not ready to be an entrepreneur if you need someone to spoon-feed it to you.

It sounds like you need to work on your mindset first. And it's obvious you haven't read MJ's book. Because he clearly states you chase "needs" first and the money follows. It's obvious you've also not read any of the GOLD/NOTABLE threads as they're plenty of threads with processes in them.

-------------------

Chasing money will only lead to failure. Take it from someone who jumped from 'shiny thing' to 'shiny thing' for 4 years.

And here's another secret...money doesn't bring contentment.

- When I was in college, all I wanted to make was $3,000 per month...got my first job...wanted to make more
- Before I quit my job last year, I was making close to $5,000 per month... wanted to make more
- This month, I'll clear around $31,000 in August... still want to make more

If you think money is going to make you happy...[insert cliche because it's true].

Hard truth --- you sound like me 6 years ago. On one hand, it's great that you're young.

On the unfortunate, stone-cold truth side...by the way it sounds now...you're 2-5 years out from starting a business that will pay the monthly bills full-time.

1. Get a job right now
2. Read, read, read
3. Focus on one project and hold yourself accountable to give it 12 months before you quit

Do those things, and you'll get there before you're 30.

[Having Massive Struggles Finding the Way to become Rich]


Personal:
Why does this keep escaping my head? I need to stop chasing money and passion and stay focused on the need. If I'm able to work at a job where I endure stress and politics EVERY single day for $400 a week, then surely I'm capable and able of going through the same sh*t for my family. This has been a constant problem recently where I'm building momentum and an obstacle appears and all of the sudden I quit because I don't feel the passion to keep going. What the F*ck is wrong with me? In my last businesses, this never happened. I know why, it's because the failure I experienced did a number on me. I'm acting like a spoiled brat, need to keep this publishing business going until August, need to keep myself accountable like I did last year. I need to be accountable like last time.
 

GatsbyMag

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Okay so I've made a lot of progress in terms of my knowledge of the things that matter to me in life.

However i'm still nowhere close to a decent business that makes money. I quit trying to build online products/services because I find it too overwhelming to work for long periods on a PC without interacting with people. That's why I'm going into sales. Sales is different from a job in that unlike other jobs, it pays you based on performance, not time. I will also learn an invaluable and transferable skill, selling.

At this rate, I've realized it will probably take me 10 years before I can build something successful. I know a lot of people on this forum will disagree with what I'm doing but I've been failing at building businesses for 4 years now. I don't seem to have that thing that other entrepreneurs have, so I'll spend the next 10 years of my life working in sales and building my skill so when the time comes, I can pour it all out on a business that people find valuable.

As always, the journey will be tough but I'll never give up, even when it causes me grief, because this is who I am.
 
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GatsbyMag

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I've connected with over 20 Executives in sales this past couple of weeks. I found someone who is helping me understand how the game works, he's young and is making close to 6 figures and with only about 40 hours of work a week. He dropped out of college and comes from a bad household too.

It also turns out that being an entrepreneur isn't the only way to become a millionaire. I've also found out that a lot of the multi-millionaire business owners were in sales before they decided to own their own company, so I'm even more confident about my decision in getting into sales.
 

GatsbyMag

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December 18th 2017

We're pretty much nearing the end of the year and beginning of 2018.

My most valuable lessons this year include:
1. Learning to love discipline
2. Immensely enjoying the reward of going through the pains of hard work and in spite of that pain, completing the work and feeling immense pride at the end. (closely related to 1. and I really thank MJ for this, my most valuable lesson)
3. Realizing that patience is a very important virtue to possess
4. Realizing that I can make progress outside of entrepreneurship, e.g. working out and eating healthy
5. Realizing that the truth is harsh AF but you must accept and then use it towards your goals

I also made 5360.40 dollars this year which I spent on my family (helped pay rent) with my own hard work.
In 2018 my major obstacles will be
1. Paying off debt
2. Getting a foot into sales
3. Finding a way to make money for my own accommodation

I'm confident more obstacles will pop up along the way but that's life. With the path I'm going down, I doubt I'll make wealth as quickly as everyone on these forums but I'm sure I'm on the right path.

Until next time.
 

FlipFlops

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Hello Sir,
You have a picture of Les Brown for your profile. I assume you watch his youtube videos. I had the pleasure of seeing him live, I'll never forget it.

Just remember GatsbyMag, "YOU have greatness, in YOU." (Les Brown)

I don't know you, but your attitude is just slightly messed up. Mine was really messed up. I was standing on a dock talking to guy with a 72' yacht, and I said, "I'll never have one of those." He said, "You're right. You won't. Not with that attitude anyway." I lost a lot of sleep over that, I always thought I was positive. I wasn't.
December 18th 2017

I'm confident more obstacles will pop up along the way but that's life. .... I doubt I'll make wealth as quickly as everyone on these forums but I'm sure I'm on the right path.
Daily doses of Les Brown, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, they'll fix you right up. I recorded MP3's off youtube, and put them in my phone, play them in the car. I love traffic jams now.

I got my "yacht", its (only 53', built in 1995, but it has three bedrooms, two bathroom - one with a bath tub.) Listen to that stuff, study business, sales is unlimited income, but its long hours. I know a sales guy, has a 72' million dollar yacht, spends $150k a year on maintenance, sales guy, sells space on ships for shipping containers.

If you can find a problem and a solution that serves many, you'll be rich.
I was on food stamps in Junior High and High School. You can do it.
Don't give up so soon young man!
You have greatness, in you.
Al
 
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GatsbyMag

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So my plan was to have a sales career and build a business along the side because the skills I'd be learning in sales would be easily transferable and the money would help support me. I've made huge progress so far but another obstacle has arrived.

I do B2B, software sales. This is my first ever career.

I sucked in the beginning and I think I've done a pretty good job of progressing, unfortunately compared to my peers I'm not as talented so I've been told that if I don't exceed my number this month I'll be fired.

My biggest problem is that I don't know why I'm not booking as many appointments as my friends. They all seem to find it easy, I assume it's because they have the type-A, extroverted sales personality and they've all had past client-facing experience.

I know the next step for me is to focus on exceeding my numbers, but I'm in an emotional state of confusion.

The 2 sales books I've read (fanatical prospecting and Zig Ziglar's Closing secrets), along with the numerous blogs, training and advise I've received have not helped me.

When I ask for guidance from the higher-ups, they help me on the technicalities e.g. "you should phrase it this way" or "just copy the standard messaging". I appreciate their help because they're always so busy but it doesn't help me understand the philosophy/foundations of their sales methodology (which they can't even describe, it's like asking a singer how they are able to sing so well - it's difficult to break down unconscious strategies).

If I miss my number, I'm going to find a job that can help me build my sales skills. If that doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll do. Plus the pressure of having to support my family is killing me internally, I don't get why my parents didn't set things up so they could have their own money as they aged. However, that's life.

If anyone has any advice on what kind of sales job I can get that will ALLOW me to develop my sales skills (e.g. not fire me if I miss my number), please let me know. B2C would be nice because I suspect it might be easier but it's unlikely to make a massive difference. I know i need to get better.
 

FlipFlops

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Sales is about relationships.
Don't over think it.
1) Call People.
2) Follow up with a thank you note. Just a little note, "saying it was great meeting you/catching up (whatever.) If your not interested in our product perhaps you know somebody who is..."
3) Pop By their office... Don't go empty handed. Doesn't have to be fancy either.

Your pic of Les Brown... I met him once. Great guy, follow his youtube videos.
Ziglar, Jim Rohn, their all great, their transfer of knowledge to you is useless, until you use it/do it.
You gotta take action.
 

GatsbyMag

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UPDATE:

My mindset is elevated to an entirely different level since I last came here.

AND IT SHOWS IN MY WALLET TOO!

HA!

Going on this journey has forced me to evolve in unimaginable ways. It's genuinely frightening that my last post was less than a year ago. I can't even recognise that 'newb' - seriously, sales has become so much simpler now. F*ck, I can't believe I was struggling so much. Of course there are some hiccups but it's all part of the damn cycle!


I can't believe my goal was 8k? I can make that in a week.

I STILL HAVE MAJOR GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH -

I've used a lot of MJ DeMarco's principles in growing myself and past businesses.

I've come to the conclusion that it is absolutely possible to achieve wealth with your passion. Everything MJ said in his book was right, he just took it to an extreme perspective (which was and still is needed for people getting into entrepreneurship). I'm not going to talk much about this because I have to get greater results before I can start preaching.

The next goal is build a new business before end of this year that uses my talent, natural abilities and passion to service people. Currently refining my craft and putting myself out there.

I have to constantly monitor how I'm using my time and ensure that I'm not chasing more than 2 rabbits. It's tricky and I don't know much more I have to learn, but one thing is for sure, I'm going to succeed.

There have been moments in this journey when I've broken down and felt like I was in complete hell. The truth of the matter is that you can easily interpret life as suffering - and there is a 99% chance that is the truth - however, there's an inhumane/human power that lies deep within us. In my darkest moment, I've found this power and relied on it. When I'm in state, I'm part of God. And everyone or thing in my way is obliterated.

I wonder, how many of you guys understand what I'm talking about?

It doesn't matter, don't reply, let's stay focused on our mission and resolve to fulfill all our objectives. Bring your light to this world, access it when you feel lost and continue to pace towards the objective. Success is for the wise and strong amongst us. Make yourself worthy through the pursuit.
 
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Ocean Man

Life-long learner.
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UPDATE:

My mindset is elevated to an entirely different level since I last came here.

AND IT SHOWS IN MY WALLET TOO!

HA!

Going on this journey has forced me to evolve in unimaginable ways. It's genuinely frightening that my last post was less than a year ago. I can't even recognise that 'newb' - seriously, sales has become so much simpler now. F*ck, I can't believe I was struggling so much. Of course there are some hiccups but it's all part of the damn cycle!


I can't believe my goal was 8k? I can make that in a week.

I STILL HAVE MAJOR GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH -

I've used a lot of MJ DeMarco's principles in growing myself and past businesses.

I've come to the conclusion that it is absolutely possible to achieve wealth with your passion. Everything MJ said in his book was right, he just took it to an extreme perspective (which was and still is needed for people getting into entrepreneurship). I'm not going to talk much about this because I have to get greater results before I can start preaching.

The next goal is build a new business before end of this year that uses my talent, natural abilities and passion to service people. Currently refining my craft and putting myself out there.

I have to constantly monitor how I'm using my time and ensure that I'm not chasing more than 2 rabbits. It's tricky and I don't know much more I have to learn, but one thing is for sure, I'm going to succeed.

There have been moments in this journey when I've broken down and felt like I was in complete hell. The truth of the matter is that you can easily interpret life as suffering - and there is a 99% chance that is the truth - however, there's an inhumane/human power that lies deep within us. In my darkest moment, I've found this power and relied on it. When I'm in state, I'm part of God. And everyone or thing in my way is obliterated.

I wonder, how many of you guys understand what I'm talking about?

It doesn't matter, don't reply, let's stay focused on our mission and resolve to fulfill all our objectives. Bring your light to this world, access it when you feel lost and continue to pace towards the objective. Success is for the wise and strong amongst us. Make yourself worthy through the pursuit.
Just reading that was powerful! Glad to hear you’ve become an entirely different person. Cheers for the future!
 
D

Deleted74396

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There have been moments in this journey when I've broken down and felt like I was in complete hell. The truth of the matter is that you can easily interpret life as suffering - and there is a 99% chance that is the truth - however, there's an inhumane/human power that lies deep within us. In my darkest moment, I've found this power and relied on it.

Relate to this so hard. I feel like I'm still on the latter end of it but I keep finding the power to keep going. Best wishes to you!
 

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