The average age of beginning an entrepreneurial endeavor is 42, and the average entrepreneur spends between 30 and 70 percent of their own capital to fund the start-up. This isn't a necessarily "safe" investment. In fact, the financial industry staple investment advice is to pull back; to invest in safe moderates, to mix in bonds and to maintain cashables. Starting a business is not the low risk investment that most mid-aged, business-minded individuals decide is worth the chance. Yet for those with enough guts and enough gusto to take the reigns and dive into the world of entrepreneurship, the pay off is far greater than the "safe" investments could ever mange. In fact, if you're willing to expose yourself to these risks earlier in your career, rather than waiting (which seems to be the trend in the 21st century - never before has the society of American entrepreneurs been so young), the payoff is even greater. The best way to succeed is by taking control of your own career; the easiest way to fall behind is by not having the ball in your hands. I Have An Idea…Now What? is both an instructional manual and workbook filled with case studies, anecdotes, and insightful advice for start-up success. Each chapter includes simple, storied experiences and questions to consider; each meant to shed light on the challenges and joys of starting one's own business or endeavor. The questions are designed to help you create your OWN blueprint for success while going through the script. This guideline to entrepreneurial empowerment is an interactive blueprint for your next start-up – from someone who has learned lessons the hard way, and through it all, managed to find success in several entrepreneurial endeavors.
