How do you reduce the downside risk in starting a dream business?

English: Sir Richard Branson at the eTalk Fest...
English: Richard Branson at the eTalk Festival Party, during the Toronto International Film Festival. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An entrepreneur started a gourmet fast food business on a main street in a coastal village but within two years she closed down. Another entrepreneur opened a gift and stationery shop also on a high-pedestrian traffic street and within three years it closed. A young entrepreneur created and online fitness supplement venture which did well for about two years after which the business caved in.

Is there a sure-fire way to reduce the risk of failure in starting your dream business from scratch?

Even Richard Branson, famous for the Virgin Group of companies, began his entrepreneurial journey with a couple of early ventures with failed ones including growing Christmas trees and raising pet parakeets. But Branson went on to sell music records via mail order, bought a nightclub in London, sold vodka and eventually built a business spanning music, media, telecoms, airlines and space exploration. Continue reading “How do you reduce the downside risk in starting a dream business?”

Find your inner strength to guide your way

Rodeo Beach, the Maelstrom
Rodeo Beach, the Maelstrom (Photo credit: kern.justin)

I stood in the big open hall of the old Olympia bioscope in Kalk Bay on my first day to learn karate with Peter Brandon, our instructor.

It was my last year of high school and I wanted to do something to keep fit and find the inner discipline to make it through what would be a tough year. Although I put it out of my mind as being far away, the reality of being conscripted into the military hung menacingly over my future.

Continue reading “Find your inner strength to guide your way”