Follow Your Dreams: There's Never the Right Time to Start a Business

Years ago I was given a book to read. In this book was a chart. On this chart, a simple saying that read; "There are those who travel and there are those who are going somewhere. They're different, yet the same. Successful people have this over their rivals--they know where they're going." I tore out this chart from the book and I've carried it from office to office; when I worked in corporate America.

Today, I framed it and hung it on the wall of my very own office. The office where I have employees and will build the legacy for my very own business. See, I've always loved this saying because I've always been a planner, thinker and risk taker. When I worked for a company, I always knew where I wanted to end up.

I've always known that I wanted to be able to help make a difference in people's lives. I've always wanted to build relationships with people through personalized interactions. So it is probably no surprise that my business centers around these two passions: meeting people and planning. Today I am a business planner who develops new relationships with different people on a weekly basis.

I say this to say that when it comes to starting a business, there is never the "right time." Timing stems from an individual's place in life and his/her circumstance. If anyone tells you that "you're not ready" run! No one can gauge whether another is "ready" for business. The only thing that can be ascertained is whether you have planned properly--and this you can seek help with.

Meet Jeffrey Henderson. He is now a leading executive chef, has authored a bestselling book, and has sold his rights to a film to Will Smith's production company. Before that, he served ten years in prison for selling drugs. While serving on kitchen duty, he learned that he had a passion for cooking. Upon leaving prison, he decided to pursue his dream and worked his way up from dishwasher in an upscale restaurant, to line cook. He later landed the position of Executive Chef at Las Vegas' exclusive Cafe Bellagio.

In case you're not aware, an Executive Chef takes on the dual responsibility of making sure the meals are prepared tastefully plus overseeing an entire staff. Usually, they're responsible to come up with an initial menu; which for a restaurant, becomes the deciding factor for customers.

All of this is/was achieved by an ex-felon. A guy who had dreams and followed them. Read more about his story in My Journey from the Streets to the Stove.

How do you follow your dreams?

• Step 1: Be confident in your abilities. If you have a desire to start a business, chances are you are better at something than the average person. If so, stand your ground and don't waiver because someone else thinks you're unqualified. Stay true to your talents.
• Step 2: Learn about your craft: Education is key and comes through different forms. Read a lot of books on your subject. Talk to people in your industry. Learn from your industry leaders. Attend seminars and events. Take advantage of the internet.
• Step 3: Stay true to your business idea. If you've started your business to fulfill a need or alleviate a pain, you've probably experienced that pain yourself. If so, why get distracted by "quick schemes?" Remember why you started and stay true to your vision. Eventually, others will follow.

About the Author: Cheryl Isaac is the writer of this blog and a Startup Business Consultant & Owner of Isaac Business Services, an agency that offers startup concierge & business planning services for small businesses (http://www.isaacbusinessservices.com/)