First Fork For Entrepreneurs

Wow! Thank you John — for giving me a swift kick in the cojones lol – you really described exactly who I am. The guy with all the “ideas” but still working at a job I don’t like.

Thanks for this.

I’m flipping that coin now.

-Eddys

Thanks for writing this gem… Concisely states something I tell people all the time: don’t be a p*ssy. Better to make mistakes of ambition than mistakes of sloth (stole that one from Tim Ferriss), and that you can always (and will always need to) correct course along the way.

My first business failed miserably. Second one did better and just died slowly. Third one is stable and growing and the fourth one is getting ready to launch.

Scars are part of growing your business and learning how to make it work.

Stay focused. stay moving and stay learning.

Well, damn, another brilliant rationing, you’ve given us. Thank you again for the simple, but stupefyingly powerful LIST IDEA. Anyone who glossed over that piece just missed one of your life-changing nuggets.

At your urging, I made my list (again – you have to keep updating them, bro) just last week. It has made all the difference in my sanity. But much more than that, I started attracting the kind of opportunities I really wanted like crazy within one day of making the list. In fact, I pulled in more opportunities than I could possibly act on.

Because of the list, I was able to pick the ones that would ultimately serve me and say ‘bye’ to the rest. It wasn’t without a little second-guessing to cut loose some dream projects, but I knew I couldn’t fully focus on the ones I wanted most if I said ‘yes’ to them all.

Thanks, yet again, for your cool insights.

Brat

JC,

Fear, inaction, inertia or whatever the hell you want to call it, is a scourge in our new normal. Been there myself after a very successful era ended badly. Biz failure, divorce and consulting tarot readers for biz advice held me in a cryo-state for some time. Then the incessant information gathering phase kicked in. Analysis paralysis is just a delay tactic tactic, keeps you from doing the inevitable. All that shit just caused brain freeze, so I rebooted and started asking for 12″ deep pan meat feasts at McD’s. It made feel alive again, comfort zone crumbled but I knew I was alive. I started cold calling random numbers selling fictitious products. I got my mojo back and I still read more than ever but this time application is pleasurable.

Hi John,
I started my landscaping business on a dime back in 2005, the day after I left a paid job I was sick of. I’d run the place for 10 years, trained the help, and tripled the client base; and when I asked for a raise I was told the job wasn’t worth paying any more because it wasn’t a hard job and it didn’t take a lot of brains to do it. I gave my notice then and there and left.

I didn’t know anything about advertising. My budget at that point was zero. I just threw all my tools into the back seat of my Geo Prizm and hit the pavement. I did some volunteer community projects as a way to advertise my services, and people started calling. Soon I had all the paying jobs I could handle.

I built my client base up to 24 within the first two years through word of mouth alone. My work was my biggest advertisement. It also helped that I actually showed up when I said I would, called if I was running more than five minutes late, and generally treated my clients like they were valuable family members. I still do that, and I don’t intend to change the practice. It has repaid me many times over.

When the recession hit in 2009, my client base was cut in half. I fretted for a bit; then I realized that most of the ones I’d lost were—let’s just say they weren’t in the top ten. I focused all my attention on my remaining clients, making sure their properties really stood out. I also started a client rewards program that said for every referral I got, the client that had recommended me would get a free hour of work. In six months I was back up to 19 clients, and I’ve held steady there ever since. (As an aside, even though I awarded a lot of free hours, my clients still insisted on paying me.)

This year my 5-star treatment paid off in a huge way. I broke my leg and ankle (I shattered five bones) in mid April, just as I was filling my calender for the year. I was sure that this would be the end of the business I worked so hard to build. But EVERY SINGLE CLIENT (all 19 of them) said that they would work with my replacement and welcome me back next year. I didn’t lose a single one, which is beyond miraculous.

I don’t know yet what next year will hold. I don’t know if I’ll be able to work. I am still re-learning to walk, and the nerve damage has been significant. A cane and a brace are my constant companions. But one thing I am clear on is my continuing responsibility for my clients. If I can’t do the work myself, it is up to me to find someone knowledgeable that they can trust. I owe them at least that much. 🙂

John,

I LOVE your stuff. I bought a product from Eben Pagan that came with an interview with you that lead to me going through your entire simple copy program.

I’m in the early stages of messing around online. We’ve done two product launches: http://www.dietingisdead.com and http://www.myrefreshcleanse.com

and have had some good traction. I am making SOOO many mistakes! LOL! But with your copy advice I’ve at least started some where and we’re starting to make a little residual which is great!

Thanks for all that you do. You’re advice and education has been PRICELESS. I need much more experience and in the future, once we’ve tested more and built more of a following, get in touch with you for some advice.

To Becoming Savvy!

DrJones

Always, always, always look forward to reading your stuff. I’ve just recently completely walked away from my biz of 11 years. Just left. Told everyone I was done. It went from new, to great in the 2006 era, to shit in the last couple of years. So, the wife quit her job, and we moved. Mostly so the kid could go to a better public school and we could live in what we perceive to be a better place (everything is a perception, no?)
Anywho, I’m starting over. Got 1 thing I’m looking at to make money right now. Like Monday morning. Got another thing to work on to make money long term, like starting in 30-45 days and building from there.
Don’t know if I’m right or wrong, but by gawd it’s what I’m doing.
Thanks for your writings…they talk to me where I need talking to, and nobody I know actually talks to me like that.

“…been counseling entrepreneurs…” – Gotta say, that conjures an amusing image for me of John as ‘Biz-Shrink’…

Except the guy comes in, lays down on the couch and John kick his ass off it, tells him to grow a pair and gets right down to explaining the cure.

; )

Inspiring post as ever, man. I’m off to make those 2 lists now.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more concise and accurate cheat sheet for how to get hip to “how it works”.

I love this roll you’re on right now… DON’T STOP!

Brain

An intense action focus, and the cajones to go after it, is absolutely at the core of successful entrepreneuring.

I like that which-markets-to-go-after explanation, it’s right on the money. For example I’m getting my wife started in a certain health related niche, hyper-competitive; goal is to start as an affiliate to learn the ropes, then develop new products for “holes” in the market where there’s unserved need, as well as going head to head against mainstream competition w/direct-competition products. It’ll quite probably outdo my main business within 5 years, and good for her.

Being an entrepreneur is a lot like dating. You just have to get out there and do it. And not give up. I dated hundreds of women back when I was playing gigs in so cal. nightclubs (hey don’t hate the player, hate the game lol). And am on my 3rd wife. I didn’t give up after the first two, and this one’s been with me 14 years (knock on wood). So it’s like business, even any motion is better than selling from the heels, to learn the core skills like content development, lead gen, copywriting, production skills and the rest of it.

I like your points about staying strong, and keeping at it. Got fired numerous times from dilbert-cubicle corporate jobs 20+ years ago (I’m told I wasn’t a team player. Ya think? Now who’s laughing haha I hope my old bosses who fired me see I’m making a multiple of their drone salaries; best revenge is living well, and famously, and that’s ultra-cool). And I even get to play guitar at 1pm in the afternoon whenever I want. nya nya lol. Being an entrepreneur is great.

But yeah you’ve gotta work your ass off, and that’s one thing I like about your posts, John, is the “grab everyone by the scruff of their neck and shake ’em into action” approach, which is so effective. Ok now back to work.

staying frosty,

-k

Love it, love it, love it.
Trying on a new set of big-girl pants as I read this.

Perfectly Said!

I remember in 2009 when i was sitting at my kitchen table stuffing my sales letter into envelopes.

I applied the stamps myself. That feeling of actually “DOING IT”… changed my life!

Bill Jeffels

Had to use google / wikipedia to find out what cojones were, and now that I know that they are a good dose of failure and a kick to that region is what separates out MBA corporate idiots from business owners.

To me the reason the economy is bust is that big companies hire MBA executives and listen to all the McKinsey BS come up with so that if it goes wrong their cojones aren’t on the block.

Keep up this straight talking and the world will become a better place.

Andrew

Carlton, you are right, and I hate what you wrote.

OK [grumble}

Indeed! My entreprenurial path has defintely been sideways a lot. I’ve gone in fits & spurts, and the biggest mistake I ever made was trying to go back to a normal, safe life. I sold Venezuelan artesania in art fairs in Colorado & California, that made for a good summer, and then I moved to Maui and ran out of money. I became a massage therapist a did OK. When I started DJing weddings on Maui is when I made great money and had a lot of fun. The recession deflated that, but it was still alright. Then, I left and got married to a Venezuelan. We moved to Miami to manufacture her hair care products & sell them between Miami & Latin America. Being in business together killed the marriage, though, unfortuantely. I tried to get a real job, but I’m too independent now, no one will give me one. I’ve been doing a year of service with AmeriCorps, which is nice, but the non-profit world isn’t for me. Now, I firmly know I will do my own thing and persevere through the fear & uncertainty. In a few weeks I’m moving to Costa Rica to manage my friends vacation rental on the beach in Santa Teresa. I’m really excited to get back on the solo path, and a little afraid. But, I finally learned what I want, I’m sure of it this time, and can learn from my past mistakes. These posts help me realize that I must learn from my future mistakes too, and to continue in spite of them.

Holy Schomoze. (new word – don’t look it up). This is an over the top great article. And most amazing to me is the feedback and your answers to each one. The comments and replies were educational and encouraging. Sort of like a whole string of testimonials for free (though I was sold with the main text).

I got your Freelance Copywriting course from my coach as a reward for finishing an AWAI program. I gobbled it up and my thoughts were ….. “Okay – so why didn’t I just start with this? ? ?”

Anyway – I love reading this about fear. Cause it sort of resides there for me like the monster under the bed. Your thoughts were like putting the light on. Look under bed. Huh? No monster. Keep light on just to be safe and go to sleep. article handy for next time monster growls.

Thanks for your sharing. It is simply life-lifting.

Excellent blog! How true and to the point.
I started a web business 18 years ago as a sideline. Through dumb luck it worked. Not big time but it made money. I didn’t care because I loved my real work. I trained commercial and military transport pilots and wrote flight manuals.
Times changed, I retired and took a good look at the business. What a mess!! How did it survive this long?
My present problem? I’m a pilot. I don’t have a clue how to bring a website up to date. I have asked a few supposed experts but no answers.
If you are too busy, maybe you can point me in a direction.
Thanks.

Hi John,

Boy, did I finally find a blog post to cheer me up. I am a dating coach in Los Angeles, trying to teach men the proper and natural ways to meet women (no pickup artistry gimmicky bullshit here) Anyway, that’s my biz. It’s been a hell of a first year kick starting it all off the ground. As much as I believe in my products/services every day is a new battle an an entrepreneur. Some days you’re on top of the world and others you want to go home and cry to mommy. I’m getting over a slump right now, just overwhelmed and trying to make sense of all the marketing information out there. It’s a lot to handle, especially when you’re the only one running your business.

Moving on, just wanted to say thank you for this post because it really is about cajones. And I also think it’s about persistence. The ones who succeed are the ones who haven’t given up. I am that guy. I will continue to be that guy. Writing this comment has been therapeutical.

Thanks John,

Tripp

Well John,
You said a mouth full and very well put..This is a journey and it is a long road ahead of us. I knew that from the get-go.. I keep moving forward (slowly)and one day I’ll reach the end of the road only to find another turn..
Thanks for your input, always injoy your rants.

OK John…. Going out there …. with my gonads safely pushing me all the way … and getting ready so they don’t get jabbed by that first fork!!

Maybe a quick forage in the undergrowth … where I seem to spend most of my time .. will set be back on track…. for a while at least .. till I hit the next fork and have to rely on the gonads again to pull me back if I take the wrong route 🙂

Great post John … I love the simple solutions bit. Makes me feel more confident knowing someones been there before !!

cheers

Carl

Put me out of my misery and just shoot me now! Poverty does not become me and my high IQ is certainly starting to bore me. ARGH!

Hey man

I’m from Greece and last month decided to quit my job and start my own business.

Many people think I’m crazy, but what the hell.

We only live once.

Just wish me luck.

Great post, very inspiring

Hi

So how can you help me?
I am on my 5 or 6th biz now, each one has died a slow pain full death, so now trying to make it online in the publishing biz of magazines and eBooks?
Just starting out so need a kick in the right direction and not in the gonads hehe

kind regards
Grant

Right now is the time for my early entrepreneurial adventures…I’m a newbie (again).

Twenty years ago I started out fresh faced and full of vigor to achieve my dreams of culinary success.
I began an apprenticeship of knife wielding and pan slinging. Today I have a new apprenticeship of pen wielding and laptop slinging.
Sheer bloodied persistence and stainless-steel determination are two traits that still adventure with me, a little worn and frayed their covers but underneath they’re not.
I may now carry the label of entrepreneur, a far cry from “kitchen bitch”, but it is the conceptualizing, creating and plating myself anew that is the sauce of life.
A side order of cojones never goes amiss either.

The key you pointed out is to take action, any sort of action, get moving, then don’t stop running. Tweak along the way.

Another fab post John.

I remember my hand quivering when writing a fat $22,000 check to purchase some ad space for a “bright idea” I came up with. Okay… it was for a hunting product. I did the research and was convinced it’d work.

It didn’t work. I lost my ass. A lot of time too.

Okay, that kinda thing can really put you off your game. Or convince you to curl into the fetal position and NEVER take chances again. (Never, never, never.)

But my buddy Bob Pierce, now my biz partner, (but not at the time of this debacle) just laughed and convinced me that this was the “fun stuff”. Like base-jumping with a hinky parachute you weren’t so sure about.

Looking back, that moment STILL doesn’t feel fun. And there were (and still are) a LOT more ass-kicking experiences to come. But ultimately I discovered the key was to take educated chances (yeah, you gotta have “smarts”), and then to accept the consequences chin-up and moving forward.

Grow cojones… and then keep them firmly attached.

And when things DO work out your way, go ahead and enjoy a game of pocket billiards.

–Jimbo

Three cheers for your brash, audacious, and uber-realistic wisdom!

Okay, here we go again, one more time…

John, I’m a 61-year-old car salesman…that’s what I always return to after a biz faiure. I really don’t like the job all that much, but it pays the bills until I get “the itch”, go to the pantry and pull the cajones off the shelf. Which you’ve inspired me to do again.

There’s a quote from Zig Ziglar that I love and want to share with your audience:

“Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly.”

I’m learning, slowly but surely, that effing up is a prerequisite of success. With that in mind, I am now frostiy heading to the pantry to remove my cajones and give it another shot…thanks for the inspiration.

Thank You John for reminding us to “Keep Moving”. Always enjoy reading your no-nonsense encouragement. now i must go find my dictionary and look up somnambulant. thanks again

Your wisdom is so on point. I’m a CPA that opened my own practice over 25 yearrs ago, and have been fortunate to keep the lights on and the doors open since then. One of my first hurdles was borrowing five grand to purchase an IBM XT along with a dot matrix printer!!

I recall distinctly that my drive kept me going until I reached that terrible point of feeling “I’ve arrived!” I wasn’t “hungry” anymore, I relaxed, and started missing opportunities because I wasn’t looking over my shoulder as you say, and almost got eaten alive by the competition.

Fortunately, the wake-up call came and I’m back in the saddle. It’s as if I just need to stay a little hungry.

Hope I get to meet you at the upcoming Dan Kennedy event. Love your stuff!

I will not comment about the writing style, but it seems a bit childish. What is missing is the emphasis on “ACTION”. There is no doubt that the active manager / entrepreneur is better off than the passive one. One thing that you will see in successful start-ups is the action oriented style. There are ways to sit back and watch your company running, the people working and the market changing… and there are ways of acting, adjusting, correcting… doing all the things that makes a company move. At Microsoft in the early days, moving with the changes at IBM was compared to riding a bull. You move every which way, as long as you stay on the bull. It’s good to see successful start-ups and ones that are too complacent, and learn a lesson from life. Otherwise, the topic is important to learn.

Hey JSC…..

Nother ball bustin rant…..every ounce of wisdom reins as true as the day light outside…Ive bombed so many time ive forgotten number of websites Ive built and promoted but test small to begin with (reflective of my direct response background)…

Only one two that broke even…..

Like anything….you gotta dip your toe in the water or just dive in and work it out as you go with loose plan you adjust as you go…

Warmly

RJ

P.S. Your freelancer course put $$$ in my hand in the end I shut down my site and sacked my clients deciding to become my own client and follow my heart! best feeling in the world-my first project instructional dvd for females in how to end being attacked fast and safe-hired a production crew sight un-seen off facebook-hired a high end camera-shot it in one take based on workshops I ran from 2004-2009…it was not mickey mouse but got it done…have video guru editing it-got pro to do dvd cover and printing writing the pitch tommorow sitting on the beach now mild weather has come…..only decided to do this 16 days ago….

P.P.S …..nothing to do with marketing-my housemate and I where talking bout blues, old timmer bitchin guitarist he showed me dvd of some old as dirt guitar player called “Johnny Winter” holy crap batman that dude can slam hard on the fretboard….just amazing!

P.P.P.S Big howdy dooody to ‘Brat’ :O)

Thanks for a very inspirational article John. I love the directness. I’ve had a few business ventures over the years, offline and online. Some failures, some not quite failures, having a mediocre income, but none ever ‘super’ successful.

One of the biggest challenges that I have had, and that I think others do too, is a lack of support and belief by spouses, family members, friends, etc. It’s hard enough already without their pounding and criticism. Comments like ‘get a real job’, ‘that will never work’, or like ‘ok, you tried it 3 months, now just give up.’

People without the entrepreneurial spirit, never really understand or relate to those that do. They don’t understand the “I’m going to do this even if i die trying! At least I tried!”

I’d rather die in failure even, knowing I tried, than living my life in what to me would be ‘mediocrity’. There’s nothing wrong with those who choose careers working for others, and they love it, but I think the entrepreneur is cut from a different mold.

Thanks