Is Entrepreneurship Too Risky?

Hey There,

Time is ticking away…a third of the year has gone and with each passing week, more opportunities are appearing. The world of entrepreneurship is a vessel filled with opportunity and that involves starting new projects. However, being an entrepreneur is also risky. The truth is everybody manages risks everyday. The key to being a successful entrepreneur is to know and manage your risks, not take them.

What “calculated” risks have you taken lately?

With risk comes reward however, you’ll probably find entrepreneurs who believe this are often scarred from battles of experience in the past. It’s like the overnight success, if you dig deeper, you’ll discover the truth and reality is never as glamorous as the story that is presented. The reason why I continue to learn and grow is because I embrace this concept of taking “calculated risks”. Too many people are anchored to comfort and certainty which denies them an opportunity to grow. In life, you are either growing or dying…

I’m in an interesting stage of my life at the moment where people are coming to me based on reputation and influence. It’s not something I have seeked but an opportunity that has been created over time. And it’s taught me some great lessons. One of them is that it’s easier for a third party to sell you than for you to sell yourself. When you sell yourself, it can come across as you are desperate whereas if someone positions you, you are given a position of power and credibility.

One of the biggest challenges with writing CWC is the different levels of people reading each issue. I’ve tried my best to accommodate for all but I must confess, it does get challenging and is opened to different interpretations. For example, one member reads about my insights on trends and takes advantage of it and makes a clear distinction for her next breakthrough and takes the next steps. Whereas another person reads the same information, and concludes that I should write about what I believe in and not to create a “false impression”. You can’t win.

If you aspire to reach your higher goals, just know there will be people out there who won’t be supportive. They may be family members, friends or fellow colleagues. The reality is you must embrace Dan Kennedy’s mantra for successful entrepreneurs. You must adopt a “immunity to criticism”. This one thing has kept me strong and allowed me to keep growing regardless of what mud is thrown at you. And at the end of the day, the truth is the result, all else is ego! I look at the people that have benefited from my knowledge, experience and advice and know within my heart that I gave it my best shot.

For some, CWC is their regular dose of reality and is designed to get you thinking in the new economy. You see, that’s the only real impact I can make in your life. My ability to connect you with yourself and draw out the best in you is the only real strength I have. I have seen how a simple shift in thinking, a tiny nugget of thought or one little “push” of encouragement can truly magnify the results your receive in life. I know there’s a growing list of people who don’t know me and I will solve this problem in future issues but I want you to know, you are in the right place.

What I’ve tried to do with CWC, is to treat it like a virtual consultation, as if I was consulting with you face to face. I listen to the feedback and emails I get and find a collective voice and address the issues to help you progress. I honestly appreciate the recent feedback. If you haven’t done it yet, please complete a members feedback survey. I promise you it’s short and it will help me make this better for you. Go to:

http://www.facebook.com/l/3b7f9;chenurl.com/gn

So far, the feedback has been positive and it has also raised some interesting issues that I will addressing. In short, I’ve decided to continue with this “rant” style until my current projects come to an end. Then I will be able to spend time and create a structured core curriculum. I’ve been blown away at the level of support, the offers for sponsorship and desire to join a mastermind environment. Social media is changing business and true innovators are finding great opportunity gaps to fill. Look for gaps in the marketplace and find a money model and marketing model that allows you synthesize and design a framework of opportunity based on your strengths.

A great example of a business that is highly evolved and mature is Apple. I love studying successful companies and entrepreneurs and Steve Jobs is a master. Steve through Apple has managed to be the BRIDGE between ART and TECHNOLOGY. I don’t know if you are aware, but Apple recently released the iPad and sold 300,000 units in a day. This is possibly the biggest product launch in history so far. When you consider that over 10 years ago, Bill Gates introduced the world to tablet computing, it never took off. Two rich, successful men. One succeeds and one doesn’t. What makes the difference? It’s a constant question I battle with and the answer is never really that simple.

And to be honest, the answer is irrelevant because what works for someone wont’ necessarily work for you. Systemization destroys the “human” element and that’s one thing you can’t control. If everyone that goes to seminars knows that only 5% of people will actually implement what they learn, why keep going? (The smart ones know it’s for the networking opportunities and fresh ideas…) There are many levels of depth in distinction and I know you will get what you need until next time. Choose wisely.

So my BIG lesson from Steve Jobs is “What are you creating?”. We are in nature CREATORS and the majority of the things we do each day force us to conform to a “system”, a “way of life” and not to exceed “expectations”. For me, I’m working on a “living legacy” and would love it to be something that gives people “insights with impact” and am trying to engineer programs, connect technology and design environments that support this endeavour. With each layer, there are whole new challenges and opportunities that allow you to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and experience. Embrace it.

Nothing is missing…Stepup and Dream with a shipping date!

Simplify Your Life,

CHEN

P.S There’s still two places available for the Adelaide Mastermind. If you want to join a group of progressive entrepreneurs to leverage off great minds and be accountable with forced implementation, I challenge you to clear your diary on April 17th in Adelaide and join us for a great session.