Being in business for yourself can be a “long and winding road” with many bumps along the way. I started working in my dad’s bindery, while teaching myself about the printing business and computer graphics. Using my Music connections, I was able to earn a good living printing for many venues, bands, companies and studios in NYC.
Then came the Internet. All of a sudden, I had to compete with the rest of the world and people became less interested in my talents & experience. All they were interested in was “price and turnaround”. I have been on my own for over 40 years. I have enjoyed the trip, made a good living and have many great friends & memories.
I am passionate about printing and I am very good at what I do. I love helping my clients find solutions to their marketing problems. As an entrepreneur, I have risen up to the challenges that face my business and have run to meet them. Many times I have been discouraged, but I have always stayed the course. You may not become uber-wealthy, but you will know that the rewards were certainly worth the efforts. You will only get out of your business, what you put into it!
Basic Rules for Entrepreneurs:
- Think Big. Define your “success” and make the commitment to hit your targets.
- Build Strong “Community”. You can’t do it alone.
- Learn to Lead and Learn to Sell. You can’t make money without customers.
- Listen to your “community” and keep changing.
- Learn to Play the Game. Be persistent.
- Find a problem and then solve it. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
- Go beyond your limits and stand out from everyone else.
- Celebrate and reward yourself for accomplishing your goals.
“Entrepreneurship…isn’t just about solving a problem, building a venture, managing risk, or making money. It’s about having a positive impact on the world, making the most of the gifts you’ve been given, and realizing your full potential as a human being.” – The Intelligent Entrepreneur by Bill Murphy, Jr.
