Many years ago I left a very well-paying job to become a “dukawallah” (this is a derogatory term for a shopkeeper).  How prepared can you ever be to quit a job and do a startup? My answer is never. Having said that, it’s good to be aware of certain things. I share some of what nobody told me.

1) It would be good to have saved for your basic needs for at least 12 months
2) You must be prepared to put in a lot of hours probably not less than 10 hours a day
3) You need to sacrifice your social life, no weekend drinking episodes
4) You need a high level of discipline on matters finance and how you spend your time
5) You must be self-driven. There will be no one to motivate you (sounds familiar)
6) You need to be sure of what you want to do. Have the passion and be the number one marketer of your goods and service
7) Take a long-haul view of your startup. A microwave attitude can’t work in your new business
8) You have to look for knowledge and information. There is no one to do research and to feed you with this, yet it’s so important
9) You will have to learn to be humble and selfless.  Often times you will pay everybody else except yourself and you will still keep at it
10) You will have to find your God more than ever. You will surely need Him as your guide, comforter and all.

These are just a few of the things you may experience in your journey as an entrepreneur. Share with me your experience. What do you wish someone told you before you started your business? Have a great day my great people. Let’s keep the fire burning, the GMMM way.