Going all through college is burdensome to some people. Nowadays, it is better to skip college and start-up your own business. If I had the capital and idea, college would be a waste of time; I rather strive and thrive to put up my own company. Let’s face it, the best learning you’ll probably have is through experience.
Indeed, having that option is wonderful but not all people have the gift of entrepreneurial skill or the favor of having capital and idea right away. That is why it is important for us to prepare ourselves before embarking into entrepreneurship.
See: Can entrepreneurship be taught or is it more of an innate skill?
Here are some suggestions to prepare you for entrepreneurship in the best way:
1. Get a degree or finish a bachelor’s course in business
This might be unnecessary for some but there are many advantages you acquire while you are enrolled.
- Gaining connections
It might be a friend or a classmate, what is important is that you can build trust. You might not know that your friend or classmate might become your future business partner. - Opportunity to learn
College experience is not limited in the four walls of your classroom. It is the best position to learn: how to interact with different personalities, how to win people, how to gain trust and so on. In here, you will encounter many challenges and discover many things which you may use later on in life and in your business. - Trial & Error
In college, you are not afraid to commit mistakes because it is part of your learning process. You may have your ideas corrected, checked and sometimes critique for you to improve them. - Mentors
Having someone to teach you the basics and their experiences are very helpful when starting your own business.
2. Master your venture and everything else that falls in between
Although experience is the best teacher, it is not advisable to start-up when you don’t master it. Mastery will definitely be helpful everytime you encounter problems and challenges in your business. (e.g. absence of important personnel)
3. Trust in yourself and in your idea
This is a very important aspect to deal with before starting up. It is one thing to have the idea and another thing to have a complete competence in that idea. You can not enter into business with a half-heart, doubting the capacity of yourself and your idea. Be confident and never back down if not necessary.
4. Read and Learn from others
Knowledge or the know-hows are important in every aspect. Do some research and interview, ask questions, observe and gain helpful advice from others.
5. Be ready to commit
Being an entrepreneur is a commitment. It’s like being a parent, if you want to see your children happy, do the effort, care for them, and make time with them. Similarly, if you want your business to succeed, make the necessary effort, care for it and make time for it.
6. Consult with God
Business is not for everybody. In order for you to succeed make sure that it is God who places you in that right position.
“Success comes, not overnight, but through hard work and persistence. It is important to thrive, not on your own, but with the knowledge bestowed upon the Almighty God.”
– Stephen Cabaltera