Ideas, Ideas, Ideas

Introduction
You’re probably a first-time entrepreneur itching to go out on your own. You have some capital behind you, some business know-how, and the whole world out there to conquer. But what kind of enterprise should you venture into? That depends, of course, on your interests, skills, and prior experience. Let’s have a look at what’s to come and see what ideas it might ignite for you.

Dream Schemes
Who hasn’t dreamed of opening a bed-and-breakfast or creating a national fad? We’ll meet the operator of a historic inn on Nantucket Island, a man who thinks buses and cars are old-fashioned, another man who knows how to express any emotion with flowers, and a man who wanted to re-create a childhood experience producing homemade ice cream.

Artistic Visions
Self-starters with artistic talent or an eye for the value of an object will find someone in this section to inspire their dreams. Here you will read about an acclaimed stained-glass artist, the owner of a successful art gallery, a couple of collectors who know how to buy and sell their wares, and the people who evaluate and sell merchandise.

Service Industry Careers
In today’s economy, service businesses are more and more the way to go. Offer to do something for other people or companies that they can’t do for themselves, and you’ll find scores of avenues to pursue. It’s a broad highway, covering everything from hair care, personal training, and tracing family histories to plant sitting and tree trimming. You’ll get some ideas from Chapter 4, then you can narrow down the field for yourself.

Careers in the Limelight
If you’re comfortable performing in front of others, if public speaking comes naturally to you, and if you thrive on the response of a receptive audience, then here’s where you’ll find a few ideas to put you on the stage—so to speak.

Freelance Writing
Ah, the writer’s life—being your own boss, working at home, setting your own hours. From freelancer to novelist to literary agent, learn about the different writing fields you can enter and how to go about making a success of them.

Organizations and Cooperative Enterprises
Dreamers hope to find a club or organization to join that matches their interests; self-starters see the need and start their own. Learn how a successful collective is started, how to form an association or organize a seminar business—all careers for highly organized
individuals.

There are literally thousands and thousands of ideas for selfstarter careers. Just look around you: every Wendy’s, every Kinko’s, every Sam’s Club or Costco, every boutique or bookstore was started by someone with a dream. Think back to hula hoops and the happy face. These, too, were started by dreamers who weren’t afraid to move on to self-starter status. Certainly there’s room for one more Rubik’s cube, one more published book, one more chocolate chip cookie stand. You too can join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs—all you have to do is stop dreaming and
start moving.

Self-Starter or Dreamer?

Self-Starter or Dreamer?
Dreamers are creative, imaginative, and innovative people. They fantasize about what could be, perhaps indulging in utopian visions of the perfect dream quest. They are romantics, idealists,
and often delightful companions and friends. But unless they possess a few additional qualities, dreamers they will stay.

Self-starters dream. They’re imaginative and creative, too. But they are also go-getters independent individuals ready to turn their dreams into reality. They’re willing to take risks and are not afraid to blaze their own trails. Some are even mavericks, standing out from the crowd, carving out unique niches for themselves. Take this short true-false quiz and see if you relate to the traits typical of dreamers or self-starters.

1. I’ve lived in various cities, even traveled or worked abroad.
2. It’s easy for me to pick up the phone and call someone I don’t know.
3. If I were my own boss, I could work only three or four days a week if I wanted to.
4. I have a sound source of financing and won’t have to worry about expenses for the first year or two.
5. I expect to get rich beyond my wildest dreams.
6. I never plan ahead. I prefer to be spontaneous.
7. I’m always late, I can never find my keys, and I sure could use a good secretary to keep me organized.
8. Tax forms and spreadsheets scare the pants off me, but I muddle through.
9. I leave computers to the other guys.
10. Good contacts and luck are all it takes. I have a spot on the fast track.