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Searching for a spine

Hi, my name is Paul. I`ve wanted to start a business for a few years now, but I just can`t seem to get over the fear. I`m 47 years old and in an absolute dead-end job and would like to start a bookkeeping business. I already own the software and have taken a few courses in Accounting. Although I don`t have a degree, I`ve worked in the field for over 20 years so it shouldn`t be a problem..........right? Yet when I get ready to try and drum up business, the thought that someone might actually call and be interested in engaging my services grips me with fear and I don`t act. The fact that nobody would be interested doesn`t seem to bother me, so fear of failure seems out. Am I just short on confidence, afraid of the unknown, or destined to be a wage slave? Any suggestions/observations would be appreciated.
Pac249/3/2008 12:04 AM
Pac249/3/2008 12:04 AM
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many folks will truly want and desire to go off on their own. yet for so many years they have been under the guise of following the leader. being or following when to come into work, when to have lunch, when to leave, etc. now its your turn to call the shots. funny since many are so used to following. different skills to use in that brain.
the more thoughtful idea to go down might be-what are the feelings and thoughts that stop you from getting what you want. strange that it may seem, how was childhood, and what patterns are you still holding unto even in the present time? because we can often times hold unto certain patterns from our childhood and carry them into the work force and into personal freedom, called-being our own boss.
you mentioned your age, as if that could be a deterrent to really getting what you truly want. although i might ponder it being more of old father time attempting to claim some old myth you are holding unto. like teaching an old dog a new trick.....
there is even the sheer notion of claiming lack of experience. sorry to bust your bubble here, but henry ford had only at most a high school education as the major force of thinking was college bound in the company he founded. yet-he was still able to find the right folks who had the expertise to excel him to stardom.
there is no excuse to get what you want. there does not seem to be any real excuse for not getting the company off the ground or up and running and making money for you. other than just one cause or fault. that would be just one source. you. yes , only you can stop the momentum of what you want.
I wanted to thank you guys so much for your help. I wish each of you success in your personal endeavors!
-Paul
The most successful entrepreneurs often fail a few times before they really "make it." I used to fear failure in the worst way...and then I failed miserably in the restaurant business. My worst nightmare had come true.
The depressing debacle lasted about two years, but once it was all over, my other business started thriving. I was able to take everything that I learned from the biz failure and apply the lessons. Haven`t looked back since.
Everyone misses sometimes. Tiger Woods has horrible golf shots sometimes...but imagine if that kept him from playing golf at all!
There are people who need your services. Take a few swings and see what happens! I bet you`ll hit some holes in one, and bet that you will miss lots of shots, too; but the only true failure lies in not trying at all.
Success is determined at sunrise, not sunset. If you can believe in yourself, you have already accomplished more than most other people!
Food for thought: the following people filed bankruptcy before their rise to success:
Walt Disney
Milton Hershey
M.C. Hammer
Larry King
Wayne Newton
The list could go on and on, but you get the point. We live in a great country where even the worst possible financial scenario is not the end of the world.
Hope this helps a bit!
Let me start by saying what you actually fear is likely much less painful than gathering the courage to ask strangers to help you overcome your fear.
To Steve`s point. It`s not about overcoming fear as much as it is abou makig positive changes in your life. Positive personal change can only come afer forgiveness. What I would suggest is that you are doing the best you can. In fact, you are doing the best you can 100% of the time, based on your beliefs and your instincts regarding your current circumstances. Once you acknowledge the truth in that statement, you will find it easier to forgive yourself, and then make positive changes in the direction of your goals.
You should realize that there are people in your market that are in the exact place you are, trying to gather their courage to ask for help with their bookeeping. Your successful business can bring value and joy to the lives of others worth much more than what you would require for payment.
If you focus on the "service" of your services you will do fine.
Michael Stone
www.MichaelJStone.com