I watched a video yesterday from Rich Schefren, a successful online business coach, about entrepreneurship. Rich Schefren is an amazing inspiration – I want to tell you this guy has on a few occasions got me out my stupor of lack of focus and complete frustration, so I always enjoy his videos. He’s the real deal. If you have a couple hours to watch (I know -who has THAT kind of time), AND are interested in having a successful online business – it is worth it!! (The video will only be on there for free until Jan 21st!)
Anyhow, I learned a whole lot from watching. But, one of the biggest things I learned from him is this.
I have a lot to learn about business.
I am serious. I do understand many of the fundamentals, but I often lose focus – very often!! Sometimes, I have a sense of information overload – this is especially common for those trying to start an online business. Can you relate?
Once upon a time, I started an MBA because I wanted to know more about business. Well, as my usual shiny object syndrome kicked in, I started another Master’s. Once I got bored with that one, I just took a break. So, now I had 18 credits towards two different degrees going nowhere.
One year later as I decided to go back to school, I choose a Master’s in a field completely unrelated to the other two programs I actually finished this Master’s! Amazing accomplishment.
Before I watched this video, I had been thinking about getting smart about having my own business. Some of you may or may not know that I have started to expand my online presence beyond freelance writing. I have been pursuing Internet marketing trying to discover my niche. But, as usual, I get off-track with every new product that promises me the moon and more, so I fork over the $37 for the “pie in the sky.”
Why do we do this??
There are a million reasons people get stuck into being an “opportunity-seeker” instead of focusing on being a “strategic thinker.” As a psychology major, I understand this to the nth degree. However…
…I still fall for it.
One of my problems is I do not have a strong business background. While I have writing skills, I could learn a bit more about running a business. Now as I think about getting into a business – a real business – I am thinking about finishing my Business degree. I am serious about making a successful online business, but I need to learn more.
Recently, I found a site that reviewed the best online colleges for 2010. I wanted to look at some business programs and found one in particular about an MBA in Entrepreneurship. I also considered an MBA in marketing. I am not planning on going back to school immediately, but I truly believe I need some more business sense to make an online business successful.
I have an idea of what I want to do – it will be related to writing – but I need to brush up my business skills. Of course, looking for business degrees online will take some time to research, but in the end will be worth it!
The truth is many people THINK they have business sense – but it really is not common sense, or everyone would have it. Right?
I encourage you to figure out where you want your writing to go – whether it is online or offline. Do you want to do freelance work (a business), do you want to sell your book (still business), are you interested in having a blog that makes you money (obviously business), or do you want to get involved in article marketing (yep, marketing is a business)? These are questions you may want to ask yourself.
The bottom line is unless you are only writing for sheer enjoyment and have no intentions on ever selling this writing either directly or indirectly, it is very important to have some business knowledge. If you are interested and want to find online degrees, you can go to many sites to begin that research. Either that or take a few business classes. Or writing classes. Or graphic design – discover your strengths! Now, I am not saying you have to run out and get a degree, but it may be a consideration depending on your goals.
I honestly believe if you have a strong business sense, you can make your writing (or whatever online business you are in) a profitable endeavor.
Well, with some hard work, and perseverance, and of course – staying focused.