We Don't Punch Girls and We Don't Punch a Clock

So you wanna run your own company? Not having to punch a clock, not having to punch a co-worker sounds hella appealing eh? Working in your pjs or having a nice office downtown has to be teh ossums no? Running your own business is one of the hardest, yet rewarding things ever in life. It's freedom, but just as with all freedom, it comes at a hefty price.

I decided to blog some tips and things I've learned over the last few months. Perhaps you're thinking about taking the plunge.

1. Stay encouraged. I can count the number of things that have gone smoothly without a single hitch on a single finger. If things go wrong, don't go wrong with them. You have to stay the course and hang in there.

2. Tune out the world. The people you think will be rooting for you will be the first to call you crazy. You have to be able to hit that mute button. Listen to God, forget the world.

3. There is never a right time. If you're waiting for the perfect moment to start your business, you'll die first. If you have that itch, go for it.

4. Take a break. Entrepreneurs are famous for having to work 24/7. You have to live, breathe, eat, and sleep your company; however, you still have to take time for yourself. It's okay to "get a blow" and "take a knee". Go out to lunch, have a beer, take a trip, relax sometimes.

5. Network. Don't underestimate the power of networking. Even if the person has nothing to do with your industry, still talk to them. Never know who they know.

6. Passion is sometimes the difference between success and failure. Your passion will propel you when all else fails. Passion is sometimes what keeps you holding that rope.

7. Keep a company notebook. Write down progress reports, confessions, dreams, ideas. Anything that moves you, write it down.

8. Read....READ....READ!!! Any books/articles/tweets you can find about your industry or major players in the industry, read them.

9. Don't be afraid to reach out to players in your industry. I've gotten a lot of solid advice from cold calling/emailing/tweeting VCs. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help you.

Long story short, it takes a lot to make your company dreams reality, but it's so worth it.