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Myths and Realities
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Myths and Realities
Do you, like many people, believe that self-employment would be your ideal career path? It's a good idea to make sure that this belief is "grounded" in reality.
- Myth: I'll be my own boss--I won't have to answer to anyone.
Reality:You have to answer to your customers, your financial institutions, the tax collectors, landlords and anyone else with whom you're doing business. - Myth: It shouldn't take more than a month or two to get started.
Reality: You'll need the first 6-12 months to focus on planning, researching and testing your ideas with potential customers. - Myth: Everyone is sure to want my product or service.
Reality: They might, but you'll have to put in a lot of time and energy building a profitable customer base. - Myth: I'll get rich.
Reality: Not necessarily and not right away. Most businesses take at least a year or longer to begin to make money. - Myth: I'll have a lot more free time on my hands.
Reality: Most entrepreneurs say that they have never worked harder or longer. You set your own pace, but if you want your business to be a success you'll put in as much time as is needed. - Myth: I can offer my products cheaper and better than everyone else.
Reality: When you add in the cost in time and money to develop and advertise your products, you may find that your prices will be the same or more than the competition.
