Comments on: On Being an Entrepreneur

By: Jim Gaudet

Jim Gaudet — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:22:33 +0000

First off, congrats. I am going to check out your companies site in a bit. And, secondly great advice, sometimes it just seems like common sense, huh? Jim Gaudet’s last blog post..Costa Rica Sunset

By: Stacerella

Stacerella — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:48:25 +0000

I've learned that if you're not doing the work for yourself first, you took a project just to earn money, and for that you may as well have stayed someone else's employee. Also, I don't let others tell me what my business is about or where it should be going. Suggestions are helpful, but ultimately it's you doing the work, not them. And the single most important thing I learned in business school and relearned working for myself is that you need to make time for the balance in your life. Go home at a set time, don't take on too much work that you need to stay away from home or even take some of it home every night, and socialise with those that aren't into the same line of work. Go out, have fun, let your hair down. Do fun things that make you laugh yourself silly or read a book about something that's always interested you but you kept putting it off. Take up a hobby. Take a special interest class. In short, remember to pay yourself some fun downtime so that work won't become a chore, an obligation, a dreaded thing that sucks up your whole life. Gavin has illustrated this beautifully, no? Stacerella’s last blog post..What’s cookin’, Stacerella? (part two)

By: John Haydon

John Haydon — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:57:14 +0000

Suze!

Congrats on two years. You have a great team within your company who I’m sure support each other.

I am about this far (holding my index finger and thumb about 2 inches apart) from going full time, but when I do, I’ll look to people like you.

The one thing I’ve learned up to this point is the value in “risking it all to be myself”. I’ve learned that hiding behind a URL or fancy logo is, for me, playing it “safe”. And “safe” equals death.

I continue to get people telling me, “I love doing business with you because of who you are!” And being affirmed in this way is very, very sustainable.

John

John Haydon’s last blog post..How @problogger, @guykawasaki, @timoreilly and others use Twitter – Summed up by @paddydonnelly

By: Janet Helft

Janet Helft — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:40:18 +0000

Hi Susan,
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary.
Thabks for the great post and a real reminder that social media and networking is a two-way communication.
Many entrepreneurs using social media make the same mistake as with offline networking and think that it’s all about what you say when what you hear is as important if not more so. I always remind my clients that twitter is a great market research tool and an informational tool andd shouldn’t just be used for self-promotion.
Have a great 3rd year!
Janet @jan_helft

By: Dawn Bugni

Dawn Bugni — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:13:38 +0000

Susan -

We’re running in a parallel universe. I too took my businesses full-time two-years ago (June 7 is my 2-year anniversary) and I “thought I was all alone or could do it myself”. I quickly learned the value of professional organizations, input from other entrepreneurs and the power of asking for help.

One thing I’d like to add is the importance of sharing what you’ve learned and helping other newbies live out their dreams. What you put out there truly does come back to you.

As one of your Twitter followers, I KNOW you subscribe to the giving back philosophy. I learn from you frequently.

Congratulations on moving into your third year of a successful, growing enterprise. I look forward to “our” anniversary party again next year, and for many more to come!

@dawnbugni on Twitter