3 Mistakes First-Time Entrepreneurs Should Avoid

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I learned far more about myself in 4 years of undergraduate studies than I ever could in a lifetime. It is not only the education, but also the life skills that make college a necessity.

Ashley of OH 8:10AM August 12, 2009

Knowledge is the basic factor to bring the dream come to the truth.
However, it seems hard to keep on learning all the time.

elaine 9:49AM May 25, 2009

I am currently taking an online college course from AIU Online University in Entrepreneurship and I found this whole page and its links relevant to my studies. I have emailed the link to my classmates and Professor so that it may benefit them too.

Glenn Lego of IL 11:39AM February 22, 2009

Hi there, great article. I personally have benefited from the 60 Minute Strategic Plan. So much so that i started doing some project work to help spread the word for this fine process.
http://www.60msp.com
As an entrepreneur, i've started several businesses, but the one thing that often overwhelmed me was keeping on top of the many things a new biz owner has to do. John Johnson invented a process to make this easy -- in an hour or less -- one can identify the core issues and clarify which decisions to make first. I recommend it. Thousands of other execs and biz owners have used it. If you've heard of Vistage, you may have heard about this as Johnson speaks frequently to the executive groups of Vistage.

TJ McCue of WA 2:09PM November 11, 2008

You may have a good run of luck without a college degree. But with the argument of achieving a higher education as a waste of time is unreasonable. Higher learning is an avenue to expand your horizons with the appreciation of knowing more than your surroundings. You can open your mind with new perspectives and create better opportunities with what a college education has to offer. An education is not a quick rich scheme, but rather a platform and foundation to attain the success that an individual wants to accomplish. Success is defined by the individual. And earning a college degree is a contribution to a person's success. Maybe not yours, but for many. By the way, your comments are about success without a college degree are less convincing when you can't even spell.

Maria of CA 4:20PM September 21, 2008

I also feel that some people are born to be true leaders in the business world! I own two businesses, an insurance ageny, and a contracting company. If one thing i might add to this article as a young entrepreneur (27). I have learned that in order to be very successful at being your own boss in todays fast paced would, is not to limit yourself too one specalty! I to never went to college, but i do have a vo-tech degree in devesified occupations witch was accuired during high school!! if a person is disaplined enough, and motivated enough. and very good at pinching pennys ( for the first 5 years or so!!). will do well. the hardest part is taking that first step to going out on your own!!!!

Joshua A. Rice of 2:32AM August 25, 2008

I am currently a very successful business owner with only a high school education. Getting married just out of high school forced me to enter the job market without a degree. To be honest, I would never have attended college in the first place. My opinion was most classes offered in college were a waste of time. I also felt confident what I learned in high school, especially reading, english and math, along with my personal desire to succeed were all the tools I needed. I entered the job market and found it easy to stand out by performing at a higher level than all other employees. I worked in several different industries at first then settled into the trucking industry. I was fortunate to be in the presence of many successfull business owners and I took the positive qualities from each and every one of them and created my own management style. Once I had the experience, I wrote a business plan and formed my own company which I am proud to say has exceeded all my dreams.
On the other hand I watched my friends from high school go to college and receive their degrees in many different fields. The one thing they didn't get from their degree is something I am confident you are only born with. What I am speaking of is common sense, a competitive nature, and a strong desire to succeed. I will take those qualities above any college degree and win every time. I feel the corporate world has mistakenly put more value in a degree than they do experience.

Eric Adkins of KY 7:27PM August 24, 2008