Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2013, during Spain’s economic crisis. Its forecast that “your situation in 2014 will be the same as or worse than in 2013” and its remarks about young graduates leaving Spain reflect that moment.
I have a business idea that could work. What’s more, I have more than one idea that could be very successful. Once we share the idea, the person listening tells us: “Oh, that sounds really good. And yes, it could actually be interesting. Why haven’t you done it already? Why don’t you give it a try?” That’s when words like these come out of our mouths: “When I have the money, if I had the time, resources, energy, [insert excuse here…]”.
The truth is you’re not far off, because there are three rules, or principles, for the new entrepreneur:
Rule number one of business: “There is never enough money, resources or time to start your own business.”
Rule number two: “It is never the right time to start your own business.”
Rule number three: “We will never be clear enough about it or 100% convinced.”
In times of crisis there’s a fourth excuse that works pretty well, and that’s that the economy is terrible. Turn on the TV news and you’ll see how many businesses are closing. Starting a business is a very risky decision, and we could fail in the attempt. It’s a bit like starting a relationship or getting married. Separation rates are similar to business failure rates, and that doesn’t stop people from having relationships.
The best time to start shaping your business idea is not when the economy improves, or when our kids are older, or when we’ve saved X amount of money. And certainly not when we’re completely sure. The ideal circumstances we’re waiting for in order to start a business will never come.
The best time is now. If you have a solid business idea and the passion it takes to carry it out, you shouldn’t look at anything else. When a country’s economy is doing badly, starting a business is risky, but looking for a job is a risk in itself.
(Read: 15 questions to analyse your business idea)
In the great recessions of history, millions of people lost their jobs, and a few thousand people started their own businesses because they had no other option. In fact, many great business ideas came about after someone was laid off, or after an argument or disagreement with a boss or a company. Other ideas came about simply because it was something that person wanted to do, something they had dreamed of; they didn’t know how it would turn out, but they wanted to try.
We insist that most unemployed people over 45 will probably never find a job again. Knowing this, you can get depressed or you can do something. I know, you may not know anything about business [it’s never too late to learn]. It’s very risky [you run a bigger risk staying unemployed]. You’re afraid [that will keep you alert].
(Read: How to start a business with no money)
To the young graduates who were hoping to join a big company in Spain… I’m sorry, the plans have gone wrong and now you have to improvise (welcome to the real world). Either you go abroad or you try to put your knowledge to work by shaping your own business. Whatever you do, do it now, because your situation in 2014 will be the same as or worse than in 2013.
See also: Augmented reality CVs clash with the mindset of Spanish employers
You don’t know where to start [every long journey begins with a few metres]. There’s a saying that goes: “It doesn’t matter that you can’t see the whole path. Just take the first step, and as you walk you’ll see the rest of the way.”
So today is a good day to start.
Further reading
- 5 reasons NOT to look for a job and start your own business instead
- What is the perfect business for me?
- Profitable business ideas for the year ahead
- 23 motivational quotes for entrepreneurs
Featured image: Clément Bucco-Lechat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
