Who This Blog is For

first-time entrepreneur: an individual who starts and runs a business for the first time with limited resources.

Starting a business for the first time can feel like stepping into a whole new world. It’s not just about numbers and marketing plans; it often involves a transformation of mind, body, and spirit. In one of my workshops, I jokingly said, “Before you start a business, you might feel like a donkey. But by the end, you’ll feel like you learned a whole new game, like playing hockey!” Okay, it sounds a bit silly, but it captures the essence of the journey. You’ll undergo a significant shift in who you are and how you see the entrepreneurial world.

With so much information swirling around about how to start a business, it can be overwhelming. The media loves to highlight success stories of high-flying entrepreneurs who seem to have it all figured out. We often take their advice at face value, forgetting to consider the unique contexts behind their journeys. As Seth Godin wisely points out, “a small business isn’t simply a little version of a big business.”

Much of the advice out there is geared toward those with a “hot” idea looking to scale quickly. But many aspiring entrepreneurs are not in that boat. Instead, they seek more control over their work or want to create something meaningful while earning a living. For many, entrepreneurship is about serving a bigger purpose.

I started this blog because I’ve seen countless first-time entrepreneurs struggle with ineffective strategies and counterproductive mindsets. My insights come from running two businesses, creating a social purpose venture and working with hundreds of new entrepreneurs over the past two decades.

Yes, mistakes are part of the game. They’re unavoidable. But I want to help you steer clear of costly errors and years of frustration. Regardless of the type of business you want to start, I’ll share foundational principles you can lean on time-and-time again.

This blog is for you if:

    You are an early-stage entrepreneur looking for clarity on how to start.

    You’re feeling overwhelmed and pulled in multiple directions.

    You have tried entrepreneurship but are struggling to make progress.

This blog is not for you if:

    You are an entrepreneur seeking a quick list of ideas or marketing hacks.

    You are looking for a one-size-fits-all solution to your business woes.

    You are a later-stage entrepreneurs who is ready to scale.

Some of the principles I’ll share may challenge conventional wisdom. In a world full of noise and shortcuts, it’s easy to think there’s an easy way out. Spoiler alert: there isn’t—at least not without some bumps along the way. However, I want to offer better approaches that will truly support your entrepreneurial journey.

Just a heads-up: working for yourself is a full package deal. Those uncomfortable realities you’d rather avoid? They’ll show up when you least expect it, and they might mess with your emotions. But when your decisions are grounded in a deeper understanding of these truths, you’ll find more peace of mind. By grasping these core principles, you’ll not only become a better entrepreneur but also a better person.

In my next post, I’ll dive into the story behind the title “Donkeys Don’t Play Hockey” and explain how it serves as a metaphor to keep you focused on your entrepreneurial path. Stay tuned!