How to Nurture Future Entrepreneurs

John J. Bowman, Jr. Accountant
3 min readFeb 24, 2022

What does it take to be a successful professional? According to a recent LinkedIn study, having a side hustle is one key ingredient. As the number of entrepreneurs continues to grow, it’s important to understand the challenges and opportunities they face. This article will discuss tips for nurturing future entrepreneurs based on insights from successful professionals.

1. Create a Network That Supports Your Dreams

According to the LinkedIn study, one of the main reasons professionals start side businesses is because they want to “take control of their careers.” They feel empowered when they own and run their own business. This is also true for existing entrepreneurs who hold full-time jobs. Many of them consider entrepreneurship as a lifestyle choice rather than a profession. According to young entrepreneurs, creating a network that supports their goals is the number one predictor of success. Young professionals who are not entrepreneurs seek out other future-focused people for advice and mentorship.

2. Be True to Yourself

The second main reason professionals start side businesses is to pursue their passions. You might be interested in a particular industry or market that is not well-suited to your full-time job. In these cases, pursuing your passion can quickly translate into financial success. Many young entrepreneurs suggest the following when determining the viability of a business idea:

* Does it make you happy?

* Can you pursue it full-time?

* Is there a market for this product or service?

You don’t need to start a business that matches your day job. As an entrepreneur, you can wear multiple hats and pursue different passions simultaneously. Just make sure you stay true to yourself and focus on what makes you happy.

3. Develop a Business Plan

A business plan is the most important predictor of success for young entrepreneurs. It can be an intimidating task, but it’s necessary to reduce the risk of failure. Many professionals start side businesses on nights and weekends without much planning or preparation. This approach might work for some people but usually fails to reach their desired goals. It’s also important to remember that your business plan is likely to change over time, so it doesn’t have to be perfect from the start.

4. Find a Mentor or Coach

According to entrepreneurs, many learned how to become successful from other people rather than books or online courses. This is especially true for first-time entrepreneurs who may not have the necessary knowledge or skills to start a business. Mentors and coaches can provide guidance, direction, and motivation to increase your chances of success. Never stop learning and adapting your business practices.

5. Find Ways to Hustle in Your Routine

According to young entrepreneurs, finding time to work on your side hustle without jeopardizing your existing job can be challenging. The key is integrating it into your daily life through different strategies such as:

* Packing a lunch instead of eating out

* Using a personal car instead of relying on expensive taxis and rideshares

* Using a home office during available hours

You can also create time to work on your business by making some sacrifices. For example, you may have to skip out on specific social engagements or networking events to get more work done. This will allow you to achieve tremendous success and reach your goals faster in the long run.

Originally published at http://johnjbowmanjraccountant.wordpress.com on February 24, 2022.

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John J. Bowman, Jr. Accountant

John J. Bowman, Jr. Accountant is a tax law professional. Graduate of @RMU and @HarvardHBS. Rated #1 tax professional in the USA by the WSJ. Pittsburgh, PA.