Start something

[Collin Li]

1. Have a brainstorm session

Today, Anny, Frances, Peter and I met up to put our minds together to explore a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities to undertake as projects together.

Anny and Frances come from not-for-profit backgrounds (SIFE and AIESEC, respectively), while Peter comes from an Entrepreneurship degree with RMIT, and I come with hands-on experience with Merspi. We all decided to meet up after identifying a common bond we share through a desire to create something for the world (i.e.: entrepreneurship).

So, we pulled out the butcher’s paper, some textas, and after a few hours of brainstorming and discussion, we created this mess:

(Image removed from quote.)

We identified a few common goals: what we expected and desired from this project. The focus was predominantly centred on experience-related benefits, but interestingly enough, there was a desire from the two non-profit members (Anny and Frances) to pursue a profitable business model for a fresh change of pace. We clarified that we do not expect to make a lot of money, especially in our first project together, but instead seek to gain experience, whether it would be through a successful business, or a lesson from failure.

We plan to meet up again sometime soon to further develop our brainstorm, and to refine our focus to a more selective set of opportunities.

2. Have an "end of year review"

G'day folks,

For all of us -- 2009 has been a big year. It's now December and that provides a rare and powerful opportunity to reflect on what went well for Entrepreneurs, High-achievers, Fresh graduates and anyone wanting to have an excellent 2010.

This idea was spawned out of a chat I had with Collin Li (http://collinli.com/) and is one part catch-up (I've been meaning to get a proper chance to catch up with a lot of you for awhile!), one part 2010 goal-setting, one part social/drinks and one part 2009 retrospective.

Here's some reasons why you should attend:
* Research shows that if you commit to a goal in public, you're at least three times more likely to achieve it than if you simply write it down
* This is strictly invite-only: Everyone I've invited I see as being unique in that they have a strong desire/passion to get out there and change things and really think big. Amongst you are programmers, web developers, accountants, high-potential graduates, young high-achievers, entrepreneurs, people with experience at Fortune 500 companies and generally - a very interesting batch of increasingly successful individuals
* Knowledge transfer. Research shows that putting a group of intelligent like-minded people in a room together can have amazing outcomes and consequences
* Many coaching firms charge thousands of dollars for 2010 Preparation seminars - I believe we can do a better job ourselves if we try!
* You can learn a tremendous amount more than you would sitting at home on the Internet: It is nearly 2010 and the world is changing at a rapid pace. It's time to invest in yourself.

Here's what I ask of you - in exchange for my time and the time of those around you:

* Think long and hard about what you would like to achieve in 2010. Come up with some goals that are SMART (Specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound). Don't feel limited by what you think you can achieve. Sometimes, the bigger you think - the better.

* Think about 2009 - What were your biggest successes? What were your biggest failures? Share them. How might these things affect your goals for 2010? Is there anything you would like to commit to NOT doing any longer in 2010?

Most importantly, what would you need to complete next year to feel like the year has been a great success? Is it landing the dream job? Is it starting your own company? Is it becoming financially independent? Is it becoming famous? Is it becoming a film director? Is it something completely different?

* Research shows that amazingly the vast majority of people are unhappy with themselves. With this group, I would expect this percentage to be much lower - but what would you like to change about yourself or your life? What things would make you happier or feel better about yourself? Rather than worrying about your weaknesses - why not commit to making positive change? Success will naturally follow.

On the day, we can all make our 2010 goals known and commit to them publicly. This may seem scary but it's a positive kind of stress. What is more scary is having dreams and goals and never having the courage to realise or achieve them.

After this, we can discuss the goals in a positive manner and how we might be able to help each other execute on them. The easiest way to succeed yourself is by making those around you successful.

We'll do it all over some beers and food at The Lounge. Look forward to catching up with you all.

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." -- Woody Allen

Hope you all have a great/safe Xmas and hope to see you there,
James

3. Meet someone new / do something new.

Today, I met Derrick Ha. I talked to him about our entrepreneurial endeavours, and the path forward for both of us.

That is my story. It's not spectacular, but it's something. Are you doing something?

Tell me your story!

[Eriny]

What do you think we should be starting?

[amirite?]

What do you think we should be starting?

I think he means start dancing.

[slothpomba]

[wubblegurl]

will join something.

[Collin Li]

Start a Twitter account!

I like entrepreneurship and economics, so someone I follow is @pricing, which is all about how entrepreneurs should price their products correctly. Very interesting read for me.

The point is, the Twitterverse has a lot of niches, and you can follow whoever you like. I agree that 70+% of the Twitterverse are full of retards (hence Trending Topics of stupid shit), but you don't have to copy them. There is a lot of good content out there. Follow whoever you like, unfollow who you don't.

Start tweeting about what you like, and people will follow

[Pappa-Bohr]

pretty pathetic really, wanna-be entrepreneurs 'brainstorming' about entrepreneuring, I suggest you get over the whole VCE thing and move on with your life

[Collin Li]

pretty pathetic really, wanna-be entrepreneurs 'brainstorming' about entrepreneuring, I suggest you get over the whole VCE thing and move on with your life

Well, that's actually what I'm doing - Merspi is changing my role from a VCE tutor (very hands on in the VCE industry) to a web design and marketing role (a more general and exportable skill).

VCE tutoring has made my living for the past 3 years, so I'm pretty happy with it. How about you?

[Collin Li]

Most people object to ideas before they're started, but if you follow Timothy Ferriss' advice of "don't ask, do, apologise later (if need be)", they'll usually have a far more positive reaction once they see what you've created or done.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/01/without-them.html

[Pappa-Bohr]

mate, you dont have a good idea, those glib catch phrases and acronyms just state the obvious, 'motivational speaker' types just use that shit to fill pages, it's not worthwhile knowledge. Nothing you're pushing new or intellegent, so please stop calling yourself an entrepreneur, you're just embarrasing yourself.

[Collin Li]

mate, you dont have a good idea, those glib catch phrases and acronyms just state the obvious, 'motivational speaker' types just use that shit to fill pages, it's not worthwhile knowledge. Nothing you're pushing new or intellegent, so please stop calling yourself an entrepreneur, you're just embarrasing yourself.

I don't claim to be the wisest of them all, but there is something to be said for 'motivational speaker types' as you speak of.

Many successful people delve themselves in what is referred to as neuro-linguistic programming by "lifehackers" who are interested in the art of improving their personal productivity, expanding their vision, and achieving their goals.

I used to be skeptical of motivational speakers too, but I believe there is a good kind out there.

Also, I'm quite happy with taking off right after I get my ENTER score to generate my own job (tutoring) for the next three years and onwards. I'd call it entrepreneurship by accident.

[excal]

What's out there for those who great ideas, but no capital? You hear a lot about angel investors or venture capital, but they are ostensibly hard forms of capital to gain.