Julian

This was just the inspiration I needed today. Thank you!

Thanks so much for writing in. It was really good to read your comment and learn more about your own story – that’s the point of all this – to learn from one another. I found there was a lot of inspiration in your words so right back at you!

The older I get the more I realize that I’m normal. What I mean by that is I share so many common experiences, emotions, and downfalls as other people – far more than I would have ever imagined when I was young. Even though I’m a natural loner it’s nice to know there is wisdom out there I can learn from and finding common ground with people online has opened me up to the same kinds of experiences in face-to-face situations.

I think that when we help other people we help ourselves.

I appreciate you writing very much.

Keep going strong and thanks again.

p.s. thanks for including all those great links for other readers to enjoy.

Let me preface by saying, “I’m sorry for jumping around so much. I’ll explain later”. I’m an impulsive person, but I have been for so long that I can recognize if the impulse is something that will pass. These thoughts will not. When I post a comment like this, it’s because something you said really grabbed me. So the words I’m about to put down are straight from the heart.

I appreciate what you do for local business. You are truly a champion for the people. You provide the information and tools to help make these people successful. I know that you know this helps your for-profit business immensely. I am constantly recommending your website to clients of mine that come through the bank. I do this for no other reason than my belief in your ‘product’. However, to be fair to the people, I recommend yours along with other resources like http://www.startupnation.com and http://www.score.org. I’d say that’s pretty good company.

I check LocalNa8ion often because it relates so closely to my clients and the startup we are trying to get off the ground.

I have heard people say that one should find a mentor in business. I believe I have found mine in you, kind sir. Some of the things you talked about in this article spoke to me. I, too, struggle with sales when I don’t believe in the product. As a business banker in the Chicago area, I work for a bank that(while not being bad) is not that much different from other banks in the area. There is a ton of competition. The area I cover is saturated with well established businesses and every other bank you can name. I am responsible for 6 bank branches that are all in a mile radius of each other. I feel like a failure sometimes, too. I try not to make excuses, but they just roll right off my tongue. I am anxious, stressed and burned out all of the time. My only salvation is home. Boo-hoo, right?

Anyway, I started to get the wheels turning on our startup. I want to do something I believe in. It makes working less like work. I consider myself to be a dreamer and an idealist. I love my wife, my family, my friends and my freedom. I’m not looking for monetary wealth, but the freedom that comes from working a job less and working life more.

I never regret anything I’ve done. I look forward to the uncertainty of the future, and I love to live in the present.

In the last year and a half I’ve learned a lot about myself. I was diagnosed with A.D.D.(I didn’t think it existed, but it does AND it’s a blessing), and got help to manage it on the advice of my wonderful wife(I will not name the drug I use to help manage it. Different therapies work for different people. But, ‘they’ say that medication teamed with other behavioral changes work the best, depending on the intensity of the condition. A good place to start for more information is your family doctor and or http://www.add.org.). I was going insane. I was a big boy with big responsibilities, and it was frustrating for someone who couldn’t focus on things very well. That frustration would turn into anger and poured over into my relationship with my wife. The changes we made saved our marriage. It also helped my entrepreneurial spirit. I had always wanted to do something on my own, but couldn’t focus long enough to put any solid ideas together. The ideas would leave as fast as they came to me.

Now, I have found some things that really interest me. I have done a ton of reading and research and learned so much about marketing and this beautiful thing called the World Wide Web. I am enjoying the turbulent ride, but looking forward to smoother sailing to come soon. I realize there is no easy way to be successful.

My friend and I have partnered up on our venture. We complement each other very well. He’s a genius, all-around developer and project manager. I am the dreamer, front line user servant, and try to take care of other possible business dealings. We make the big decisions together and it works out relatively well.

I’m looking forward to going back to college once some time frees up. It’s nice to be able to recognize the reasons I didn’t finish a bachelor’s degree with 5 classes left. I got bored and was over-impulsive. I would have been better served in an area a little more artistic like graphic design. Back then, I tried to force myself into business management. But, I don’t regret it because it has helped me a great deal. I continue on my journey and use past experiences as learning tools moving forward.

I am now running out of steam and will cease this brain vomit.

From one aspiring entrepreneur to another: thanks for telling the truth. My fire was already burning, but it’s nice to share some commonalities with someone whose work I respect so much.

“Cheers”

Emil

Interesting article.

We building a free Entrepreneurs Investors community. Our idea is to bring to entrepreneurs advice that will help them in the growth process. It ll be great if you can join us!

I leave you the decision to publish the address of the website (thestreetmarket.com).

Thanks and good work!