Chapter 1: The Nature of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship inherently involves risk, yet it can be a worthwhile endeavor.

Taking risks is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, businesses typically require at least three years to start turning a profit. Additionally, various expenses such as marketing and production can accumulate rapidly. Forbes highlights that many startups do not generate any revenue during their initial year, and it often takes 18 to 24 months for new ventures to become profitable. Alarmingly, statistics from the Small Business Administration indicate that 25% of new businesses fail within their first year.

Given these challenges, it's no surprise that many individuals opt for the traditional route of pursuing a college education and securing a stable 9-to-5 job. This path offers safety and predictability.

However, this approach isn’t suitable for everyone.

Life is fundamentally about taking risks. Without stepping out of your comfort zone, you may stagnate and miss out on reaching your full potential. Playing it safe can restrict your opportunities and prevent you from utilizing your talents. No risks equal no growth.

Consider this scenario: someone has an incredible business idea but lacks the confidence to seek funding. Instead, they pursue a college degree in a field they love, only to find themselves contributing to someone else's vision instead of realizing their own. Individuals who doubt themselves may never achieve their true potential.

I understand that the idea of taking risks can be intimidating. Concerns about failure and the opinions of friends and family can weigh heavily on you. While it may seem more comfortable to stay within your safety zone, the reality is that few have attained success without confronting their fears directly.

Six years ago, I faced my fears and left my nursing career after 16 years. I was apprehensive about how my family would react, but I committed myself to my aspirations: to collaborate with my family and pursue entrepreneurship, freeing myself from the constraints of a traditional job. I wanted to focus on my vision rather than building someone else's enterprise.

Taking that leap enabled me to establish a multi-million dollar business. I also created Onyx Easy Entrepreneur to inspire others to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, encouraging them to pursue their desired lives.

Now, I urge you to embrace risk. Whether you're contemplating starting a small business or pushing forward with one you've already launched, continue to take risks. This is the essence of life. No one has achieved their goals by merely observing from the sidelines. Step into the arena and take action.

The first video titled "Is the Risk of Starting a Business Worth It?" explores the potential rewards of taking risks in entrepreneurship, encouraging viewers to consider whether the challenges outweigh the benefits.

The second video, "Why Take The Risk? | Job Security vs Entrepreneurship," discusses the trade-offs between traditional job security and the uncertain but rewarding path of entrepreneurship, helping you weigh your options.