I told my cousin today about my goal of traveling the world.
“I’d love to do that too, but we can’t just leave the job. How would you survive out there, become a bartender?” she said sarcastically.
Although I’m sure bartenders have a ridiculously fun time at their job, I have no plans of needing to work once I embark on my journey around the world with my girlfriend.
“By the time Kim and I leave, we should be making enough money online to not have to work anymore.” I replied.
I told my cousin about the e-commerce store I built and she lost her mind: “how in the world did you build that?”
Because I have a deep community of motivated and passionate entrepreneurs, I at times forget that the rest of the world believes that there’s nothing more than the 9 – 5. I have no problem with the 9 – 5; my girlfriend Kim absolutely loves her corporate job and goes to work with a smile on her face everyday.
But for many people like my cousin, the corporate career is a necessary evil that they must endure to reach the promise land of 2-week vacations and eventually retirement.
“Why don’t you build a side business and try to generate some side revenue?” I ask my cousin.
“I have so many ideas, but I have no idea where to start.” she defeatedly admits.
And there lies the problem: ideas are a dime-a-dozen, but the execution and implementation on the idea is rare and difficult to achieve for most people.
How I built the e-commerce store in 5 easy steps
- Found the manufacturer in Los Angeles
- Hired a model and photographer
- Used Shopify for the e-commerce platform
- Uploaded images and retail info to the site
- Launched the site
“You make it sound so simple Jun, but in reality, it’s so much harder.” she snapped back at me.
But is it really that difficult?
The biggest barrier to entry is not the competition, technology, or capital costs;
the biggest barrier to entry is fear
All the knowledge is at your finger tips
Blaming ignorance is no excuse for not starting a venture. Absolutely everything can be googled.
Don’t know how to build an e-commerce store? Google it.
Don’t know how to drive traffic to your site? Google it.
Don’t know how to create an LLC? Google it.
Ignorance is not an excuse.
The first step you need to take
Create a savings account and label it “Business”. Start saving 5% of every paycheck into that savings account. Once you hit $1,000, you’re ready to start your business.
Utilize your resources
I built an e-commerce store because my partner in Los Angeles is connected to the garment district.
I built an affiliate travel site for Peru because my uncle owns a travel agency in Peru.
Utilize your resources and network. Reach out to friends and family and let them know that you’re interested in building a company. Ask them about where they work, what resources do they have, and what pains they see in their industry. Find the right opportunity for you and take the dive.
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It’s scary, but the worst that can happen is that you lose your $1,000, which is nothing in the big picture. Stay persistent, stay motivated, and you will find success.
“Money is littered on the street; you just need to know how to pick it up”
Jorge Loayza
Author:
Jun Loayza is the Co-Founder of RewardMe, a customer loyalty platform for restaurants and retailers. In his entrepreneurial experience, Jun has sold 2 internet companies and lead social media technology campaigns for Sephora, Whole Foods Market, Levi’s, LG, and Activision. Jun recently published the Definitive Guide to Local Marketing on Facebook.
