Lessons on Entrepreneuring, part 1

I thought I’d share some lessons on being an entrepreneur that I’ve learned in the past few years.  For those that don’t know I’ve started a ministry/non-profit called World Causes, started the Free Chains Campaign, and will soon launch another project for young leaders in the fall (more to come on that soon).  When I tell people what I do, they think its great and exciting, but they get the tip of the iceberg, they don’t get to see it all.  So, for all those out there thinking about starting something…go for it!  But, it won’t always be roses.

Lesson 1:

No one will care about your vision to the level you do.

This is a lesson that I’m reminded of on a daily basis.  Starting something is hard and  you need to know that you will have to work harder, longer and with more passion than everyone else involved.  You will stay up all night planning, writing, praying, etc.  Others will want to go home.  You will give up cable tv, a nice car, going out to eat, and even going to college football games so you can pursue the vision.  Others just don’t care that much. You will always care more than they do.

Why is this?  Its simply because its  your vision.  God gave it to you and only you.  Will you enlist others along the way? Sure, but they are responding to your vision, not there’s.  Can God give them a vision that’s a part of yours? Yes, but the ultimate vision has been given to you and you will always set the pace for its execution.

So, keep this in mind when you’re 8 months into it, you still have no monthly donors and your only volunteer is your spouse.  You have to keep going and if your vision is compelling enough, you will gain the momentum and help you need to totally fulfill it.  You can not depend on others carrying the vision for you. They simply can not do it because they don’t care to the degree in which you do.